485BPOS2020-11-30PRUDENTIAL SECTOR FUNDS, INC.0000352665falseAnnual Total Returns (Class Z Shares)Annual Total Returns (Class Z Shares)Annual Total Returns (Class Z Shares)0.08250.13030.18690.13580.25480.33720.26590.56320.29090.20940.35850.05420.12470.05360.11050.15980.14400.03340.14190.31400.23530.01650.03400.13550.27330.18580.33730.04760.41670.10822013-03-312020-06-302020-12-312020-03-312018-12-312020-03-31<div style="display:none">~ http://www.prudentialfunds.com/role/ShareholderFeesPgimJennisonUtilityFund column period compact * ~</div><div style="display:none">~ http://www.prudentialfunds.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesPgimJennisonUtilityFund column period compact * ~</div><div style="display:none">~ http://www.prudentialfunds.com/role/ExpenseExampleTransposedPgimJennisonUtilityFund column period compact * ~</div><div style="display:none">~ http://www.prudentialfunds.com/role/ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionTransposedPgimJennisonUtilityFund column period compact * ~</div><div style="display:none">~ http://www.prudentialfunds.com/role/AnnualTotalReturnsBarChartPgimJennisonUtilityFund column period compact * ~</div><div style="display:none">~ http://www.prudentialfunds.com/role/AverageAnnualTotalReturnsTransposedPgimJennisonUtilityFund column period compact * ~</div><div style="display:none">~ http://www.prudentialfunds.com/role/ShareholderFeesPgimJennisonHealthSciencesFund column period compact * ~</div><div style="display:none">~ http://www.prudentialfunds.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesPgimJennisonHealthSciencesFund column period compact * ~</div><div style="display:none">~ http://www.prudentialfunds.com/role/ExpenseExampleTransposedPgimJennisonHealthSciencesFund column period compact * ~</div><div style="display:none">~ http://www.prudentialfunds.com/role/ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionTransposedPgimJennisonHealthSciencesFund column period compact * ~</div><div style="display:none">~ http://www.prudentialfunds.com/role/AnnualTotalReturnsBarChartPgimJennisonHealthSciencesFund column period compact * ~</div><div style="display:none">~ http://www.prudentialfunds.com/role/AverageAnnualTotalReturnsTransposedPgimJennisonHealthSciencesFund column period compact * ~</div><div style="display:none">~ http://www.prudentialfunds.com/role/ShareholderFeesPgimJennisonFinancialServicesFund column period compact * ~</div><div style="display:none">~ http://www.prudentialfunds.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesPgimJennisonFinancialServicesFund column period compact * ~</div><div style="display:none">~ http://www.prudentialfunds.com/role/ExpenseExampleTransposedPgimJennisonFinancialServicesFund column period compact * ~</div><div style="display:none">~ http://www.prudentialfunds.com/role/ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionTransposedPgimJennisonFinancialServicesFund column period compact * ~</div><div style="display:none">~ http://www.prudentialfunds.com/role/AnnualTotalReturnsBarChartPgimJennisonFinancialServicesFund column period compact * ~</div><div style="display:none">~ http://www.prudentialfunds.com/role/AverageAnnualTotalReturnsTransposedPgimJennisonFinancialServicesFund column period compact * ~</div>Investors who purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares and sell these shares within 12 months of purchase are subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) although they are not subject to an initial sales charge. The CDSC is waived for purchases by certain retirement and/or benefit plans.Class C shares are sold with a CDSC of 1.00% on sales made within 12 months of purchase.Direct Transfer Agent Accounts holding under $10,000 of Class Z shares are subject to the $15 fee.PGIM Investments LLC (PGIM Investments) has contractually agreed, through March 31, 2022, to limit transfer agency, shareholder servicing, sub-transfer agency, and blue sky fees, as applicable, to the extent that such fees cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 0.52% of average daily net assets for Class R6 shares. This contractual expense limitation excludes interest, brokerage, taxes (such as income and foreign withholding taxes, stamp duty and deferred tax expenses), acquired fund fees and expenses, extraordinary expenses, and certain other Fund expenses such as dividend and interest expense and broker charges on short sales. Where applicable, PGIM Investments agrees to waive management fees or shared operating expenses on any share class to the same extent that it waives such expenses on any other share class. In addition, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class R6 shares will not exceed Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class Z shares. Fees and/or expenses waived and/or reimbursed by PGIM Investments may be recouped by PGIM Investments within the same fiscal year during which such waiver and/or reimbursement is made if such recoupment can be realized without exceeding the expense limit in effect at the time of the recoupment for that fiscal year. This expense limitation may not be terminated prior to March 31, 2022 without the prior approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors.The distributor of the Fund has contractually agreed to limit its distribution and service (12b-1) fees to 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class R shares through March 31, 2022. This waiver may not be terminated prior to March 31, 2022 without the prior approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors.PGIM Investments LLC (PGIM Investments) has contractually agreed, through March 31, 2022, to limit transfer agency, shareholder servicing, sub-transfer agency, and blue sky fees, as applicable, to the extent that such fees cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 0.82% of average daily net assets for Class R6 shares. This contractual expense limitation excludes interest, brokerage, taxes (such as income and foreign withholding taxes, stamp duty and deferred tax expenses), acquired fund fees and expenses, extraordinary expenses, and certain other Fund expenses such as dividend and interest expense and broker charges on short sales. Where applicable, PGIM Investments agrees to waive management fees or shared operating expenses on any share class to the same extent that it waives such expenses on any other share class. In addition, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class R6 shares will not exceed Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class Z shares. Fees and/or expenses waived and/or reimbursed by PGIM Investments may be recouped by PGIM Investments within the same fiscal year during which such waiver and/or reimbursement is made if such recoupment can be realized without exceeding the expense limit in effect at the time of the recoupment for that fiscal year. This expense limitation may not be terminated prior to March 31, 2022 without the prior approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors.PGIM Investments LLC (PGIM Investments) has contractually agreed, through March 31, 2022, to limit transfer agency, shareholder servicing, sub-transfer agency, and blue sky fees, as applicable, to the extent that such fees cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.00% of average daily net assets for Class R6 shares. This contractual expense limitation excludes interest, brokerage, taxes (such as income and foreign withholding taxes, stamp duty and deferred tax expenses), acquired fund fees and expenses, extraordinary expenses, and certain other Fund expenses such as dividend and interest expense and broker charges on short sales. Where applicable, PGIM Investments agrees to waive management fees or shared operating expenses on any share class to the same extent that it waives such expenses on any other share class. In addition, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class R6 shares will not exceed Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class Z shares. Fees and/or expenses waived and/or reimbursed by PGIM Investments may be recouped by PGIM Investments within the same fiscal year during which such waiver and/or reimbursement is made if such recoupment can be realized without exceeding the expense limit in effect at the time of the recoupment for that fiscal year. This expense limitation may not be terminated prior to March 31, 2022 without the prior approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors.
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xbrli:pure
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 29, 2021
Securities Act Registration No. 002-72097
Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-03175
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO.
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 83 (X)
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
AMENDMENT NO. 84 (X)
Check appropriate box or boxes
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc.
Exact name of registrant as specified in charter
655 Broad Street, 17th Floor
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Address of Principal Executive Offices including Zip Code
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code
655 Broad Street, 17
th
Floor
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Name and Address of Agent for Service
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
X
immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
(____) pursuant to paragraph (b)
__ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
__ on (____) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
__ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
__ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
If appropriate, check the following box:
__ this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
PROSPECTUS — January 29, 2021
Total return through a combination of capital appreciation and current income
PGIM JENNISON UTILITY FUND
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A: PRUAX
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C: PCUFX
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R: JDURX
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Z: PRUZX
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R6: PRUQX
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website (www.pgim.com/investments), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
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If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling 1-800-225-1852 or by sending an e-mail request to PGIM Investments at shareholderreports@pgim.com.
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You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to elect to continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you invest directly with the Fund, you can call 1-800-225-1852 or send an email request to shareholderreports@pgim.com to let the Fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held in your account if you invest through your financial intermediary or all funds held with the fund complex if you invest directly with the Fund.
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To enroll in e-delivery, go to pgim.com/investments/resource/edelivery
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As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 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.
Mutual funds are distributed by Prudential Investment Management Services LLC, member SIPC. Jennison Associates LLC is a registered investment adviser. Both are Prudential Financial companies. © 2021 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities. Jennison Associates, Jennison, the Prudential logo, and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.
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Table of Contents
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48
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The investment objective of the Fund is
total return through a combination of capital appreciation and current income
.
The tables below describe the sales charges, fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may be required to pay commissions to a broker for transactions in Class Z shares, which are not reflected in the table or the example below. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and an eligible group of related investors purchase, or agree to purchase in the future, $25,000 or more in shares of the Fund or other funds in the PGIM Funds family. More information about these discounts as well as other waivers or discounts is available from your financial professional and is explained in
Reducing or Waiving Class A's and Class C’s Sales Charges
on page 27 of the Fund's Prospectus,
Appendix A: Waivers and Discounts Available From Certain Financial Intermediaries
on page
48 of the Fund's Prospectus and in
Rights of Accumulation
on page 65 of the Fund's Statement of Additional Information (SAI).
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
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Class A
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Class C
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Class R
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Class Z
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Class R6
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Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
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5.50%
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None
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None
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None
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None
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Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the lower of the original purchase price or the net asset value at redemption)
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1.00%*
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1.00%**
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None
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None
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None
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Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends and other distributions
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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Redemption fee
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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Exchange fee
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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Maximum account fee (accounts under $10,000)
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$15
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$15
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None
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None***
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None
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*Investors who purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares and sell these shares within 12 months of purchase are subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) although they are not subject to an initial sales charge. The CDSC is waived for purchases by certain retirement and/or benefit plans.
**Class C shares are sold with a CDSC of 1.00% on sales made within 12 months of purchase.
***Direct Transfer Agent Accounts holding under $10,000 of Class Z shares are subject to the $15 fee.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
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Class A
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Class C
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Class R
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Class Z
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Class R6
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Management fee
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0.42%
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0.42%
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0.42%
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0.42%
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0.42%
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Distribution and service (12b-1) fees
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0.30%
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1.00%
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0.75%
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None
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None
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Other expenses
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0.11%
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0.17%
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0.19%
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0.15%
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0.21%
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Total annual Fund operating expenses
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0.83%
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1.59%
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1.36%
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0.57%
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0.63%
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Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement
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None
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None
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(0.25)%
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None
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(0.11)%
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Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement
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0.83%
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1.59%
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1.11%
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0.57%
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0.52%
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(1)
PGIM Investments LLC (PGIM Investments) has contractually agreed, through March 31, 2022, to limit transfer agency, shareholder servicing, sub-transfer agency, and blue sky fees, as applicable, to the extent that such fees cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 0.52% of average daily net assets for Class R6 shares. This contractual expense limitation excludes interest, brokerage, taxes (such as income and foreign withholding taxes, stamp duty and deferred tax expenses), acquired fund fees and expenses, extraordinary expenses, and certain other Fund expenses such as dividend and interest expense and broker charges on short sales. Where applicable, PGIM Investments agrees to waive management fees or shared operating expenses on any share class to the same extent that it waives such expenses on any other share class. In addition, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class R6 shares will not exceed Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class Z shares. Fees and/or expenses waived and/or reimbursed by PGIM Investments may be recouped by PGIM Investments within the same fiscal year during which such waiver and/or reimbursement is made if such recoupment can be realized without exceeding the expense limit in effect at the time of the recoupment for that fiscal year. This expense limitation may not be terminated prior to March 31, 2022 without the prior approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors.
(2)
The distributor of the Fund has contractually agreed to limit its distribution and service (12b-1) fees to 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class R shares through March 31, 2022. This waiver may not be terminated prior to March 31, 2022 without the prior approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors.
Example.
The following hypothetical example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then, except as indicated, redeem all your shares at the end of those periods. It assumes a 5% return on your
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
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3
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investment each year, that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same (except that fee waivers or reimbursements, if any, are only reflected in the 1-Year figures) and that all dividends and distributions are reinvested. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
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If Shares Are Redeemed
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If Shares Are Not Redeemed
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Share Class
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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Class A
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$630
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$800
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$985
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$1,519
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$630
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$800
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$985
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$1,519
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Class C
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$262
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$502
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$866
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$1,685
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$162
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$502
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$866
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$1,685
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Class R
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$113
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$406
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$721
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$1,613
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$113
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$406
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$721
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$1,613
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Class Z
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$58
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$183
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$318
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$714
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$58
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$183
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$318
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$714
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Class R6
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$53
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$191
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$340
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$776
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$53
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$191
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$340
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$776
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Portfolio Turnover.
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 28% of the average value of its portfolio.
INVESTMENTS, RISKS AND PERFORMANCE
Principal Investment Strategies.
The Fund seeks investments whose prices will increase as well as pay the Fund dividends and other income. The Fund’s subadviser normally invests at least 80% of the Fund's investable assets in equity and equity-related and investment-grade debt securities of utility companies. The term “investable assets” 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.
The Fund buys equity and equity-related securities, including common stocks; nonconvertible preferred stocks; convertible securities—like bonds, corporate notes and preferred stocks—that can convert into the company's common stock, the cash value of common stock, or some other equity security; American Depositary Receipts (ADRs); warrants and rights that can be exercised to obtain stocks; equity securities of real estate investment trusts (REITs); investments in various types of business ventures, including partnerships and joint ventures; master limited partnerships (MLPs); and similar securities. The Fund invests in companies of any market capitalization.
The Fund’s investment in debt securities, including corporate and government bonds, is generally limited to those rated investment-grade by a major rating service (such as BBB or above by S&P Global Ratings (S&P) or Baa or above by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's)) or, if not rated, to those the subadviser believes are of comparable quality.
The subadviser concentrates investments in utility companies, based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) Industry classifications, as they may be amended from time to time, which includes electric utilities, gas utilities, water utilities, multi-utilities, independent power producers, diversified telecommunication services, wireless telecommunication services, and oil & gas storage & transportation. Some of these securities are issued by foreign companies. The Fund may invest up to 50% of its investable assets in foreign securities. The Fund participates in the initial public offering (IPO) market.
The subadviser looks for stocks of companies that it believes will produce both above-average earnings and dividend growth over the long term. In deciding which stocks to buy, the subadviser uses a total return approach. That is, the subadviser seeks to invest in stocks that it believes have the potential to generate stable and increasing cash-flow that can be returned to investors through growing dividends or share repurchases. The subadviser also invests in stocks that it believes are undervalued, given the company’s earnings, cash-flows, or asset values, and may look for catalysts that will help unlock inherent value. A number of conditions can warrant the sale of an existing position, including (1) the stock has reached its price target; (2) subsequent events invalidate the subadviser’s investment thesis; (3) the
4
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PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
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catalysts it expected to narrow the gap between the stock price and what it believes to be the true worth of the company have passed or no longer exist; or (4) the stock price declines to below what the subadviser had thought to be the reasonable worst-case scenario.
The Fund is “non-diversified” for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), which means that it can invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified” fund.
All investments have risks to some degree. The value of your investment in the Fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly from day to day and over time.
You may lose part or all of your investment in the Fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments.
An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed to achieve its investment objective; is not a deposit with a bank; and is not insured, endorsed or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The following is a summary description of principal risks of investing in the Fund. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.
Credit Risk.
This is the risk that the issuer, the guarantor or the insurer of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a contract, may be unable or unwilling to make timely principal and interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. Additionally, fixed income securities could lose value due to a loss of confidence in the ability of the issuer, guarantor, insurer or counterparty to pay back debt. The longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a bond, the more sensitive it is to credit risk.
Currency Risk.
The Fund's net asset value could decline as a result of changes in exchange rates, which could adversely affect the Fund’s investments in currencies, or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues related to, currencies, or in derivatives that provide exposure to currencies. Certain foreign countries may impose restrictions on the ability of issuers of foreign securities to make payment of principal and interest or dividends to investors located outside the country, due to blockage of foreign currency exchanges or otherwise.
Economic and Market Events Risk
.
Events in the US and global financial markets, including actions taken by the US Federal Reserve or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth or the functioning of the securities markets, may at times result in unusually high market volatility, which could negatively impact performance. Relatively reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets could adversely affect issuers worldwide.
Equity and Equity-Related Securities Risk.
Equity and equity-related securities may be subject to changes in value, and their values may be more volatile than those of other asset classes. In addition to an individual security losing value, the value of the equity markets or a sector in which the Fund invests could go down. Different parts of a market can react differently to adverse issuer, market, regulatory, political and economic developments.
Foreign Securities Risk.
The Fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involve additional risk. The securities of such issuers may trade in markets that are less liquid, less regulated and more volatile than US markets. The value of the Fund’s investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable government actions, and political or financial instability. Lack of information may also affect the value of these securities.
Geographic Concentration Risk.
The Fund’s performance may be closely tied to the market, economic, political, regulatory or other conditions in the countries or regions in which the Fund invests. This can result in more pronounced risks based upon conditions that impact one or more countries or regions more or less than other countries or regions.
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Increase in Expenses Risk.
Your actual cost of investing in the Fund may be higher than the expenses shown in the expense table for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and Fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile. Active and frequent trading of Fund securities can increase expenses.
Initial Public Offerings Risk.
The volume of IPOs and the levels at which the newly issued stocks trade in the secondary market are affected by the performance of the stock market overall. If IPOs are brought to the market, availability may be limited and if the Fund desires to acquire shares in such an offering, it 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. The prices of securities involved in IPOs are often subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than more established stocks. Such unpredictability can have a dramatic impact on the Fund's performance (higher or lower) and any assumptions by investors based on the affected performance may be unwarranted. In addition, as Fund assets grow, the impact of IPO investments on performance will decline, which could reduce total returns.
Investment Style Risk.
There is the risk that the particular investment style followed by the Fund may be out of favor for a period of time.
Large Shareholder and Large Scale Redemption Risk.
Certain individuals, accounts, funds (including funds affiliated with the Manager) or institutions, including the Manager and its affiliates, may from time to time own or control a substantial amount of the Fund’s shares. There is no requirement that these entities maintain their investment in the Fund. There is a risk that such large shareholders or that the Fund’s shareholders generally may redeem all or a substantial portion of their investments in the Fund in a short period of time, which could have a significant negative impact on the Fund’s NAV, liquidity, and brokerage costs. Large redemptions could also result in tax consequences to shareholders and impact the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategy. The Fund’s ability to pursue its investment objective after one or more large scale redemptions may be impaired and, as a result, the Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents.
Management Risk.
The value of your investment may decrease if judgments by the subadviser about the attractiveness, value or market trends affecting a particular security, industry or sector or about market movements are incorrect.
Market Capitalization Risk.
The Fund may invest in companies of any market capitalization. Generally, the stock prices of small- and mid-cap companies are less stable than the prices of large-cap stocks and may present greater risks. Large capitalization companies as a group could fall out of favor with the market, causing the Fund to underperform compared to investments that focus on smaller capitalized companies.
Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risks
.
International wars or conflicts and geopolitical developments in foreign countries, along with instability in regions such as Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, possible terrorist attacks in the United States or around the world, public health epidemics such as the outbreak of infectious diseases like the recent outbreak of coronavirus globally or the 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa of the Ebola virus, and other similar events could adversely affect the U.S. and foreign financial markets, including increases in market volatility, reduced liquidity in the securities markets and government intervention, and may cause further long-term economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide generally. The coronavirus pandemic and the related governmental and public responses have had and may continue to have an impact on the Fund’s investments and net asset value and have led and may continue to lead to increased market volatility and the potential for illiquidity in certain classes of securities and sectors of the market. Preventative or protective actions that governments may take in respect of pandemic or epidemic diseases may result in periods of business disruption, business closures, inability to obtain raw materials, supplies and component parts, and reduced or disrupted operations for the issuers in which the Fund invests. Government intervention in markets may impact interest rates, market volatility and security pricing. The occurrence, reoccurrence and pendency of such diseases could adversely affect the economies (including through changes in business activity and increased unemployment) and financial markets either in specific countries or worldwide.
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PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
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Market Risk.
Securities markets may be volatile and the market prices of the Fund’s securities may decline. Securities fluctuate in price based on changes in an issuer’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions. If the market prices of the securities owned by the Fund fall, the value of your investment in the Fund will decline.
Non-Diversified Investment Company Risk.
The Fund is non-diversified for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act). This means that the Fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single company or other issuer than a diversified fund. Investing in a non-diversified fund involves greater risk than investing in a diversified fund because a loss resulting from the decline in value of any one security may represent a greater portion of the total assets of a non-diversified fund.
Utility Sector Risk.
The Fund is subject to risks of the utility industry, such as changing commodity prices, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, increased tariffs, changes in tax laws, interest rate fluctuations and changes in the cost of providing specific utility services, due to its concentration in utility securities. The utilities industry is also subject to potential terrorist attacks, natural disasters and severe weather conditions, as well as regulatory and operational burdens associated with the operation and maintenance of nuclear facilities. When interest rates go up, the value of securities issued by utility companies historically has gone down. Although the average dividend yield of utility industry stocks has been higher than those of other companies, the total return of utility securities has historically underperformed those of industrial companies. In most countries and localities, the utility industry is regulated by governmental entities, which can increase costs and delays for new projects and make it difficult to pass increased costs on to consumers. In certain areas, deregulation of utilities has resulted in increased competition and reduced profitability for certain companies, and increased the risk that a particular company will become bankrupt or fail completely. Reduced profitability, as well as new uses for or additional need of funds (such as for expansion, operations or stock buybacks), could result in reduced dividend payout rates for utility companies. In addition, utility companies face the risk of increases in the cost and reduced availability of fuel (such as oil, coal, natural gas or nuclear energy) and potentially high interest costs for borrowing to finance new projects. As a sector fund, the Fund's holdings can vary significantly from broad market indexes and the performance of the Fund can deviate from the performance indexes.
Performance.
The following bar chart shows the Fund's performance for Class Z shares for each full calendar year of operations or for the last 10 calendar years, whichever is shorter. The following table shows the Fund's average annual returns and also compares the Fund’s performance with the average annual total returns of an index or other benchmark. The bar chart and table demonstrate the risk of investing in the Fund by showing how returns can change from year to year.
Past performance (before and after taxes) does not mean that the Fund will achieve similar results in the future. Updated Fund performance information, including current net asset value is available online at www.pgim.com/investments.
Best Quarter:
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Worst Quarter:
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12.92%
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1st Quarter 2013
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-14.46%
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1st Quarter 2020
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Average Annual Total Returns % (including sales charges) (as of 12-31-20)
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Return Before Taxes
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One Year
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Five Years
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Ten Years
|
Since Inception
|
Class A shares
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-1.52%
|
10.78%
|
10.48%
|
-
|
Class C shares
|
2.50%
|
11.25%
|
10.32%
|
-
|
Class R shares
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3.95%
|
11.77%
|
10.85%
|
-
|
Class R6 shares
|
4.62%
|
N/A
|
N/A
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11.41%
|
Class Z Shares % (as of 12-31-20)
|
Return Before Taxes
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4.76%
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12.42%
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11.46%
|
-
|
Return After Taxes on Distributions
|
4.10%
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10.86%
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9.86%
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-
|
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
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3.17%
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9.62%
|
9.10%
|
-
|
° After-tax returns are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. After-tax returns are shown only for Class Z shares. After-tax returns for other classes will vary due to differing sales charges and expenses.
Index % (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) (as of 12-31-20)
|
S&P 500 Utilities Index
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0.48%
|
11.50%
|
11.27%
|
-
|
S&P 500 Index
|
18.40%
|
15.21%
|
13.87%
|
-
|
Investment Manager
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Subadviser
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Portfolio Managers
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Title
|
Service Date
|
PGIM Investments LLC
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Jennison Associates LLC
|
Ubong “Bobby” Edemeka
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Managing Director
|
March 2005
|
|
|
Shaun Hong, CFA
|
Managing Director
|
September 2000
|
|
|
Teresa Ho Kim, CFA
|
Managing Director
|
January 2013
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BUYING AND SELLING FUND SHARES
|
Class A*
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Class C*
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Class Z*
|
Class R*
|
Class R6
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Minimum initial investment
|
$1,000
|
$1,000
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Minimum subsequent investment
|
$100
|
$100
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
*Certain share classes are generally closed to investments by new group retirement plans. Please see “How to Buy, Sell and Exchange Fund Shares—Closure of Certain Share Classes to New Group Retirement Plans” in the Prospectus for more information.
For Class A and Class C shares, the minimum initial and subsequent investment for Automatic Investment Plan purchases is $50. Class R and Class R6 shares are generally not available for purchase by individuals. Class Z shares may be purchased by certain individuals, subject to certain requirements. Please see “How to Buy, Sell and Exchange Fund Shares—How to Buy Shares—Qualifying for Class R Shares,” “—Qualifying for Class Z Shares,” and “—Qualifying for Class R6 Shares” in the Prospectus for purchase eligibility requirements.
Your financial intermediary may impose different investment minimums. You can purchase or redeem shares on any business day that the Fund is open through the Fund's transfer agent or through servicing agents, including brokers, dealers and other financial intermediaries appointed by the distributor to receive purchase and redemption orders. Current shareholders may also purchase or redeem shares through the Fund's website or by calling (800) 225-1852.
Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes.
The Fund's dividends and distributions are taxable and will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Such tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.
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PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
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PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a financial intermediary such as a broker-dealer, bank, retirement recordkeeper or other financial services firm, the Fund or its affiliates may pay the financial intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and/or for services to shareholders. This may create a conflict of interest by influencing the financial intermediary or its representatives to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your financial intermediary or representative or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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MORE ABOUT THE FUND'S PRINCIPAL AND NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, INVESTMENTS AND RISKS
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND INVESTMENTS
The Fund's investment objective is
total return through a combination of capital appreciation and current income
.
The Fund seeks investments whose prices will increase as well as pay the Fund dividends and other income.
In pursuing the Fund’s objective, the subadviser normally invests at least 80% of the Fund's investable assets in equity and equity-related and investment-grade debt securities of utility companies. The term “investable assets” refers to the Fund’s net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes. The Fund's investable assets with be less than its total assets to the extent that it has borrowed money for non-investment purposes, such as to meet anticipated redemptions. The subadviser concentrates investments in utility companies, based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) Industry classifications, as they may be amended from time to time, which includes electric utilities, gas utilities, water utilities, multi-utilities, independent power producers, diversified telecommunication services, wireless telecommunication services, and GICS subindustry oil & gas storage & transportation.
The Fund buys equity and equity-related securities, including common stocks; nonconvertible preferred stocks; convertible securities—like bonds, corporate notes and preferred stocks—that can convert into the company's common stock, the cash value of common stock, or some other equity security; American Depositary Receipts (ADRs); warrants and rights that can be exercised to obtain stocks; equity securities of real estate investment trusts (REITs); investments in various types of business ventures, including partnerships and joint ventures; master limited partnerships (MLPs); and similar securities. The Fund invests in companies of any market capitalization.
The Fund’s investment in debt securities, including corporate and government bonds, is generally limited to those rated investment-grade by a major rating service (such as BBB or above by S&P Global Ratings (S&P) or Baa or above by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's)) or, if not rated, to those the subadviser believes are of comparable quality.
If the rating of a debt security is downgraded after the Fund purchases it (or if the security is no longer rated), the subadviser will not have to sell the security, but the subadviser will consider this downgrade in deciding whether the Fund should continue to hold the security.
The Fund may participate in the initial public offering (IPO) market.
The Fund is “non-diversified” for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), which means that it can invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified” fund.
Our Total Return Approach
The subadviser looks for stocks of companies that it believes will produce both above-average earnings and dividend growth over the long term. In deciding which stocks to buy, the subadviser uses a total return approach. That is, the subadviser seeks to invest in stocks that it believes have the potential to generate stable and increasing cash-flow that can be returned to investors through growing dividends or share repurchases. The subadviser also invests in stocks that it believes are undervalued, given the company’s earnings, cash-flows, or asset values, and may look for catalysts that will help unlock inherent value. A number of conditions can warrant the sale of an existing position, including (1) the stock has reached its price target; (2) subsequent events invalidate the subadviser’s investment thesis; (3) the catalysts it expected to narrow the gap between the stock price and what it believes to be the true worth of the company have passed or no longer exist; or (4) the stock price declines to below what the subadviser had thought to be the reasonable worst-case scenario.
The Fund's investment objective is a fundamental policy that cannot be changed without shareholder approval. The Fund's policy of investing at least 80% of the Fund's investable assets in equity-related and investment-grade debt securities of utility companies is not fundamental. The Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days’ advance notice of a change in this non-fundamental policy.
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PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
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The subadviser may invest up to 50% of the Fund's investable assets in foreign securities, including money market instruments and other investment-grade fixed-income securities, stocks and other equity-related securities.
The Fund may invest in securities of issuers not in the utility industry. These include stocks and fixed-income obligations, like corporate and government bonds and money market instruments.
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements, where a party agrees to sell a security to the Fund and then repurchases it at an agreed-upon price at a stated time. This creates a fixed return for the Fund, and is, in effect, a loan by the Fund. Repurchase agreements are used for cash management purposes only.
Master Limited Partnerships
The Fund’s MLP investments may include, but are not limited to: MLPs structured as limited partnerships (LPs) or limited liability companies (LLCs); MLPs that are taxed as “C” corporations; institutional units (I-Units) issued by MLP affiliates, parent companies of MLPs, shares of companies owning MLP general partnership interests and other securities representing indirect beneficial ownership interests in MLP common units; “C” corporations that hold significant interests in MLPs; and other equity and fixed income securities and derivative instruments, including pooled investment vehicles and exchange traded products (ETPs), that provide exposure to MLP investments. MLPs generally own and operate assets that are used in the energy sector, including assets used in exploring, developing, producing, generating, transporting (including marine), transmitting, terminal operation, storing, gathering, processing, refining, distributing, mining or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined products, coal or electricity, or that provide energy related equipment or services.
MLPs formed as LPs or LLCs are generally treated as partnerships for US federal income tax purposes. To be treated as a partnership for US federal income tax purposes, an MLP must derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from qualifying sources, including activities such as the exploration, development, mining, production, processing, refining, transportation, storage and certain marketing of mineral or natural resources. MLPs are generally publicly traded, and as a result are subject to the SEC’s rules and regulations and make public filings like any publicly traded corporation. The Fund may also invest in privately placed securities of publicly traded MLPs.
Small, Unseasoned Issuers
The Fund may invest in the securities of small, unseasoned issuers. These are companies that have been in operation for less than three years, including the operations of any predecessors.
The Fund may invest in securities of ETFs. Securities of ETFs represent shares of ownership in either open-end management investment companies or unit investment trusts (UITs) that generally hold a portfolio of common stocks or bonds designed to generally correspond to the price and yield performance of a specific securities index. ETFs may also be actively managed. ETFs give investors the opportunity to buy or sell an entire portfolio of stocks in a single security transaction in a manner similar to buying or selling a share of stock.
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 the subadviser thinks 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. 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 through conversion or exchange of other securities it owns.
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Structured securities, including participation notes, structured notes, low exercise price warrants and other related instruments purchased by the Fund, are generally privately negotiated financial instruments where the interest or value of the structured security is linked to equity securities or equity indices or other instruments or indices (reference instruments). These instruments may be used to access certain non-US markets, particularly emerging markets. They provide investors with economic exposure closely correlated with a direct holding in an individual stock, basket of stocks or equity indices in a single security. Issuers of structured securities include corporations and banks.
Structured securities differ from debt securities in several aspects. The interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may increase or decrease, depending upon changes in the value of the reference instrument. The terms of a structured security may provide that, in certain circumstances, no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, may result in a loss of invested capital by the Fund. Receipt of the reference instrument is also, in certain circumstances exchanged upon maturity of the security.
Fixed-income obligations include bonds and notes. Notes are typically issued with two-, three-, five- or ten-year terms to maturity, whereas bonds may be longer-term investments issued with terms to maturity of 10 years or more. The Fund may invest in investment-grade corporate or government obligations. Investment-grade obligations are rated in one of the top four long-term quality ratings by a major rating service (such as Baa or better by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or BBB or better by S&P Global Ratings). The Fund also may invest in high yield debt obligations that at the time of investment are rated below investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“junk bonds”) or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the subadviser, if such securities are issued by an issuer in which the Fund has an existing equity investment. Junk bonds tend to offer higher yields, but also offer greater credit risks than higher-rated securities.
Investments in Affiliated Funds
The Fund may invest its assets in affiliated funds, including exchange-traded funds, that are registered investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act). The Fund can invest its free cash balances in affiliated short-term bond funds and/or money market funds to obtain income on short-term cash balances while awaiting attractive investment opportunities, to provide liquidity in preparation for anticipated redemptions or for defensive purposes. Such an investment could also allow the Fund to obtain the benefits of a more diversified portfolio available in the affiliated funds than might otherwise be available through direct investments in those asset classes, and will subject the Fund to the risks associated with the particular asset class. As a shareholder in the affiliated funds, the Fund will pay its proportional share of the expenses of the affiliated funds. The affiliated short-term bond funds and money market funds do not pay a management fee to the investment manager, since the investment manager only receives reimbursement for its expenses. Thus, shareholders of the Fund are not paying management fees for both the Fund and the affiliated short-term bond funds and money market funds. The investment results of the portions of the Fund’s assets invested in the affiliated funds will be based on the investment results of the affiliated funds.
Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, the Fund may lend portfolio securities with a value up
to 33 1⁄3% of
its total assets to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations to earn additional income. Loans of portfolio securities will be collateralized by cash. Cash collateral will be invested in an affiliated prime money market fund.
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 its investable assets in money market instruments, including short-term obligations of, or securities guaranteed by, the US Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or in high-quality obligations of domestic or foreign banks and corporations, and may hold up to 100% of its investable assets in cash or cash equivalents. Although the subadviser has the ability to take defensive positions, it may choose not to do so for a variety of reasons, even during volatile market conditions. Investing heavily in these securities is inconsistent with and limits the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective, but may help to preserve the Fund's assets.
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PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
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In addition to the strategies and securities discussed above, the Fund may use other strategies or invest in other types of securities as described in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI). The Fund might not use all of the strategies or invest in all of the types of securities as described in the Prospectus or in the SAI.
The table below summarizes the investment limits applicable to the Fund’s principal investment strategies and certain non-principal investment strategies.
Principal Strategies: Investment Limits
|
■
Equity and equity-related and investment-grade debt securities of Utility Companies: At least 80% of investable assets
■
Equity and Equity-related Securities: Up to 100% of investable assets
■
Foreign Securities: Up to 50% of investable assets
|
Certain Non-Principal Strategies: Investment Limits
|
■
Fixed-income Obligations: Up to 100% of investable assets
■
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): Up to 10% of total assets
■
Structured Notes: Up to 15% of total assets
■
Illiquid Investments: Up to 15% of net assets
■
Short Sales: Up to 25% of net assets (not including short sales “against the box”)
■
Money Market Instruments: Up to 100% of investable assets on a temporary basis
■
High Yield Debt Securities: Up to 20% of investable assets
|
RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.
Credit Risk.
This is the risk that the issuer, the guarantor or the insurer of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a contract, may be unable or unwilling to make timely principal and interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. Additionally, fixed income securities could lose value due to a loss of confidence in the ability of the issuer, guarantor, insurer or counterparty to pay back debt. The longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a bond, the more sensitive it is to credit risk.
Currency Risk.
The Fund's net asset value could decline as a result of changes in exchange rates, which could adversely affect the Fund’s investments in currencies, or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues related to, currencies, or in derivatives that provide exposure to currencies. Certain foreign countries may impose restrictions on the ability of issuers of foreign securities to make payment of principal and interest or dividends to investors located outside the country, due to blockage of foreign currency exchanges or otherwise.
Cyber Security Risk.
Failures or breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's manager, subadviser, distributor, and other service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to address system breaches or failures, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems of the Fund's service providers or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Debt Obligations Risk.
Debt obligations are subject to credit risk, market risk and interest rate risk. The Fund's holdings, share price, yield and total return may also fluctuate in response to bond market movements. The value of bonds may decline for issuer-related reasons, including management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods and services. Certain types of fixed income obligations also may be subject to
“call and redemption risk,”
which is the risk that the issuer may call a bond held by the Fund for redemption before it matures and the Fund may lose income.
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Economic and Market Events Risk
.
Events in the US and global financial markets, including actions taken by the US Federal Reserve or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth or the functioning of the securities markets, may at times result in unusually high market volatility, which could negatively impact performance. Relatively reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets could adversely affect issuers worldwide.
Equity and Equity-Related Securities Risk.
Equity and equity-related securities may be subject to changes in value, and their values may be more volatile than those of other asset classes. In addition to an individual security losing value, the value of the equity markets or a sector in which the Fund invests could go down. Different parts of a market can react differently to adverse issuer, market, regulatory, political and economic developments.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk.
Investing in securities issued by ETFs involves risks similar to those of investing directly in the securities and other assets held by the investment company. Unlike shares of typical mutual funds, shares of ETFs are generally traded on an exchange throughout a trading day and bought and sold based on market values and not at net asset value. For this reason, shares could trade at either a premium or discount to net asset value. The trading price of an index-based ETF is expected to (but may not) closely track the net asset value of the ETF, and the Fund will generally gain or lose value consistent with the performance of the ETF’s portfolio securities. The Fund will pay brokerage commissions in connection with the purchase and sale of shares of ETFs. In addition, the Fund will indirectly bear its pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred by an ETF in which it invests, including advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations. An index-based ETF may not replicate exactly the performance of the benchmark index it seeks to track for a number of reasons, including transaction costs incurred by the ETF, the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weighting of securities or the number of securities held. Investments in ETFs are subject to the risk that the listing exchange may halt trading of an ETF’s shares, in which case the Fund would be unable to sell its ETF shares unless and until trading is resumed.
Foreign Securities Risk.
The Fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involve additional risk. The securities of such issuers may trade in markets that are less liquid, less regulated and more volatile than US markets. The value of the Fund’s investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable government actions, and political or financial instability. Lack of information may also affect the value of these securities.
Geographic Concentration Risk.
The Fund’s performance may be closely tied to the market, economic, political, regulatory or other conditions in the countries or regions in which the Fund invests. This can result in more pronounced risks based upon conditions that impact one or more countries or regions more or less than other countries or regions.
Increase in Expenses Risk.
Your actual cost of investing in the Fund may be higher than the expenses shown in the expense table for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and Fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile. Active and frequent trading of Fund securities can increase expenses.
Initial Public Offerings Risk.
The volume of IPOs and the levels at which the newly issued stocks trade in the secondary market are affected by the performance of the stock market overall. If IPOs are brought to the market, availability may be limited and if the Fund desires to acquire shares in such an offering, it 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. The prices of securities involved in IPOs are often subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than more established stocks. Such unpredictability can have a dramatic impact on the Fund's performance (higher or lower) and any assumptions by investors based on the affected performance may be unwarranted. In addition, as Fund assets grow, the impact of IPO investments on performance will decline, which could reduce total returns.
Interest Rate Risk.
The value of your investment may go down when interest rates rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration debt securities. For example, a fixed income security with a duration of three years is expected to decrease in value by approximately 3% if interest rates increase by 1%. This is
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PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
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referred to as
“duration risk.”
When interest rates fall, the issuers of debt obligations may prepay principal more quickly than expected, and the Fund may be required to reinvest the proceeds at a lower interest rate. This is referred to as
“prepayment risk.”
When interest rates rise, debt obligations may be repaid more slowly than expected, and the value of the Fund's holdings may fall sharply. This is referred to as
“extension risk.”
The Fund may lose money if short-term or long-term interest rates rise sharply or in a manner not anticipated by the subadviser.
Investment Style Risk.
There is the risk that the particular investment style followed by the Fund may be out of favor for a period of time.
Junk Bonds Risk.
High-yield, high-risk bonds have predominantly speculative characteristics, including particularly high credit risk. Junk bonds tend to have lower market liquidity than higher-rated securities. The liquidity of particular issuers or industries within a particular investment category may shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning. The non-investment grade bond market can experience sudden and sharp price swings and become illiquid due to a variety of factors, including changes in economic forecasts, stock market activity, large sustained sales by major investors, a high profile default or a change in the market's psychology.
Large Shareholder and Large Scale Redemption Risk.
Certain individuals, accounts, funds (including funds affiliated with the Manager) or institutions, including the Manager and its affiliates, may from time to time own or control a substantial amount of the Fund’s shares. There is no requirement that these entities maintain their investment in the Fund. These shareholders may also pledge or loan Fund shares (to secure financing or otherwise), which may result in the shares becoming concentrated in another party. There is a risk that such large shareholders or that the Fund’s shareholders generally may redeem all or a substantial portion of their investments in the Fund in a short period of time, which could have a significant negative impact on the Fund’s NAV, liquidity, and brokerage costs. Such redemptions may cause the Fund to have to sell securities at inopportune times or prices. These transactions may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase transaction costs. In addition, large redemption requests may exceed the cash balance of the Fund and result in credit line borrowing fees and/or overdraft charges to the Fund until the sales of portfolio securities necessary to cover the redemption request settle. To the extent a large shareholder in the Fund is an entity subject to domestic and/or international regulations governing banking or other financial institutions, changes in those regulations (e.g., capital requirements) or in the shareholder’s financial status may cause or require the shareholder to redeem its investment in the Fund when it otherwise would not choose to redeem that investment. It is also possible that a significant redemption could result in an increase in Fund expenses on account of being spread over a smaller asset base, and therefore make it more difficult for the Fund to implement its investment strategy. Large redemptions could also result in tax consequences to shareholders. The Fund’s ability to pursue its investment objective after one or more large scale redemptions may be impaired and, as a result, the Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents.
Management Risk.
The value of your investment may decrease if judgments by the subadviser about the attractiveness, value or market trends affecting a particular security, industry or sector or about market movements are incorrect.
Market Capitalization Risk.
The Fund may invest in companies of any market capitalization. Generally, the stock prices of small- and mid-cap companies are less stable than the prices of large-cap stocks and may present greater risks. Large capitalization companies as a group could fall out of favor with the market, causing the Fund to underperform compared to investments that focus on smaller capitalized companies.
Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risks
.
International wars or conflicts and geopolitical developments in foreign countries, along with instability in regions such as Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, possible terrorist attacks in the United States or around the world, public health epidemics such as the outbreak of infectious diseases like the recent outbreak of coronavirus globally or the 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa of the Ebola virus, and other similar events could adversely affect the U.S. and foreign financial markets, including increases in market volatility, reduced liquidity in the securities markets and government intervention, and may cause further long-term economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide generally. The coronavirus pandemic and the related governmental and public responses have had and may continue to have an impact on the Fund’s investments and net asset value and have led and may continue to lead to increased market volatility and the potential for illiquidity in certain classes of
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securities and sectors of the market. Preventative or protective actions that governments may take in respect of pandemic or epidemic diseases may result in periods of business disruption, business closures, inability to obtain raw materials, supplies and component parts, and reduced or disrupted operations for the issuers in which the Fund invests. Government intervention in markets may impact interest rates, market volatility and security pricing. The occurrence, reoccurrence and pendency of such diseases could adversely affect the economies (including through changes in business activity and increased unemployment) and financial markets either in specific countries or worldwide.
Market Risk.
Securities markets may be volatile and the market prices of the Fund’s securities may decline. Securities fluctuate in price based on changes in an issuer’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions. If the market prices of the securities owned by the Fund fall, the value of your investment in the Fund will decline.
Master Limited Partnerships Risk.
The risks of investing in an MLP are generally those involved in investing in a partnership as opposed to a corporation. For example, state law governing partnerships is often less restrictive than state law governing corporations. Accordingly, there may be fewer protections afforded investors in an MLP than investors in a corporation. Investments held by MLPs may be relatively illiquid, limiting the MLPs’ ability to vary their portfolios promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. MLPs may have limited financial resources, their securities may trade infrequently and in limited volume, and they may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than securities of larger or more broadly-based companies. The Fund’s investment in MLPs also subjects the Fund to the risks associated with the specific industry or industries in which the MLPs invest, risks related to limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the MLP, risks related to potential conflicts of interest between the MLP and the MLP’s general partner, cash flow risks, dilution risks and risks related to the general partner’s right to require unit-holders to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. MLPs are generally considered interest-rate sensitive investments. During periods of interest rate volatility, these investments may not provide attractive returns. Since MLPs generally conduct business in multiple states, the Fund may be subject to income or franchise tax in each of the states in which the partnership does business. The additional cost of preparing and filing the tax returns and paying the related taxes may adversely impact the Fund’s return on its investment in MLPs.
Money Market Instruments Risk.
The value of money market instruments may be affected by changing interest rates and by changes in the credit ratings of the investments.
If a significant amount of the Fund's assets are invested in money market instruments, it will
be more difficult for the Fund to achieve its investment
objective.
Non-Diversified Investment Company Risk.
The Fund is non-diversified for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act). This means that the Fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single company or other issuer than a diversified fund. Investing in a non-diversified fund involves greater risk than investing in a diversified fund because a loss resulting from the decline in value of any one security may represent a greater portion of the total assets of a non-diversified fund.
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Risk.
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/mortgage asset type, and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and self-liquidation. REITs may be more volatile and/or more illiquid than other types of equity securities. REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are subject to interest rate risks. REITs may incur significant amounts of leverage. The Fund will indirectly bear a portion of the expenses, including management fees, paid by each REIT in which it invests, in addition to the expenses of the Fund.
REITs must also meet certain requirements under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (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 of 1940. REITs are subject to the risks of changes in the Code affecting their tax status.
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Repurchase Agreements Risk.
Repurchase agreements could involve certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the seller, including losses and possible delays or restrictions upon the Fund’s ability to dispose of the underlying securities. To the extent that, in the meantime, the value of the securities that the Fund has purchased has decreased, the Fund could experience a loss.
Securities Lending Risk
.
Securities lending involves the risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. As a result, the Fund may lose money and there may be a delay in recovering the loaned securities. Additionally, losses could result from the reinvestment of collateral received on loaned securities in investments that decline in value, default, or do not perform as well as expected. The affiliated prime money market fund in which cash collateral generally is invested may impose liquidity fees or temporary gates on redemptions if its weekly liquid assets fall below a designated threshold. If this were to occur, the Fund may lose money on its investment of cash collateral in the affiliated prime money market fund, or the Fund may not be able to redeem its investment of cash collateral in the affiliated prime money market fund, which might cause the Fund to liquidate other holdings in order to return the cash collateral to the borrower upon termination of a securities loan. These events could trigger adverse tax consequences for the Fund.
Short Sales Risk.
Short sales involve costs and risks. The Fund must pay the lender interest on the security it borrows, and the Fund will lose money to the extent that the price of the security increases between the time of the short sale and the date when the Fund replaces the borrowed security. Although the Fund’s gain is limited to the price at which it sold the securities short, its potential loss is limited only by the maximum attainable price of the securities, less the price at which the security was sold and may, theoretically, be unlimited. When selling short against the box, the Fund gives up the opportunity for capital appreciation in the security.
Small, Unseasoned Issuers Risk.
Securities of unseasoned issuers may have a limited trading market, which may adversely affect their disposition and can result in their being priced lower than might otherwise be the case. It may be difficult to obtain reliable information and financial data on such companies and the securities of these small companies may not be readily marketable, making it difficult to dispose of shares when desirable. A risk of investing in smaller, emerging companies is that they often are at an earlier stage of development and therefore have limited product lines, market access for such products, financial resources and depth in management as compared to larger, more established companies, and their securities may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general. In addition, certain smaller issuers may face difficulties in obtaining the capital necessary to continue in operation and may go into bankruptcy, which could result in a complete loss of an investment. Smaller companies also may be less significant factors within their industries and may have difficulty withstanding competition from larger companies. If other investment companies and investors who invest in such issuers trade the same securities when the Fund attempts to dispose of its holdings, the Fund may receive lower prices than might otherwise be obtained. While smaller companies may be subject to these additional risks, they may also realize more substantial growth than larger, more established companies.
Structured Securities Risk.
Structured securities are subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the underlying receivables will not be paid by debtors or by credit issuers or guarantors of such instruments. 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, and the percentage by which the value of a structured note decreases may be far greater than the percentage by which the value of the reference instrument increases or decreases. Structured securities may entail a greater degree of market risk because the investor bears the risk of the reference instrument. Structured securities may also be more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities. The secondary market for structured securities could be illiquid, making them difficult to sell when the Fund determines to sell them. The possible lack of a liquid secondary market for structured securities and the resulting inability of the Fund to sell a structured security could expose the Fund to losses and could make structured securities more difficult for the Fund to value accurately.
Utility Sector Risk.
The Fund is subject to risks of the utility industry, such as changing commodity prices, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, increased tariffs, changes in tax laws, interest rate fluctuations and changes in the cost of providing specific utility services, due to its concentration in utility securities. The utilities
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industry is also subject to potential terrorist attacks, natural disasters and severe weather conditions, as well as regulatory and operational burdens associated with the operation and maintenance of nuclear facilities. When interest rates go up, the value of securities issued by utility companies historically has gone down. Although the average dividend yield of utility industry stocks has been higher than those of other companies, the total return of utility securities has historically underperformed those of industrial companies. In most countries and localities, the utility industry is regulated by governmental entities, which can increase costs and delays for new projects and make it difficult to pass increased costs on to consumers. In certain areas, deregulation of utilities has resulted in increased competition and reduced profitability for certain companies, and increased the risk that a particular company will become bankrupt or fail completely. Reduced profitability, as well as new uses for or additional need of funds (such as for expansion, operations or stock buybacks), could result in reduced dividend payout rates for utility companies. In addition, utility companies face the risk of increases in the cost and reduced availability of fuel (such as oil, coal, natural gas or nuclear energy) and potentially high interest costs for borrowing to finance new projects. As a sector fund, the Fund's holdings can vary significantly from broad market indexes and the performance of the Fund can deviate from the performance indexes.
Please note that, in addition to the risks discussed above, there are many other factors that may impact the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective and which could result in a loss of all or a part of your investment.
More information about the Fund’s investment strategies and risks appears in the SAI.
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The Fund is overseen by a Board of Directors (hereafter referred to as Directors, or the Board). The Board oversees the actions of the Manager, 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.
PGIM Investments LLC (PGIM Investments)
655 Broad Street
Newark, NJ 07102-4410
Under a management agreement with the Fund, PGIM Investments manages the Fund's investment operations and administers its business affairs and is responsible for supervising the Fund's subadviser. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2020, the Fund paid PGIM Investments management fees (net of waivers, as applicable) at the effective rate of 0.42% of the Fund's average daily net assets for all share classes.
PGIM Investments and its predecessors have served as a manager or administrator to investment companies since 1987. As of December 31, 2020 PGIM Investments, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential, served as the investment manager to all of the Prudential US and offshore open-end investment companies, and as the manager or administrator to closed-end investment companies, with aggregate assets of approximately $361.6 billion.
Subject to the supervision of the Board, PGIM Investments is responsible for conducting the initial review of prospective subadvisers for the Fund. In evaluating a prospective subadviser, PGIM Investments considers many factors, including the firm's experience, investment philosophy and historical performance. Subject to the Board’s oversight, PGIM Investments is also responsible for monitoring the performance of the Fund's subadviser and recommending its termination and replacement when deemed appropriate. PGIM Investments may provide a subadviser with additional investment guidelines consistent with the Fund's investment objective and restrictions.
PGIM Investments and the Fund operate under an exemptive order (the Order) from the SEC that generally permits PGIM Investments to enter into or amend agreements with unaffiliated subadvisers without obtaining shareholder approval. This authority is subject to certain conditions, including the requirement that the Board must approve any new or amended agreements with a subadviser. Shareholders of the Fund still have the right to terminate these agreements at any time by a vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Fund will notify shareholders of any new subadvisers engaged or material amendments to subadvisory agreements made pursuant to the Order. Any new subadvisory agreement or amendment to the Fund’s management agreement or current subadvisory agreement that directly or indirectly results in an increase in the aggregate management fee rate payable by the Fund will be submitted to the Fund’s shareholders for their approval. PGIM Investments does not currently intend to retain unaffiliated subadvisers.
A discussion of the basis for the Board's approvals of the management and subadvisory agreements is available in the Fund's Annual Report to shareholders dated November 30.
Jennison Associates LLC (Jennison)
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PGIM, Inc., which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. Its address is 466 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017. PGIM Investments has responsibility for all investment advisory services, supervises Jennison and pays Jennison for its services. As of November 30, 2020, Jennison managed in excess of $216.9
billion in assets. Jennison (including its predecessor, Jennison Associates Capital Corp.) is a registered investment adviser founded in 1969.
Ubong “Bobby” Edemeka
,
Shaun Hong, CFA,
and
Teresa Ho Kim, CFA,
are the portfolio managers of the Fund.
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Ubong “Bobby” Edemeka
is a Managing Director and an income and infrastructure portfolio manager. He joined Jennison in March 2002. Prior to joining Jennison, Mr. Edemeka was with Goldman Sachs as a sell-side research analyst on the US Power & Utilities team. Prior to that, he was an analyst on the global utilities team at SSB Citi Asset Management Group. Mr. Edemeka began his career as an analyst for the Prudential Utility Fund (now PGIM Jennison Utility Fund). Mr. Edemeka earned a BA in government from Harvard University.
Shaun Hong, CFA,
is a Managing Director and an income and infrastructure portfolio manager. He joined Prudential (now PGIM) in 1999 as an analyst in Prudential's public equity unit responsible for the power, natural gas, and telecommunications industries, and in September 2000 when Prudential’s public equity asset management capabilities were transferred to Jennison, he joined Jennison. Prior to joining Prudential, Mr. Hong was a research analyst at Equinox Capital Management where he covered the utility, consumer products, commodities, and technology sectors. Mr. Hong began his career as a research analyst covering telecommunications and technology companies at Parker/Hunter. Mr. Hong earned a BS in industrial management from Carnegie Mellon University and he holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Teresa Ho Kim, CFA,
is a Managing Director, a utility equity portfolio manager, and an income and infrastructure research analyst. She joined Jennison in July 2006. Prior to joining Jennison, Ms. Kim was a senior analyst covering electric and gas utilities at Saranac Capital Management. Prior to that, she was an equity research analyst and associate at Banc of America Securities where she was the lead sell-side analyst for a number of selected utility stocks. Ms. Kim began her investment career as a health care equity research associate at Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. Ms. Kim earned a BA in economics from Wesleyan University, an MBA from New York University Stern School of Business, and she holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
The portfolio managers for the Fund are supported by other Jennison portfolio managers, research analysts and investment professionals. Team members conduct research, make securities recommendations and support the portfolio managers in all activities. Members of the team may change from time to time.
Additional information about portfolio manager compensation, other accounts managed, and portfolio manager ownership of Fund securities may be found in the SAI.
Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (“PIMS” or the “Distributor”) distributes each class of the Fund's shares under a Distribution Agreement with the Fund. The Fund has Distribution and Service Plans (the “Plans”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, applicable to certain of the Fund's shares. Under the Plans and the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor pays the expenses of distributing the shares of all share classes of the Fund. The Distributor also provides certain shareholder support services. Under the Plans, certain classes of the Fund pay distribution and other fees to the Distributor as compensation for its services. These fees—known as 12b-1 fees—are set forth in the “Fund Fees and Expenses” tables.
Because these 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
The Fund's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities are described in the Fund's SAI and on the Fund's website at
www.pgim.com/investments
.
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FUND DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX ISSUES
The Fund distributes
to shareholders out of any net investment income. 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, unless your shares are held in a qualified or tax-deferred plan or account.
The Fund also distributes any net realized
to shareholders. 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).
For your convenience, the Fund's distributions of dividends and net capital gains are
in the Fund without any sales charge. If you ask us to pay the distributions in cash, we will send you a check if your account is with Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS or the Transfer Agent). Otherwise, if your account is with a broker, you will receive a credit to your account. Either way, the distributions may be subject to income taxes unless your shares are held in a qualified or tax-deferred plan or account. If your distribution check(s) remains uncashed for more than six months, your check(s) may be invested in additional shares of the Fund at the next net asset value (“NAV”) calculated on the day of the investment. For more information about automatic reinvestment and other shareholder services, see “Additional Shareholder Services” in the next section.
The chart below sets forth the expected frequency of dividend and capital gains distributions to shareholders. Various factors may impact the frequency of dividend distributions to shareholders, including but not limited to adverse market conditions or portfolio holding-specific events.
Expected Distribution Schedule*
|
|
Dividends
|
Quarterly
|
Short-Term Capital Gains
|
Annually
|
Long-Term Capital Gains
|
Annually
|
*Under certain circumstances, the Fund may make more than one distribution of short-term and/or long-term capital gains during a fiscal year.
Investors who buy Fund shares 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. Fund distributions and gain from the sale of Fund shares are subject to federal income taxes, unless you hold your shares in a 401(k) plan, an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or some other qualified or tax-deferred plan or account. Dividends and distributions from the Fund also may be subject to state and local income tax in the state where you live.
The following briefly discusses some of the important 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.
Fund distributions of net capital gains are taxed differently depending on how long the Fund holds the security. If the Fund holds a security for more than one year before selling it, any gain is treated as
capital gain which is generally taxed at rates of up to 15% or 20% for non-corporate US shareholders, depending on whether their incomes exceed certain threshold amounts, which are adjusted annually for inflation. If the Fund holds the security for one year or less, any gain is treated as
capital gain, which is taxed at rates applicable to ordinary income, subject to a maximum tax rate of 37%. Different rates apply to corporate shareholders.
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Dividends from net investment income paid to a non-corporate US shareholder that are reported as qualified dividend income will generally be taxable to such shareholder at the long-term capital gain tax rate. Dividends of net investment income that are not reported 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 dividends received deduction to the extent the Fund’s income is derived from certain dividends received from US corporations. Between 2018 and 2025, the Fund may report dividends eligible for a 20% “qualified business income” deduction for non-corporate US shareholders to the extent the Fund’s income is derived from ordinary REIT dividends, reduced by allocable Fund expenses.
A US shareholder that is an individual, estate or certain type of trust is subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on the lesser of (1) the US shareholder’s “net investment income,” including Fund distributions and net gains from the disposition of Fund shares, and (2) the excess of the US shareholder’s modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over $200,000 (or $250,000 for married couples filing jointly). For this purpose, net investment income includes interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, capital gain and income from a passive activity business or a business of trading in financial instruments or commodities.
For every year the Fund declares a dividend, you will receive a Form 1099, which reports the amount of ordinary income distributions 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 distribution 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 and distributions in the fourth quarter, with a record date in such quarter, and actually pay them in January of the following year. In such cases, the dividends and distributions are treated as if they were paid on December 31st of the prior year.
Mutual funds must report cost basis information to you and the IRS when you sell or exchange shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012 in your non-retirement accounts. The cost basis regulations do not affect retirement accounts, money market funds, and shares acquired before January 1, 2012. The cost basis regulations also require mutual funds to report whether a gain or loss is short-term (shares held one year or less) or long-term (shares held more than one year) for all shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012 that are subsequently sold or exchanged. The Transfer Agent is not required to report cost basis information on shares acquired before January 1, 2012. However, in most cases the Transfer Agent will provide this information to you as a service.
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 US Treasury a portion of your distributions and sale proceeds, based on the backup withholding rate.
Taxation of Non-US Shareholders
For a discussion regarding the taxation of non-US shareholders, please see the SAI and contact your tax adviser.
If You Purchase on or Before a Record Date
If you buy shares of the Fund on or 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. However, the timing of your purchase does mean that part of your investment may have come back to you as taxable income.
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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 PGIM 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. As mentioned above, the maximum capital gains tax rate is up to 15% or 20% for individuals, depending on whether their incomes exceed certain threshold amounts, which are adjusted annually for inflation.
If you sell shares of the Fund at a loss, you may have a capital loss, which you may use to offset capital gains you have, plus, in the case of non-corporate 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 or exchange of the shares.
If you exchange your Fund shares for shares of another class of the Fund, this is generally not a taxable event and should not result in realization of a capital gain or loss by you. If you exchange your shares of the Fund for shares of another PGIM Fund, this 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. 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 C Shares
The conversion of Class C shares into Class A shares—which happens automatically approximately 8 years after purchase—is not a taxable event for federal income tax purposes. For more information about the automatic conversion of Class C shares, see
Class C Shares Automatically Convert to Class A Shares
in
How to Buy, Sell and Exchange Fund Shares.
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HOW TO BUY, SELL AND EXCHANGE FUND SHARES
In order to buy Fund shares, simply follow the steps described below.
Shares may be purchased through an account with the Transfer Agent, or through an account with a financial intermediary that has an agreement with the Distributor to sell Fund shares. In order to open an account with the Transfer Agent contact PMFS at
or write to:
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC
P.O. Box 9658
Providence, RI 02940
PMFS will accept purchases of shares by check or wire. We do not accept cash, money orders, non-US checks, credit card checks, payable through checks or travelers checks. 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. Your purchase order must be in good order to be accepted and processed, which means that all necessary processing requirements have been satisfied. We have the right to reject any purchase order (including an exchange into the Fund) or suspend or modify the Fund's sales of its shares under certain circumstances. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, failure by you to provide additional information requested, such as information required to verify the source of funds used to purchase shares, your identity or the identity of any underlying beneficial owners of your shares. Furthermore, we are required by law to close your account if you do not provide the required identifying information. This would result in the redemption of shares at the then-current NAV and the proceeds would be remitted to you via check. We will attempt to verify your identity within a reasonable time frame (e.g., 60 days), which may change from time to time. For further information, please contact PMFS (for shares purchased through the Transfer Agent) or your financial professional (for shares purchased through a financial intermediary).
With certain limited exceptions, Fund shares are only available to be sold in the United States, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam.
The Fund offers the following share classes. Certain classes of shares may have additional specific eligibility or qualification requirements, which are explained below.
Share Class
|
Eligibility
|
Class A*
|
Retail investors
|
Class C*
|
Retail investors
|
Class R*
|
Certain group retirement plans
|
Class Z*
|
Certain group retirement plans, institutional investors and certain other investors
|
Class R6
|
Certain group retirement plans, institutional investors and certain other investors
|
* The Fund’s Class A, Class C and Class Z shares are generally closed to investments by new group retirement plans. The Fund’s Class R shares are generally closed to new investors. Please see Closure of Certain Share Classes to New Group Retirement Plans” in this section of the Prospectus for more information.
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 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 contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1.00%. The CDSC is waived for certain retirement and/or benefit plans.
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24
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PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
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Class C shares do not require you to pay a sales charge at the time of purchase, but do require you to pay a CDSC of 1.00% 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.
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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.
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■
|
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.
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■
|
The different sales charges that apply to each share class—Class A's front-end sales charge (and, in certain instances, CDSC) vs. Class C's CDSC.
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■
|
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.
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■
|
If you purchase Class Z shares through a broker acting solely as an agent on behalf of its customers pursuant to an agreement with PIMS, the broker may charge you a commission in an amount determined and separately disclosed to you by the broker.
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■
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Because Class Z, Class R and Class R6 shares have lower operating expenses than Class A or Class C shares, as applicable, you should consider whether you are eligible to purchase such share classes.
|
See “How to Sell Your Shares” for a description of the impact of CDSCs.
If your shares are held through a financial intermediary, you should discuss with your intermediary which share classes of the Fund are available to you and which share class may best meet your needs. Certain financial intermediaries through which you may purchase shares of the Fund may impose their own investment minimums, fees, policies and procedures for purchasing, exchanging and selling Fund shares, which are not described in this Prospectus or the SAI, and which will depend on the policies, procedures and trading platforms of the financial intermediary. Consult your financial intermediary about share class availability and the intermediary’s policies, procedures and other information.
The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from the Fund or through a financial intermediary. See “Appendix A: Waivers and Discounts Available From Certain Financial Intermediaries” for additional information.
The Fund has advised financial intermediaries of the share class features and guidelines, per the Prospectus, and it is their responsibility to monitor and enforce these guidelines with respect to shareholders purchasing shares through financial intermediaries.
Share Class Comparison.
Use the following chart to help you compare the 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 C*
|
Class R*
|
Class Z*
|
Class R6
|
Minimum purchase amount
|
$1,000
|
$1,000
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Minimum amount for
subsequent purchases
|
$100
|
$100
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Maximum initial sales charge
|
5.50% of
the public
offering
price
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge (CDSC) (as a percentage of the lower of the original purchase price or the net asset value at redemption)
|
1.00% on sales of $1 million or more made within 12 months of purchase
|
1.00% on sales
made within
12 months
of purchase
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Annual distribution and
service (12b-1) fees
(shown as a percentage
of average daily net
assets)
|
0.30%
|
1.00%
|
0.75%
(0.50%
currently)
|
None
|
None
|
Notes to Share Class Comparison Table:
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
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25
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° The minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements do not apply to employee savings plan accounts, payroll deduction plan accounts, or when exchanging all shares of an account to an existing account with the same registration. The minimum initial and subsequent investment for AIP accounts is $50 monthly (if your shares are held through a broker or other financial intermediary, the broker or intermediary is responsible for determining the minimum initial and subsequent investment for AIP accounts). In addition, the minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements do not apply with respect to Class A and C shares when offered at NAV on fee-based programs, mutual fund “wrap” or asset allocation programs, mutual fund “supermarket” programs, and group retirement plans.
° If the value of your Class A, Class C or Class Z account with PMFS is less than $10,000, the Fund will deduct a $15 annual account maintenance fee from your account. The $15 annual account maintenance fee will be assessed during the 4th calendar quarter of each year. Any applicable CDSC on the shares redeemed to pay the $15 account maintenance fee will be waived. The $15 account maintenance fee will not be charged on: (i) accounts during the first six months from inception of the account, (ii) accounts which are authorized for electronic delivery of account statements, transaction confirmations, prospectuses and fund shareholder reports, (iii) omnibus accounts or accounts for which a broker or other financial intermediary is responsible for recordkeeping, (iv) institutional accounts, (v) group retirement plans, (vi) AIP accounts or employee savings plan accounts, (vii) accounts with the same registration associated with multiple share classes in the Fund, provided that the aggregate value of share classes with the same registration within the Fund is $10,000 or more, or (viii) clients with assets of $50,000 or more across the PGIM Funds family of mutual funds. For more information, see “Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Fund Shares—Account Maintenance Fee” in the SAI.
° For more information about the CDSC and how it is calculated, see “How to Sell Your Shares—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 1.00% CDSC, although they are not subject to an initial sales charge. The CDSC is waived for purchases by certain retirement and/or benefit plans
° Distribution and service (12b-1) fees are paid from the Fund's assets on a continuous basis. Over time, the fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. The service fee for Class A, Class C and Class R shares is 0.25%. The distribution fee is limited to 0.30% (including the 0.25% service fee) for Class A shares, 0.75% (in addition to the service fee for Class C shares), and 0.50% for Class R shares (in addition to the service fee).
° The Distributor of the Fund has contractually agreed through March 31, 2022 to limit its distribution and service (12b-1) fees to 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Class R shares.
* The Fund’s Class A, Class C and Class Z shares are generally closed to investments by new group retirement plans. The Fund’s Class R shares are generally closed to new investors. Please see “Closure of Certain Share Classes to New Group Retirement Plans” in this section of the Prospectus for more information.
Closure of Certain Share Classes to New Group Retirement Plans
Effective June 1, 2018 (the “Effective Date”), the Fund’s Class A, Class C, Class R and Class Z shares, as applicable, were closed to investments by new group retirement plans, except as discussed below. Existing group retirement plans as of the Effective Date may keep their investments in their current share class and may continue to make additional purchases or exchanges in the Fund. As of the Effective Date, all new group retirement plans wishing to add the Fund as a new addition to the plan generally will be into one of the available Class R6 shares, Class R4 shares, or Class R2 shares of the Fund, as applicable. A short-term investment in a PGIM affiliated money market fund shall not be deemed a new group retirement plan investment for purposes of this policy.
In addition, on the Effective Date, the Class R shares of any fund were closed to all new investors, except as discussed below. Due to the closing of the Class R shares to new investors, effective on the Effective Date new IRA investors may only purchase Class A, Class C, Class Z or Class R6 shares of the Fund, as applicable, subject to share class eligibility. Following the Effective Date, no Class R shares may be purchased or acquired by any new Class R shareholder, except as discussed below.
|
Class A
|
Class C
|
Class Z
|
Class R
|
Existing Investors
(Group Retirement Plans,
IRAs, and all other investors)
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
New Group Retirement Plans
|
Closed to group retirement plans wishing to add the share classes as new additions to plan menus on June 1, 2018, subject to certain exceptions below
|
New IRAs
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
Closed to all new investors on June 1, 2018, subject to certain exceptions below
|
All Other New Investors
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
However, the following new investors may continue to purchase Class A, Class C, Class R and Class Z shares of the Fund, as applicable:
■
|
Eligible group retirement plans that are exercising their one-time 90-day repurchase privilege in the Fund will be permitted to purchase such share classes.
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■
|
Plan participants in a group retirement plan that offers Class A, Class C, Class R or Class Z shares of the Fund, as applicable, as of the Effective Date will be permitted to purchase such share classes of the Fund, even if the plan participant did not own shares of that class of the Fund as of the Effective Date.
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■
|
Certain new group retirement plans will be permitted to offer such share classes of the Fund after the Effective Date, provided that the plan or its financial intermediary or other agent
has or is actively negotiating a contractual agreement with the Fund’s distributor or service provider to offer such share classes of the Fund prior to or on the Effective Date.
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26
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PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
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New group retirement plans that combine with, replace or are otherwise affiliated with a current plan that invests in such share classes prior to or on the Effective Date will be permitted to purchase such share classes.
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■
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The Fund also reserves the right to refuse any purchase order that might disrupt management of the Fund or to otherwise modify the closure policy at any time on a case-by-case basis.
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■
|
Shareholders owning Class C shares may continue to hold their Class C shares until the shares automatically convert to Class A shares under the conversion schedule, or until the shareholder redeems their Class C shares.
|
Reducing or Waiving Class A's and Class C’s Sales Charges
The following describes the different ways investors can reduce or avoid paying Class A's sales charge.
Increase the Amount of Your Investment.
You can reduce Class A's sales charge by increasing the amount of your investment. This table shows 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%
|
$25,000 to $49,999
|
5.00%
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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 $999,999
|
2.00%
|
2.04%
|
1.75%
|
$1 million to $4,999,999**
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None
|
None
|
1.00%
|
$5 million to $9,999,999**
|
None
|
None
|
0.50%
|
$10 million and over**
|
None
|
None
|
0.25%
|
* Due to rounding in the calculation of the offering price and the number of shares purchased, the actual sales charge you pay may be more or less than the percentages shown above.
** If you invest $1 million or more, you can buy only Class A shares, unless you qualify to buy other share classes. If you purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares and sell these shares within 12 months of purchase, you will be subject to a 1.00% CDSC, although you will not be subject to an initial sales charge. The CDSC is waived for purchases by certain retirement and/or benefit plans.
*** The Dealer Reallowance is the amount that is paid by the Fund’s distributor to the financial intermediary responsible for the sale of the Fund’s shares. For more information, please see “How Financial Intermediaries are Compensated for Selling Fund Shares” in this section of the Prospectus.
To satisfy the purchase amounts above, you can:
■
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Use your
Rights of Accumulation,
which allow you or an eligible group of related investors to combine the value of a new purchase of Class A shares of any PGIM Fund with (1) the current value of Class A and Class C, and any other PGIM Fund share class (when used in retail brokerage or advisory programs) you or the eligible group of related investors already own, (2) the value of money market shares (other than Direct Purchase money market shares) you or an eligible group of related investors have received for shares of other PGIM Funds in an exchange transaction, and (3) the value of the shares you or an eligible group of related investors are purchasing; or
|
■
|
Sign a
,
stating in writing that you or an eligible group of related investors will purchase a certain amount of shares in the Fund and other PGIM Funds within 13 months.
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■
|
Purchases made prior to the effective date of the Letter of Intent will be applied toward the satisfaction of the Letter of Intent to determine the level of sales charge that will be paid pursuant to the Letter of Intent, but will not result in any reduction in the amount of any previously paid sales charge.
|
An “eligible group of related investors” includes any combination of the following:
■
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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(s) (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 beneficiaries;
|
■
|
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); and
|
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
|
27
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■
|
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 in this Prospectus 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 for the 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 shares and any other share class for which a sales charge is paid, the value of existing shares is determined by the maximum offering price (NAV plus maximum sales charge); and
|
■
|
for all other share classes, the value of existing shares is determined by the NAV.
|
If your shares are held directly by the Transfer Agent, and you believe you qualify for a reduction or waiver of Class A’s or Class C's sales charges, 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 or Class C's sales charges, 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 or Class C's sales charges. 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 or Class C's sales charges, 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 financial intermediary, the financial 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 or Class C's sales charges. Your financial intermediary is also responsible for notifying the Transfer Agent if your share purchase qualifies for a reduction or waiver of Class A’s or Class C's sales charges.
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.
Mutual Fund Programs.
The initial sales charge on Class A shares will be waived for participants in any fee-based program or trust program sponsored by Prudential or an affiliate that includes the Fund as an available option. The initial sales charge will also be waived for clients of financial intermediaries in programs that are sponsored by or available through financial intermediaries that offer Class A shares without an initial sales charge, 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.
|
28
|
PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
|
Financial intermediaries 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.
Group Retirement Plans
. Class A’s and Class C’s sales charges will be waived for group retirement plans (including defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans and deferred compensation plans) available through a retirement plan recordkeeper or third party administrator. If Prudential Retirement Services is the recordkeeper for your group retirement plan, you may call Prudential at (800) 353-2847 with any questions. Otherwise, investors in group retirement plans should contact their financial intermediary with any questions regarding availability of Class A and Class C shares at net asset value.
Other Types of Investors.
Certain other types of investors may purchase Class A shares without paying the initial sales charge, including:
■
|
Certain directors or trustees, officers, current employees (including their spouses, children and parents) and former employees (including their spouses, children and parents) of Prudential and its affiliates, the PGIM Funds, and the subadvisers of the PGIM Funds; former employees must have an existing investment in the Fund;
|
■
|
Persons who have retired directly from active service with Prudential or one of its subsidiaries;
|
■
|
Registered representatives and employees of broker-dealers (including their spouses, children and parents) that offer Class A shares;
|
■
|
Investors in IRAs, provided that: (a) the purchase is made either from a directed rollover to such IRA 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, and
(b) the IRA is established through Prudential Retirement as part of its “Rollover IRA” program (regardless of whether or not the purchase consists of proceeds of a tax-free rollover of assets from a Benefit Plan described above); and
|
■
|
Clients of financial intermediaries, who (i) offer Class A shares through a no-load network or platform, (ii) charge clients an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services, or (iii) offer self-directed brokerage accounts or other similar types of accounts that may or may not charge transaction fees to customers.
|
To qualify for a waiver of the Class A or Class C sales charges at the time of purchase (including exchange of share classes within the Fund), you must notify the Transfer Agent, or the Distributor must be notified by the financial intermediary facilitating the purchase, that the transaction qualifies for a waiver of the Class A or Class C sales charges. The waiver will be granted subject to confirmation of your account holdings.
Additional Information About Reducing or Waiving Class A’s and Class C's Sales Charges.
The Fund also makes available free of charge, on the Fund's website, in a clear and prominent format, information relating to the Fund's Class A and Class C sales charges, 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 financial intermediary through which you hold Fund shares with the information necessary to take full advantage of reduced or waived Class A or Class C sales charges.
The Distributor may reallow the Class A sales charge to dealers.
Class C Shares Automatically Convert to Class A Shares
Class C shares will be eligible for automatic conversion into Class A shares on a monthly basis approximately eight years after the original date of purchase. Conversion will take place based on the relative NAV of the two classes, without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. All such automatic conversions of Class C shares will constitute tax-free exchanges for federal income tax purposes.
For shareholders investing in Class C shares through retirement plans or omnibus accounts, and in certain other instances, the Fund and its agents may not have transparency into how long a shareholder has held Class C shares for purposes of determining whether such Class C shares are eligible for automatic conversion to Class A shares, and the
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
|
29
|
relevant financial intermediary may not have the ability to track purchases in order to credit individual shareholders’ holding periods. In these circumstances, the Fund will not be able to automatically convert Class C shares to Class A shares as described above. In order to determine eligibility for conversion in these circumstances, it is the responsibility of the financial intermediary to notify the Fund that the shareholder is eligible for the conversion of Class C shares to Class A shares, and the financial intermediary may be required to maintain and provide the Fund with records that substantiate the holding period of Class C shares. It is the financial intermediary’s (and not the Fund’s) responsibility to keep records of transactions made in accounts it holds and to ensure that the shareholder is credited with the proper holding period based on such records or those provided to the financial intermediary by the shareholder. Please consult with your financial intermediary for the applicability of this conversion feature to your shares.
A financial intermediary may sponsor and/or control accounts, programs or platforms that impose a different conversion schedule or different eligibility requirements for the exchange of Class C shares for Class A shares (see
Appendix A: Waivers and Discounts Available From Certain Financial Intermediaries
of the Prospectus). Please consult with your financial intermediary if you have any questions regarding your shares’ conversion from Class C shares to Class A shares.
Qualifying for Class R Shares
Group Retirement Plans.
Class R shares are offered for sale to (i) certain group retirement plans (including defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans and deferred compensation plans) available through a retirement plan recordkeeper or third party administrator, and (ii) IRAs that are held on the books of the Fund through omnibus level accounts, including The SmartSolution IRA offered by Prudential Retirement. If Prudential Retirement Services is the recordkeeper for your group retirement plan, you may call Prudential at (800) 353-2847 with any questions. Investors in SmartSolution IRA accounts through Prudential’s Personal Retirement Services unit can call (888) 244-6237 with any questions regarding how to purchase shares. Otherwise, investors in group retirement plans should contact their financial intermediary with any questions regarding availability of Class R shares.
Qualifying for Class Z Shares
Institutional Investors.
Various institutional investors may purchase Class Z shares, including corporations, banks, governmental entities, municipalities, hospitals, insurance companies and IRS Section 501 entities, such as foundations and endowments. Institutional investors are responsible for indicating their eligibility to purchase Class Z shares at the time of purchase. Certain financial intermediaries may require that investments by their institutional investor clients in Class Z shares be placed directly with the Fund's Transfer Agent. Please contact the Transfer Agent at (800) 225-1852 for further details.
Mutual Fund Programs.
Class Z shares 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 financial intermediaries who offer Class Z shares of the Fund, or whose programs are available through financial intermediaries that offer Class Z shares of the Fund, for:
■
|
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;
|
■
|
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; or
|
■
|
Fee- or commission-based retail brokerage programs of certain financial intermediaries that offer Class Z shares through such programs and that have agreements with PIMS to offer such shares when acting solely on an agency basis for their customers for the purchase or sale of such shares. If you transact in Class Z shares of the Fund through one of these programs, you may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker or financial intermediary for effecting such transaction. Because the Fund is not a party to any commission arrangement between you and your broker, any transactions in Class Z shares will be made by the Fund at net asset value (before imposition of the commission). Any such fee is paid by you, not by the Fund, and the imposition of any such fee or commission by your broker or financial intermediary does not impact the net asset value for such Fund shares. Shares of the Fund are available in other share classes that have different fees and expenses.
|
30
|
PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
|
Financial intermediaries 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 a share class offered by the program before selecting a share class.
Group Retirement Plans
. Group retirement plans (including defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans and deferred compensation plans) available through a retirement plan recordkeeper or third party administrator may purchase Class Z shares. If Prudential Retirement Services is the recordkeeper for your group retirement plan, you may call Prudential at (800) 353-2847 with any questions. Otherwise, investors in group retirement plans should contact their financial intermediary with any questions regarding availability of Class Z shares.
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 PGIM Funds are an available option;
|
■
|
Current and former Directors/Trustees of mutual funds, closed-end funds and ETFs managed by PGIM Investments or any other affiliate of Prudential;
|
■
|
Current and former employees (including their spouses, children and parents) of Prudential and its affiliates; former employees must have an existing investment in the Fund;
|
■
|
Prudential (including any program or account sponsored by Prudential or an affiliate that includes the Fund as an available option);
|
■
|
PGIM Funds, including PGIM funds-of-funds;
|
■
|
Qualified state tuition programs (529 plans); and
|
■
|
Investors working with fee-based consultants for investment selection and allocations.
|
Qualifying for Class R6 Shares
Group Retirement Plans
. Group retirement plans (including defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans and deferred compensation plans) available through a retirement plan recordkeeper or third party administrator may purchase Class R6 shares. If Prudential Retirement Services is the recordkeeper for your group retirement plan, you may call Prudential at (800) 353-2847 with any questions. Otherwise, investors in group retirement plans should contact their financial intermediary with any questions regarding availability of Class R6 shares.
Institutional Investors.
Various institutional investors may purchase Class R6 shares, including, but not limited to, corporations, governmental entities, municipalities, hospitals, insurance companies and IRS Section 501 entities, such as foundations and endowments and other institutional investors. Institutional investors are responsible for indicating their eligibility to purchase Class R6 shares at the time of purchase.
Other Types of Investors.
Class R6 shares may also be purchased by Prudential, certain programs or accounts sponsored by Prudential, and PGIM Funds, including PGIM funds-of-funds.
Class R6 shares may only be purchased from financial intermediaries who offer such shares.
Class R6 shares are offered to eligible investors as described in this Prospectus. Neither the Fund nor its affiliates are required to make or pay fees associated with or similar to sub-accounting, networking, revenue sharing, or certain administrative fees with respect to Class R6 shares.
How Financial Intermediaries are Compensated for Selling Fund Shares
The PGIM Funds are distributed by Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (the “Distributor”), a broker-dealer that is licensed to sell securities. The Distributor generally does not sell shares of the PGIM Funds directly to the public, but instead markets and sells the PGIM Funds through other broker-dealers, 401(k) providers, retirement plan administrators, and other financial intermediaries. Each PGIM Fund is managed by the Manager.
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31
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Only persons licensed with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), as a registered representative (often referred to as a broker or financial adviser) and associated with a specific financial services firm may sell shares of a mutual fund to you, or to a retirement plan in which you participate.
Rule 12b-1 Fees & Sales Charges.
The Distributor has agreements in place with financial intermediaries defining how much each firm will be paid for the sale of a particular mutual fund from front-end sales charges, if any, paid by Fund shareholders and from fees paid to the Distributor by the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (Rule 12b-1). These financial intermediaries then pay their registered representatives who sold you the Fund some or all of what they received from the Distributor. The registered representatives may receive a payment when the sale is made and can, in some cases, continue to receive ongoing payments while you are invested in the Fund. The Distributor may change at any time, without prior notice, the amount of Rule 12b-1 fees that it pays (when the sale is made and/or any ongoing payments) to financial intermediaries and registered representatives so that the Distributor may retain all or a portion of such fees.
“Revenue Sharing” Payments.
In addition to the compensation received by financial intermediaries as described above, the Manager or certain of its affiliates (but not the Distributor) may make additional payments (which are often referred to as “revenue sharing” payments) to the financial intermediaries from the Manager's or certain affiliates' own resources, including from the profits derived from management fees or other fees received from the Fund, without additional direct or indirect cost to the Fund or its shareholders, provided that no such additional payments to financial intermediaries are made with respect to the Fund’s Class R6 shares. Revenue sharing payments are in addition to the front-end sales charges paid by Fund shareholders or fees paid pursuant to plans adopted in accordance with Rule 12b-1. The Manager or certain of its affiliates may revise the terms of any existing revenue sharing arrangement, and may enter into additional revenue sharing arrangements with other financial intermediaries in the future.
Revenue sharing arrangements are intended to foster the sale of Fund shares and/or to compensate financial intermediaries for assisting in marketing or promotional activities in connection with the sale of Fund shares. In exchange for revenue sharing payments, the Fund generally expects to receive the opportunity for the Fund to be sold through the financial intermediaries' sales force or access to third-party platforms or other marketing programs, including but not limited to mutual fund “supermarket” platforms or other sales programs. To the extent that financial intermediaries receiving revenue sharing payments sell more shares of the Fund, the Manager and Distributor benefit from the increase in Fund assets as a result of the management and distribution fees they receive from the Fund, respectively. Increased sales of Fund shares also may benefit shareholders, since an increase in Fund assets may allow the Fund to expand its investment opportunities, and increased Fund assets may result in reduced Fund operating expenses.
From time to time the Manager or an affiliate of the Fund (and not the Fund itself) may pay certain administrative fees in order to make the Fund available to shareholders. Such fees are not included in, and are paid separate and apart from, any revenue sharing payments.
Revenue sharing payments, as well as the other types of payments described above, may provide an incentive for financial intermediaries 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.
If your Fund shares are purchased through a retirement plan, the Manager or certain of its affiliates (but not the Distributor) may also make revenue sharing payments to the plan's recordkeeper or an affiliate, which generally is not a registered broker-dealer.
It is likely that financial intermediaries that execute portfolio transactions for the Fund will include those firms with which the Manager and/or certain of its affiliates have entered into revenue sharing arrangements. Neither the Manager nor any subadviser may consider sales of Fund shares as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Manager and certain of its affiliates will not use Fund brokerage as any part of revenue sharing payments to financial intermediaries.
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Revenue sharing payments are
usually calculated based on a percentage of Fund sales and/or Fund assets attributable to a particular financial services firm. Payments may also be based on other criteria or factors, for example, a fee per each
transaction. 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 Manager and/or certain of its affiliates make such payments to financial intermediaries in amounts that generally range from 0.02% up to 0.20% of Fund
assets serviced and maintained by the financial intermediaries or from 0.10% to 0.25% of sales of Fund shares attributable to the firm. In addition, the Manager and/or certain of its affiliates may pay flat fees on a
one-time or irregular basis for the initial set-up of the Fund on a financial services intermediary’s systems, participation or attendance at a financial services firm's meeting, or for other reasons. These
amounts are subject to change. In addition, the costs associated with visiting the financial intermediaries to make presentations, and/or train and educate the personnel of the financial intermediaries, may be paid by
the Manager and/or certain of its affiliates, subject to applicable FINRA regulations.
Please contact the registered
representative (or his or her firm) who sold shares of the Fund to you for details about any payments the financial intermediary may receive from the Manager and/or certain of its affiliates. You should review your
financial intermediary’s disclosure and/or talk to your financial intermediary to obtain more information on how this compensation may have influenced your financial intermediary’s recommendation of the
Fund. Additional information regarding these revenue sharing payments is included in the SAI which is available to you at no additional charge.
Other Payments Received by Financial
Intermediaries
Administrative, Sub-Accounting and
Networking Fees.
In addition to, rather than in lieu of, the fees that the Fund may pay to financial intermediaries as described above, and the fees the Fund pays to the Transfer Agent, the Transfer Agent
or its affiliates may enter into additional agreements on behalf of the Fund with financial intermediaries pursuant to which the Fund will pay financial intermediaries for certain administrative, sub-accounting and
networking services, provided that no such additional payments to financial intermediaries are made with respect to the Fund’s Class R6 shares. These services include maintenance of shareholder
accounts by the firms, such as recordkeeping and other activities that otherwise would be performed by the Transfer Agent. Sub-accounting services encompass activities that reduce the burden of recordkeeping to the
Fund. Administrative fees are paid to a firm that undertakes, for example, shareholder communications on behalf of the Fund. Networking services are services undertaken to support the electronic transmission of
shareholder purchase and redemption orders through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”).
These payments, as discussed
above, are paid out of Fund assets and generally based on either (1) a percentage of the average daily net assets of Fund shareholders serviced by a financial intermediary or (2) a fixed dollar amount for each account
serviced by a financial services firm. From time to time, the Manager or certain of its affiliates (but not the Distributor) also may pay a portion of the fees for the services to the financial intermediaries at their
own expense and out of their own resources.
In addition, the Fund reimburses
the Distributor for NSCC fees that are invoiced to the Distributor as the party to the Agreement with NSCC for the administrative services provided by NSCC to the Fund and its shareholders. These administrative
services provided by NSCC to the Fund and its shareholders include transaction processing and settlement through Fund/SERV, electronic networking services to support the transmission of shareholder purchase and
redemption orders to and from financial intermediaries, and related recordkeeping provided by NSCC to the Fund and its shareholders. These payments are generally based on a transaction fee rate for certain
administrative services plus a fee for other administrative services.
In accordance with federal law, the
Fund has adopted policies designed to deter money laundering. Under the policies, the Fund will not knowingly engage in financial transactions that involve proceeds from unlawful activity or support terrorist
activities, and shall file government reports, including those concerning suspicious activities, as required by applicable law. The Fund will seek to confirm the identity of potential shareholders to include both
individuals and
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entities through
documentary and non-documentary methods. Non-documentary methods may include verification of name, address, date of birth and tax identification number with selected credit bureaus. The Fund's Anti-Money Laundering
Compliance Officer oversees the Fund's anti-money laundering policies.
Understanding the Price You'll
Pay
The price you pay for each share of
the Fund is based on the share value. The share value of a mutual fund—known as the
or
—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).
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 NAV will be determined
every day on which the Fund is open as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). The Fund's portfolio securities are valued based upon
market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available, at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by the Board. These procedures include pricing methodologies for determining
the fair value of certain types of securities and other assets held by the Fund that do not have quoted market prices, and authorize the use of other pricing sources, such as bid prices supplied by a principal market
maker and evaluated prices supplied by pricing vendors that employ analytic methodologies that take into account the prices of similar securities and other market factors.
If the Fund
determines that a market quotation for a security is not reliable based on, among other things, events or market conditions that occur with respect to one or more securities held by the Fund or the market as a whole,
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, the Fund may use “fair value pricing,”
which is implemented by a valuation committee (“Valuation Committee”) consisting of representatives of the Manager or by the Board. The subadviser often provides relevant information for the Valuation
Committee meeting. In addition, the Fund may use fair value pricing determined by the Valuation Committee or Board if the pricing source does not provide an evaluated price for a security or provides an evaluated
price that, in the judgment of the Manager (which may be based upon a recommendation from the subadviser), does not represent fair value. Equity securities that are traded on foreign exchanges are valued using pricing
vendor services that provide fair value model prices. The models generate an evaluated adjustment factor for each security, which is applied to the local closing price to adjust it for post-closing market movements.
Utilizing that evaluated adjustment factor, the vendor provides an evaluated price for each security. Non-US securities markets are open for trading on weekends and other days when the Fund does not price shares.
Therefore, the value of the Fund’s shares may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund’s shares.
Investments in open-end
non-exchange-traded mutual funds will be valued at their NAV as determined as of the close of the NYSE on the date of valuation, which will reflect the mutual fund’s fair valuation procedures.
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. The prospectuses of any other mutual funds in which
the Fund invests will explain each fund’s procedures and policies with respect to the use of fair value pricing.
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Fair value pricing procedures are
designed to result in prices for the Fund's securities and its NAV 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.
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. Eastern Time, or later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, your order to purchase must be received by 4:00 p.m.
Eastern Time in order to receive that day's NAV. In the event that regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. Eastern 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. The Fund will not treat an intraday unscheduled disruption in NYSE trading as a closure of the NYSE and will price its shares as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, if the particular
disruption directly affects only the NYSE. We deem an order received when it is received by the Transfer Agent at its processing center. If you submit your order through a broker or other financial intermediary, it
may be deemed received when received by the broker or financial intermediary.
Each business day, the Fund's
current NAV per share is made available at www.pgim.com/investments (click on “Performance & Yields,” and then click on “Prices”).
Additional Shareholder Services
As a Fund shareholder, you can take
advantage of the following services and privileges:
Automatic Reinvestment.
As we explained in the “Fund Distributions and Tax Issues” section, the Fund pays out—or distributes—its net investment income and net 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. For accounts held at the Transfer Agent
(PMFS), distributions of $10.00 or less on non-retirement accounts will not be paid out in cash, but will be automatically reinvested into your account.
Prudential Mutual Fund Services
LLC
P.O. Box 9658
Providence, RI 02940
Automatic Investment Plan
(AIP).
You can make regular purchases of the Fund by having a fixed amount of money automatically withdrawn from your bank or brokerage account at specified intervals. The minimum for subsequent
investments through newly-established AIP accounts must be at least $50 monthly.
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. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan is not available to
participants in certain retirement plans. Please contact PMFS at (800) 225-1852 for more details.
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Reports to
Shareholders.
Every year we will send you an updated summary
prospectus.
We will also send or
make available to you pursuant to Rule 30e-3 under the 1940 Act, an annual report and a semi-annual report, which contain important financial information about the Fund. To reduce Fund
expenses, we may send or make available one annual shareholder report, one semi-annual shareholder report and one summary prospectus per household, unless you instruct us or your financial intermediary otherwise. If
each Fund shareholder in your household would like to receive a copy of the Fund's summary prospectus and shareholder reports, 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.
Important Note: Effective January 1, 2021 you will no longer receive mailed copies of the annual and semi-annual reports, unless you elect to continue to receive these mailings. See
the front cover of this Prospectus for more information
.
You can sell your Fund shares for
cash 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 or your financial intermediary receives your order to sell (less any
applicable CDSC).
Shares Held by Financial
Intermediaries.
If your financial intermediary holds your shares, your financial intermediary must receive your order to sell no later than the time regular trading on the NYSE
closes—which is usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time—to process the sale on that day. In the event that regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. Eastern 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.
Shares Held by the Transfer
Agent.
If the Transfer Agent holds your shares, PMFS must receive your order to sell no later than the time regular trading on the NYSE closes—which is usually 4:00 p.m.
Eastern Time—to process the sale on that day. In the event that regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. Eastern 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. You may contact the Transfer Agent at:
Prudential Mutual Fund Services
LLC
P.O. Box 9658
Providence, RI 02940
Payment for Shares You Have Sold
Shares Held by Financial
Intermediaries.
Typically, if your order to sell shares is received in good order, payment will be credited to your account within 1 to 3 business days after the order is received, but
in any event within seven days. Your broker may charge you a separate or additional fee for sales of shares.
Shares Held by the Transfer Agent.
Typically, if your order to sell shares is received in good order, we will send payment on the next business day, but in any event within seven days, regardless of the
method of payment (e.g., payment by check, wire or electronic transfer (ACH)).
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 seven days from the purchase date.
As a result of restrictions on
withdrawals and transfers imposed by Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, we may consider a redemption request to not be in good order until we obtain information from your employer that is
reasonably necessary to ensure that the payment is in compliance with such restrictions, if applicable. In such an event, the redemption request will not be in good order and we will not process it until we obtain
information from your employer.
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In addition, 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 SEC, the former may happen only during unusual market conditions or emergencies
when the Fund is unable to 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 Medallion signature guaranteed if:
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You are selling more than $100,000 of shares;
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You want the redemption proceeds made payable to someone that is not in the Transfer Agent’s records;
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You want the redemption proceeds sent to an address that is not in the Transfer Agent’s records;
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You are a business or a trust; or
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You are redeeming due to the death of the shareholder or on behalf of the shareholder.
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The Medallion signature guarantee
may be obtained from an authorized officer from a bank, broker, dealer, securities exchange or association, clearing agency, savings association, or credit union that is participating in one of the recognized
Medallion guarantee programs (STAMP, SEMP, or NYSE MSP), but not from a notary public. The Medallion signature guarantee must be appropriate for the dollar amount of the transaction. The Transfer Agent reserves the
right to reject sale transactions where the value of the transaction exceeds the value of the surety coverage indicated on the Medallion imprint. The Fund may change the signature guarantee requirements from time to
time without prior notice to shareholders. For more information, see the SAI.
How the Fund Pays for Shares You
Have Sold
Under normal market conditions, the
Fund expects to pay for shares that you have sold primarily by using cash or cash equivalents in its portfolio or selling portfolio assets to generate cash. Supplementally, the Fund may also raise cash to pay for sold
shares by short-term borrowing in the form of overdrafts permitted by the Fund’s custodian bank and/or by short-term borrowing from a group of banks through an unsecured credit facility, which is intended to
provide the Fund with a temporary additional source of liquidity. In certain circumstances the Fund reserves the right to pay for sold shares by giving you securities from the Fund’s portfolio. If you receive
securities, you would incur transaction costs in converting the securities to cash, and you may receive less for the securities than the price at which they were valued for redemption purposes.
During stressed market conditions,
it may be impractical or impossible to raise sufficient cash to pay for sold shares through the primary methods described above. In these circumstances, the Fund would be more likely to rely more heavily on the credit
facility as a source of liquidity, as described above.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
(CDSC)
If you sell Class
C shares within 12 months of purchase, you will have to pay a CDSC of 1.00%. 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 1.00% CDSC for shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase. The CDSC is waived for purchases by certain retirement and/or benefit plans. To keep the CDSC as low as possible, we will sell amounts representing
shares in the following order:
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Amounts representing shares you purchased with reinvested dividends and distributions,
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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) and 12 months for Class C shares, and
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Amounts representing the cost of shares held beyond the CDSC period (12 months for Class A shares (in certain cases) and 12 months for Class C shares).
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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.
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The CDSC is calculated based on
the lesser of the original purchase price or the net asset value at redemption. The rate decreases on the anniversary date of your purchase.
The holding
period for purposes of determining the applicable CDSC will be calculated from the anniversary date of the purchase, excluding any time Class C shares were held in a money market fund.
Waiver of the CDSC—Class A
Shares and Class C Shares
The CDSC will be waived if the
Class A shares and Class C shares are sold:
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After a shareholder is deceased or permanently disabled (or, in the case of a trust account, after the death or permanent 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 permanent disability;
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To provide for certain distributions—made without IRS penalty—from a qualified or tax-deferred retirement plan, benefit plan, IRA or Section 403(b) custodial account; and
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To withdraw excess contributions from a qualified or tax-deferred retirement plan, IRA or Section 403(b) custodial account.
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For more information, see the
SAI.
Involuntary Redemption of Small
Accounts Held by the Transfer Agent
If the value of your account with
PMFS is less than $500 for any reason, we may sell your shares (without charging any CDSC) and close your account. We would do this to minimize the Fund's expenses paid by other shareholders. The involuntary sale
provisions do not apply to Automatic Investment Plan (AIP) accounts, employee savings plan accounts, payroll deduction plan accounts, retirement accounts (such as a 401(k) plan, an IRA or other qualified or
tax-deferred plan or account), omnibus accounts, and accounts for which a broker or other financial intermediary is responsible for recordkeeping. Prior thereto, if you make a sale that reduces your account value to
less than the threshold, we may sell the rest of your shares (without charging any CDSC) and close your account; this involuntary sale does not apply to shareholders who own their shares as part of a retirement
account. For more information, see “Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Fund Shares—Involuntary Redemption” in the SAI.
Account Maintenance Fee for Accounts
Held by the Transfer Agent
If the value of
your Class A, Class C or Class Z account with PMFS is less than $10,000, with certain exclusions, a $15 annual account maintenance fee will be deducted from your account during the 4th calendar quarter of each
year. Any applicable CDSC on the shares redeemed to pay the account maintenance fee will be waived. For more information, see “Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Fund Shares—Account Maintenance Fee”
in the SAI.
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. In order to take advantage of this privilege,
you must notify the Transfer Agent or your broker at the time of the repurchase. This privilege can only be used once in a 12-month period. For more information, see the SAI.
The terms of this privilege may
vary by financial intermediary. For more information, see “Appendix A: Waivers and Discounts Available From Certain Financial Intermediaries.”
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.
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HOW TO EXCHANGE YOUR SHARES
You can generally
exchange your shares of the Fund for shares of the same class in certain other PGIM Funds—including PGIM Government Money Market Fund—if you satisfy the minimum investment requirements. For example, you
can exchange Class A shares of the Fund for Class A shares of other funds in the PGIM Funds mutual fund family, but you can’t exchange Class A shares for a different share class of another PGIM Fund.
In addition, Class R6 shares may
not be exchanged for Class R6 shares of the Prudential Day One Funds or the PGIM 60/40 Allocation Fund.
After an exchange, at redemption,
any CDSC will be calculated from the date of the initial purchase, excluding any time that Class C shares were held in PGIM Government Money Market Fund. We may change the terms of any exchange privilege after giving
you 60 days' notice.
There is no sales charge for
exchanges. However, if you exchange—and then sell—shares within the applicable CDSC period, you must still pay the applicable CDSC. At the time of exchange, CDSC liable shares and free shares move
proportionally according to the percentage of total shares you are exchanging. If you have exchanged Class C shares into PGIM Government Money Market Fund, the time you hold the Class C shares in the money market fund
will not be counted in calculating the required holding period for CDSC liability.
For investors in certain programs
sponsored by financial intermediaries that offer shares of the Fund, or whose programs are available through financial intermediaries that offer shares of the Fund for mutual fund “wrap” or asset
allocation programs or mutual fund “supermarket” programs, an exchange may be made from Class A to Class Z shares of the Fund in certain limited circumstances. Contact your program sponsor or financial
intermediary with any questions.
Exchanging Shares Held by a
Financial Intermediary.
If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, you must exchange shares through your financial intermediary.
Exchanging Shares Held by the
Transfer Agent.
If you hold shares through the Transfer Agent, contact your financial advisor or PMFS at (800) 225-1852 or write to PMFS at:
Prudential Mutual Fund Services
LLC
P.O. Box 9658
Providence, RI 02940
If you participate in any
fee-based program where the Fund is an available investment option, you may arrange with the Transfer Agent or your recordkeeper to exchange your Class A shares, if any, for Class Z shares when you elect to
participate in the fee-based program. When you no longer participate in the program, you may arrange with the Transfer Agent or your recordkeeper to exchange all of your Class Z shares, including shares purchased
while you were in the program, for Class A shares.
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
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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 non-US 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 non-US 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 Fund does not knowingly
accommodate or permit frequent trading, and the Board 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. If this occurs, the shareholder’s account will be subject to a 60-day warning period. If a second round-trip occurs
before the conclusion of the 60-day warning period, a trading suspension will be placed on the account by the Fund’s Transfer Agent that will remain in effect for 90 days. The trading suspension will relate to
purchases and exchange purchases (but not redemptions) in the Fund in which the frequent trading occurred. Exceptions to the trading policy will not normally be granted.
Transactions in
the PGIM money market funds, exchange-traded funds and PGIM Short-Term Corporate Bond Fund are excluded from this trading policy. In addition, transactions by affiliated PGIM Funds or certain unaffiliated funds, which
are structured as “funds-of-funds,” and invest primarily in other mutual funds within the PGIM Fund family, are not subject to the limitations of the trading policy and are not considered frequent or
short-term trading.
This trading policy does not apply
to systematic purchases and redemptions (e.g., payroll purchases, systematic withdrawals and rebalancing transactions or other similar transactions not initiated by a shareholder or financial professional on the
transaction date). Generally, purchases and redemptions will not be considered “systematic” unless the transaction is pre-established or scheduled for a specific date.
The Fund reserves the right to
reject or cancel, without prior notice, all additional purchases or exchanges into the Fund by a shareholder. 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 daily trading activity above a certain threshold, which may be changed from time to time, over a rolling 90-day period. If a purchase into the Fund is
rejected or canceled, 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, such as through a financial intermediary such as a broker-dealer, a bank, an insurance company separate
account, an investment adviser, or an administrator or trustee of a retirement plan (“Intermediaries”) that holds your shares in an account under its name, 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 has notified
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.
40
|
PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
|
The Transfer Agent also reviews
aggregate omnibus net flows above a certain threshold. In cases where the activity is considered unusual, 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 potential 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 $250,000 or exchange your shares in any amount by calling the Fund at (800) 225-1852 and communicating your instructions in good order to a customer service
representative before 4:00 p.m. Eastern 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. Eastern 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 Transfer Agent prior to 4:00
p.m. Eastern 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. Eastern 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.
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
|
41
|
The financial
highlights will help you evaluate the Fund's financial performance for the past five fiscal years or periods (as applicable) ended November 30, 2020. Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund
class share. The total return in each chart represents the rate that a shareholder would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund, assuming investment at the start of the period and reinvestment of all
dividends and other distributions. The information is for the periods indicated.
These financial highlights for the
fiscal year ended November 30, 2020 were derived from the financial statements audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report on those financial statements was
unqualified. The information for the fiscal years or periods (as applicable) prior to the fiscal year ended November 30, 2020 was audited by KPMG LLP, the Fund's prior independent registered public accounting firm.
A copy of the Fund's annual
report, including the Fund's audited financial statements and report of independent registered public accounting firm, is available upon request, at no charge, as described on the back cover of this Prospectus.
Class A Shares
|
|
Year Ended November 30,
|
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
Per Share Operating Performance
(a)
:
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year
|
$15.72
|
$14.60
|
$15.06
|
$13.18
|
$13.37
|
Income (loss) from investment operations:
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
0.24
|
0.28
|
0.29
|
0.24
|
0.20
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency
transactions
|
0.86
|
2.02
|
(0.12)
|
2.62
|
1.11
|
Total from investment operations
|
1.10
|
2.30
|
0.17
|
2.86
|
1.31
|
Less Dividends and Distributions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
(0.23)
|
(0.29)
|
(0.30)
|
(0.23)
|
(0.27)
|
Distributions from net realized gains
|
(0.62)
|
(0.89)
|
(0.33)
|
(0.75)
|
(1.23)
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
(0.85)
|
(1.18)
|
(0.63)
|
(0.98)
|
(1.50)
|
Net asset value, end of
Year
|
$15.97
|
$15.72
|
$14.60
|
$15.06
|
$13.18
|
|
7.47%
|
17.53%
|
1.42%
|
22.87%
|
11.08%
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of
Year (in millions)
|
$2,878
|
$2,908
|
$2,644
|
$2,912
|
$2,629
|
Average net assets (in millions)
|
$2,815
|
$2,787
|
$2,626
|
$2,791
|
$2,744
|
Ratios to average net assets
(c)
(d)
:
|
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
0.83%
|
0.84%
|
0.83%
|
0.83%
|
0.85%
|
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
0.83%
|
0.84%
|
0.83%
|
0.83%
|
0.85%
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
1.61%
|
1.92%
|
2.10%
|
1.74%
|
1.48%
|
Portfolio turnover rate
(e)
|
28%
|
31%
|
39%
|
24%
|
47%
|
(a)
|
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.
|
(b)
|
Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported
and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.
|
(c)
|
Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.
|
(d)
|
Effective December 1, 2017, class specific expenses include transfer agent fees and expenses and registration fees, which are charged to their respective share class.
|
(e)
|
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and
certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate may be higher.
|
42
|
PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
|
Class C Shares
|
|
Year Ended November 30,
|
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
Per Share Operating Performance
(a)
:
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year
|
$15.63
|
$14.53
|
$14.99
|
$13.12
|
$13.32
|
Income (loss) from investment operations:
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
0.13
|
0.17
|
0.19
|
0.15
|
0.10
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency
transactions
|
0.87
|
2.00
|
(0.12)
|
2.60
|
1.10
|
Total from investment operations
|
1.00
|
2.17
|
0.07
|
2.75
|
1.20
|
Less Dividends and Distributions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
(0.12)
|
(0.18)
|
(0.20)
|
(0.13)
|
(0.17)
|
Distributions from net realized gains
|
(0.62)
|
(0.89)
|
(0.33)
|
(0.75)
|
(1.23)
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
(0.74)
|
(1.07)
|
(0.53)
|
(0.88)
|
(1.40)
|
Net asset value, end of
Year
|
$15.89
|
$15.63
|
$14.53
|
$14.99
|
$13.12
|
|
6.71%
|
16.59%
|
0.67%
|
22.06%
|
10.25%
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of
Year (in millions)
|
$61
|
$68
|
$94
|
$115
|
$120
|
Average net assets (in millions)
|
$63
|
$77
|
$98
|
$118
|
$130
|
Ratios to average net assets
(c)
(d)
:
|
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
1.59%
|
1.59%
|
1.57%
|
1.53%
|
1.55%
|
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
1.59%
|
1.59%
|
1.57%
|
1.53%
|
1.55%
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
0.87%
|
1.15%
|
1.37%
|
1.06%
|
0.78%
|
Portfolio turnover rate
(e)
|
28%
|
31%
|
39%
|
24%
|
47%
|
(a)
|
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.
|
(b)
|
Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported
and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.
|
(c)
|
Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.
|
(d)
|
Effective December 1, 2017, class specific expenses include transfer agent fees and expenses and registration fees, which are charged to their respective share class.
|
(e)
|
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and
certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate may be higher.
|
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
|
43
|
Class R Shares
|
|
Year Ended November 30,
|
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
Per Share Operating Performance
(a)
:
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year
|
$15.70
|
$14.59
|
$15.05
|
$13.17
|
$13.36
|
Income (loss) from investment operations:
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
0.20
|
0.24
|
0.25
|
0.21
|
0.17
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency
transactions
|
0.86
|
2.01
|
(0.12)
|
2.62
|
1.11
|
Total from investment operations
|
1.06
|
2.25
|
0.13
|
2.83
|
1.28
|
Less Dividends and Distributions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
(0.19)
|
(0.25)
|
(0.26)
|
(0.20)
|
(0.24)
|
Distributions from net realized gains
|
(0.62)
|
(0.89)
|
(0.33)
|
(0.75)
|
(1.23)
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
(0.81)
|
(1.14)
|
(0.59)
|
(0.95)
|
(1.47)
|
Net asset value, end of
Year
|
$15.95
|
$15.70
|
$14.59
|
$15.05
|
$13.17
|
|
7.14%
|
17.23%
|
1.15%
|
22.64%
|
10.86%
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of
Year (in millions)
|
$82
|
$89
|
$77
|
$89
|
$70
|
Average net assets (in millions)
|
$84
|
$83
|
$79
|
$81
|
$67
|
Ratios to average net assets
(c)
(d)
:
|
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
1.11%
|
1.11%
|
1.11%
|
1.03%
|
1.05%
|
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
1.36%
|
1.36%
|
1.36%
|
1.28%
|
1.30%
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
1.34%
|
1.64%
|
1.82%
|
1.53%
|
1.28%
|
Portfolio turnover rate
(e)
|
28%
|
31%
|
39%
|
24%
|
47%
|
(a)
|
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.
|
(b)
|
Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions,
if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.
|
(c)
|
Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.
|
(d)
|
Effective December 1, 2017, class specific expenses include transfer agent fees and expenses and registration fees, which are charged to their respective share class.
|
(e)
|
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and
certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate may be higher.
|
44
|
PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
|
Class Z Shares
|
|
Year Ended November 30,
|
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
Per Share Operating Performance
(a)
:
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year
|
$15.74
|
$14.62
|
$15.08
|
$13.19
|
$13.39
|
Income (loss) from investment operations:
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
0.28
|
0.32
|
0.33
|
0.28
|
0.24
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency
transactions
|
0.89
|
2.02
|
(0.12)
|
2.63
|
1.10
|
Total from investment operations
|
1.17
|
2.34
|
0.21
|
2.91
|
1.34
|
Less Dividends and Distributions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
(0.27)
|
(0.33)
|
(0.34)
|
(0.27)
|
(0.31)
|
Distributions from net realized gains
|
(0.62)
|
(0.89)
|
(0.33)
|
(0.75)
|
(1.23)
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
(0.89)
|
(1.22)
|
(0.67)
|
(1.02)
|
(1.54)
|
Net asset value, end of
Year
|
$16.02
|
$15.74
|
$14.62
|
$15.08
|
$13.19
|
|
7.96%
|
17.83%
|
1.70%
|
23.29%
|
11.32%
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of
Year (in millions)
|
$323
|
$313
|
$227
|
$259
|
$210
|
Average net assets (in millions)
|
$308
|
$271
|
$229
|
$237
|
$208
|
Ratios to average net assets
(c)
(d)
:
|
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
0.57%
|
0.56%
|
0.56%
|
0.53%
|
0.55%
|
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
0.57%
|
0.56%
|
0.56%
|
0.53%
|
0.55%
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
1.85%
|
2.18%
|
2.37%
|
2.03%
|
1.79%
|
Portfolio turnover rate
(e)
|
28%
|
31%
|
39%
|
24%
|
47%
|
(a)
|
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.
|
(b)
|
Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions,
if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.
|
(c)
|
Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.
|
(d)
|
Effective December 1, 2017, class specific expenses include transfer agent fees and expenses and registration fees, which are charged to their respective share class.
|
(e)
|
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and
certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate may be higher.
|
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
|
45
|
Class R6 Shares
|
|
Year Ended November 30,
|
|
January 26, 2018
(a)
through November 30,
2018
|
|
2020
|
2019
|
|
Per Share Operating Performance
(b)
:
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
$15.75
|
$14.62
|
|
$13.96
|
Income (loss) from investment operations:
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
0.28
|
0.33
|
|
0.21
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency
transactions
|
0.87
|
2.03
|
|
0.73
|
Total from investment operations
|
1.15
|
2.36
|
|
0.94
|
Less Dividends and Distributions:
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
(0.28)
|
(0.34)
|
|
(0.28)
|
Distributions from net realized gains
|
(0.62)
|
(0.89)
|
|
-
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
(0.90)
|
(1.23)
|
|
(0.28)
|
Net asset value, end of
Period
|
$16.00
|
$15.75
|
|
$14.62
|
|
7.81%
|
17.94%
|
|
6.87%
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of
Period (in millions)
|
$6
|
$3
|
|
$1
|
Average net assets (in millions)
|
$4
|
$3
|
|
$1
|
Ratios to average net assets
(d)
:
|
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
0.52%
|
0.52%
|
|
0.52%
(e)
|
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
0.63%
|
1.38%
|
|
4.18%
(e)
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
1.83%
|
2.24%
|
|
1.74%
(e)
|
Portfolio turnover rate
(f)
|
28%
|
31%
|
|
39%
|
(a)
|
Commencement of offering.
|
(b)
|
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.
|
(c)
|
Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions,
if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP. Total returns for periods less than one full year are not annualized.
|
(d)
|
Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.
|
(e)
|
Annualized.
|
(f)
|
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and
certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate may be higher.
|
46
|
PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
|
GLOSSARY
S&P 500 Utilities Index.
The S&P 500 Utilities Index is an unmanaged, market capitalization-weighted index including those companies considered electric, gas or water utilities, or companies that operate as
independent producers and/or distributors of power. These returns do not include the effect of any sales charges, operating expenses of a mutual fund, or taxes. These returns would be lower if they included the effect
of these expenses.
The S&P 500 Utilities Index
(“
Index
”) is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and/or its affiliates and has been licensed for use by PGIM, Inc. and/or its affiliates. Copyright © 2021 S&
P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global, Inc., and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Redistribution or reproduction in whole or in part are prohibited without written permission of S&P Dow
Jones Indices LLC. For more information on any of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC’s indices please visit www.spdji.com. S&P® is a registered trademark of S&P Global and Dow Jones® is a
registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC.
S&P 500 Index.
The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of over 500 stocks of large US public companies. It gives a broad look at how stock prices in the United States have performed. These returns do
not include the effect of any sales charges, operating expenses of a mutual fund or taxes. These returns would be lower if they included the effect of these expenses.
The
S&P 500 Index (“
Index
”) is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and/or its affiliates and has been licensed for use by PGIM, Inc. and/or its affiliates. Copyright © 2021 S&
P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global, Inc., and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Redistribution or reproduction in whole or in part are prohibited without written permission of S&P Dow
Jones Indices LLC. For more information on any of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC’s indices please visit www.spdji.com. S&P® is a registered trademark of S&P Global and Dow Jones® is a
registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC.
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
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47
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APPENDIX A: WAIVERS AND DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FROM CERTAIN FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from the Fund or through a financial intermediary. Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) waivers (i.e., back-end), which are discussed below. In all instances, it is the purchaser's responsibility to notify the Fund or the purchaser's financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts.
For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase Fund shares through the applicable intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts.
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, as applicable, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's Prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at Merrill Lynch
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Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
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Shares purchased by a 529 Plan (does not include 529 Plan units or 529-specific share classes or equivalents)
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Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program
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Shares exchanged due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
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Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch’s platform
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Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform
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Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)
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Shares exchanged from Class C (i.e. level-load) shares of the same fund pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
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Employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members
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Directors or Trustees of the Fund, and employees of the Fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this Prospectus
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Eligible shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement). Automated transactions (i.e. systematic purchases and withdrawals) and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay Merrill Lynch’s account maintenance fees are not eligible for reinstatement
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CDSC Waivers on Class A and C Shares available at Merrill Lynch
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Death or disability of the shareholder
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Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in this Prospectus
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Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account
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Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code
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Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch
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Shares acquired through a Right of Reinstatement
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Shares held in retirement brokerage accounts, that are exchanged for a lower cost share class due to transfer to certain fee based accounts or platforms
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Shares received through an exchange due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
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Front-end load Discounts Available at Merrill Lynch: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent
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Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus
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Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts as described in the Fund’s Prospectus will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts (including 529 program holdings, where applicable) within the purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
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Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time
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Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management transactional brokerage account are eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's Prospectus or SAI.
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares Available at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
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Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans
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Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley’s account linking rules
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Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund
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Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account
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Class C (i.e., level-load) shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s share class conversion program
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Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (i) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (ii) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (iii) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge
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Class A Shares Front-End Sales Charge Waivers Available at Ameriprise Financial
The following information applies to Class A shares purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase Fund shares through Ameriprise Financial.
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial brokerage account are eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's Prospectus or SAI.
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Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs.
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Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
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Shares exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 7-year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Class C shares or conversion of Class C shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply.
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Employees and registered representatives of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates and their immediate family members.
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Shares purchased by or through qualified accounts (including IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b) TSCAs subject to ERISA and defined benefit plans) that are held by a covered family member, defined as an Ameriprise financial advisor and/or the advisor’s spouse, advisor’s lineal ascendant (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, great grandmother, great grandfather), advisor’s lineal descendant (son, step-son, daughter, step-daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great grandson, great granddaughter) or any spouse of a covered family member who is a lineal descendant.
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Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e. Rights of Reinstatement).
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Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services and each entity’s affiliates (“Raymond James”)
Shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment adviser for which Raymond James provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front-end sales load waivers on Class A shares available at Raymond James
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Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.
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Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains and dividend distributions.
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Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.
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Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
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A shareholder in the Fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.
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CDSC Waivers on Classes A and C shares available at Raymond James
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Death or disability of the shareholder.
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Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.
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Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
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Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.
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Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.
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Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
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Front-end load discounts available at Raymond James: breakpoints, and/or rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent
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Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus.
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Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
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Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
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Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (“Edward Jones”)
Policies Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones
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Clients of Edward Jones (also referred to as “shareholders”) purchasing fund shares on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms are eligible only for the following sales charge discounts (also referred to as “breakpoints”) and waivers, which can differ from discounts and waivers described elsewhere in this Fund’s Prospectus or statement of additional information (“SAI”) or through another broker-dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholder's responsibility to inform Edward Jones at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings of the Fund or other facts qualifying the purchaser for breakpoints discounts or waivers. Edward Jones can ask for documentation of such circumstance. Shareholders should contact Edward Jones if they have questions regarding their eligibility for these discounts and waivers.
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Breakpoint pricing, otherwise known as volume pricing, at dollar thresholds as described in this Fund’s Prospectus.
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Rights of Accumulation (ROA)
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The applicable sales charge on a purchase of Class A shares is determined by taking into account all share classes (except certain money market funds and any assets held in group retirement plans ) of PGIM Funds held by the shareholder or in an account grouped by Edward Jones with certain other related accounts for the purpose of providing certain pricing considerations (“pricing groups”). If grouping assets as a shareholder this includes all share classes held on the Edward Jones platform and/or held on another platform. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the ROA calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Money market funds are included only if such shares were sold with a sales charge at the time of purchase or acquired in exchange for shares purchased with a sales charge.
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The employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan may elect to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping as opposed to including all share classes at a shareholder or pricing group level.
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ROA is determined by calculating the higher of cost minus redemptions or market value (current shares x NAV).
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Through a LOI, shareholders can receive the sales charge and breakpoint discounts for purchases shareholders intend to make over a 13-month period from the date Edward Jones receives the LOI. The LOI is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value of qualifying holdings at LOI initiation in combination with the value that the shareholder intends to buy over a 13-month period to calculate the front-end sales charge and any breakpoint discounts. Each purchase the shareholder makes during that 13-month period will receive the sales charge and breakpoint discount that applies to the total amount. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the LOI calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Purchases made before the LOI is received by Edward Jones are not adjusted under the LOI and will not reduce the sales charge previously paid. Sales charges will be adjusted if LOI is not met.
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If the employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan has elected to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping. LOIs will also be at the plan-level and may only be established by the employer.
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Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations:
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Associates of Edward Jones and its affiliates and their family members who are in the same pricing group (as determined by Edward Jones under its policies and procedures) as the associate. This waiver will continue for the remainder of the associate's life if the associate retires from Edward Jones in good-standing and remains in good standing pursuant to Edward Jones’ policies and procedures.
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Shares purchased in an Edward Jones fee-based program.
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Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment.
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Shares purchased from the proceeds of redeemed shares of the same fund family so long as the following conditions are met: 1) the proceeds are from the sale of shares within 60 days of the purchase, and 2) the sale and purchase are made in the same share class and the same account or the purchase is made in an individual retirement account with proceeds from liquidations in a non-retirement account.
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Shares exchanged into Class A shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of Edward Jones. Edward Jones is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the Prospectus.
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Exchanges from Class C shares to Class A shares of the same fund, generally, in the 84th month following the anniversary of the purchase date or earlier at the discretion of Edward Jones.
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Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) Waivers
If the shareholder purchases shares that are subject to a CDSC and those shares are redeemed before the CDSC is expired, the shareholder is responsible to pay the CDSC except in the following conditions:
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The death or disability of the shareholder
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Systematic withdrawals with up to 10% per year of the account value
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Return of excess contributions from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)
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Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations
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Shares sold to pay Edward Jones fees or costs in such cases where the transaction is initiated by Edward Jones
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Shares exchanged in an Edward Jones fee-based program
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Shares acquired through NAV reinstatement
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Shares redeemed at the discretion of Edward Jones for Minimum Balances, as described below.
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Other Important Information Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones
Minimum Purchase Amounts (Class A and Class C shares)
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Initial purchase minimum: $250
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Subsequent purchase minimum: none
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Edward Jones has the right to redeem at its discretion fund holdings with a balance of $250 or less. The following are examples of accounts that are not included in this policy:
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A fee-based account held on an Edward Jones platform
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A 529 account held on an Edward Jones platform
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An account with an active systematic investment plan or LOI
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Edward Jones has the authority to exchange at NAV a shareholder's holdings in a fund to Class A shares or such other share class based on Edward Jones’ policy.
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Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (“Janney”)
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Janney account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's Prospectus or SAI.
Front-end sales charge waivers on Class A shares available at Janney
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Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
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Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Janney or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Janney.
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Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e., right of reinstatement).
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Class C shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Janney’s policies and procedures.
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Sales charge waivers on Class A and C shares available at Janney
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Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder.
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Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.
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Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account.
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Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.
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Shares sold to pay Janney fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Janney.
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Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
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Front-end load discounts available at Janney: breakpoints, and/or rights of accumulation
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Breakpoints as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.
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Rights of accumulation (“ROA”), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of Fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Janney. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
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Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (OPCO)
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an OPCO platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) waivers (i.e., back-end)) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or the SAI.
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A share available at OPCO
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Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
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Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan
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Shares purchased through an OPCO affiliated investment advisory program
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Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the PGIM fund family)
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Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement)
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A shareholder in the Fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of OPCO
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Employees and registered representatives of OPCO or its affiliates and their family members
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Directors or Trustees of the Fund, and employees of the Fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this Prospectus
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Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) Waivers available at OPCO
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The death or disability of the shareholder
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Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in this Prospectus
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Return of excess contributions from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)
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Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations
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Shares sold to pay OPCO fees but only if the transaction is initiated by OPCO
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Shares acquired through a Right of Reinstatement
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Front-end load discounts available at OPCO: breakpoints and/or rights of accumulation
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Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus
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Rights of accumulation (ROA), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of Fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at OPCO. Eligible Fund family assets not held at OPCO may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
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Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Baird platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or the SAI.
Front-end sales charge waivers on Class A shares available at Baird.
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Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund
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Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Baird or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Baird
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Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions from another PGIM Fund, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as Rights of Reinstatement)
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A shareholder in the Fund's Class C Shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Baird
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Employer-sponsored retirement plans or charitable accounts in a transactional brokerage account at Baird, including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans. For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs
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Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) waivers on Class A and C shares available at Baird
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Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder
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Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in this Prospectus
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Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account
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Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations
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Shares sold to pay Baird fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Baird
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Shares acquired through a Right of Reinstatement
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Front-end Sales Charge Discounts available at Baird: Breakpoints and/or Rights of Accumulation
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Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus
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Rights of accumulation (ROA), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of PGIM Fund assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Baird. Eligible PGIM Fund assets not held at Baird may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
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Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases of PGIM Funds through Baird, over a 13-month period of time
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STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY, INCORPORATED (“STIFEL”)
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Stifel platform or account, or who own shares for which Stifel or an affiliate is the broker-dealer of record, are eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's Prospectus or SAI. All other waivers in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI apply as described.
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares
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Class C (i.e., level-load) shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same Fund (at net asset value per share) pursuant to policies and procedures of Stifel.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please read this Prospectus before you invest in the Fund and keep it for future reference.
For information or shareholder questions contact:
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Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC
PO Box 9658
Providence, RI 02940
■
www.pgim.com/investments
|
■
(800) 225-1852
(973) 367-3529
(from outside the US)
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■
To receive your mutual fund documents on-line, go to pgim.com/investments/resource/edelivery and enroll. Instead of receiving printed documents by mail, you will receive notification via email when new materials are available. You can cancel your enrollment or change your email address at any time by visiting the website address above.
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The Annual and Semi-Annual Reports and the SAI contain additional information about the Fund. 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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STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)
(incorporated by reference into this Prospectus)
■
|
■
(contains a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance during the last fiscal year)
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You can also obtain copies of Fund documents, including the SAI, from the SEC as follows (the SEC charges a fee to copy documents):
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■
publicinfo@sec.gov
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on the EDGAR Database at www.sec.gov
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PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
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Share Class
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A
|
C
|
R
|
Z
|
R6
|
NASDAQ
|
PRUAX
|
PCUFX
|
JDURX
|
PRUZX
|
PRUQX
|
CUSIP
|
74441P858
|
74441P833
|
74441P825
|
74441P817
|
74441P726
|
MF105STAT
|
The Fund's Investment Company Act File No. 811-03175
|
PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
PROSPECTUS — January 29, 2021
Long-term capital appreciation
PGIM JENNISON HEALTH SCIENCES FUND
|
A: PHLAX
|
C: PHLCX
|
R: PJHRX
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Z: PHSZX
|
R6: PHLQX
|
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
|
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website (www.pgim.com/investments), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
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If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling 1-800-225-1852 or by sending an e-mail request to PGIM Investments at shareholderreports@pgim.com.
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You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to elect to continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you invest directly with the Fund, you can call 1-800-225-1852 or send an email request to shareholderreports@pgim.com to let the Fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held in your account if you invest through your financial intermediary or all funds held with the fund complex if you invest directly with the Fund.
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To enroll in e-delivery, go to pgim.com/investments/resource/edelivery
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As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 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.
Mutual funds are distributed by Prudential Investment Management Services LLC, member SIPC. Jennison Associates LLC is a registered investment adviser. Both are Prudential Financial companies. © 2021 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities. Jennison Associates, Jennison, the Prudential logo, and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.
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Table of Contents
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The investment objective of the Fund is
long-term capital appreciation
.
The tables below describe the sales charges, fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may be required to pay commissions to a broker for transactions in Class Z shares, which are not reflected in the table or the example below. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and an eligible group of related investors purchase, or agree to purchase in the future, $25,000 or more in shares of the Fund or other funds in the PGIM Funds family. More information about these discounts as well as other waivers or discounts is available from your financial professional and is explained in
Reducing or Waiving Class A's and Class C’s Sales Charges
on page 25 of the Fund's Prospectus,
Appendix A: Waivers and Discounts Available From Certain Financial Intermediaries
on
page 46 of the Fund's Prospectus and in
Rights of Accumulation
on page 65 of the Fund's Statement of Additional Information (SAI).
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
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Class A
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Class C
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Class R
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Class Z
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Class R6
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Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
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5.50%
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None
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None
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None
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None
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Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the lower of the original purchase price or the net asset value at redemption)
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1.00%*
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1.00%**
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None
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None
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None
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Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends and other distributions
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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Redemption fee
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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Exchange fee
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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Maximum account fee (accounts under $10,000)
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$15
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$15
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None
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None***
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None
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*Investors who purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares and sell these shares within 12 months of purchase are subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) although they are not subject to an initial sales charge. The CDSC is waived for purchases by certain retirement and/or benefit plans.
**Class C shares are sold with a CDSC of 1.00% on sales made within 12 months of purchase.
*** Direct Transfer Agent Accounts holding under $10,000 of Class Z shares are subject to the $15 fee.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
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Class A
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Class C
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Class R
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Class Z
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Class R6
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Management fee
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0.73%
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0.73%
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0.73%
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0.73%
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0.73%
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Distribution and service (12b-1) fees
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0.30%
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1.00%
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0.75%
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None
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None
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Other expenses
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0.11%
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0.12%
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0.26%
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0.12%
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0.06%
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Total annual Fund operating expenses
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1.14%
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1.85%
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1.74%
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0.85%
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0.79%
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Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement
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None
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None
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(0.25)%
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None
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None
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Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement
(1,2)
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1.14%
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1.85%
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1.49%
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0.85%
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0.79%
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(1)
PGIM Investments LLC (PGIM Investments) has contractually agreed, through March 31, 2022, to limit transfer agency, shareholder servicing, sub-transfer agency, and blue sky fees, as applicable, to the extent that such fees cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 0.82% of average daily net assets for Class R6 shares. This contractual expense limitation excludes interest, brokerage, taxes (such as income and foreign withholding taxes, stamp duty and deferred tax expenses), acquired fund fees and expenses, extraordinary expenses, and certain other Fund expenses such as dividend and interest expense and broker charges on short sales. Where applicable, PGIM Investments agrees to waive management fees or shared operating expenses on any share class to the same extent that it waives such expenses on any other share class. In addition, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class R6 shares will not exceed Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class Z shares. Fees and/or expenses waived and/or reimbursed by PGIM Investments may be recouped by PGIM Investments within the same fiscal year during which such waiver and/or reimbursement is made if such recoupment can be realized without exceeding the expense limit in effect at the time of the recoupment for that fiscal year. This expense limitation may not be terminated prior to March 31, 2022 without the prior approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors.
(2)
The distributor of the Fund has contractually agreed to limit its distribution and service (12b-1) fees to 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class R shares through March 31, 2022. This waiver may not be terminated prior to March 31, 2022 without the prior approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors.
Example.
The following hypothetical example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then, except as indicated, redeem all your shares at the end of those periods. It assumes a 5% return on your
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investment each year, that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same (except that fee waivers or reimbursements, if any, are only reflected in the 1-Year figures) and that all dividends and distributions are reinvested. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
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If Shares Are Redeemed
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If Shares Are Not Redeemed
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Share Class
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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Class A
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$660
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$892
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$1,143
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$1,860
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$660
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$892
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$1,143
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$1,860
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Class C
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$288
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$582
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$1,001
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$1,984
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$188
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$582
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$1,001
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$1,984
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Class R
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$152
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$524
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$920
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$2,031
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$152
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$524
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$920
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$2,031
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Class Z
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$87
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$271
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$471
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$1,049
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$87
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$271
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$471
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$1,049
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Class R6
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$81
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$252
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$439
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$978
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$81
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$252
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$439
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$978
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Portfolio Turnover.
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 45% of the average value of its portfolio.
INVESTMENTS, RISKS AND PERFORMANCE
Principal Investment Strategies.
The Fund seeks investments whose prices will increase over time. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its investable assets in equity and equity-related securities of companies within the health sciences sector, such as pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, medical device manufacturers, healthcare service providers and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and other companies that derive at least 50% of their assets, revenues or profits from operations in the healthcare sector. The group of industries in which the Fund concentrates its investments is known as its “sector”. The term “investable assets” 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.
The Fund invests in securities of issuers among a number of different countries throughout the world, one of which is the United States. The Fund has no limit on the amount of assets that must be invested in each country. However, the Fund’s investments in the securities of non-US issuers, which we refer to as “foreign securities” and includes stocks and other equity-related securities, is limited to 35% of the Fund's total assets.
The Fund participates in the initial public offering (IPO) market.
Equity and equity-related securities in which the Fund primarily invests are common stocks, nonconvertible preferred stocks and convertible securities. The Fund holds those equity and equity-related securities in which the portfolio managers have a high level of conviction for outperformance in the intermediate and long term and believe have limited downside potential in the short term. The portfolio managers use fundamental and quantitative analyses to select individual securities.
The subadviser considers selling or reducing a stock position when, in the opinion of the subadviser, the stock has experienced a fundamental disappointment in earnings; the stock has experienced adverse price movement; the stock has reached an intermediate-term price objective and its outlook no longer seems sufficiently promising; or a relatively more attractive stock emerges.
All investments have risks to some degree. The value of your investment in the Fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly from day to day and over time.
You may lose part or all of your investment in the Fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments.
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PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
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An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed to achieve its investment objective; is not a deposit with a bank; and is not insured, endorsed or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The following is a summary description of principal risks of investing in the Fund. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.
Currency Risk.
The Fund's net asset value could decline as a result of changes in exchange rates, which could adversely affect the Fund’s investments in currencies, or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues related to, currencies, or in derivatives that provide exposure to currencies. Certain foreign countries may impose restrictions on the ability of issuers of foreign securities to make payment of principal and interest or dividends to investors located outside the country, due to blockage of foreign currency exchanges or otherwise.
Economic and Market Events Risk
. Events in the US and global financial markets, including actions taken by the US Federal Reserve or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth or the functioning of the securities markets, may at times result in unusually high market volatility, which could negatively impact performance. Relatively reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets could adversely affect issuers worldwide.
Equity and Equity-Related Securities Risk.
Equity and equity-related securities may be subject to changes in value, and their values may be more volatile than those of other asset classes. In addition to an individual security losing value, the value of the equity markets or a sector in which the Fund invests could go down. Different parts of a market can react differently to adverse issuer, market, regulatory, political and economic developments.
Foreign Securities Risk.
The Fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involve additional risk. The securities of such issuers may trade in markets that are less liquid, less regulated and more volatile than US markets. The value of the Fund’s investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable government actions, and political or financial instability. Lack of information may also affect the value of these securities.
Growth Style Risk.
The Fund's growth style may subject the Fund to above-average fluctuations as a result of seeking higher than average capital growth. Historically, growth stocks have performed best during later stages of economic expansion and value stocks have performed best during periods of economic recovery. Since the Fund follows a growth investment style, there is the risk that the growth investment style may be out of favor for long periods of time. At times when the style is out of favor, the Fund may underperform the market in general, its benchmark and other mutual funds.
Health Sciences Sector Risk.
Investments in health sciences companies are subject to a number of risks, including the adverse impact of legislative actions and government regulations. These actions and regulations can affect the approval process for patents, medical devices and drugs, the funding of research and medical care programs, and the operation and licensing of facilities and personnel. Biotechnology and related companies are affected by patent considerations, intense competition, pricing pressure, rapid technology change and obsolescence, changes in the demand for and costs of medical products and services regulatory requirements of various federal and state agencies and other market developments. In addition, some of these companies are relatively small and have thinly traded securities, may not yet offer products or may offer a single product, and may have persistent losses during a new product’s transition from development to production, or erratic revenue patterns. The stock prices of these companies are very volatile, particularly when their products are up for regulatory approval and/or under regulatory scrutiny.
Increase in Expenses Risk.
Your actual cost of investing in the Fund may be higher than the expenses shown in the expense table for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and Fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile. Active and frequent trading of Fund securities can increase expenses.
Initial Public Offerings Risk.
The volume of IPOs and the levels at which the newly issued stocks trade in the secondary market are affected by the performance of the stock market overall. If IPOs are brought to the market, availability may be limited and if the Fund desires to acquire shares in such an offering, it may not be able to buy any shares at the
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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. The prices of securities involved in IPOs are often subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than more established stocks. Such unpredictability can have a dramatic impact on the Fund's performance (higher or lower) and any assumptions by investors based on the affected performance may be unwarranted. In addition, as Fund assets grow, the impact of IPO investments on performance will decline, which could reduce total returns.
Investment Style Risk.
There is the risk that the particular investment style followed by the Fund may be out of favor for a period of time.
Large Shareholder and Large Scale Redemption Risk.
Certain individuals, accounts, funds (including funds affiliated with the Manager) or institutions, including the Manager and its affiliates, may from time to time own or control a substantial amount of the Fund’s shares. There is no requirement that these entities maintain their investment in the Fund. There is a risk that such large shareholders or that the Fund’s shareholders generally may redeem all or a substantial portion of their investments in the Fund in a short period of time, which could have a significant negative impact on the Fund’s NAV, liquidity, and brokerage costs. Large redemptions could also result in tax consequences to shareholders and impact the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategy. The Fund’s ability to pursue its investment objective after one or more large scale redemptions may be impaired and, as a result, the Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents.
Management Risk.
The value of your investment may decrease if judgments by the subadviser about the attractiveness, value or market trends affecting a particular security, industry or sector or about market movements are incorrect.
Market Capitalization Risk.
The Fund may invest in companies of any market capitalization. Generally, the stock prices of small- and mid-cap companies are less stable than the prices of large-cap stocks and may present greater risks. Large capitalization companies as a group could fall out of favor with the market, causing the Fund to underperform compared to investments that focus on smaller capitalized companies.
Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risks
. International wars or conflicts and geopolitical developments in foreign countries, along with instability in regions such as Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, possible terrorist attacks in the United States or around the world, public health epidemics such as the outbreak of infectious diseases like the recent outbreak of coronavirus globally or the 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa of the Ebola virus, and other similar events could adversely affect the U.S. and foreign financial markets, including increases in market volatility, reduced liquidity in the securities markets and government intervention, and may cause further long-term economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide generally. The coronavirus pandemic and the related governmental and public responses have had and may continue to have an impact on the Fund’s investments and net asset value and have led and may continue to lead to increased market volatility and the potential for illiquidity in certain classes of securities and sectors of the market. Preventative or protective actions that governments may take in respect of pandemic or epidemic diseases may result in periods of business disruption, business closures, inability to obtain raw materials, supplies and component parts, and reduced or disrupted operations for the issuers in which the Fund invests. Government intervention in markets may impact interest rates, market volatility and security pricing. The occurrence, reoccurrence and pendency of such diseases could adversely affect the economies (including through changes in business activity and increased unemployment) and financial markets either in specific countries or worldwide.
Market Risk.
Securities markets may be volatile and the market prices of the Fund’s securities may decline. Securities fluctuate in price based on changes in an issuer’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions. If the market prices of the securities owned by the Fund fall, the value of your investment in the Fund will decline.
Performance.
The following bar chart shows the Fund's performance for Class Z shares for each full calendar year of operations or for the last 10 calendar years, whichever is shorter. The following table shows the Fund's average annual returns and also compares the Fund’s performance with the average annual total returns of an index or other benchmark. The bar chart and table demonstrate the risk of investing in the Fund by showing how returns can change from year to year.
6
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PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
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Past performance (before and after taxes) does not mean that the Fund will achieve similar results in the future. Updated Fund performance information, including current net asset value is available online at www.pgim.com/investments.
Best Quarter:
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Worst Quarter:
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29.73%
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2nd Quarter 2020
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-20.47%
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4th Quarter 2018
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Average Annual Total Returns % (including sales charges) (as of 12-31-20)
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Return Before Taxes
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One Year
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Five Years
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Ten Years
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Since Inception
|
Class A shares
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33.46%
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11.19%
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18.18%
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-
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Class C shares
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39.24%
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11.68%
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18.02%
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-
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Class R shares
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40.72%
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12.10%
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N/A
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17.94%
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Class R6 shares
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41.74%
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N/A
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N/A
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17.47%
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Class Z Shares % (as of 12-31-20)
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Return Before Taxes
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41.67%
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12.79%
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19.20%
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-
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Return After Taxes on Distributions
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35.64%
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10.52%
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16.66%
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-
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Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
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28.39%
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9.62%
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15.51%
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-
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° After-tax returns are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. After-tax returns are shown only for Class Z shares. After-tax returns for other classes will vary due to differing sales charges and expenses.
Index % (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) (as of 12-31-20)
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S&P 1500 Health Care Index
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14.55%
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12.12%
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16.16%
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-
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S&P Composite 1500 Index
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17.92%
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14.97%
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13.67%
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-
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Investment Manager
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Subadviser
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Portfolio Managers
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Title
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Service Date
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PGIM Investments LLC
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Jennison Associates LLC
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David Chan, CFA
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Managing Director
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June 1999
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Debra Netschert
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Managing Director
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January 2015
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Daniel Matviyenko
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Managing Director
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December 2020
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BUYING AND SELLING FUND SHARES
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Class A*
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Class C*
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Class Z*
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Class R*
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Class R6
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Minimum initial investment
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$1,000
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$1,000
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None
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None
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None
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Minimum subsequent investment
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$100
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$100
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None
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None
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None
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*Certain share classes are generally closed to investments by new group retirement plans. Please see “How to Buy, Sell and Exchange Fund Shares—Closure of Certain Share Classes to New Group Retirement Plans” in the Prospectus for more information.
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7
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For Class A and Class C shares, the minimum initial and subsequent investment for Automatic Investment Plan purchases is $50. Class R and Class R6 shares are generally not available for purchase by individuals. Class Z shares may be purchased by certain individuals, subject to certain requirements. Please see “How to Buy, Sell and Exchange Fund Shares—How to Buy Shares—Qualifying for Class R Shares,” “—Qualifying for Class Z Shares,” and “—Qualifying for Class R6 Shares” in the Prospectus for purchase eligibility requirements.
Your financial intermediary may impose different investment minimums. You can purchase or redeem shares on any business day that the Fund is open through the Fund's transfer agent or through servicing agents, including brokers, dealers and other financial intermediaries appointed by the distributor to receive purchase and redemption orders. Current shareholders may also purchase or redeem shares through the Fund's website or by calling (800) 225-1852.
Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes.
The Fund's dividends and distributions are taxable and will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Such tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.
PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a financial intermediary such as a broker-dealer, bank, retirement recordkeeper or other financial services firm, the Fund or its affiliates may pay the financial intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and/or for services to shareholders. This may create a conflict of interest by influencing the financial intermediary or its representatives to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your financial intermediary or representative or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
8
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PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
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MORE ABOUT THE FUND'S PRINCIPAL AND NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, INVESTMENTS AND RISKS
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND INVESTMENTS
The Fund's investment objective is
long-term capital appreciation
. This means the Fund seeks investments whose prices will increase over time.
In pursuing the Fund’s objective, the subadviser normally invests at least 80% of the Fund’s investable assets in equity and equity-related securities of companies within the health sciences sector, such as pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, medical device manufacturers, healthcare service providers and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and other companies that derive at least 50% of their assets, revenues or profits from operations in the healthcare sector. The group of industries in which the Fund concentrates its investments is known as its “sector”. The term “investable assets” 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.
The Fund invests principally in equity and equity-related securities of the following types of health sciences companies: hospitals, nursing and residential care, health and medical insurance carriers, pharmaceutical and medicine companies and medical equipment and supply companies. Companies in these industries also include manufacturers of healthcare products, such as biotechnology companies; other providers of healthcare or healthcare-related services, such as assisted living centers and physician practices; HMOs; distributors and retailers of healthcare products; healthcare information-technology suppliers; contract research organizations; and providers of outsourcing or other services to the healthcare industry. The Fund may invest in companies of every size (small-, medium- and large- capitalization companies).
The Fund invests in securities of issuers among a number of different countries throughout the world, one of which is the United States. The Fund has no limit on the amount of assets that must be invested in each country. However, the
Fund’s investments in the securities of non-US issuers, which we refer to as “foreign securities” and includes stocks and other equity-related securities, is limited to 35% of the Fund’s total assets. Foreign securities may include securities from emerging markets.
The Fund may participate in the initial public offering (IPO) market. Securities purchased in initial public offerings may be very volatile, rising and falling rapidly, often based, among other reasons, on investor perceptions rather than on economic factors. Additionally, investments in IPOs may magnify the Fund's performance if it has a small asset base.
The Fund's investment objective is a fundamental policy that cannot be changed without shareholder approval. The Fund's policy of investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's investable assets in equity and equity-related securities of companies within a specific group of industries is not fundamental. The Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days’ advance notice of a change in this non-fundamental policy.
In deciding which stocks to buy for the Fund, the subadviser uses what is known as a growth investment style. This means it invests in companies experiencing some or all of the following: above-average revenue and earnings per share growth, strong market position, improving profitability and distinctive attributes such as unique marketing ability, and what the subadviser believes to be strong research and development and productive new product flow, and financial strength. Such companies generally trade at high prices relative to their current earnings.
Investments in Non-Health Sciences Sector Industries
The Fund may invest in securities of issuers not in the health sciences sector. These include equity and equity-related securities, fixed income instruments and money market instruments. Fixed income instruments include bonds and other debt securities issued by corporate and governmental issuers.
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Money market instruments include the commercial paper of corporations, the obligations of banks, certificates of deposit and obligations issued or guaranteed by the US government or its agencies or a foreign government. The Fund will purchase money market instruments only in one of the two highest short-term quality ratings of a major rating service.
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 the subadviser thinks 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. 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 through conversion or exchange of other securities it owns.
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements, where a party agrees to sell a security to the Fund and then repurchases it at an agreed-upon price at a stated time. This creates a fixed return for the Fund, and is, in effect, a loan by the Fund. Repurchase agreements are used for cash management purposes only.
Investments in Affiliated Funds
The Fund may invest its assets in affiliated funds, including exchange-traded funds, that are registered investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act). The Fund can invest its free cash balances in affiliated short-term bond funds and/or money market funds to obtain income on short-term cash balances while awaiting attractive investment opportunities, to provide liquidity in preparation for anticipated redemptions or for defensive purposes. Such an investment could also allow the Fund to obtain the benefits of a more diversified portfolio available in the affiliated funds than might otherwise be available through direct investments in those asset classes, and will subject the Fund to the risks associated with the particular asset class. As a shareholder in the affiliated funds, the Fund will pay its proportional share of the expenses of the affiliated funds. The affiliated short-term bond funds and money market funds do not pay a management fee to the investment manager, since the investment manager only receives reimbursement for its expenses. Thus, shareholders of the Fund are not paying management fees for both the Fund and the affiliated short-term bond funds and money market funds. The investment results of the portions of the Fund’s assets invested in the affiliated funds will be based on the investment results of the affiliated funds.
Private Investments in Public Equity (PIPEs)
A PIPE is an equity security sold in a private placement that is issued by issuers that have outstanding, publicly-traded equity securities of the same class.
Fixed income obligations include bonds and notes. Notes are typically issued with two-, three-, five- or ten-year terms to maturity, whereas bonds may be longer-term investments issued with terms to maturity of 10 years or more. The Fund may invest in investment-grade corporate or government obligations. Investment-grade obligations are rated in one of the top four long-term quality ratings by a major rating service (such as Baa or better by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or BBB or better by S&P Global Ratings). The Fund also may invest in high yield debt obligations that at the time of investment are rated below investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“junk bonds”) or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the subadviser. Junk bonds tend to offer higher yields, but also offer greater credit risks than higher-rated securities.
Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, the Fund may lend portfolio securities with a value up to 33
1
⁄
3
% of its total assets to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations to earn additional income. Loans of portfolio securities will be collateralized by cash. Cash collateral will be invested in an affiliated prime money market fund.
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PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
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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 its investable assets in money market instruments, including short-term obligations of, or securities
guaranteed by, the US Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or in high-quality obligations of domestic or foreign banks and corporations, and may hold up to 100% of its investable assets in cash or cash
equivalents. Although the subadviser has the ability to take defensive positions, it may choose not to do so for a variety of reasons, even during volatile market conditions. Investing heavily in these securities is
inconsistent with and limits the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective, but may help to preserve the Fund's assets.
In addition to the strategies and
securities discussed above, the Fund may use other strategies or invest in other types of securities as described in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI). The Fund might not use all of the strategies or
invest in all of the types of securities as described in the Prospectus or in the SAI.
The table below summarizes the
investment limits applicable to the Fund’s principal investment strategies and certain non-principal investment strategies.
Principal Strategies: Investment Limits
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■
Equity and Equity-related securities
of companies within the health sciences sector: At least 80% of investable assets
■
Foreign Securities: Up to 35% of total assets
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Certain Non-Principal Strategies: Investment Limits
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Illiquid Investments: Up to 15% of net assets
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Short Sales: Up to 25% of net assets (not including short sales against the box)
■
Money Market Instruments: Up to 100% of investable assets on a temporary basis
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RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE
FUND
The order of the below risk factors
does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.
Credit Risk.
This is the risk that the issuer, the guarantor or the insurer of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a contract, may be unable or unwilling to make timely principal and
interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. Additionally, fixed income securities could lose value due to a loss of confidence in the ability of the issuer, guarantor, insurer or counterparty to pay back
debt. The longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a bond, the more sensitive it is to credit risk.
Currency Risk.
The Fund's net asset value could decline as a result of changes in exchange rates, which could adversely affect the Fund’s investments in currencies, or in securities that trade in,
and receive revenues related to, currencies, or in derivatives that provide exposure to currencies. Certain foreign countries may impose restrictions on the ability of issuers of foreign securities to make payment of
principal and interest or dividends to investors located outside the country, due to blockage of foreign currency exchanges or otherwise.
Cyber Security Risk.
Failures or breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's manager, subadviser, distributor, and other service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests
have the ability to cause disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund has established business
continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to address system breaches or failures, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
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Debt Obligations Risk.
Debt obligations are subject to credit risk, market risk and interest rate risk. The Fund's holdings, share price, yield and total return may also fluctuate in response to bond market
movements. The value of bonds may decline for issuer-related reasons, including management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods and services. Certain types of fixed income
obligations also may be subject to
“call and redemption risk,”
which is the risk that the issuer may call a bond held by the Fund for redemption before it matures and the Fund may lose income.
Economic and Market
Events Risk
. Events in the US and global financial markets, including actions taken by the US Federal Reserve or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth or the functioning of
the securities markets, may at times result in unusually high market volatility, which could negatively impact performance. Relatively reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets could adversely affect
issuers worldwide.
Equity and Equity-Related Securities
Risk.
Equity and equity-related securities may be subject to changes in value, and their values may be more volatile than those of other asset classes. In addition to an individual security
losing value, the value of the equity markets or a sector in which the Fund invests could go down. Different parts of a market can react differently to adverse issuer, market, regulatory, political and economic
developments.
Foreign Securities Risk.
The Fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involve additional risk. The securities of such issuers may trade in
markets that are less liquid, less regulated and more volatile than US markets. The value of the Fund’s investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and
issuers generally, such as unfavorable government actions, and political or financial instability. Lack of information may also affect the value of these securities.
Growth Style
Risk.
The Fund's growth style may subject the Fund to above-average fluctuations as a result of seeking higher than average capital growth. Historically, growth stocks have performed best during
later stages of economic expansion and value stocks have performed best during periods of economic recovery. Since the Fund follows a growth investment style, there is the risk that the growth investment style may be
out of favor for long periods of time. At times when the style is out of favor, the Fund may underperform the market in general, its benchmark and other mutual funds.
Health Sciences Sector Risk.
Investments in health sciences companies are subject to a number of risks, including the adverse impact of legislative actions and government regulations. These actions and regulations can
affect the approval process for patents, medical devices and drugs, the funding of research and medical care programs, and the operation and licensing of facilities and personnel. Biotechnology and related companies
are affected by patent considerations, intense competition, pricing pressure, rapid technology change and obsolescence, changes in the demand for and costs of medical products and services regulatory requirements of
various federal and state agencies and other market developments. In addition, some of these companies are relatively small and have thinly traded securities, may not yet offer products or may offer a single product,
and may have persistent losses during a new product’s transition from development to production, or erratic revenue patterns. The stock prices of these companies are very volatile, particularly when their
products are up for regulatory approval and/or under regulatory scrutiny.
Increase in Expenses Risk.
Your actual cost of investing in the Fund may be higher than the expenses shown in the expense table for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if
average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and Fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile. Active and frequent trading of Fund securities can increase
expenses.
Initial Public Offerings Risk.
The volume of IPOs and the levels at which the newly issued stocks trade in the secondary market are affected by the performance of the stock market overall. If IPOs are brought to the
market, availability may be limited and if the Fund desires to acquire shares in such an offering, it 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. The prices of securities involved in IPOs are often subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than
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PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
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more established stocks. Such unpredictability can
have a dramatic impact on the Fund's performance (higher or lower) and any assumptions by investors based on the affected performance may be unwarranted. In addition, as Fund assets grow, the impact of IPO investments
on performance will decline, which could reduce total returns.
Interest Rate
Risk.
The value of your investment may go down when interest rates rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration debt securities. For example, a
fixed income security with a duration of three years is expected to decrease in value by approximately 3% if interest rates increase by 1%. This is referred to as
“duration risk.”
When interest rates fall, the issuers of debt obligations may prepay principal more quickly than expected, and the Fund may be required to reinvest the proceeds at a lower interest rate.
This is referred to as “
prepayment risk.
” When interest rates rise, debt obligations may be repaid more slowly than expected, and the value of the Fund's holdings may fall sharply. This is referred to as
“
extension risk.
” The Fund may lose money if short-term or long-term interest rates rise sharply or in a manner not anticipated by the subadviser.
Investment Style Risk.
There is the risk that the particular investment style followed by the Fund may be out of favor for a period of time.
Junk Bonds Risk.
High-yield, high-risk bonds have predominantly speculative characteristics, including particularly high credit risk. Junk bonds tend to have lower market liquidity than higher-rated
securities. The liquidity of particular issuers or industries within a particular investment category may shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning. The non-investment grade bond market can experience sudden
and sharp price swings and become illiquid due to a variety of factors, including changes in economic forecasts, stock market activity, large sustained sales by major investors, a high profile default or a change in
the market's psychology.
Large Shareholder
and Large Scale Redemption Risk.
Certain individuals, accounts, funds (including funds affiliated with the Manager) or institutions, including the Manager and its affiliates, may from time to time own or control a
substantial amount of the Fund’s shares. There is no requirement that these entities maintain their investment in the Fund. These shareholders may also pledge or loan Fund shares (to secure financing or
otherwise), which may result in the shares becoming concentrated in another party. There is a risk that such large shareholders or that the Fund’s shareholders generally may redeem all or a substantial portion
of their investments in the Fund in a short period of time, which could have a significant negative impact on the Fund’s NAV, liquidity, and brokerage costs. Such redemptions may cause the Fund to have to sell
securities at inopportune times or prices. These transactions may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase transaction costs. In addition, large redemption requests may exceed the cash balance of the
Fund and result in credit line borrowing fees and/or overdraft charges to the Fund until the sales of portfolio securities necessary to cover the redemption request settle. To the extent a large shareholder in the
Fund is an entity subject to domestic and/or international regulations governing banking or other financial institutions, changes in those regulations (e.g., capital requirements) or in the shareholder’s
financial status may cause or require the shareholder to redeem its investment in the Fund when it otherwise would not choose to redeem that investment. It is also possible that a significant redemption could result
in an increase in Fund expenses on account of being spread over a smaller asset base, and therefore make it more difficult for the Fund to implement its investment strategy. Large redemptions could also result in tax
consequences to shareholders. The Fund’s ability to pursue its investment objective after one or more large scale redemptions may be impaired and, as a result, the Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets
in cash or cash equivalents.
Management Risk.
The value of your investment may decrease if judgments by the subadviser about the attractiveness, value or market trends affecting a particular security, industry or sector or about market
movements are incorrect.
Market Capitalization Risk.
The Fund may invest in companies of any market capitalization. Generally, the stock prices of small- and mid-cap companies are less stable than the prices of large-cap stocks and may
present greater risks. Large capitalization companies as a group could fall out of favor with the market, causing the Fund to underperform compared to investments that focus on smaller capitalized companies.
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Market Disruption
and Geopolitical Risks
. International wars or conflicts and geopolitical developments in foreign countries, along with instability in regions such as Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, possible terrorist
attacks in the United States or around the world, public health epidemics such as the outbreak of infectious diseases like the recent outbreak of coronavirus globally or the 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa of
the Ebola virus, and other similar events could adversely affect the U.S. and foreign financial markets, including increases in market volatility, reduced liquidity in the securities markets and government
intervention, and may cause further long-term economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide generally. The coronavirus pandemic and the related governmental and public responses have had and may continue
to have an impact on the Fund’s investments and net asset value and have led and may continue to lead to increased market volatility and the potential for illiquidity in certain classes of securities and sectors
of the market. Preventative or protective actions that governments may take in respect of pandemic or epidemic diseases may result in periods of business disruption, business closures, inability to obtain raw
materials, supplies and component parts, and reduced or disrupted operations for the issuers in which the Fund invests. Government intervention in markets may impact interest rates, market volatility and security
pricing. The occurrence, reoccurrence and pendency of such diseases could adversely affect the economies (including through changes in business activity and increased unemployment) and financial markets either in
specific countries or worldwide.
Market Risk.
Securities markets may be volatile and the market prices of the Fund’s securities may decline. Securities fluctuate in price based on changes in an issuer’s financial condition
and overall market and economic conditions. If the market prices of the securities owned by the Fund fall, the value of your investment in the Fund will decline.
Money Market
Instruments Risk.
The value of money market instruments may be affected by changing interest rates and by changes in the credit ratings of the investments.
If a significant amount of the Fund's assets are invested in money market instruments, it will
be more difficult for the Fund to achieve its investment
objective.
PIPEs Risk.
A PIPE is an equity security sold in a private placement that is issued by issuers that have outstanding, publicly-traded equity securities of the same class. Shares sold in PIPEs
transactions generally are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) until after a certain time period from the date the private sale is completed. This restricted period can last
many months. Until the public registration process is completed, PIPEs are restricted as to resale and the Fund cannot freely trade the securities. Generally, such restrictions cause the PIPEs to be illiquid during
this time. PIPEs may contain provisions that the issuer will pay specified financial penalties to the holder if the issuer does not publicly register the restricted equity securities within a specified period of time,
but there is no assurance that the restricted equity securities will be publicly registered, or that the registration will remain in effect.
Repurchase Agreements Risk.
Repurchase agreements could involve certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the seller, including losses and possible delays or restrictions upon the Fund’s ability to
dispose of the underlying securities. To the extent that, in the meantime, the value of the securities that the Fund has purchased has decreased, the Fund could experience a loss.
Securities Lending Risk
. Securities lending involves the risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. As a result, the Fund may lose money and there may be a delay in
recovering the loaned securities. Additionally, losses could result from the reinvestment of collateral received on loaned securities in investments that decline in value, default, or do not perform as well as
expected. The affiliated prime money market fund in which cash collateral generally is invested may impose liquidity fees or temporary gates on redemptions if its weekly liquid assets fall below a designated
threshold. If this were to occur, the Fund may lose money on its investment of cash collateral in the affiliated prime money market fund, or the Fund may not be able to redeem its investment of cash collateral in the
affiliated prime money market fund, which might cause the Fund to liquidate other holdings in order to return the cash collateral to the borrower upon termination of a securities loan. These events could trigger
adverse tax consequences for the Fund.
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PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
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Short Sales Risk.
Short sales involve costs and risks. The Fund must pay the lender interest on the security it borrows, and the Fund will lose money to the extent that the price of the security increases
between the time of the short sale and the date when the Fund replaces the borrowed security. Although the Fund’s gain is limited to the price at which it sold the securities short, its potential loss is limited
only by the maximum attainable price of the securities, less the price at which the security was sold and may, theoretically, be unlimited. When selling short against the box, the Fund gives up the opportunity for
capital appreciation in the security.
Please note that, in addition to
the risks discussed above, there are many other factors that may impact the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective and which could result in a loss of all or a part of your investment.
More information about the
Fund’s investment strategies and risks appears in the SAI.
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The Fund is overseen by a Board of
Directors (hereafter referred to as Directors, or the Board). The Board oversees the actions of the Manager, 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.
PGIM Investments LLC (PGIM
Investments)
655 Broad Street
Newark, NJ 07102-4410
Under a
management agreement with the Fund, PGIM Investments manages the Fund's investment operations and administers its business affairs and is responsible for supervising the Fund's subadviser. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 2020, the Fund paid PGIM Investments management fees (net of waivers, as applicable) at the effective rate of 0.73% of the Fund's average daily net assets for all share classes.
PGIM Investments and its
predecessors have served as a manager or administrator to investment companies since 1987. As of December 31, 2020 PGIM Investments, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential, served as the investment manager to
all of the Prudential US and offshore open-end investment companies, and as the manager or administrator to closed-end investment companies, with aggregate assets of approximately $361.6 billion.
Subject to the supervision of the
Board, PGIM Investments is responsible for conducting the initial review of prospective subadvisers for the Fund. In evaluating a prospective subadviser, PGIM Investments considers many factors, including the firm's
experience, investment philosophy and historical performance. Subject to the Board’s oversight, PGIM Investments is also responsible for monitoring the performance of the Fund's subadviser and recommending its
termination and replacement when deemed appropriate. PGIM Investments may provide a subadviser with additional investment guidelines consistent with the Fund's investment objective and restrictions.
PGIM Investments and the Fund
operate under an exemptive order (the Order) from the SEC that generally permits PGIM Investments to enter into or amend agreements with unaffiliated subadvisers without obtaining shareholder approval. This authority
is subject to certain conditions, including the requirement that the Board must approve any new or amended agreements with a subadviser. Shareholders of the Fund still have the right to terminate these agreements at
any time by a vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Fund will notify shareholders of any new subadvisers engaged or material amendments to subadvisory agreements made pursuant to the Order.
Any new subadvisory agreement or amendment to the Fund’s management agreement or current subadvisory agreement that directly or indirectly results in an increase in the aggregate management fee rate payable by
the Fund will be submitted to the Fund’s shareholders for their approval. PGIM Investments does not currently intend to retain unaffiliated subadvisers.
A discussion of the basis for the
Board's approvals of the management and subadvisory agreements is available in the Fund's Annual Report to shareholders dated November 30.
Jennison Associates
LLC (Jennison)
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PGIM, Inc., which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. Its address is 466 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017. PGIM
Investments has responsibility for all investment advisory services, supervises Jennison and pays Jennison for its services. As of November 30, 2020, Jennison managed in excess of $216.9
billion in assets. Jennison (including its predecessor, Jennison Associates Capital Corp.) is a registered investment adviser founded in 1969.
David Chan, CFA,
Debra Netschert
and
Daniel Matviyenko
are the portfolio managers of the Fund.
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PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
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David Chan, CFA,
is a Managing Director and a health sciences equity portfolio manager and research analyst. He joined Jennison in May 1992. He was previously with the Boston Consulting Group, where he was
a team leader and consultant on projects in a wide variety of industries, but with a special focus in the health care area. Mr. Chan earned a BA in biochemistry from Harvard University, an MBA from Columbia
University, and he holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Debra Netschert
is a Managing Director and a health sciences equity portfolio manager and research analyst. She joined Jennison in January 2008. Prior to joining Jennison, Ms. Netschert worked at Magnetar
Capital where she was a senior analyst covering healthcare. Prior to that, she worked at Amaranth Advisors and Lazard Capital Markets. Ms. Netschert began her research career as an associate biotechnology analyst at
UBS. Ms. Netschert earned a BS in health sciences and an MS in physical therapy from Boston University.
Daniel Matviyenko
is a Managing Director and a health sciences equity portfolio manager. He joined Jennison in December 2020. Prior to joining Jennison, Mr. Matviyenko was founder, chief investment officer,
and portfolio manager at Malleus Capital. Prior to founding Malleus, he was a portfolio manager, managing director, and partner at Tudor Investment. Prior to that, Mr. Matviyenko was a portfolio manager and an
executive director at UBS O'Connor. Mr. Matviyenko holds a BS in finance from the University of Connecticut.
The portfolio managers for the
Fund are supported by other Jennison portfolio managers, research analysts and investment professionals. Team members conduct research, make securities recommendations and support the portfolio managers in all
activities. Members of the team may change from time to time.
Additional information about
portfolio manager compensation, other accounts managed, and portfolio manager ownership of Fund securities may be found in the SAI.
Prudential Investment Management
Services LLC (“PIMS” or the “Distributor”) distributes each class of the Fund's shares under a Distribution Agreement with the Fund. The Fund has Distribution and Service Plans (the
“Plans”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, applicable to certain of the Fund's shares. Under the Plans and the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor pays the expenses of distributing the shares
of all share classes of the Fund. The Distributor also provides certain shareholder support services. Under the Plans, certain classes of the Fund pay distribution and other fees to the Distributor as compensation for
its services. These fees—known as 12b-1 fees—are set forth in the “Fund Fees and Expenses” tables.
Because these 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
The Fund's
policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities are described in the Fund's SAI and on the Fund's website at
www.pgim.com/investments
.
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FUND
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX ISSUES
The Fund distributes
to shareholders out of any net investment income. 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, unless
your shares are held in a qualified or tax-deferred plan or account.
The Fund also distributes any net
realized
to shareholders. 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).
For your convenience, the Fund's
distributions of dividends and net capital gains are
in the Fund without any sales charge. If you ask us to pay the distributions in cash, we will send you a check if your account is with Prudential Mutual Fund
Services LLC (PMFS or the Transfer Agent). Otherwise, if your account is with a broker, you will receive a credit to your account. Either way, the distributions may be subject to income taxes unless your shares are
held in a qualified or tax-deferred plan or account. If your distribution check(s) remains uncashed for more than six months, your check(s) may be invested in additional shares of the Fund at the next net asset value
(“NAV”) calculated on the day of the investment. For more information about automatic reinvestment and other shareholder services, see “Additional Shareholder Services” in the next
section.
The chart below sets forth the
expected frequency of dividend and capital gains distributions to shareholders. Various factors may impact the frequency of dividend distributions to shareholders, including but not limited to adverse market
conditions or portfolio holding-specific events.
Expected Distribution Schedule*
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Dividends
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Annually
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Long-term Capital Gains
|
Annually
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Short-term Capital Gains
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Annually
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*Under certain
circumstances, the Fund may make more than one distribution of long-term and/or short-term capital gains during a fiscal year.
Investors who buy Fund shares
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. Fund distributions and gain from the sale of
Fund shares are subject to federal income taxes, unless you hold your shares in a 401(k) plan, an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or some other qualified or tax-deferred plan or account. Dividends and
distributions from the Fund also may be subject to state and local income tax in the state where you live.
The following briefly discusses
some of the important 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.
Fund distributions of net capital
gains are taxed differently depending on how long the Fund holds the security. If the Fund holds a security for more than one year before selling it, any gain is treated as
capital gain which is generally taxed at rates of up to 15% or 20% for non-corporate US shareholders, depending on whether their incomes exceed certain threshold amounts,
which are adjusted annually for inflation. If the Fund holds the security for one year or less, any gain is treated as
capital gain, which is taxed at rates applicable to ordinary income, subject to a maximum tax rate of 37%. Different rates apply to corporate shareholders.
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PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
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Dividends from net investment
income paid to a non-corporate US shareholder that are reported as qualified dividend income will generally be taxable to such shareholder at the long-term capital gain tax rate. Dividends of net investment income
that are not reported 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
dividends received deduction to the extent the Fund’s income is derived from certain dividends received from US corporations. Between 2018 and 2025, the Fund may report dividends eligible for a 20%
“qualified business income” deduction for non-corporate US shareholders to the extent the Fund’s income is derived from ordinary REIT dividends, reduced by allocable Fund expenses.
A US shareholder that is an
individual, estate or certain type of trust is subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on the lesser of (1) the US shareholder’s “net investment income,” including Fund distributions and net
gains from the disposition of Fund shares, and (2) the excess of the US shareholder’s modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over $200,000 (or $250,000 for married couples filing jointly). For this
purpose, net investment income includes interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, capital gain and income from a passive activity business or a business of trading in financial instruments or commodities.
For every year the Fund declares a
dividend, you will receive a Form 1099, which reports the amount of ordinary income distributions 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 distribution 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 and distributions in the fourth quarter, with a record date in such quarter, and actually pay them in January of
the following year. In such cases, the dividends and distributions are treated as if they were paid on December 31st of the prior year.
Mutual funds must report cost basis
information to you and the IRS when you sell or exchange shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012 in your non-retirement accounts. The cost basis regulations do not affect retirement accounts, money market funds,
and shares acquired before January 1, 2012. The cost basis regulations also require mutual funds to report whether a gain or loss is short-term (shares held one year or less) or long-term (shares held more than one
year) for all shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012 that are subsequently sold or exchanged. The Transfer Agent is not required to report cost basis information on shares acquired before January 1, 2012.
However, in most cases the Transfer Agent will provide this information to you as a service.
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 US
Treasury a portion of your distributions and sale proceeds, based on the backup withholding rate.
Taxation of Non-US Shareholders
For a discussion regarding the
taxation of non-US shareholders, please see the SAI and contact your tax adviser.
If You Purchase on or Before a
Record Date
If you buy shares of the Fund on or
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. However, the timing of your purchase does mean that part
of your investment may have come back to you as taxable income.
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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 PGIM Funds that are suitable for retirement plans
offered by Prudential.
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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. As mentioned above, the maximum capital gains tax rate is up to 15% or
20% for individuals, depending on whether their incomes exceed certain threshold amounts, which are adjusted annually for inflation.
If you sell shares of the Fund at
a loss, you may have a capital loss, which you may use to offset capital gains you have, plus, in the case of non-corporate 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 or exchange of the shares.
If you exchange your Fund shares
for shares of another class of the Fund, this is generally not a taxable event and should not result in realization of a capital gain or loss by you. If you exchange your shares of the Fund for shares of another PGIM
Fund, this 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. 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 C Shares
The conversion of Class C shares
into Class A shares—which happens automatically approximately 8 years after purchase—is not a taxable event for federal income tax purposes. For more information about the automatic conversion of Class C
shares, see
Class C Shares Automatically Convert to Class A Shares
in
How to Buy, Sell and Exchange Fund Shares
.
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
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HOW TO BUY, SELL AND EXCHANGE FUND SHARES
In order to buy Fund shares, simply
follow the steps described below.
Shares may be purchased through an
account with the Transfer Agent, or through an account with a financial intermediary that has an agreement with the Distributor to sell Fund shares. In order to open an account with the Transfer Agent contact PMFS
at
or write to:
Prudential Mutual Fund Services
LLC
P.O. Box 9658
Providence, RI 02940
PMFS will accept purchases of
shares by check or wire. We do not accept cash, money orders, non-US checks, credit card checks, payable through checks or travelers checks. 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. Your purchase order must be in good order to be accepted and
processed, which means that all necessary processing requirements have been satisfied. We have the right to reject any purchase order (including an exchange into the Fund) or suspend or modify the Fund's sales of its
shares under certain circumstances. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, failure by you to provide additional information requested, such as information required to verify the source of funds used to
purchase shares, your identity or the identity of any underlying beneficial owners of your shares. Furthermore, we are required by law to close your account if you do not provide the required identifying information.
This would result in the redemption of shares at the then-current NAV and the proceeds would be remitted to you via check. We will attempt to verify your identity within a reasonable time frame (e.g., 60 days), which
may change from time to time. For further information, please contact PMFS (for shares purchased through the Transfer Agent) or your financial professional (for shares purchased through a financial intermediary).
With certain limited exceptions,
Fund shares are only available to be sold in the United States, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam.
The Fund offers the following share
classes. Certain classes of shares may have additional specific eligibility or qualification requirements, which are explained below.
Share Class
|
Eligibility
|
Class A*
|
Retail investors
|
Class C*
|
Retail investors
|
Class R*
|
Certain group retirement plans
|
Class Z*
|
Certain group retirement plans, institutional investors and certain other investors
|
Class R6
|
Certain group retirement plans, institutional investors and certain other investors
|
* The
Fund’s Class A, Class C and Class Z shares are generally closed to investments by new group retirement plans. The Fund’s Class R shares are generally closed to new investors. Please see Closure of Certain
Share Classes to New Group Retirement Plans” in this section of the Prospectus for more information.
Multiple share classes let you
choose a cost structure that meets your needs:
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|
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 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 contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1.00%. The CDSC is waived for
certain retirement and/or benefit plans.
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22
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PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
|
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|
Class C shares do not require you to pay a sales charge at the time of purchase, but do require you to pay a CDSC of 1.00% 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:
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|
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 (and, in certain instances, CDSC) vs. Class C's CDSC.
|
■
|
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.
|
■
|
If you purchase Class Z shares through a broker acting solely as an agent on behalf of its customers pursuant to an agreement with PIMS, the broker may charge you a commission in an amount determined and separately
disclosed to you by the broker.
|
■
|
Because Class Z, Class R and Class R6 shares have lower operating expenses than Class A or Class C shares, as applicable, you should consider whether you are eligible to purchase such
share classes.
|
See “How to Sell Your
Shares” for a description of the impact of CDSCs.
If your shares are held through a
financial intermediary, you should discuss with your intermediary which share classes of the Fund are available to you and which share class may best meet your needs. Certain financial intermediaries through which you
may purchase shares of the Fund may impose their own investment minimums, fees, policies and procedures for purchasing, exchanging and selling Fund shares, which are not described in this Prospectus or the SAI, and
which will depend on the policies, procedures and trading platforms of the financial intermediary. Consult your financial intermediary about share class availability and the intermediary’s policies, procedures
and other information.
The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from the Fund or through a financial intermediary. See “Appendix
A: Waivers and Discounts Available From Certain Financial Intermediaries” for additional information.
The Fund has advised financial intermediaries of the share class features and guidelines, per the
Prospectus, and it is their responsibility to monitor and enforce these guidelines with respect to shareholders purchasing shares through financial intermediaries.
Share Class Comparison.
Use the following chart to help you compare the 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 C*
|
Class R*
|
Class Z*
|
Class R6
|
Minimum purchase amount
|
$1,000
|
$1,000
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Minimum amount for
subsequent purchases
|
$100
|
$100
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Maximum initial sales charge
|
5.50% of the
public
offering price
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge (CDSC) (as a percentage of the lower of the original purchase price or the net asset value at redemption)
|
1.00% on sales of $1 million or more made within 12 months of purchase
|
1.00% on
sales
made
within
12
months
of
purchase
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
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23
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|
Class A*
|
Class C*
|
Class R*
|
Class Z*
|
Class R6
|
Annual distribution and
service (12b-1) fees
(shown as a percentage
of average daily net
assets)
|
0.30%
|
1.00%
|
0.75% (0.50% currently)
|
None
|
None
|
Notes to Share Class Comparison Table:
° The minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements do not apply to employee savings plan accounts, payroll deduction plan accounts, or when exchanging all shares of an account to an existing account with the same registration. The minimum initial and subsequent investment for AIP accounts is $50 monthly (if your shares are held through a broker or other financial intermediary, the broker or intermediary is responsible for determining the minimum initial and subsequent investment for AIP accounts). In addition, the minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements do not apply with respect to Class A and C shares when offered at NAV on fee-based programs, mutual fund “wrap” or asset allocation programs, mutual fund “supermarket” programs, and group retirement plans.
° If the value of your Class A, Class C or Class Z account with PMFS is less than $10,000, the Fund will deduct a $15 annual account maintenance fee from your account. The $15 annual account maintenance fee will be assessed during the 4th calendar quarter of each year. Any applicable CDSC on the shares redeemed to pay the $15 account maintenance fee will be waived. The $15 account maintenance fee will not be charged on: (i) accounts during the first six months from inception of the account, (ii) accounts which are authorized for electronic delivery of account statements, transaction confirmations, prospectuses and fund shareholder reports, (iii) omnibus accounts or accounts for which a broker or other financial intermediary is responsible for recordkeeping, (iv) institutional accounts, (v) group retirement plans, (vi) AIP accounts or employee savings plan accounts, (vii) accounts with the same registration associated with multiple share classes within the Fund provided that the aggregate value of share classes with the same registration with the Fund is $10,000 or more, or (viii) clients with assets of $50,000 or more across the PGIM Funds family of mutual funds. For more information, see “Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Fund Shares—Account Maintenance Fee” in the SAI.
° For more information about the CDSC and how it is calculated, see “How to Sell Your Shares—Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC).”
° Investors who purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares and sell those shares within 12 months of purchase are subject to a 1.00% CDSC, although they are not subject to an initial sales charge. The CDSC is waived for purchases by certain retirement and/or benefit plans
° Distribution and service (12b-1) fees are paid from the Fund's assets on a continuous basis. Over time, the fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. The service fee for Class A, Class C and Class R shares is 0.25%. The distribution fee is limited to 0.30% (including the 0.25% service fee) for Class A shares, 0.75% (in addition to the service fee) for Class C shares, and 0.50% (in addition to the service fee) for Class R shares.
° The Distributor of the Fund has contractually agreed through March 31, 2022 to limit its distribution and service (12b-1) fees to 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Class R shares.
* The Fund’s Class A, Class C and Class Z shares are generally closed to investments by new group retirement plans. The Fund’s Class R shares are generally closed to new investors. Please see “Closure of Certain Share Classes to New Group Retirement Plans” in this section of the Prospectus for more information.
Closure of Certain Share Classes to New Group Retirement Plans
Effective June 1, 2018 (the “Effective Date”), the Fund’s Class A, Class C, Class R and Class Z shares, as applicable, were closed to investments by new group retirement plans, except as discussed below. Existing group retirement plans as of the Effective Date may keep their investments in their current share class and may continue to make additional purchases or exchanges in the Fund. As of the Effective Date, all new group retirement plans wishing to add the Fund as a new addition to the plan generally will be into one of the available Class R6 shares, Class R4 shares, or Class R2 shares of the Fund, as applicable. A short-term investment in a PGIM affiliated money market fund shall not be deemed a new group retirement plan investment for purposes of this policy.
In addition, on the Effective Date, the Class R shares of any fund were closed to all new investors, except as discussed below. Due to the closing of the Class R shares to new investors, effective on the Effective Date new IRA investors may only purchase Class A, Class C, Class Z or Class R6 shares of the Fund, as applicable, subject to share class eligibility. Following the Effective Date, no Class R shares may be purchased or acquired by any new Class R shareholder, except as discussed below.
|
Class A
|
Class C
|
Class Z
|
Class R
|
Existing Investors
(Group Retirement Plans,
IRAs, and all other investors)
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
New Group Retirement Plans
|
Closed to group retirement plans wishing to add the share classes as new additions to plan menus on June 1, 2018, subject to certain exceptions below
|
New IRAs
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
Closed to all new investors on June 1, 2018, subject to certain exceptions below
|
All Other New Investors
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
However, the following new investors may continue to purchase Class A, Class C, Class R and Class Z shares of the Fund, as applicable:
■
|
Eligible group retirement plans that are exercising their one-time 90-day repurchase privilege in the Fund will be permitted to purchase such share classes.
|
24
|
PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
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■
|
Plan participants in a group retirement plan that offers Class A, Class C, Class R or Class Z shares of the Fund, as applicable, as of the Effective Date will be permitted to purchase such share classes of the Fund, even if the plan participant did not own shares of that class of the Fund as of the Effective Date.
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■
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Certain new group retirement plans will be permitted to offer such share classes of the Fund after the Effective Date, provided that the plan or its financial intermediary or other agent
has or is actively negotiating a contractual agreement with the Fund’s distributor or service provider to offer such share classes of the Fund prior to or on the Effective Date.
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■
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New group retirement plans that combine with, replace or are otherwise affiliated with a current plan that invests in such share classes prior to or on the Effective Date will be permitted to purchase such share classes.
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■
|
The Fund also reserves the right to refuse any purchase order that might disrupt management of the Fund or to otherwise modify the closure policy at any time on a case-by-case basis.
|
■
|
Shareholders owning Class C shares may continue to hold their Class C shares until the shares automatically convert to Class A shares under the conversion schedule, or until the shareholder redeems their Class C shares.
|
Reducing or Waiving Class A's and Class C’s Sales Charges
The following describes the different ways investors can reduce or avoid paying Class A's sales charge.
Increase the Amount of Your Investment.
You can reduce Class A's sales charge by increasing the amount of your investment. This table shows 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%
|
$25,000 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 $999,999
|
2.00%
|
2.04%
|
1.75%
|
$1 million to $4,999,999**
|
None
|
None
|
1.00%
|
$5 million to $9,999,999**
|
None
|
None
|
0.50%
|
$10 million and over**
|
None
|
None
|
0.25%
|
* Due to rounding in the calculation of the offering price and the number of shares purchased, the actual sales charge you pay may be more or less than the percentages shown above.
** If you invest $1 million or more, you can buy only Class A shares, unless you qualify to buy other share classes. If you purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares and sell these shares within 12 months of purchase, you will be subject to a 1.00% CDSC, although you will not be subject to an initial sales charge. The CDSC is waived for purchases by certain retirement and/or benefit plans.
*** The Dealer Reallowance is the amount that is paid by the Fund’s distributor to the financial intermediary responsible for the sale of the Fund’s shares. For more information, please see “How Financial Intermediaries are Compensated for Selling Fund Shares” in this section of the Prospectus.
To satisfy the purchase amounts above, you can:
■
|
Use your
, which allow you or an eligible group of related investors to combine the value of a new purchase of Class A shares of any PGIM Fund with (1) the current value of Class A and Class C, and any other PGIM Fund share class (when used in retail brokerage or advisory programs) you or the eligible group of related investors already own, (2) the value of money market shares (other than Direct Purchase money market shares) you or an eligible group of related investors have received for shares of other PGIM Funds in an exchange transaction, and (3) the value of the shares you or an eligible group of related investors are purchasing; or
|
■
|
Sign a
, stating in writing that you or an eligible group of related investors will purchase a certain amount of shares in the Fund and other PGIM Funds within 13 months.
|
■
|
Purchases made prior to the effective date of the Letter of Intent will be applied toward the satisfaction of the Letter of Intent to determine the level of sales charge that will be paid pursuant to the Letter of Intent, but will not result in any reduction in the amount of any previously paid 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”);
|
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
|
25
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■
|
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(s) (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 beneficiaries;
|
■
|
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); and
|
■
|
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 in this Prospectus 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 for the 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 shares and any other share class for which a sales charge is paid, the value of existing shares is determined by the maximum offering price (NAV plus maximum sales charge); and
|
■
|
for all other share classes, the value of existing shares is determined by the NAV.
|
If your shares are held directly by the Transfer Agent, and you believe you qualify for a reduction or waiver of Class A’s or Class C's sales charges, 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 or Class C's sales charges, 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 or Class C's sales charges. 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 or Class C's sales charges, 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 financial intermediary, the financial 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 or Class C's sales charges. Your financial intermediary is also responsible for notifying the Transfer Agent if your share purchase qualifies for a reduction or waiver of Class A’s or Class C's sales charges.
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.
26
|
PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
|
Mutual Fund Programs.
The initial sales charge on Class A shares will be waived for participants in any fee-based program or trust program sponsored by Prudential or an affiliate that includes the Fund as an available option. The initial sales charge will also be waived for clients of financial intermediaries in programs that are sponsored by or available through financial intermediaries that offer Class A shares without an initial sales charge, 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.
|
Financial intermediaries 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.
Group Retirement Plans
. Class A’s and Class C’s sales charges will be waived for group retirement plans (including defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans and deferred compensation plans) available through a retirement plan recordkeeper or third party administrator. If Prudential Retirement Services is the recordkeeper for your group retirement plan, you may call Prudential at (800) 353-2847 with any questions. Otherwise, investors in group retirement plans should contact their financial intermediary with any questions regarding availability of Class A and Class C shares at net asset value.
Other Types of Investors.
Certain other types of investors may purchase Class A shares without paying the initial sales charge, including:
■
|
Certain directors or trustees, officers, current employees (including their spouses, children and parents) and former employees (including their spouses, children and parents) of Prudential and its affiliates, the PGIM Funds, and the subadvisers of the PGIM Funds; former employees must have an existing investment in the Fund;
|
■
|
Persons who have retired directly from active service with Prudential or one of its subsidiaries;
|
■
|
Registered representatives and employees of broker-dealers (including their spouses, children and parents) that offer Class A shares;
|
■
|
Investors in IRAs, provided that: (a) the purchase is made either from a directed rollover to such IRA 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, and
(b) the IRA is established through Prudential Retirement as part of its “Rollover IRA” program (regardless of whether or not the purchase consists of proceeds of a tax-free rollover of assets from a Benefit Plan described above); and
|
■
|
Clients of financial intermediaries, who (i) offer Class A shares through a no-load network or platform, (ii) charge clients an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services, or (iii) offer self-directed brokerage accounts or other similar types of accounts that may or may not charge transaction fees to customers.
|
To qualify for a waiver of the Class A or Class C sales charges at the time of purchase (including exchange of share classes within the Fund), you must notify the Transfer Agent, or the Distributor must be notified by the financial intermediary facilitating the purchase, that the transaction qualifies for a waiver of the Class A or Class C sales charges. The waiver will be granted subject to confirmation of your account holdings.
Additional Information About Reducing or Waiving Class A’s and Class C's Sales Charges.
The Fund also makes available free of charge, on the Fund's website, in a clear and prominent format, information relating to the Fund's Class A and Class C sales charges, 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 financial intermediary through which you hold Fund shares with the information necessary to take full advantage of reduced or waived Class A or Class C sales charges.
The Distributor may reallow the Class A sales charge to dealers.
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
|
27
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Class C Shares Automatically Convert to Class A Shares
Class C shares will be eligible for automatic conversion into Class A shares on a monthly basis approximately eight years after the original date of purchase. Conversion will take place based on the relative NAV of the two classes, without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. All such automatic conversions of Class C shares will constitute tax-free exchanges for federal income tax purposes.
For shareholders investing in Class C shares through retirement plans or omnibus accounts, and in certain other instances, the Fund and its agents may not have transparency into how long a shareholder has held Class C shares for purposes of determining whether such Class C shares are eligible for automatic conversion to Class A shares, and the relevant financial intermediary may not have the ability to track purchases in order to credit individual shareholders’ holding periods. In these circumstances, the Fund will not be able to automatically convert Class C shares to Class A shares as described above. In order to determine eligibility for conversion in these circumstances, it is the responsibility of the financial intermediary to notify the Fund that the shareholder is eligible for the conversion of Class C shares to Class A shares, and the financial intermediary may be required to maintain and provide the Fund with records that substantiate the holding period of Class C shares. It is the financial intermediary’s (and not the Fund’s) responsibility to keep records of transactions made in accounts it holds and to ensure that the shareholder is credited with the proper holding period based on such records or those provided to the financial intermediary by the shareholder. Please consult with your financial intermediary for the applicability of this conversion feature to your shares.
A financial intermediary may sponsor and/or control accounts, programs or platforms that impose a different conversion schedule or different eligibility requirements for the exchange of Class C shares for Class A shares (see
Appendix A: Waivers and Discounts Available From Certain Financial Intermediaries
of the Prospectus). Please consult with your financial intermediary if you have any questions regarding your shares’ conversion from Class C shares to Class A shares.
Qualifying for Class R Shares
Group Retirement Plans
. Class R shares are offered for sale to (i) certain group retirement plans (including defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans and deferred compensation plans) available through a retirement plan recordkeeper or third party administrator, and (ii) IRAs that are held on the books of the Fund through omnibus level accounts, including The SmartSolution IRA offered by Prudential Retirement. If Prudential Retirement Services is the recordkeeper for your group retirement plan, you may call Prudential at (800) 353-2847 with any questions. Investors in SmartSolution IRA accounts through Prudential’s Personal Retirement Services unit can call (888) 244-6237 with any questions regarding how to purchase shares. Otherwise, investors in group retirement plans should contact their financial intermediary with any questions regarding availability of Class R shares.
Qualifying for Class Z Shares
Institutional Investors.
Various institutional investors may purchase Class Z shares, including corporations, banks, governmental entities, municipalities, hospitals, insurance companies and IRS Section 501 entities, such as foundations and endowments. Institutional investors are responsible for indicating their eligibility to purchase Class Z shares at the time of purchase. Certain financial intermediaries may require that investments by their institutional investor clients in Class Z shares be placed directly with the Fund's Transfer Agent. Please contact the Transfer Agent at (800) 225-1852 for further details.
Mutual Fund Programs.
Class Z shares 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 financial intermediaries who offer Class Z shares of the Fund, or whose programs are available through financial intermediaries that offer Class Z shares of the Fund, for:
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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;
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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; or
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Fee- or commission-based retail brokerage programs of certain financial intermediaries that offer Class Z shares through such programs and that have agreements with PIMS to offer such shares when acting solely on an agency basis for their customers for the purchase or sale of such shares. If you transact in Class Z shares of the Fund through one of these programs, you may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker or financial intermediary for effecting such transaction. Because the Fund is not a party to any commission arrangement between you and your broker, any transactions in Class Z shares will be made by the Fund at net asset value (before imposition of the commission). Any such fee is paid by you, not by the Fund, and the imposition of any such fee or commission by your broker or financial intermediary does not impact the net asset value for such Fund shares. Shares of the Fund are available in other share classes that have different fees and expenses.
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Financial intermediaries 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 a share class offered by the program before selecting a share class.
Group Retirement Plans
. Group retirement plans (including defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans and deferred compensation plans) available through a retirement plan recordkeeper or third party administrator may purchase Class Z shares. If Prudential Retirement Services is the recordkeeper for your group retirement plan, you may call Prudential at (800) 353-2847 with any questions. Otherwise, investors in group retirement plans should contact their financial intermediary with any questions regarding availability of Class Z shares.
Other Types of Investors.
Class Z shares also can be purchased by any of the following:
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Certain participants in the MEDLEY Program (group variable annuity contracts) sponsored by Prudential for whom Class Z shares of the PGIM Funds are an available option;
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Current and former Directors/Trustees of mutual funds, closed-end funds and ETFs managed by PGIM Investments or any other affiliate of Prudential;
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Current and former employees (including their spouses, children and parents) of Prudential and its affiliates; former employees must have an existing investment in the Fund;
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Prudential (including any program or account sponsored by Prudential or an affiliate that includes the Fund as an available option);
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PGIM Funds, including PGIM funds-of-funds;
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Qualified state tuition programs (529 plans); and
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Investors working with fee-based consultants for investment selection and allocations.
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Qualifying for Class R6 Shares
Group Retirement Plans
. Group retirement plans (including defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans and deferred compensation plans) available through a retirement plan recordkeeper or third party administrator may purchase Class R6 shares. If Prudential Retirement Services is the recordkeeper for your group retirement plan, you may call Prudential at (800) 353-2847 with any questions. Otherwise, investors in group retirement plans should contact their financial intermediary with any questions regarding availability of Class R6 shares.
Institutional Investors.
Various institutional investors may purchase Class R6 shares, including, but not limited to, corporations, governmental entities, municipalities, hospitals, insurance companies and IRS Section 501 entities, such as foundations and endowments and other institutional investors. Institutional investors are responsible for indicating their eligibility to purchase Class R6 shares at the time of purchase.
Other Types of Investors.
Class R6 shares may also be purchased by Prudential, certain programs or accounts sponsored by Prudential, and PGIM Funds, including PGIM funds-of-funds.
Class R6 shares may only be purchased from financial intermediaries who offer such shares.
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Class R6 shares are offered to eligible investors as described in this Prospectus. Neither the Fund nor its affiliates are required to make or pay fees associated with or similar to sub-accounting, networking, revenue sharing, or certain administrative fees with respect to Class R6 shares.
How Financial Intermediaries are Compensated for Selling Fund Shares
The PGIM Funds are distributed by Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (the “Distributor”), a broker-dealer that is licensed to sell securities. The Distributor generally does not sell shares of the PGIM Funds directly to the public, but instead markets and sells the PGIM Funds through other broker-dealers, 401(k) providers, retirement plan administrators, and other financial intermediaries. Each PGIM Fund is managed by the Manager.
Only persons licensed with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), as a registered representative (often referred to as a broker or financial adviser) and associated with a specific financial services firm may sell shares of a mutual fund to you, or to a retirement plan in which you participate.
Rule 12b-1 Fees & Sales Charges.
The Distributor has agreements in place with financial intermediaries defining how much each firm will be paid for the sale of a particular mutual fund from front-end sales charges, if any, paid by Fund shareholders and from fees paid to the Distributor by the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (Rule 12b-1). These financial intermediaries then pay their registered representatives who sold you the Fund some or all of what they received from the Distributor. The registered representatives may receive a payment when the sale is made and can, in some cases, continue to receive ongoing payments while you are invested in the Fund. The Distributor may change at any time, without prior notice, the amount of Rule 12b-1 fees that it pays (when the sale is made and/or any ongoing payments) to financial intermediaries and registered representatives so that the Distributor may retain all or a portion of such fees.
“Revenue Sharing” Payments.
In addition to the compensation received by financial intermediaries as described above, the Manager or certain of its affiliates (but not the Distributor) may make additional payments (which are often referred to as “revenue sharing” payments) to the financial intermediaries from the Manager's or certain affiliates' own resources, including from the profits derived from management fees or other fees received from the Fund, without additional direct or indirect cost to the Fund or its shareholders, provided that no such additional payments to financial intermediaries are made with respect to the Fund’s Class R6 shares. Revenue sharing payments are in addition to the front-end sales charges paid by Fund shareholders or fees paid pursuant to plans adopted in accordance with Rule 12b-1. The Manager or certain of its affiliates may revise the terms of any existing revenue sharing arrangement, and may enter into additional revenue sharing arrangements with other financial intermediaries in the future.
Revenue sharing arrangements are intended to foster the sale of Fund shares and/or to compensate financial intermediaries for assisting in marketing or promotional activities in connection with the sale of Fund shares. In exchange for revenue sharing payments, the Fund generally expects to receive the opportunity for the Fund to be sold through the financial intermediaries' sales force or access to third-party platforms or other marketing programs, including but not limited to mutual fund “supermarket” platforms or other sales programs. To the extent that financial intermediaries receiving revenue sharing payments sell more shares of the Fund, the Manager and Distributor benefit from the increase in Fund assets as a result of the management and distribution fees they receive from the Fund, respectively. Increased sales of Fund shares also may benefit shareholders, since an increase in Fund assets may allow the Fund to expand its investment opportunities, and increased Fund assets may result in reduced Fund operating expenses.
From time to time the Manager or an affiliate of the Fund (and not the Fund itself) may pay certain administrative fees in order to make the Fund available to shareholders. Such fees are not included in, and are paid separate and apart from, any revenue sharing payments.
Revenue sharing payments, as well as the other types of payments described above, may provide an incentive for financial intermediaries 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.
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If your Fund shares are purchased through a retirement plan, the Manager or certain of its affiliates (but not the Distributor) may also make revenue sharing payments to the plan's recordkeeper or an affiliate, which generally is not a registered broker-dealer.
It is likely that financial intermediaries that execute portfolio transactions for the Fund will include those firms with which the Manager and/or certain of its affiliates have entered into revenue sharing arrangements. Neither the Manager nor any subadviser may consider sales of Fund shares as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Manager and certain of its affiliates will not use Fund brokerage as any part of revenue sharing payments to financial intermediaries.
Revenue sharing payments are usually calculated based on a percentage of Fund sales and/or Fund assets attributable to a particular financial services firm. Payments may also be based on other criteria or factors, for example, a fee per each transaction. 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 Manager and/or certain of its affiliates make such payments to financial intermediaries in amounts that generally range from 0.02% up to 0.20% of Fund assets serviced and maintained by the financial intermediaries or from 0.10% to 0.25% of sales of Fund shares attributable to the firm. In addition, the Manager and/or certain of its affiliates may pay flat fees on a one-time or irregular basis for the initial set-up of the Fund on a financial services intermediary’s systems, participation or attendance at a financial services firm's meeting, or for other reasons. These amounts are subject to change. In addition, the costs associated with visiting the financial intermediaries to make presentations, and/or train and educate the personnel of the financial intermediaries, may be paid by the Manager and/or certain of its affiliates, subject to applicable FINRA regulations.
Please contact the registered representative (or his or her firm) who sold shares of the Fund to you for details about any payments the financial intermediary may receive from the Manager and/or certain of its affiliates. You should review your financial intermediary’s disclosure and/or talk to your financial intermediary to obtain more information on how this compensation may have influenced your financial intermediary’s recommendation of the Fund. Additional information regarding these revenue sharing payments is included in the SAI which is available to you at no additional charge.
Other Payments Received by Financial Intermediaries
Administrative, Sub-Accounting and Networking Fees.
In addition to, rather than in lieu of, the fees that the Fund may pay to financial intermediaries as described above, and the fees the Fund pays to the Transfer Agent, the Transfer Agent or its affiliates may enter into additional agreements on behalf of the Fund with financial intermediaries pursuant to which the Fund will pay financial intermediaries for certain administrative, sub-accounting and networking services, provided that no such additional payments to financial intermediaries are made with respect to the Fund’s Class R6 shares. These services include maintenance of shareholder accounts by the firms, such as recordkeeping and other activities that otherwise would be performed by the Transfer Agent. Sub-accounting services encompass activities that reduce the burden of recordkeeping to the Fund. Administrative fees are paid to a firm that undertakes, for example, shareholder communications on behalf of the Fund. Networking services are services undertaken to support the electronic transmission of shareholder purchase and redemption orders through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”).
These payments, as discussed above, are paid out of Fund assets and generally based on either (1) a percentage of the average daily net assets of Fund shareholders serviced by a financial intermediary or (2) a fixed dollar amount for each account serviced by a financial services firm. From time to time, the Manager or certain of its affiliates (but not the Distributor) also may pay a portion of the fees for the services to the financial intermediaries at their own expense and out of their own resources.
In addition, the Fund reimburses the Distributor for NSCC fees that are invoiced to the Distributor as the party to the Agreement with NSCC for the administrative services provided by NSCC to the Fund and its shareholders. These administrative services provided by NSCC to the Fund and its shareholders include transaction processing and settlement through Fund/SERV, electronic networking services to support the transmission of shareholder purchase and
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redemption orders to and from financial intermediaries, and related recordkeeping provided by NSCC to the Fund and its shareholders. These payments are generally based on a transaction fee rate for certain administrative services plus a fee for other administrative services.
In accordance with federal law, the Fund has adopted policies designed to deter money laundering. Under the policies, the Fund will not knowingly engage in financial transactions that involve proceeds from unlawful activity or support terrorist activities, and shall file government reports, including those concerning suspicious activities, as required by applicable law. The Fund will seek to confirm the identity of potential shareholders to include both individuals and entities through documentary and non-documentary methods. Non-documentary methods may include verification of name, address, date of birth and tax identification number with selected credit bureaus. The Fund's Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer oversees the Fund's anti-money laundering policies.
Understanding the Price You'll Pay
The price you pay for each share of the Fund is based on the share value. The share value of a mutual fund—known as the
or
—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).
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 NAV will be determined every day on which the Fund is open as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). The Fund's portfolio securities are valued based upon market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available, at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by the Board. These procedures include pricing methodologies for determining the fair value of certain types of securities and other assets held by the Fund that do not have quoted market prices, and authorize the use of other pricing sources, such as bid prices supplied by a principal market maker and evaluated prices supplied by pricing vendors that employ analytic methodologies that take into account the prices of similar securities and other market factors.
If the Fund determines that a market quotation for a security is not reliable based on, among other things, events or market conditions that occur with respect to one or more securities held by the Fund or the market as a whole, 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, the Fund may use “fair value pricing,” which is implemented by a valuation committee (“Valuation Committee”) consisting of representatives of the Manager or by the Board. The subadviser often provides relevant information for the Valuation Committee meeting. In addition, the Fund may use fair value pricing determined by the Valuation Committee or Board if the pricing source does not provide an evaluated price for a security or provides an evaluated price that, in the judgment of the Manager (which may be based upon a recommendation from the subadviser), does not represent fair value. Equity securities that are traded on foreign exchanges are valued using pricing vendor services that provide fair value model prices. The models generate an evaluated adjustment factor for each security, which is applied to the local closing price to adjust it for post-closing market movements. Utilizing that evaluated adjustment factor, the vendor provides an evaluated price for each security. Non-US securities markets are open for trading on weekends and other days when the Fund does not price shares. Therefore, the value of the Fund’s shares may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund’s shares.
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Investments in open-end non-exchange-traded mutual funds will be valued at their NAV as determined as of the close of the NYSE on the date of valuation, which will reflect the mutual fund’s fair valuation procedures.
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. The prospectuses of any other mutual funds in which the Fund invests will explain each fund’s procedures and policies with respect to the use of fair value pricing.
Fair value pricing procedures are designed to result in prices for the Fund's securities and its NAV 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.
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. Eastern Time, or later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, your order to purchase must be received by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time in order to receive that day's NAV. In the event that regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. Eastern 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. The Fund will not treat an intraday unscheduled disruption in NYSE trading as a closure of the NYSE and will price its shares as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, if the particular disruption directly affects only the NYSE. We deem an order received when it is received by the Transfer Agent at its processing center. If you submit your order through a broker or other financial intermediary, it may be deemed received when received by the broker or financial intermediary.
Each business day, the Fund's current NAV per share is made available at www.pgim.com/investments (click on “Performance & Yields,” and then click on “Prices”).
Additional Shareholder Services
As a Fund shareholder, you can take advantage of the following services and privileges:
Automatic Reinvestment.
As we explained in the “Fund Distributions and Tax Issues” section, the Fund pays out—or distributes—its net investment income and net 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. For accounts held at the Transfer Agent (PMFS), distributions of $10.00 or less on non-retirement accounts will not be paid out in cash, but will be automatically reinvested into your account.
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC
P.O. Box 9658
Providence, RI 02940
Automatic Investment Plan (AIP).
You can make regular purchases of the Fund by having a fixed amount of money automatically withdrawn from your bank or brokerage account at specified intervals. The minimum for subsequent investments through newly-established AIP accounts must be at least $50 monthly.
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
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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. 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 updated summary
prospectus.
We will also send or
make available to you pursuant to Rule 30e-3 under the 1940 Act, an annual report and a semi-annual report, which contain important financial information about the Fund. To reduce Fund expenses, we may send or make available one annual shareholder report, one semi-annual shareholder report and one summary prospectus per household, unless you instruct us or your financial intermediary otherwise. If each Fund shareholder in your household would like to receive a copy of the Fund's summary prospectus and shareholder reports, 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.
Important Note: Effective January 1, 2021 you will no longer receive mailed copies of the annual and semi-annual reports, unless you elect to continue to receive these mailings. See the front cover of this Prospectus for more information
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You can sell your Fund shares for cash 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 or your financial intermediary receives your order to sell (less any applicable CDSC).
Shares Held by Financial Intermediaries.
If your financial intermediary holds your shares, your financial intermediary must receive your order to sell no later than the time regular trading on the NYSE closes—which is usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time—to process the sale on that day. In the event that regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. Eastern 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.
Shares Held by the Transfer Agent.
If the Transfer Agent holds your shares, PMFS must receive your order to sell no later than the time regular trading on the NYSE closes—which is usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time—to process the sale on that day. In the event that regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. Eastern 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. You may contact the Transfer Agent at:
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC
P.O. Box 9658
Providence, RI 02940
Payment for Shares You Have Sold
Shares Held by Financial Intermediaries.
Typically, if your order to sell shares is received in good order, payment will be credited to your account within 1 to 3 business days after the order is received, but in any event within seven days. Your broker may charge you a separate or additional fee for sales of shares.
Shares Held by the Transfer Agent.
Typically, if your order to sell shares is received in good order, we will send payment on the next business day, but in any event within seven days, regardless of the method of payment (e.g., payment by check, wire or electronic transfer (ACH)).
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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 seven days from the purchase date.
As a result of restrictions on withdrawals and transfers imposed by Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, we may consider a redemption request to not be in good order until we obtain information from your employer that is reasonably necessary to ensure that the payment is in compliance with such restrictions, if applicable. In such an event, the redemption request will not be in good order and we will not process it until we obtain information from your employer.
In addition, 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 SEC, the former may happen only during unusual market conditions or emergencies when the Fund is unable to 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 Medallion signature guaranteed if:
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You are selling more than $100,000 of shares;
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You want the redemption proceeds made payable to someone that is not in the Transfer Agent’s records;
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You want the redemption proceeds sent to an address that is not in the Transfer Agent’s records;
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You are a business or a trust; or
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You are redeeming due to the death of the shareholder or on behalf of the shareholder.
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The Medallion signature guarantee may be obtained from an authorized officer from a bank, broker, dealer, securities exchange or association, clearing agency, savings association, or credit union that is participating in one of the recognized Medallion guarantee programs (STAMP, SEMP, or NYSE MSP), but not from a notary public. The Medallion signature guarantee must be appropriate for the dollar amount of the transaction. The Transfer Agent reserves the right to reject sale transactions where the value of the transaction exceeds the value of the surety coverage indicated on the Medallion imprint. The Fund may change the signature guarantee requirements from time to time without prior notice to shareholders. For more information, see the SAI.
How the Fund Pays for Shares You Have Sold
Under normal market conditions, the Fund expects to pay for shares that you have sold primarily by using cash or cash equivalents in its portfolio or selling portfolio assets to generate cash. Supplementally, the Fund may also raise cash to pay for sold shares by short-term borrowing in the form of overdrafts permitted by the Fund’s custodian bank and/or by short-term borrowing from a group of banks through an unsecured credit facility, which is intended to provide the Fund with a temporary additional source of liquidity. In certain circumstances the Fund reserves the right to pay for sold shares by giving you securities from the Fund’s portfolio. If you receive securities, you would incur transaction costs in converting the securities to cash, and you may receive less for the securities than the price at which they were valued for redemption purposes.
During stressed market conditions, it may be impractical or impossible to raise sufficient cash to pay for sold shares through the primary methods described above. In these circumstances, the Fund would be more likely to rely more heavily on the credit facility as a source of liquidity, as described above.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC)
If you sell Class C shares within 12 months of purchase, you will have to pay a CDSC of 1.00%. 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 1.00% CDSC for shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase. The CDSC is waived for purchases by certain retirement and/or benefit plans. To keep the CDSC as low as possible, we will sell amounts representing shares in the following order:
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Amounts representing shares you purchased with reinvested dividends and distributions,
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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) and 12 months for Class C shares, and
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Amounts representing the cost of shares held beyond the CDSC period (12 months for Class A shares (in certain cases) and 12 months for Class C shares).
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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.
The CDSC is calculated based on the lesser of the original purchase price or the net asset value at redemption. The rate decreases on the anniversary date of your purchase.
The holding period for purposes of determining the applicable CDSC will be calculated from the anniversary date of the purchase, excluding any time Class C shares were held in a money market fund.
Waiver of the CDSC—Class A Shares and Class C Shares
The CDSC will be waived if the Class A shares and Class C shares are sold:
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After a shareholder is deceased or permanently disabled (or, in the case of a trust account, after the death or permanent 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 permanent disability;
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To provide for certain distributions—made without IRS penalty—from a qualified or tax-deferred retirement plan, benefit plan, IRA or Section 403(b) custodial account; and
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To withdraw excess contributions from a qualified or tax-deferred retirement plan, IRA or Section 403(b) custodial account.
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For more information, see the SAI.
Involuntary Redemption of Small Accounts Held by the Transfer Agent
If the value of your account with PMFS is less than $500 for any reason, we may sell your shares (without charging any CDSC) and close your account. We would do this to minimize the Fund's expenses paid by other shareholders. The involuntary sale provisions do not apply to Automatic Investment Plan (AIP) accounts, employee savings plan accounts, payroll deduction plan accounts, retirement accounts (such as a 401(k) plan, an IRA or other qualified or tax-deferred plan or account), omnibus accounts, and accounts for which a broker or other financial intermediary is responsible for recordkeeping. Prior thereto, if you make a sale that reduces your account value to less than the threshold, we may sell the rest of your shares (without charging any CDSC) and close your account; this involuntary sale does not apply to shareholders who own their shares as part of a retirement account. For more information, see “Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Fund Shares—Involuntary Redemption” in the SAI.
Account Maintenance Fee for Accounts Held by the Transfer Agent
If the value of your Class A, Class C or Class Z account with PMFS is less than $10,000, with certain exclusions, a $15 annual account maintenance fee will be deducted from your account during the 4th calendar quarter of each year. Any applicable CDSC on the shares redeemed to pay the account maintenance fee will be waived. For more information, see “Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Fund Shares—Account Maintenance Fee” in the SAI.
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. In order to take advantage of this privilege, you must notify the Transfer Agent or your broker at the time of the repurchase. This privilege can only be used once in a 12-month period. For more information, see the SAI.
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The terms of this privilege may vary by financial intermediary. For more information, see “Appendix A: Waivers and Discounts Available From Certain Financial Intermediaries.”
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 generally exchange your shares of the Fund for shares of the same class in certain other PGIM Funds—including PGIM Government Money Market Fund—if you satisfy the minimum investment requirements. For example, you can exchange Class A shares of the Fund for Class A shares of other funds in the PGIM Funds mutual fund family, but you can’t exchange Class A shares for a different share class of another PGIM Fund.
In addition, Class R6 shares may not be exchanged for Class R6 shares of the Prudential Day One Funds or the PGIM 60/40 Allocation Fund.
After an exchange, at redemption, any CDSC will be calculated from the date of the initial purchase, excluding any time that Class C shares were held in PGIM Government Money Market Fund. We may change the terms of any exchange privilege after giving you 60 days' notice.
There is no sales charge for exchanges. However, if you exchange—and then sell—shares within the applicable CDSC period, you must still pay the applicable CDSC. At the time of exchange, CDSC liable shares and free shares move proportionally according to the percentage of total shares you are exchanging. If you have exchanged Class C shares into PGIM Government Money Market Fund, the time you hold the Class C shares in the money market fund will not be counted in calculating the required holding period for CDSC liability.
For investors in certain programs sponsored by financial intermediaries that offer shares of the Fund, or whose programs are available through financial intermediaries that offer shares of the Fund for mutual fund “wrap” or asset allocation programs or mutual fund “supermarket” programs, an exchange may be made from Class A to Class Z shares of the Fund in certain limited circumstances. Contact your program sponsor or financial intermediary with any questions.
Exchanging Shares Held by a Financial Intermediary.
If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, you must exchange shares through your financial intermediary.
Exchanging Shares Held by the Transfer Agent.
If you hold shares through the Transfer Agent, contact your financial advisor or PMFS at (800) 225-1852 or write to PMFS at:
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC
P.O. Box 9658
Providence, RI 02940
If you participate in any fee-based program where the Fund is an available investment option, you may arrange with the Transfer Agent or your recordkeeper to exchange your Class A shares, if any, for Class Z shares when you elect to participate in the fee-based program. When you no longer participate in the program, you may arrange with the Transfer Agent or your recordkeeper to exchange all of your Class Z shares, including shares purchased while you were in the program, for Class A shares.
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
|
37
|
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 non-US 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 non-US 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 Fund does not knowingly accommodate or permit frequent trading, and the Board 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. If this occurs, the shareholder’s account will be subject to a 60-day warning period. If a second round-trip occurs before the conclusion of the 60-day warning period, a trading suspension will be placed on the account by the Fund’s Transfer Agent that will remain in effect for 90 days. The trading suspension will relate to purchases and exchange purchases (but not redemptions) in the Fund in which the frequent trading occurred. Exceptions to the trading policy will not normally be granted.
Transactions in the PGIM money market funds, exchange-traded funds and PGIM Short-Term Corporate Bond Fund are excluded from this trading policy. In addition, transactions by affiliated PGIM Funds or certain unaffiliated funds, which are structured as “funds-of-funds,” and invest primarily in other mutual funds within the PGIM Fund family, are not subject to the limitations of the trading policy and are not considered frequent or short-term trading.
This trading policy does not apply to systematic purchases and redemptions (e.g., payroll purchases, systematic withdrawals and rebalancing transactions or other similar transactions not initiated by a shareholder or financial professional on the transaction date). Generally, purchases and redemptions will not be considered “systematic” unless the transaction is pre-established or scheduled for a specific date.
The Fund reserves the right to reject or cancel, without prior notice, all additional purchases or exchanges into the Fund by a shareholder. 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 daily trading activity above a certain threshold, which may be changed from time to time, over a rolling 90-day period. If a purchase into the Fund is rejected or canceled, the shareholder will receive a return of the purchase amount.
38
|
PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
|
If the Fund is offered to qualified plans on an omnibus basis or if Fund shares may be purchased through other omnibus arrangements, such as through a financial intermediary such as a broker-dealer, a bank, an insurance company separate account, an investment adviser, or an administrator or trustee of a retirement plan (“Intermediaries”) that holds your shares in an account under its name, 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 has notified 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 aggregate omnibus net flows above a certain threshold. In cases where the activity is considered unusual, 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 potential 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 $250,000 or exchange your shares in any amount by calling the Fund at (800) 225-1852 and communicating your instructions in good order to a customer service representative before 4:00 p.m. Eastern 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. Eastern 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 Transfer Agent prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern 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. Eastern 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.
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
|
39
|
The financial highlights will help you evaluate the Fund's financial performance for the past five fiscal years or periods (as applicable) ended November 30, 2020. Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund class share. The total return in each chart represents the rate that a shareholder would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund, assuming investment at the start of the period and reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions. The information is for the periods indicated.
These financial highlights for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2020 were derived from the financial statements audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report on those financial statements was unqualified. The information for the fiscal years or periods (as applicable) prior to the fiscal year ended November 30, 2020 was audited by KPMG LLP, the Fund's prior independent registered public accounting firm.
A copy of the Fund's annual report, including the Fund's audited financial statements and report of independent registered public accounting firm, is available upon request, at no charge, as described on the back cover of this Prospectus.
Class A Shares
|
|
Year Ended November 30,
|
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
Per Share Operating Performance
(a)
:
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year
|
$44.29
|
$49.28
|
$46.25
|
$37.89
|
$49.64
|
Income (loss) from investment operations:
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
(0.27)
|
(0.24)
|
(0.31)
|
(0.26)
|
(0.18)
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions
|
14.39
|
0.03
|
5.52
|
9.97
|
(5.21)
|
Total from investment operations
|
14.12
|
(0.21)
|
5.21
|
9.71
|
(5.39)
|
Less Dividends and Distributions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from net realized gains
|
(1.43)
|
(4.78)
|
(2.18)
|
(1.35)
|
(6.36)
|
Net asset value, end of
Year
|
$56.98
|
$44.29
|
$49.28
|
$46.25
|
$37.89
|
|
32.85%
|
1.58%
|
11.81%
|
26.61%
|
(12.38)%
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of
Year (000)
|
$905,865
|
$754,653
|
$767,277
|
$812,855
|
$944,171
|
Average net assets (000)
|
$777,602
|
$733,289
|
$812,835
|
$835,255
|
$1,128,298
|
Ratios to average net assets
(c)(d)
:
|
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
1.14%
|
1.15%
|
1.14%
|
1.15%
|
1.17%
|
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
1.14%
|
1.15%
|
1.14%
|
1.15%
|
1.17%
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
(0.58)%
|
(0.57)%
|
(0.64)%
|
(0.61)%
|
(0.48)%
|
Portfolio turnover rate
(e)
|
45%
|
30%
|
36%
|
27%
|
25%
|
(a)
|
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.
|
(b)
|
Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.
|
(c)
|
Effective December 1, 2017, class specific expenses include transfer agent fees and expenses and registration fees, which are charged to their respective share class.
|
(d)
|
Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.
|
(e)
|
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate may be higher.
|
40
|
PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
|
Class C Shares
|
|
Year Ended November 30,
|
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
Per Share Operating Performance
(a)
:
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year
|
$32.10
|
$37.50
|
$35.94
|
$29.94
|
$40.81
|
Income (loss) from investment operations:
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
(0.42)
|
(0.36)
|
(0.48)
|
(0.42)
|
(0.36)
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions
|
10.25
|
(0.26)
|
4.22
|
7.77
|
(4.15)
|
Total from investment operations
|
9.83
|
(0.62)
|
3.74
|
7.35
|
(4.51)
|
Less Dividends and Distributions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from net realized gains
|
(1.43)
|
(4.78)
|
(2.18)
|
(1.35)
|
(6.36)
|
Net asset value, end of
Year
|
$40.50
|
$32.10
|
$37.50
|
$35.94
|
$29.94
|
|
31.93%
|
0.92%
|
11.06%
|
25.75%
|
(12.99)%
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of
Year (000)
|
$42,813
|
$55,821
|
$174,411
|
$181,567
|
$194,001
|
Average net assets (000)
|
$45,302
|
$99,267
|
$183,807
|
$187,980
|
$224,856
|
Ratios to average net assets
(c)(d)
:
|
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
1.85%
|
1.83%
|
1.80%
|
1.85%
|
1.87%
|
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
1.85%
|
1.83%
|
1.80%
|
1.85%
|
1.87%
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
(1.27)%
|
(1.18)%
|
(1.30)%
|
(1.30)%
|
(1.19)%
|
Portfolio turnover rate
(e)
|
45%
|
30%
|
36%
|
27%
|
25%
|
(a)
|
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.
|
(b)
|
Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.
|
(c)
|
Effective December 1, 2017, class specific expenses include transfer agent fees and expenses and registration fees, which are charged to their respective share class.
|
(d)
|
Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.
|
(e)
|
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate may be higher.
|
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
|
41
|
Class R Shares
|
|
Year Ended November 30,
|
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
Per Share Operating Performance
(a)
:
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year
|
$43.16
|
$48.36
|
$45.58
|
$37.42
|
$49.20
|
Income (loss) from investment operations:
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
(0.43)
|
(0.41)
|
(0.46)
|
(0.33)
|
(0.26)
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions
|
13.98
|
(0.01)
|
5.42
|
9.84
|
(5.16)
|
Total from investment operations
|
13.55
|
(0.42)
|
4.96
|
9.51
|
(5.42)
|
Less Dividends and Distributions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from net realized gains
|
(1.43)
|
(4.78)
|
(2.18)
|
(1.35)
|
(6.36)
|
Net asset value, end of
Year
|
$55.28
|
$43.16
|
$48.36
|
$45.58
|
$37.42
|
|
32.38%
|
1.13%
|
11.41%
|
26.40%
|
(12.57)%
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of
Year (000)
|
$10,288
|
$8,875
|
$12,016
|
$14,049
|
$12,973
|
Average net assets (000)
|
$8,952
|
$9,831
|
$13,129
|
$13,552
|
$15,542
|
Ratios to average net assets
(c)(d)
:
|
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
1.49%
|
1.60%
|
1.47%
|
1.35%
|
1.37%
|
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
1.74%
|
1.85%
|
1.72%
|
1.60%
|
1.62%
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
(0.93)%
|
(1.00)%
|
(0.97)%
|
(0.80)%
|
(0.68)%
|
Portfolio turnover rate
(e)
|
45%
|
30%
|
36%
|
27%
|
25%
|
(a)
|
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.
|
(b)
|
Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.
|
(c)
|
Effective December 1, 2017, class specific expenses include transfer agent fees and expenses and registration fees, which are charged to their respective share class.
|
(d)
|
Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.
|
(e)
|
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate may be higher.
|
42
|
PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
|
Class Z Shares
|
|
Year Ended November 30,
|
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
Per Share Operating Performance
(a)
:
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year
|
$49.56
|
$54.32
|
$50.62
|
$41.21
|
$53.30
|
Income (loss) from investment operations:
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
(0.15)
|
(0.12)
|
(0.18)
|
(0.14)
|
(0.08)
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions
|
16.19
|
0.14
|
6.06
|
10.90
|
(5.65)
|
Total from investment operations
|
16.04
|
0.02
|
5.88
|
10.76
|
(5.73)
|
Less Dividends and Distributions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from net realized gains
|
(1.43)
|
(4.78)
|
(2.18)
|
(1.35)
|
(6.36)
|
Net asset value, end of
Year
|
$64.17
|
$49.56
|
$54.32
|
$50.62
|
$41.21
|
|
33.24%
|
1.89%
|
12.12%
|
27.02%
|
(12.14)%
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of
Year (000)
|
$1,208,728
|
$1,057,204
|
$1,373,500
|
$1,259,584
|
$957,942
|
Average net assets (000)
|
$1,018,567
|
$1,158,525
|
$1,338,706
|
$1,142,806
|
$1,087,154
|
Ratios to average net assets
(c)(d)
:
|
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
0.85%
|
0.86%
|
0.85%
|
0.84%
|
0.87%
|
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
0.85%
|
0.86%
|
0.85%
|
0.84%
|
0.87%
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
(0.29)%
|
(0.26)%
|
(0.34)%
|
(0.29)%
|
(0.18)%
|
Portfolio turnover rate
(e)
|
45%
|
30%
|
36%
|
27%
|
25%
|
(a)
|
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.
|
(b)
|
Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.
|
(c)
|
Effective December 1, 2017, class specific expenses include transfer agent fees and expenses and registration fees, which are charged to their respective share class.
|
(d)
|
Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.
|
(e)
|
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate may be higher.
|
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
|
43
|
Class R6 Shares
|
|
Year Ended November 30,
|
|
January 27, 2016
(a)
through November 30,
2016
|
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
|
Per Share Operating Performance
(b)
:
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
$49.70
|
$54.45
|
$50.71
|
$41.25
|
|
$39.16
|
Income (loss) from investment operations:
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
(0.09)
|
(0.13)
|
(0.15)
|
(0.09)
|
|
(0.02)
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions
|
16.22
|
0.16
|
6.07
|
10.90
|
|
2.11
|
Total from investment operations
|
16.13
|
0.03
|
5.92
|
10.81
|
|
2.09
|
Less Dividends and Distributions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from net realized gains
|
(1.43)
|
(4.78)
|
(2.18)
|
(1.35)
|
|
-
|
Net asset value, end of
Period
|
$64.40
|
$49.70
|
$54.45
|
$50.71
|
|
$41.25
|
|
33.33%
|
1.93%
|
12.18%
|
27.12%
|
|
5.34%
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of
Period (000)
|
$18,058
|
$28,836
|
$9,513
|
$1,755
|
|
$11
|
Average net assets (000)
|
$22,365
|
$14,164
|
$5,770
|
$517
|
|
$10
|
Ratios to average net assets
(d)(e)
:
|
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
0.79%
|
0.82%
|
0.82%
|
0.74%
|
|
0.75%
(f)
|
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
0.79%
|
0.91%
|
0.93%
|
0.74%
|
|
0.75%
(f)
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
(0.17)%
|
(0.29)%
|
(0.28)%
|
(0.19)%
|
|
(0.06)%
(f)
|
Portfolio turnover rate
(g)
|
45%
|
30%
|
36%
|
27%
|
|
25%
|
(a)
|
Commencement of offering.
|
(b)
|
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.
|
(c)
|
Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP. Total returns for periods less than one full year are not annualized.
|
(d)
|
Effective December 1, 2017, class specific expenses include transfer agent fees and expenses and registration fees, which are charged to their respective share class.
|
(e)
|
Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.
|
(f)
|
Annualized.
|
(g)
|
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate may be higher.
|
44
|
PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
|
GLOSSARY
S&P 1500 Health Care Index.
The S&P 1500 Health Care Index is an unmanaged capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the health care sector of the S&P Composite 1500 Index. These returns do not include the effect of any sales charges, operating expenses of a mutual fund, or taxes. These returns would be lower if they included the effect of these expenses.
The S&P 1500 Health Care Index (“
Index
”) is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and/or its affiliates and has been licensed for use by PGIM, Inc. and/or its affiliates. Copyright © 2021 S& P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global, Inc., and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Redistribution or reproduction in whole or in part are prohibited without written permission of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. For more information on any of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC’s indices please visit www.spdji.com. S&P® is a registered trademark of S&P Global and Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC.
S&P Composite 1500 Index.
The S&P Composite 1500 Index is an unmanaged index of the over 500 largest, established, publicly traded stocks in the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index (S&P 500 Index); the 400 largest stocks contained in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 Index; and the 600 small-capitalization stocks comprising the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. These returns do not include the effect of any sales charges, or operating expenses of a mutual fund, or taxes. These returns would be lower if they included the effect of these expenses.
The S&P Composite 1500 Index (“Index”) is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and/or its affiliates and has been licensed for use by PGIM, Inc. and/or its affiliates. Copyright © 2021 S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global, Inc., and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Redistribution or reproduction in whole or in part are prohibited without written permission of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. For more information on any of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC’s indices please visit www.spdji.com. S&P® is a registered trademark of S&P Global and Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC.
APPENDIX A: WAIVERS AND DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FROM CERTAIN FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from the Fund or through a financial intermediary. Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) waivers (i.e., back-end), which are discussed below. In all instances, it is the purchaser's responsibility to notify the Fund or the purchaser's financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts.
For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase Fund shares through the applicable intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts.
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, as applicable, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's Prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at Merrill Lynch
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Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
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Shares purchased by a 529 Plan (does not include 529 Plan units or 529-specific share classes or equivalents)
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Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program
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Shares exchanged due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
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Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch’s platform
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Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform
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Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)
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Shares exchanged from Class C (i.e. level-load) shares of the same fund pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
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Employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members
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Directors or Trustees of the Fund, and employees of the Fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this Prospectus
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Eligible shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement). Automated transactions (i.e. systematic purchases and withdrawals) and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay Merrill Lynch’s account maintenance fees are not eligible for reinstatement
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CDSC Waivers on Class A and C Shares available at Merrill Lynch
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Death or disability of the shareholder
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Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in this Prospectus
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Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account
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Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code
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Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch
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Shares acquired through a Right of Reinstatement
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Shares held in retirement brokerage accounts, that are exchanged for a lower cost share class due to transfer to certain fee based accounts or platforms
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Shares received through an exchange due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
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Front-end load Discounts Available at Merrill Lynch: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent
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Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus
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Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts as described in the Fund’s Prospectus will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts (including 529 program holdings, where applicable) within the purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
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Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time
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Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management transactional brokerage account are eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's Prospectus or SAI.
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares Available at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
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Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans
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Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley’s account linking rules
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Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund
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Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account
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Class C (i.e., level-load) shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s share class conversion program
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Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (i) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (ii) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (iii) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge
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Class A Shares Front-End Sales Charge Waivers Available at Ameriprise Financial
The following information applies to Class A shares purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase Fund shares through Ameriprise Financial.
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial brokerage account are eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's Prospectus or SAI.
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Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs.
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Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
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Shares exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 7-year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Class C shares or conversion of Class C shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply.
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Employees and registered representatives of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates and their immediate family members.
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Shares purchased by or through qualified accounts (including IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b) TSCAs subject to ERISA and defined benefit plans) that are held by a covered family member, defined as an Ameriprise financial advisor and/or the advisor’s spouse, advisor’s lineal ascendant (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, great grandmother, great grandfather), advisor’s lineal descendant (son, step-son, daughter, step-daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great grandson, great granddaughter) or any spouse of a covered family member who is a lineal descendant.
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Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e. Rights of Reinstatement).
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Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services and each entity’s affiliates (“Raymond James”)
Shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment adviser for which Raymond James provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front-end sales load waivers on Class A shares available at Raymond James
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Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.
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Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains and dividend distributions.
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Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.
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Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
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A shareholder in the Fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.
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CDSC Waivers on Classes A and C shares available at Raymond James
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Death or disability of the shareholder.
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Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.
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Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
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Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.
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Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.
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Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
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Front-end load discounts available at Raymond James: breakpoints, and/or rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent
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Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus.
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Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
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Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
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Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (“Edward Jones”)
Policies Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones
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Clients of Edward Jones (also referred to as “shareholders”) purchasing fund shares on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms are eligible only for the following sales charge discounts (also referred to as “breakpoints”) and waivers, which can differ from discounts and waivers described elsewhere in this Fund’s Prospectus or statement of additional information (“SAI”) or through another broker-dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholder's responsibility to inform Edward Jones at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings of the Fund or other facts qualifying the purchaser for breakpoints discounts or waivers. Edward Jones can ask for documentation of such circumstance. Shareholders should contact Edward Jones if they have questions regarding their eligibility for these discounts and waivers.
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Breakpoint pricing, otherwise known as volume pricing, at dollar thresholds as described in this Fund’s Prospectus.
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Rights of Accumulation (ROA)
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The applicable sales charge on a purchase of Class A shares is determined by taking into account all share classes (except certain money market funds and any assets held in group retirement plans ) of PGIM Funds held by the shareholder or in an account grouped by Edward Jones with certain other related accounts for the purpose of providing certain pricing considerations (“pricing groups”). If grouping assets as a shareholder this includes all share classes held on the Edward Jones platform and/or held on another platform. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the ROA calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Money market funds are included only if such shares were sold with a sales charge at the time of purchase or acquired in exchange for shares purchased with a sales charge.
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The employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan may elect to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping as opposed to including all share classes at a shareholder or pricing group level.
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ROA is determined by calculating the higher of cost minus redemptions or market value (current shares x NAV).
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Through a LOI, shareholders can receive the sales charge and breakpoint discounts for purchases shareholders intend to make over a 13-month period from the date Edward Jones receives the LOI. The LOI is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value of qualifying holdings at LOI initiation in combination with the value that the shareholder intends to buy over a 13-month period to calculate the front-end sales charge and any breakpoint discounts. Each purchase the shareholder makes during that 13-month period will receive the sales charge and breakpoint discount that applies to the total amount. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the LOI calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Purchases made before the LOI is received by Edward Jones are not adjusted under the LOI and will not reduce the sales charge previously paid. Sales charges will be adjusted if LOI is not met.
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If the employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan has elected to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping. LOIs will also be at the plan-level and may only be established by the employer.
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Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations:
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Associates of Edward Jones and its affiliates and their family members who are in the same pricing group (as determined by Edward Jones under its policies and procedures) as the associate. This waiver will continue for the remainder of the associate's life if the associate retires from Edward Jones in good-standing and remains in good standing pursuant to Edward Jones’ policies and procedures.
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Shares purchased in an Edward Jones fee-based program.
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Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment.
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Shares purchased from the proceeds of redeemed shares of the same fund family so long as the following conditions are met: 1) the proceeds are from the sale of shares within 60 days of the purchase, and 2) the sale and purchase are made in the same share class and the same account or the purchase is made in an individual retirement account with proceeds from liquidations in a non-retirement account.
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Shares exchanged into Class A shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of Edward Jones. Edward Jones is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the Prospectus.
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Exchanges from Class C shares to Class A shares of the same fund, generally, in the 84th month following the anniversary of the purchase date or earlier at the discretion of Edward Jones.
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Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) Waivers
If the shareholder purchases shares that are subject to a CDSC and those shares are redeemed before the CDSC is expired, the shareholder is responsible to pay the CDSC except in the following conditions:
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The death or disability of the shareholder
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Systematic withdrawals with up to 10% per year of the account value
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Return of excess contributions from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)
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Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations
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Shares sold to pay Edward Jones fees or costs in such cases where the transaction is initiated by Edward Jones
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Shares exchanged in an Edward Jones fee-based program
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Shares acquired through NAV reinstatement
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Shares redeemed at the discretion of Edward Jones for Minimum Balances, as described below.
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Other Important Information Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones
Minimum Purchase Amounts (Class A and Class C shares)
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Initial purchase minimum: $250
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Subsequent purchase minimum: none
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Edward Jones has the right to redeem at its discretion fund holdings with a balance of $250 or less. The following are examples of accounts that are not included in this policy:
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A fee-based account held on an Edward Jones platform
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A 529 account held on an Edward Jones platform
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An account with an active systematic investment plan or LOI
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Edward Jones has the authority to exchange at NAV a shareholder's holdings in a fund to Class A shares or such other share class based on Edward Jones’ policy.
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Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (“Janney”)
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Janney account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's Prospectus or SAI.
Front-end sales charge waivers on Class A shares available at Janney
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Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
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Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Janney or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Janney.
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Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e., right of reinstatement).
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Class C shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Janney’s policies and procedures.
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Sales charge waivers on Class A and C shares available at Janney
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Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder.
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Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.
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Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account.
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Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.
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Shares sold to pay Janney fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Janney.
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Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
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Front-end load discounts available at Janney: breakpoints, and/or rights of accumulation
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Breakpoints as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.
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Rights of accumulation (“ROA”), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of Fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Janney. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
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Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (OPCO)
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an OPCO platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) waivers (i.e., back-end)) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or the SAI.
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A share available at OPCO
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Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
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Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan
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Shares purchased through an OPCO affiliated investment advisory program
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Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the PGIM fund family)
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Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement)
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A shareholder in the Fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of OPCO
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Employees and registered representatives of OPCO or its affiliates and their family members
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Directors or Trustees of the Fund, and employees of the Fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this Prospectus
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Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) Waivers available at OPCO
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The death or disability of the shareholder
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Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in this Prospectus
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Return of excess contributions from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)
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Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations
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Shares sold to pay OPCO fees but only if the transaction is initiated by OPCO
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Shares acquired through a Right of Reinstatement
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Front-end load discounts available at OPCO: breakpoints and/or rights of accumulation
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Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus
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Rights of accumulation (ROA), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of Fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at OPCO. Eligible Fund family assets not held at OPCO may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
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Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Baird platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or the SAI.
Front-end sales charge waivers on Class A shares available at Baird.
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Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund
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Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Baird or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Baird
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Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions from another PGIM Fund, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as Rights of Reinstatement)
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A shareholder in the Fund's Class C Shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Baird
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Employer-sponsored retirement plans or charitable accounts in a transactional brokerage account at Baird, including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans. For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs
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Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) waivers on Class A and C shares available at Baird
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Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder
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Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in this Prospectus
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Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account
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Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations
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Shares sold to pay Baird fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Baird
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Shares acquired through a Right of Reinstatement
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Front-end Sales Charge Discounts available at Baird: Breakpoints and/or Rights of Accumulation
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Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus
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Rights of accumulation (ROA), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of PGIM Fund assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Baird. Eligible PGIM Fund assets not held at Baird may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
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Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases of PGIM Funds through Baird, over a 13-month period of time
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STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY, INCORPORATED (“STIFEL”)
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Stifel platform or account, or who own shares for which Stifel or an affiliate is the broker-dealer of record, are eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's Prospectus or SAI. All other waivers in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI apply as described.
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares
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Class C (i.e., level-load) shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same Fund (at net asset value per share) pursuant to policies and procedures of Stifel.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please read this Prospectus before you invest in the Fund and keep it for future reference.
For information or shareholder questions contact:
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Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC
PO Box 9658
Providence, RI 02940
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www.pgim.com/investments
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(800) 225-1852
(973) 367-3529
(from outside the US)
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To receive your mutual fund documents on-line, go to pgim.com/investments/resource/edelivery and enroll. Instead of receiving printed documents by mail, you will receive notification via email when new materials are available. You can cancel your enrollment or change your email address at any time by visiting the website address above.
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The Annual and Semi-Annual Reports and the SAI contain additional information about the Fund. 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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STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)
(incorporated by reference into this Prospectus)
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(contains a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance during the last fiscal year)
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You can also obtain copies of Fund documents, including the SAI, from the SEC as follows (the SEC charges a fee to copy documents):
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on the EDGAR Database at www.sec.gov
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PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
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The Fund's Investment Company Act File No. 811-03175
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PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
PROSPECTUS — January 29, 2021
Long-term capital appreciation
PGIM JENNISON FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND
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A: PFSAX
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C: PUFCX
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R: PSSRX
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Z: PFSZX
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R6: PFSQX
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website (www.pgim.com/investments), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
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If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling 1-800-225-1852 or by sending an e-mail request to PGIM Investments at shareholderreports@pgim.com.
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You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to elect to continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you invest directly with the Fund, you can call 1-800-225-1852 or send an email request to shareholderreports@pgim.com to let the Fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held in your account if you invest through your financial intermediary or all funds held with the fund complex if you invest directly with the Fund.
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To enroll in e-delivery, go to pgim.com/investments/resource/edelivery
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As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 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.
Mutual funds are distributed by Prudential Investment Management Services LLC, member SIPC. Jennison Associates LLC is a registered investment adviser. Both are Prudential Financial companies. © 2021 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities. Jennison Associates, Jennison, the Prudential logo, and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.
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Table of Contents
3
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3
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3
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4
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7
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7
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8
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8
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9
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9
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12
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17
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17
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17
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17
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17
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18
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18
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19
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19
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19
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22
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23
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23
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35
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38
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41
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46
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47
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The investment objective of the Fund is
long-term capital appreciation
.
The tables below describe the sales charges, fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may be required to pay commissions to a broker for transactions in Class Z shares, which are not reflected in the table or the example below. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and an eligible group of related investors purchase, or agree to purchase in the future, $25,000 or more in shares of the Fund or other funds in the PGIM Funds family. More information about these discounts as well as other waivers or discounts is available from your financial professional and is explained in
Reducing or Waiving Class A's and Class C’s Sales Charges
on page 26 of the Fund's Prospectus,
Appendix A: Waivers and Discounts Available From Certain Financial Intermediaries
on
page 47 of the Fund's Prospectus and in
Rights of Accumulation
on page 65 of the Fund's Statement of Additional Information (SAI).
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
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Class A
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Class C
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Class R
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Class Z
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Class R6
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Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
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5.50%
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None
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None
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None
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None
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Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the lower of the original purchase price or the net asset value at redemption)
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1.00%*
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1.00%**
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None
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None
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None
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Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends and other distributions
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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Redemption fee
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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Exchange fee
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None
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None
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None
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None
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None
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Maximum account fee (accounts under $10,000)
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$15
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$15
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None
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None***
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None
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*Investors who purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares and sell these shares within 12 months of purchase are subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) although they are not subject to an initial sales charge. The CDSC is waived for purchases by certain retirement and/or benefit plans.
**Class C shares are sold with a CDSC of 1.00% on sales made within 12 months of purchase.
***Direct Transfer Agent Accounts holding under $10,000 of Class Z shares are subject to the $15 fee.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
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Class A
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Class C
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Class R
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Class Z
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Class R6
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Management fee
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0.75%
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0.75%
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0.75%
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0.75%
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0.75%
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Distribution and service (12b-1) fees
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0.30%
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1.00%
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0.75%
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None
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None
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Other expenses
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0.34%
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0.39%
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0.39%
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0.34%
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77.18%
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Total annual Fund operating expenses
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1.39%
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2.14%
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1.89%
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1.09%
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77.93%
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Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement
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None
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None
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(0.25)%
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None
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(76.93)%
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Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement
(1,2)
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1.39%
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2.14%
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1.64%
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1.09%
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1.00%
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(1)
PGIM Investments LLC (PGIM Investments) has contractually agreed, through March 31, 2022, to limit transfer agency, shareholder servicing, sub-transfer agency, and blue sky fees, as applicable, to the extent that such fees cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.00% of average daily net assets for Class R6 shares. This contractual expense limitation excludes interest, brokerage, taxes (such as income and foreign withholding taxes, stamp duty and deferred tax expenses), acquired fund fees and expenses, extraordinary expenses, and certain other Fund expenses such as dividend and interest expense and broker charges on short sales. Where applicable, PGIM Investments agrees to waive management fees or shared operating expenses on any share class to the same extent that it waives such expenses on any other share class. In addition, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class R6 shares will not exceed Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class Z shares. Fees and/or expenses waived and/or reimbursed by PGIM Investments may be recouped by PGIM Investments within the same fiscal year during which such waiver and/or reimbursement is made if such recoupment can be realized without exceeding the expense limit in effect at the time of the recoupment for that fiscal year. This expense limitation may not be terminated prior to March 31, 2022without the prior approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors.
(2)
The distributor of the Fund has contractually agreed to limit its distribution and service (12b-1) fees to 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class R shares through March 31, 2022. This waiver may not be terminated prior to March 31, 2022 without the prior approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors.
Example.
The following hypothetical example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then, except as indicated, redeem all your shares at the end of those periods. It assumes a 5% return on your
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
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3
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investment each year, that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same (except that fee waivers or reimbursements, if any, are only reflected in the 1-Year figures) and that all dividends and distributions are reinvested. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
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If Shares Are Redeemed
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If Shares Are Not Redeemed
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Share Class
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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Class A
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$684
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$966
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$1,269
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$2,127
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$684
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$966
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$1,269
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$2,127
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Class C
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$317
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$670
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$1,149
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$2,282
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$217
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$670
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$1,149
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$2,282
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Class R
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$167
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$570
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$998
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$2,191
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$167
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$570
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$998
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$2,191
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Class Z
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$111
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$347
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$601
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$1,329
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$111
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$347
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$601
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$1,329
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Class R6
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$102
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$6,645
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$7,125
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$7,163
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$102
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$6,645
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$7,125
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$7,163
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Portfolio Turnover.
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 38% of the average value of its portfolio.
INVESTMENTS, RISKS AND PERFORMANCE
Principal Investment Strategies.
The Fund seeks investments whose prices will increase over time. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its investable assets in equity and equity-related securities of financial services related companies. The Fund defines financial services related companies as any company that is categorized, based on Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) Industry classifications, as they may be amended from time to time, within the following industries: Banks, Thrifts & Mortgage Finance, Diversified Financial Services, Consumer Finance, Capital Markets, Insurance, IT Services, Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts & Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (together referred to as REITs), and Real Estate Management & Development, as well as the following financial services related GICS Sub-Industry: Data Processing & Outsourced Services. The term “investable assets” 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.
The Fund invests primarily in securities of issuers in the United States, although it may also invest in securities of issuers in countries throughout the world. The Fund’s investments in the securities of non-US issuers, which are referred to as “foreign securities,” include stocks and other equity-related securities. The Fund may invest up to 30% of its total assets in foreign securities.
The Fund may participate in the initial public offering (IPO) market.
The Fund's investment process focuses on stock selection through fundamental analysis. Fundamental analysis of a company involves the assessment of such factors as its business environment, management quality, balance sheet, income statement, anticipated earnings, revenues and dividends, and other related measures or indicators of value. The subadviser uses this “bottom-up” approach to identify stocks it believes have favorable risk/reward profiles.
The Fund is “non-diversified” for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), which means, which means that it can invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified” fund.
All investments have risks to some degree. The value of your investment in the Fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly from day to day and over time.
You may lose part or all of your investment in the Fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments.
4
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PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
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An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed to achieve its investment objective; is not a deposit with a bank; and is not insured, endorsed or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The following is a summary description of principal risks of investing in the Fund. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.
Currency Risk.
The Fund's net asset value could decline as a result of changes in exchange rates, which could adversely affect the Fund’s investments in currencies, or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues related to, currencies, or in derivatives that provide exposure to currencies. Certain foreign countries may impose restrictions on the ability of issuers of foreign securities to make payment of principal and interest or dividends to investors located outside the country, due to blockage of foreign currency exchanges or otherwise.
Economic and Market Events Risk
. Events in the US and global financial markets, including actions taken by the US Federal Reserve or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth or the functioning of the securities markets, may at times result in unusually high market volatility, which could negatively impact performance. Relatively reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets could adversely affect issuers worldwide.
Equity and Equity-Related Securities Risk.
Equity and equity-related securities may be subject to changes in value, and their values may be more volatile than those of other asset classes. In addition to an individual security losing value, the value of the equity markets or a sector in which the Fund invests could go down. Different parts of a market can react differently to adverse issuer, market, regulatory, political and economic developments.
Financial Services Related Companies Risk.
The Fund concentrates its investments in securities of financial services related companies. Financial services related companies are subject to extensive government regulation and can be significantly affected by the availability and cost of capital funds, changes in interest rates, the rate of corporate and consumer debt defaults, price competition and other financial services related factors. The profitability of financial services companies, therefore, may be adversely affected under certain circumstances and in certain market cycles. Because financial services companies are vulnerable to these factors and cycles, a large portion of the Fund’s investments may lose value during such periods.
Foreign Securities Risk.
The Fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involve additional risk. The securities of such issuers may trade in markets that are less liquid, less regulated and more volatile than US markets. The value of the Fund’s investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable government actions, and political or financial instability. Lack of information may also affect the value of these securities.
Increase in Expenses Risk.
Your actual cost of investing in the Fund may be higher than the expenses shown in the expense table for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and Fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile. Active and frequent trading of Fund securities can increase expenses.
Initial Public Offerings Risk.
The volume of IPOs and the levels at which the newly issued stocks trade in the secondary market are affected by the performance of the stock market overall. If IPOs are brought to the market, availability may be limited and if the Fund desires to acquire shares in such an offering, it 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. The prices of securities involved in IPOs are often subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than more established stocks. Such unpredictability can have a dramatic impact on the Fund's performance (higher or lower) and any assumptions by investors based on the affected performance may be unwarranted. In addition, as Fund assets grow, the impact of IPO investments on performance will decline, which could reduce total returns.
Investment Style Risk.
There is the risk that the particular investment style followed by the Fund may be out of favor for a period of time.
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
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5
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Large Shareholder and Large Scale Redemption Risk.
Certain individuals, accounts, funds (including funds affiliated with the Manager) or institutions, including the Manager and its affiliates, may from time to time own or control a substantial amount of the Fund’s shares. There is no requirement that these entities maintain their investment in the Fund. There is a risk that such large shareholders or that the Fund’s shareholders generally may redeem all or a substantial portion of their investments in the Fund in a short period of time, which could have a significant negative impact on the Fund’s NAV, liquidity, and brokerage costs. Large redemptions could also result in tax consequences to shareholders and impact the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategy. The Fund’s ability to pursue its investment objective after one or more large scale redemptions may be impaired and, as a result, the Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents.
Management Risk.
The value of your investment may decrease if judgments by the subadviser about the attractiveness, value or market trends affecting a particular security, industry or sector or about market movements are incorrect.
Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risks
. International wars or conflicts and geopolitical developments in foreign countries, along with instability in regions such as Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, possible terrorist attacks in the United States or around the world, public health epidemics such as the outbreak of infectious diseases like the recent outbreak of coronavirus globally or the 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa of the Ebola virus, and other similar events could adversely affect the U.S. and foreign financial markets, including increases in market volatility, reduced liquidity in the securities markets and government intervention, and may cause further long-term economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide generally. The coronavirus pandemic and the related governmental and public responses have had and may continue to have an impact on the Fund’s investments and net asset value and have led and may continue to lead to increased market volatility and the potential for illiquidity in certain classes of securities and sectors of the market. Preventative or protective actions that governments may take in respect of pandemic or epidemic diseases may result in periods of business disruption, business closures, inability to obtain raw materials, supplies and component parts, and reduced or disrupted operations for the issuers in which the Fund invests. Government intervention in markets may impact interest rates, market volatility and security pricing. The occurrence, reoccurrence and pendency of such diseases could adversely affect the economies (including through changes in business activity and increased unemployment) and financial markets either in specific countries or worldwide.
Market Risk.
Securities markets may be volatile and the market prices of the Fund’s securities may decline. Securities fluctuate in price based on changes in an issuer’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions. If the market prices of the securities owned by the Fund fall, the value of your investment in the Fund will decline.
Non-Diversified Investment Company Risk.
The Fund is non-diversified for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act). This means that the Fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single company or other issuer than a diversified fund. Investing in a non-diversified fund involves greater risk than investing in a diversified fund because a loss resulting from the decline in value of any one security may represent a greater portion of the total assets of a non-diversified fund.
Performance.
The following bar chart shows the Fund's performance for Class Z shares for each full calendar year of operations or for the last 10 calendar years, whichever is shorter. The following table shows the Fund's average annual returns and also compares the Fund’s performance with the average annual total returns of an index or other benchmark. The bar chart and table demonstrate the risk of investing in the Fund by showing how returns can change from year to year.
Past performance (before and after taxes) does not mean that the Fund will achieve similar results in the future. Updated Fund performance information, including current net asset value is available online at www.pgim.com/investments.
6
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PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
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Best Quarter:
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Worst Quarter:
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25.91%
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4th Quarter 2020
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-31.78%
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1st Quarter 2020
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Average Annual Total Returns % (including sales charges) (as of 12-31-20)
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Return Before Taxes
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One Year
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Five Years
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Ten Years
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Since Inception
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Class A shares
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4.41%
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8.74%
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5.87%
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-
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Class C shares
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8.66%
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9.21%
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5.73%
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-
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Class R shares
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10.20%
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9.72%
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N/A
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7.77% (
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Class R6 shares
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10.89%
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N/A
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N/A
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5.99
%
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Class Z Shares % (as of 12-31-20)
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Return Before Taxes
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10.82%
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10.34%
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6.80%
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-
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Return After Taxes on Distributions
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10.66%
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10.04%
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5.85%
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-
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Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
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6.52%
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8.16%
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5.17%
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-
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° After-tax returns are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. After-tax returns are shown only for Class Z shares. After-tax returns for other classes will vary due to differing sales charges and expenses.
° Returns prior to October 31, 2017 are not attributable to Jennison Associates LLC, as the Fund was managed by a different subadviser prior to October 31, 2017.
Index % (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) (as of 12-31-20)
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S&P Composite 1500 Financials Index
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-1.91%
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10.96%
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10.76%
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-
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S&P Composite 1500 Index
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17.92%
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14.97%
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13.67%
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-
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Investment Manager
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Subadviser
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Portfolio Managers
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Title
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Service Date
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PGIM Investments LLC
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Jennison Associates LLC
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Steven A. Gavios
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Managing Director & Equity Research Analyst
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November 2017
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Jonathan M. Shapiro
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Managing Director & Equity Research Analyst
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November 2017
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Andrew M. Tucker, CFA
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Managing Director & Equity Research Analyst
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November 2017
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BUYING AND SELLING FUND SHARES
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Class A*
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Class C*
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Class Z*
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Class R*
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Class R6
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Minimum initial investment
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$1,000
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$1,000
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None
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None
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None
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Minimum subsequent investment
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$100
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$100
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None
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None
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None
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*Certain share classes are generally closed to investments by new group retirement plans. Please see “How to Buy, Sell and Exchange Fund Shares—Closure of Certain Share Classes to New Group Retirement Plans” in the Prospectus for more information.
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
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7
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For Class A and Class C shares, the minimum initial and subsequent investment for Automatic Investment Plan purchases is $50. Class R and Class R6 shares are generally not available for purchase by individuals. Class Z shares may be purchased by certain individuals, subject to certain requirements. Please see “How to Buy, Sell and Exchange Fund Shares—How to Buy Shares—Qualifying for Class R Shares,” “—Qualifying for Class Z Shares,” and “—Qualifying for Class R6 Shares” in the Prospectus for purchase eligibility requirements.
Your financial intermediary may impose different investment minimums. You can purchase or redeem shares on any business day that the Fund is open through the Fund's transfer agent or through servicing agents, including brokers, dealers and other financial intermediaries appointed by the distributor to receive purchase and redemption orders. Current shareholders may also purchase or redeem shares through the Fund's website or by calling (800) 225-1852.
Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes.
The Fund's dividends and distributions are taxable and will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Such tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.
PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a financial intermediary such as a broker-dealer, bank, retirement recordkeeper or other financial services firm, the Fund or its affiliates may pay the financial intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and/or for services to shareholders. This may create a conflict of interest by influencing the financial intermediary or its representatives to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your financial intermediary or representative or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
8
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PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
|
MORE ABOUT THE FUND'S PRINCIPAL AND NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, INVESTMENTS AND RISKS
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND INVESTMENTS
The Fund's investment objective is
long-term capital appreciation
. This means the Fund seeks investments whose prices will increase over time.
In pursuing its objective, the Fund normally invests at least 80% of its investable assets in equity and equity-related securities of financial services related companies. The Fund defines financial services related companies as any company that is categorized, based on Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) Industry classifications, as they may be amended from time to time, within the following industries: Banks, Thrifts & Mortgage Finance, Diversified Financial Services, Consumer Finance, Capital Markets, Insurance, IT Services, Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts & Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (together referred to as REITs), and Real Estate Management & Development, as well as the following financial services related GICS Sub-Industry: Data Processing & Outsourced Services. The term “investable assets” 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.
The Fund invests in equity and equity-related securities, principally common stocks, convertible securities and preferred stocks. In addition, equity-related securities include American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and S&P Depositary Receipts (SPDRs); warrants and rights that can be exercised to obtain stock; investments in various types of business ventures, including partnerships and joint ventures; securities of real estate investment trusts (REITs); and similar securities. Convertible securities are securities—like bonds, corporate notes and preferred stocks—that the Fund can convert into the company's common stock, the cash value of common stock or some other equity security. The Fund buys only investment-grade convertible securities. The Fund may buy equity and equity-related securities of companies of every size: small-, medium- and large-capitalization.
The Fund invests primarily in securities of issuers in the United States, although it may also invest in securities of issuers in countries throughout the world. The Fund may invest up to 30% of its total assets in the securities of non-US issuers, which we refer to as foreign securities, including stocks and other equity-related securities, money market instruments and other fixed-income securities of foreign issuers. Foreign securities may include securities from emerging markets.
The Fund may participate in the initial public offering (IPO) market.
The Fund's investment process focuses on stock selection through fundamental analysis. Fundamental analysis of a company involves the assessment of such factors as its business environment, management quality, balance sheet, income statement, anticipated earnings, revenues and dividends, and other related measures or indicators of value. The subadviser uses this “bottom-up” approach to identify stocks it believes have favorable risk/reward profiles.
A stock is considered to have a strong risk/reward profile if its issuer exhibits one or more of the following attributes:
■
|
Durable competitive position
|
■
|
Attractive growth prospects
|
■
|
Balance sheet and capital flexibility
|
■
|
Quality management team
|
■
|
Solid and/or improving profitability and returns
|
■
|
Attractive industry structure
|
The Fund will consider selling a security when:
■
|
New information or developments change the subadviser’s fundamental investment thesis on a stock
|
■
|
A price target is reached
|
■
|
A more attractive stock has been identified
|
■
|
There is a change in company fundamentals or industry trends
|
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
|
9
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The Fund's investment objective is a fundamental policy that cannot be changed without shareholder approval.
The Fund's policy of investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's investable assets in equity and equity-related securities of companies within a specific group of industries is not fundamental. The Fund will provide 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders of a change in this non-fundamental policy.
The Fund is “non-diversified” for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), which means that it can invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified” fund.
Investments in Non-Financial Services Related Industries
The Fund may invest in securities of issuers not in financial services related industries. These include equity and equity-related securities, fixed-income instruments and money market instruments. Fixed-income instruments include bonds and other debt securities issued by corporate and governmental issuers.
Derivatives are financial instruments whose value depends upon, or is derived from, the value of something else, such as one or more underlying investments, indices or currencies. The Fund may use various derivative strategies to try to improve the Fund's returns. The subadviser may also use hedging techniques to try to protect the Fund's assets. A derivative contract will obligate or entitle the Fund to deliver or receive an asset or cash payment based on the change in value of one or more investments, indices or currencies. Derivatives may be traded on organized exchanges, or in individually negotiated transactions with other parties (these are known as “over-the-counter” derivatives). The Fund may be limited in its use of derivatives by rules adopted by the SEC governing derivatives transactions. Although the Fund has the flexibility to make use of derivatives, it may choose not to for a variety of reasons, even under very volatile market conditions.
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, the right to buy or sell a futures contract 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 or to enhance returns. 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.
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Tax-Advantaged Hedging.
To protect against price declines in its holdings that have developed large accumulated capital gains, the Fund 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 securities may reduce exposure to price declines in certain securities without realizing substantial capital gains under current tax law. The Fund's 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. The Fund's ability to use different tax-management strategies may be limited in the future by market volatility, a high volume of shareholder redemptions or changes in tax law. The subadviser expects that by using various tax management strategies, the Fund may reduce the extent to which you incur taxes on Fund distributions of investment income and net realized gains. Even so, the Fund expects to distribute taxable income or capital gains from time to time.
Options on Securities and Financial Indices.
The Fund may purchase and sell put and call options on securities and financial indices traded on US or non-US 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 options that are secured either by the Fund's ownership of the underlying security or by cash or other liquid assets segregated or earmarked within the Fund’s account at the custodian or in a separate account at the custodian.
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 the subadviser thinks 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. 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 through conversion or exchange of other securities it owns.
Fixed income obligations include bonds and notes. Notes are typically issued with two-, three-, five- or ten-year terms to maturity, whereas bonds may be longer-term investments issued with terms to maturity of 10 years or more. The Fund may invest in investment-grade corporate or government obligations. Investment-grade obligations are rated in one of the top four long-term quality ratings by a major rating service (such as Baa or better by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or BBB or better by S&P Global Ratings). The Fund also may invest in high yield debt obligations that at the time of investment are rated below investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“junk bonds”) or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the subadviser. Junk bonds tend to offer higher yields, but also offer greater credit risks than higher-rated securities.
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements, where a party agrees to sell a security to the Fund and then repurchases it at an agreed-upon price at a stated time. This creates a fixed return for the Fund, and is, in effect, a loan by the Fund. Repurchase agreements are used for cash management purposes only.
Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, the Fund may lend portfolio securities with a value up to 33
1
⁄
3
% of its total assets to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations to earn additional income. Loans of portfolio securities will be collateralized by cash. Cash collateral will be invested in an affiliated prime money market fund.
Investments in Affiliated Funds
The Fund may invest its assets in affiliated funds, including exchange-traded funds, that are registered investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act). The Fund can invest its free cash balances in affiliated short-term bond funds and/or money market funds to obtain income on short-term cash balances while awaiting attractive investment opportunities, to provide liquidity in preparation for anticipated redemptions or for defensive purposes. Such an investment could also allow the Fund to obtain the benefits of a more diversified portfolio available in the affiliated funds than might otherwise be available through direct investments in those asset classes, and will subject the Fund to the risks associated with the particular asset class. As a shareholder in the affiliated funds, the
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Fund will pay its proportional share of the expenses of the affiliated funds. The affiliated short-term bond funds and money market funds do not pay a management fee to the investment manager, since the investment manager only receives reimbursement for its expenses. Thus, shareholders of the Fund are not paying management fees for both the Fund and the affiliated short-term bond funds and money market funds. The investment results of the portions of the Fund’s assets invested in the affiliated funds will be based on the investment results of the affiliated funds.
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 its investable assets in money market instruments, including short-term obligations of, or securities guaranteed by, the US Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or in high-quality obligations of domestic or foreign banks and corporations, and may hold up to 100% of its investable assets in cash or cash equivalents. Although the subadviser has the ability to take defensive positions, it may choose not to do so for a variety of reasons, even during volatile market conditions. Investing heavily in these securities is inconsistent with and limits the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective, but may help to preserve the Fund's assets.
In addition to the strategies and securities discussed above, the Fund may use other strategies or invest in other types of securities as described in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI). The Fund might not use all of the strategies or invest in all of the types of securities as described in the Prospectus or in the SAI.
The table below summarizes the investment limits applicable to the Fund’s principal investment strategies and certain non-principal investment strategies.
Principal Strategies: Investment Limits
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Equity and Equity-related securities
of financial services related companies: At least 80% of investable assets
■
Foreign Securities: Up to 30% of total assets
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Certain Non-Principal Strategies: Investment Limits
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■
Derivatives: Up to 25% of net assets
■
Short Sales: Up to 25% of net assets (not including short sales against the box)
■
Illiquid Investments: Up to 15% of net assets
■
Money Market Instruments: Up to 100% of investable assets on a temporary basis
■
Fixed-Income Securities: Up to 20% of investable assets
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RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.
Credit Risk.
This is the risk that the issuer, the guarantor or the insurer of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a contract, may be unable or unwilling to make timely principal and interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. Additionally, fixed income securities could lose value due to a loss of confidence in the ability of the issuer, guarantor, insurer or counterparty to pay back debt. The longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a bond, the more sensitive it is to credit risk.
Currency Risk.
The Fund's net asset value could decline as a result of changes in exchange rates, which could adversely affect the Fund’s investments in currencies, or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues related to, currencies, or in derivatives that provide exposure to currencies. Certain foreign countries may impose restrictions on the ability of issuers of foreign securities to make payment of principal and interest or dividends to investors located outside the country, due to blockage of foreign currency exchanges or otherwise.
Cyber Security Risk.
Failures or breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's manager, subadviser, distributor, and other service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking
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to address system breaches or failures, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems of the Fund's service providers or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Debt Obligations Risk.
Debt obligations are subject to credit risk, market risk and interest rate risk. The Fund's holdings, share price, yield and total return may also fluctuate in response to bond market movements. The value of bonds may decline for issuer-related reasons, including management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods and services. Certain types of fixed income obligations also may be subject to
“call and redemption risk,”
which is the risk that the issuer may call a bond held by the Fund for redemption before it matures and the Fund may lose income.
Derivatives Risk.
Derivatives involve special risks and costs and may result in losses to the Fund. The successful use of derivatives requires sophisticated management, and, to the extent that derivatives are used, the Fund will depend on the subadviser’s ability to analyze and manage derivatives transactions. The prices of derivatives may move in unexpected ways, especially in abnormal market conditions. Some derivatives are “leveraged” and therefore may magnify or otherwise increase investment losses to the Fund. The Fund's use of derivatives may also increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders. Other risks arise from the potential inability to terminate or sell derivatives positions. A liquid secondary market may not always exist for the Fund's derivatives positions. In fact, many over-the-counter derivative instruments will not have liquidity beyond the counterparty to the instrument. Over-the-counter derivative instruments also involve the risk that the other party will not meet its obligations to the Fund.
The US Government and foreign governments have adopted (and may adopt further) regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing of certain derivatives, margin and reporting requirements and risk exposure limitations. The ultimate impact of the regulations remains unclear. Additional regulation of derivatives may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability or utility, or otherwise adversely affect their performance or disrupt markets.
Economic and Market Events Risk
. Events in the US and global financial markets, including actions taken by the US Federal Reserve or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth or the functioning of the securities markets, may at times result in unusually high market volatility, which could negatively impact performance. Relatively reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets could adversely affect issuers worldwide.
Equity and Equity-Related Securities Risk.
Equity and equity-related securities may be subject to changes in value, and their values may be more volatile than those of other asset classes. In addition to an individual security losing value, the value of the equity markets or a sector in which the Fund invests could go down. Different parts of a market can react differently to adverse issuer, market, regulatory, political and economic developments.
Financial Services Related Companies Risk.
The Fund concentrates its investments in securities of financial services related companies. Financial services related companies are subject to extensive government regulation and can be significantly affected by the availability and cost of capital funds, changes in interest rates, the rate of corporate and consumer debt defaults, price competition and other financial services related factors. The profitability of financial services companies, therefore, may be adversely affected under certain circumstances and in certain market cycles. Because financial services companies are vulnerable to these factors and cycles, a large portion of the Fund’s investments may lose value during such periods.
Foreign Securities Risk.
The Fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involve additional risk. The securities of such issuers may trade in markets that are less liquid, less regulated and more volatile than US markets. The value of the Fund’s investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable government actions, and political or financial instability. Lack of information may also affect the value of these securities.
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Increase in Expenses Risk.
Your actual cost of investing in the Fund may be higher than the expenses shown in the expense table for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and Fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile. Active and frequent trading of Fund securities can increase expenses.
Initial Public Offerings Risk.
The volume of IPOs and the levels at which the newly issued stocks trade in the secondary market are affected by the performance of the stock market overall. If IPOs are brought to the market, availability may be limited and if the Fund desires to acquire shares in such an offering, it 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. The prices of securities involved in IPOs are often subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than more established stocks. Such unpredictability can have a dramatic impact on the Fund's performance (higher or lower) and any assumptions by investors based on the affected performance may be unwarranted. In addition, as Fund assets grow, the impact of IPO investments on performance will decline, which could reduce total returns.
Interest Rate Risk.
The value of your investment may go down when interest rates rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration debt securities. For example, a fixed income security with a duration of three years is expected to decrease in value by approximately 3% if interest rates increase by 1%. This is referred to as
“duration risk.”
When interest rates fall, the issuers of debt obligations may prepay principal more quickly than expected, and the Fund may be required to reinvest the proceeds at a lower interest rate. This is referred to as “
prepayment risk.
” When interest rates rise, debt obligations may be repaid more slowly than expected, and the value of the Fund's holdings may fall sharply. This is referred to as “
extension risk.
” The Fund may lose money if short-term or long-term interest rates rise sharply or in a manner not anticipated by the subadviser.
Investment Style Risk.
There is the risk that the particular investment style followed by the Fund may be out of favor for a period of time.
Junk Bonds Risk.
High-yield, high-risk bonds have predominantly speculative characteristics, including particularly high credit risk. Junk bonds tend to have lower market liquidity than higher-rated securities. The liquidity of particular issuers or industries within a particular investment category may shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning. The non-investment grade bond market can experience sudden and sharp price swings and become illiquid due to a variety of factors, including changes in economic forecasts, stock market activity, large sustained sales by major investors, a high profile default or a change in the market's psychology.
Large Shareholder and Large Scale Redemption Risk.
Certain individuals, accounts, funds (including funds affiliated with the Manager) or institutions, including the Manager and its affiliates, may from time to time own or control a substantial amount of the Fund’s shares. There is no requirement that these entities maintain their investment in the Fund. These shareholders may also pledge or loan Fund shares (to secure financing or otherwise), which may result in the shares becoming concentrated in another party. There is a risk that such large shareholders or that the Fund’s shareholders generally may redeem all or a substantial portion of their investments in the Fund in a short period of time, which could have a significant negative impact on the Fund’s NAV, liquidity, and brokerage costs. Such redemptions may cause the Fund to have to sell securities at inopportune times or prices. These transactions may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase transaction costs. In addition, large redemption requests may exceed the cash balance of the Fund and result in credit line borrowing fees and/or overdraft charges to the Fund until the sales of portfolio securities necessary to cover the redemption request settle. To the extent a large shareholder in the Fund is an entity subject to domestic and/or international regulations governing banking or other financial institutions, changes in those regulations (e.g., capital requirements) or in the shareholder’s financial status may cause or require the shareholder to redeem its investment in the Fund when it otherwise would not choose to redeem that investment. It is also possible that a significant redemption could result in an increase in Fund expenses on account of being spread over a smaller asset base, and therefore make it more difficult for the Fund to implement its investment strategy. Large redemptions could also result in tax consequences to shareholders. The Fund’s ability to pursue its investment objective after one or more large scale redemptions may be impaired and, as a result, the Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents.
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Management Risk.
The value of your investment may decrease if judgments by the subadviser about the attractiveness, value or market trends affecting a particular security, industry or sector or about market movements are incorrect.
Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risks
. International wars or conflicts and geopolitical developments in foreign countries, along with instability in regions such as Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, possible terrorist attacks in the United States or around the world, public health epidemics such as the outbreak of infectious diseases like the recent outbreak of coronavirus globally or the 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa of the Ebola virus, and other similar events could adversely affect the U.S. and foreign financial markets, including increases in market volatility, reduced liquidity in the securities markets and government intervention, and may cause further long-term economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide generally. The coronavirus pandemic and the related governmental and public responses have had and may continue to have an impact on the Fund’s investments and net asset value and have led and may continue to lead to increased market volatility and the potential for illiquidity in certain classes of securities and sectors of the market. Preventative or protective actions that governments may take in respect of pandemic or epidemic diseases may result in periods of business disruption, business closures, inability to obtain raw materials, supplies and component parts, and reduced or disrupted operations for the issuers in which the Fund invests. Government intervention in markets may impact interest rates, market volatility and security pricing. The occurrence, reoccurrence and pendency of such diseases could adversely affect the economies (including through changes in business activity and increased unemployment) and financial markets either in specific countries or worldwide.
Market Risk.
Securities markets may be volatile and the market prices of the Fund’s securities may decline. Securities fluctuate in price based on changes in an issuer’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions. If the market prices of the securities owned by the Fund fall, the value of your investment in the Fund will decline.
Non-Diversified Investment Company Risk.
The Fund is non-diversified for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act). This means that the Fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single company or other issuer than a diversified fund. Investing in a non-diversified fund involves greater risk than investing in a diversified fund because a loss resulting from the decline in value of any one security may represent a greater portion of the total assets of a non-diversified fund.
Repurchase Agreements Risk.
Repurchase agreements could involve certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the seller, including losses and possible delays or restrictions upon the Fund’s ability to dispose of the underlying securities. To the extent that, in the meantime, the value of the securities that the Fund has purchased has decreased, the Fund could experience a loss.
Securities Lending Risk
. Securities lending involves the risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. As a result, the Fund may lose money and there may be a delay in recovering the loaned securities. Additionally, losses could result from the reinvestment of collateral received on loaned securities in investments that decline in value, default, or do not perform as well as expected. The affiliated prime money market fund in which cash collateral generally is invested may impose liquidity fees or temporary gates on redemptions if its weekly liquid assets fall below a designated threshold. If this were to occur, the Fund may lose money on its investment of cash collateral in the affiliated prime money market fund, or the Fund may not be able to redeem its investment of cash collateral in the affiliated prime money market fund, which might cause the Fund to liquidate other holdings in order to return the cash collateral to the borrower upon termination of a securities loan. These events could trigger adverse tax consequences for the Fund.
Short Sales Risk.
Short sales involve costs and risks. The Fund must pay the lender interest on the security it borrows, and the Fund will lose money to the extent that the price of the security increases between the time of the short sale and the date when the Fund replaces the borrowed security. Although the Fund’s gain is limited to the price at which it sold the securities short, its potential loss is limited only by the maximum attainable price of the securities, less the price at which the security was sold and may, theoretically, be unlimited. When selling short against the box, the Fund gives up the opportunity for capital appreciation in the security.
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Please note that, in addition to the risks discussed above, there are many other factors that may impact the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective and which could result in a loss of all or a part of your investment.
More information about the Fund’s investment strategies and risks appears in the SAI.
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PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
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The Fund is overseen by a Board of Directors (hereafter referred to as Directors, or the Board). The Board oversees the actions of the Manager, 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.
PGIM Investments LLC (PGIM Investments)
655 Broad Street
Newark, NJ 07102-4410
Under a management agreement with the Fund, PGIM Investments manages the Fund's investment operations and administers its business affairs and is responsible for supervising the Fund's subadviser. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2020, the Fund paid PGIM Investments management fees (net of waivers, as applicable) at the effective rate of 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net assets for all share classes.
PGIM Investments and its predecessors have served as a manager or administrator to investment companies since 1987. As of December 31, 2020, PGIM Investments, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential, served as the investment manager to all of the Prudential US and offshore open-end investment companies, and as the manager or administrator to closed-end investment companies, with aggregate assets of approximately $361.6 billion.
Subject to the supervision of the Board, PGIM Investments is responsible for conducting the initial review of prospective subadvisers for the Fund. In evaluating a prospective subadviser, PGIM Investments considers many factors, including the firm's experience, investment philosophy and historical performance. Subject to the Board’s oversight, PGIM Investments is also responsible for monitoring the performance of the Fund's subadviser and recommending its termination and replacement when deemed appropriate. PGIM Investments may provide a subadviser with additional investment guidelines consistent with the Fund's investment objective and restrictions.
PGIM Investments and the Fund operate under an exemptive order (the Order) from the SEC that generally permits PGIM Investments to enter into or amend agreements with unaffiliated subadvisers and certain subadvisers that are affiliates of PGIM Investments without obtaining shareholder approval. This authority is subject to certain conditions, including the requirement that the Board must approve any new or amended agreements with a subadviser. Shareholders of the Fund still have the right to terminate these agreements at any time by a vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Fund will notify shareholders of any new subadvisers engaged or material amendments to subadvisory agreements made pursuant to the Order. Any new subadvisory agreement or amendment to the Fund’s management agreement or current subadvisory agreement that directly or indirectly results in an increase in the aggregate management fee rate payable by the Fund will be submitted to the Fund’s shareholders for their approval. PGIM Investments does not currently intend to retain unaffiliated subadvisers.
A discussion of the basis for the Board's approvals of the management and subadvisory agreements is available in the Fund's Annual Report to shareholders dated November 30.
Jennison Associates LLC (Jennison)
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PGIM, Inc., which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. Its address is 466 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017. PGIM Investments has responsibility for all investment advisory services, supervises Jennison and pays Jennison for its services. As of November 30, 2020, Jennison managed in excess of $216.9
billion in assets. Jennison (including its predecessor, Jennison Associates Capital Corp.) is a registered investment adviser founded in 1969.
Steven A. Gavios, Jonathan M. Shapiro, and Andrew M. Tucker, CFA,
are the portfolio managers for the Fund.
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Steven A. Gavios
is a Managing Director and a financial services equity portfolio manager and research analyst. He joined Jennison in March 2005. Prior to joining Jennison, Mr. Gavios was a senior managing analyst at Dreyfus Corporation for seven years where he covered the insurance, stock brokerage, and asset management sectors while also co-managing the Dreyfus Premier Financial Services Fund. Prior to that, he was a senior analyst at Bear Stearns and Kidder Peabody. Mr. Gavios earned a BA in economics from Wesleyan University and an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Jonathan M. Shapiro
is a Managing Director, a smid cap core and financial services portfolio manager, and research analyst. He joined Jennison in June 2006. Prior to joining Jennison, Mr. Shapiro was a vice president and head of the small companies/special situations research group at Goldman Sachs. Prior to Goldman Sachs, Mr. Shapiro worked at KPMG Consulting and Jones Lang Wootton Realty Advisors. Mr. Shapiro earned a BA, magna cum laude, with high honors in history from Dartmouth College and an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Andrew M. Tucker, CFA
, is a Managing Director and a financial services equity portfolio manager and research analyst. He joined Jennison in September 1997. Prior to joining Jennison, he spent five years with the Wachovia Bank of North Carolina where he served as an equity analyst and a portfolio manager responsible for more than $450 million in assets in the basic materials and finance sector. Prior to that, Mr. Tucker was a credit officer overseeing a portfolio of corporate loans with more than $1 billion in total credit exposure. He began his career as a financial analyst in Wachovia's mergers and acquisitions group. Mr. Tucker received a BS, magna cum laude, in business administration from Washington and Lee University and he holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
The portfolio managers for the Fund are supported by other Jennison portfolio managers, research analysts and investment professionals. Team members conduct research, make securities recommendations and support the portfolio managers in all activities. Members of the team may change from time to time.
Additional information about portfolio manager compensation, other accounts managed, and portfolio manager ownership of Fund securities may be found in the SAI.
Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (“PIMS” or the “Distributor”) distributes each class of the Fund's shares under a Distribution Agreement with the Fund. The Fund has Distribution and Service Plans (the “Plans”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, applicable to certain of the Fund's shares. Under the Plans and the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor pays the expenses of distributing the shares of all share classes of the Fund. The Distributor also provides certain shareholder support services. Under the Plans, certain classes of the Fund pay distribution and other fees to the Distributor as compensation for its services. These fees—known as 12b-1 fees—are set forth in the “Fund Fees and Expenses” tables.
Because these 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
The Fund's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities are described in the Fund's SAI and on the Fund's website at
www.pgim.com/investments
.
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FUND DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX ISSUES
The Fund distributes
to shareholders out of any net investment income. 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, unless your shares are held in a qualified or tax-deferred plan or account.
The Fund also distributes any net realized
to shareholders. 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).
For your convenience, the Fund's distributions of dividends and net capital gains are
in the Fund without any sales charge. If you ask us to pay the distributions in cash, we will send you a check if your account is with Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS or the Transfer Agent). Otherwise, if your account is with a broker, you will receive a credit to your account. Either way, the distributions may be subject to income taxes unless your shares are held in a qualified or tax-deferred plan or account. If your distribution check(s) remains uncashed for more than six months, your check(s) may be invested in additional shares of the Fund at the next net asset value (“NAV”) calculated on the day of the investment. For more information about automatic reinvestment and other shareholder services, see “Additional Shareholder Services” in the next section.
The chart below sets forth the expected frequency of dividend and capital gains distributions to shareholders. Various factors may impact the frequency of dividend distributions to shareholders, including but not limited to adverse market conditions or portfolio holding-specific events.
Expected Distribution Schedule*
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Dividends
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Annually
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Short-term Capital Gains
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Annually
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Long-term Capital Gains
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Annually
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*Under certain circumstances, the Fund may make more than one distribution of short-term and/or long-term capital gains during a fiscal year.
Investors who buy Fund shares 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. Fund distributions and gain from the sale of Fund shares are subject to federal income taxes, unless you hold your shares in a 401(k) plan, an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or some other qualified or tax-deferred plan or account. Dividends and distributions from the Fund also may be subject to state and local income tax in the state where you live.
The following briefly discusses some of the important 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.
Fund distributions of net capital gains are taxed differently depending on how long the Fund holds the security. If the Fund holds a security for more than one year before selling it, any gain is treated as
capital gain which is generally taxed at rates of up to 15% or 20% for non-corporate US shareholders, depending on whether their incomes exceed certain threshold amounts, which are adjusted annually for inflation. If the Fund holds the security for one year or less, any gain is treated as
capital gain, which is taxed at rates applicable to ordinary income, subject to a maximum tax rate of 37%. Different rates apply to corporate shareholders.
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Dividends from net investment income paid to a non-corporate US shareholder that are reported as qualified dividend income will generally be taxable to such shareholder at the long-term capital gain tax rate. Dividends of net investment income that are not reported 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 dividends received deduction to the extent the Fund’s income is derived from certain dividends received from US corporations. Between 2018 and 2025, the Fund may report dividends eligible for a 20% “qualified business income” deduction for non-corporate US shareholders to the extent the Fund’s income is derived from ordinary REIT dividends, reduced by allocable Fund expenses.
A US shareholder that is an individual, estate or certain type of trust is subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on the lesser of (1) the US shareholder’s “net investment income,” including Fund distributions and net gains from the disposition of Fund shares, and (2) the excess of the US shareholder’s modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over $200,000 (or $250,000 for married couples filing jointly). For this purpose, net investment income includes interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, capital gain and income from a passive activity business or a business of trading in financial instruments or commodities.
For every year the Fund declares a dividend, you will receive a Form 1099, which reports the amount of ordinary income distributions 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 distribution 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 and distributions in the fourth quarter, with a record date in such quarter, and actually pay them in January of the following year. In such cases, the dividends and distributions are treated as if they were paid on December 31st of the prior year.
Mutual funds must report cost basis information to you and the IRS when you sell or exchange shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012 in your non-retirement accounts. The cost basis regulations do not affect retirement accounts, money market funds, and shares acquired before January 1, 2012. The cost basis regulations also require mutual funds to report whether a gain or loss is short-term (shares held one year or less) or long-term (shares held more than one year) for all shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012 that are subsequently sold or exchanged. The Transfer Agent is not required to report cost basis information on shares acquired before January 1, 2012. However, in most cases the Transfer Agent will provide this information to you as a service.
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 US Treasury a portion of your distributions and sale proceeds, based on the backup withholding rate.
Taxation of Non-US Shareholders
For a discussion regarding the taxation of non-US shareholders, please see the SAI and contact your tax adviser.
If You Purchase on or Before a Record Date
If you buy shares of the Fund on or 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. However, the timing of your purchase does mean that part of your investment may have come back to you as taxable income.
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PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
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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 PGIM Funds that are suitable for retirement plans offered by Prudential.
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
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21
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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. As mentioned above, the maximum capital gains tax rate is up to 15% or 20% for individuals, depending on whether their incomes exceed certain threshold amounts, which are adjusted annually for inflation.
If you sell shares of the Fund at a loss, you may have a capital loss, which you may use to offset capital gains you have, plus, in the case of non-corporate 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 or exchange of the shares.
If you exchange your Fund shares for shares of another class of the Fund, this is generally not a taxable event and should not result in realization of a capital gain or loss by you. If you exchange your shares of the Fund for shares of another PGIM Fund, this 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. 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 C Shares
The conversion of Class C shares into Class A shares—which happens automatically approximately 8 years after purchase—is not a taxable event for federal income tax purposes. For more information about the automatic conversion of Class C shares, see
Class C Shares Automatically Convert to Class A Shares
in
How to Buy, Sell and Exchange Fund Shares
.
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PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
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HOW TO BUY, SELL AND EXCHANGE FUND SHARES
In order to buy Fund shares, simply follow the steps described below.
Shares may be purchased through an account with the Transfer Agent, or through an account with a financial intermediary that has an agreement with the Distributor to sell Fund shares. In order to open an account with the Transfer Agent contact PMFS at
or write to:
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC
P.O. Box 9658
Providence, RI 02940
PMFS will accept purchases of shares by check or wire. We do not accept cash, money orders, non-US checks, credit card checks, payable through checks or travelers checks. 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. Your purchase order must be in good order to be accepted and processed, which means that all necessary processing requirements have been satisfied. We have the right to reject any purchase order (including an exchange into the Fund) or suspend or modify the Fund's sales of its shares under certain circumstances. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, failure by you to provide additional information requested, such as information required to verify the source of funds used to purchase shares, your identity or the identity of any underlying beneficial owners of your shares. Furthermore, we are required by law to close your account if you do not provide the required identifying information. This would result in the redemption of shares at the then-current NAV and the proceeds would be remitted to you via check. We will attempt to verify your identity within a reasonable time frame (e.g., 60 days), which may change from time to time. For further information, please contact PMFS (for shares purchased through the Transfer Agent) or your financial professional (for shares purchased through a financial intermediary).
With certain limited exceptions, Fund shares are only available to be sold in the United States, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam.
The Fund offers the following share classes. Certain classes of shares may have additional specific eligibility or qualification requirements, which are explained below.
Share Class
|
Eligibility
|
Class A*
|
Retail investors
|
Class C*
|
Retail investors
|
Class R*
|
Certain group retirement plans
|
Class Z*
|
Certain group retirement plans, institutional investors and certain other investors
|
Class R6
|
Certain group retirement plans, institutional investors and certain other investors
|
* The Fund’s Class A, Class C and Class Z shares are generally closed to investments by new group retirement plans. The Fund’s Class R shares are generally closed to new investors. Please see Closure of Certain Share Classes to New Group Retirement Plans” in this section of the Prospectus for more information.
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 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 contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1.00%. The CDSC is waived for certain retirement and/or benefit plans.
|
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
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|
Class C shares do not require you to pay a sales charge at the time of purchase, but do require you to pay a CDSC of 1.00% 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 (and, in certain instances, CDSC) vs. Class C's CDSC.
|
■
|
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.
|
■
|
If you purchase Class Z shares through a broker acting solely as an agent on behalf of its customers pursuant to an agreement with PIMS, the broker may charge you a commission in an amount determined and separately
disclosed to you by the broker.
|
■
|
Because Class Z ,Class R and Class R6 shares have lower operating expenses than Class A or Class C shares, as applicable, you should consider whether you are eligible to purchase
such share classes.
|
See “How to Sell Your
Shares” for a description of the impact of CDSCs.
If your shares are held through a
financial intermediary, you should discuss with your intermediary which share classes of the Fund are available to you and which share class may best meet your needs. Certain financial intermediaries through which you
may purchase shares of the Fund may impose their own investment minimums, fees, policies and procedures for purchasing, exchanging and selling Fund shares, which are not described in this Prospectus or the SAI, and
which will depend on the policies, procedures and trading platforms of the financial intermediary. Consult your financial intermediary about share class availability and the intermediary’s policies, procedures
and other information.
The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from the Fund or through a financial intermediary. See “Appendix
A: Waivers and Discounts Available From Certain Financial Intermediaries” for additional information.
The Fund has advised financial intermediaries of the share class features and guidelines, per the
Prospectus, and it is their responsibility to monitor and enforce these guidelines with respect to shareholders purchasing shares through financial intermediaries.
Share Class Comparison.
Use the following chart to help you compare the 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 C*
|
Class R*
|
Class Z*
|
Class R6
|
Minimum purchase amount
|
$1,000
|
$1,000
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Minimum amount for subsequent purchases
|
$100
|
$100
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Maximum initial sales charge
|
5.50% of the public offering price
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) (as a percentage of the lower of the original
purchase price or the net asset value at redemption)
|
1.00% on sales of $1 million or more made within 12 months of purchase
|
1.00% on sales made within 12 months of purchase
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Annual distribution and service (12b-1) fees (shown as a percentage of average daily net
assets)
|
0.30%
|
1.00%
|
0.75%
(0.50% currently)
|
None
|
None
|
Notes to Share Class
Comparison Table:
°
The minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements do not apply to employee savings plan accounts, payroll deduction plan accounts, or when exchanging all shares of an account to an existing account with the
same registration. The minimum initial and subsequent investment for AIP accounts is $50 monthly (if your shares are held through a broker or other financial intermediary, the broker or intermediary is responsible for
determining the minimum initial and subsequent investment for AIP accounts). In addition, the minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements do not apply with respect to Class A and C shares when offered at
NAV on fee-based programs, mutual fund “wrap” or asset allocation programs, mutual fund “supermarket” programs, and group retirement plans.
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PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
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°
If the value of your Class A, Class C or Class Z account with PMFS is less than $10,000, the Fund will deduct a $15 annual account maintenance fee from your account. The $15 annual account maintenance fee will be
assessed during the 4th calendar quarter of each year. Any applicable CDSC on the shares redeemed to pay the $15 account maintenance fee will be waived. The $15 account maintenance fee will not be charged on: (i)
accounts during the first six months from inception of the account, (ii) accounts which are authorized for electronic delivery of account statements, transaction confirmations, prospectuses and fund shareholder
reports, (iii) omnibus accounts or accounts for which a broker or other financial intermediary is responsible for recordkeeping, (iv) institutional accounts, (v) group retirement plans, (vi) AIP accounts or employee
savings plan accounts, (vii) accounts with the same registration associated with multiple share classes in the Fund, provided that the aggregate value of share classes with the same registration within the Fund is
$10,000 or more, or (viii) clients with assets of $50,000 or more across the PGIM Funds family of mutual funds. For more information, see “Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Fund Shares—Account
Maintenance Fee” in the SAI.
° For more information about the CDSC
and how it is calculated, see “How to Sell Your Shares—Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC).”
°
Investors who purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares and sell those shares within 12 months of purchase are subject to a 1.00% CDSC, although they are not subject to an initial sales charge. The CDSC is waived
for purchases by certain retirement and/or benefit plans
° Distribution and service (12b-1)
fees are paid from the Fund's assets on a continuous basis. Over time, the fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. The service fee for Class A,
Class C and Class R shares is 0.25%. The distribution fee is limited to 0.30% (including the 0.25% service fee) for Class A shares, 0.75% (in addition to the service fee for Class C shares), and 0.50% for Class R
shares (in addition to the service fee).
° The Distributor of the Fund has
contractually agreed through March 31, 2022 to limit its distribution and service (12b-1) fees to 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Class R shares.
* The Fund’s Class A,
Class C and Class Z shares are generally closed to investments by new group retirement plans. The Fund’s Class R shares are generally closed to new investors. Please see “Closure of Certain Share Classes
to New Group Retirement Plans” in this section of the Prospectus for more information.
Closure of Certain Share Classes to
New Group Retirement Plans
Effective June 1, 2018 (the
“Effective Date”), the Fund’s Class A, Class C, Class R and Class Z shares, as applicable, were closed to investments by new group retirement plans, except as discussed below. Existing group
retirement plans as of the Effective Date may keep their investments in their current share class and may continue to make additional purchases or exchanges in the Fund. As of the Effective Date, all new group
retirement plans wishing to add the Fund as a new addition to the plan generally will be into one of the available Class R6 shares, Class R4 shares, or Class R2 shares of the Fund, as applicable. A short-term
investment in a PGIM affiliated money market fund shall not be deemed a new group retirement plan investment for purposes of this policy.
In addition, on the Effective
Date, the Class R shares of any fund were closed to all new investors, except as discussed below. Due to the closing of the Class R shares to new investors, effective on the Effective Date new IRA investors may only
purchase Class A, Class C, Class Z or Class R6 shares of the Fund, as applicable, subject to share class eligibility. Following the Effective Date, no Class R shares may be purchased or acquired by any new Class R
shareholder, except as discussed below.
|
Class A
|
Class C
|
Class Z
|
Class R
|
Existing Investors
(Group Retirement Plans,
IRAs, and all other investors)
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
New Group Retirement Plans
|
Closed to group retirement plans wishing to add the share classes as new additions to plan
menus on June 1, 2018, subject to certain exceptions below
|
New IRAs
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
Closed to all new investors on June 1, 2018, subject to certain exceptions below
|
All Other New Investors
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
No Change
|
However, the following new
investors may continue to purchase Class A, Class C, Class R and Class Z shares of the Fund, as applicable:
■
|
Eligible group retirement plans that are exercising their one-time 90-day repurchase privilege in the Fund will be permitted to purchase such share classes.
|
■
|
Plan participants in a group retirement plan that offers Class A, Class C, Class R or Class Z shares of the Fund, as applicable, as of the Effective Date will be permitted to purchase such share classes of the Fund,
even if the plan participant did not own shares of that class of the Fund as of the Effective Date.
|
■
|
Certain new group retirement plans will be permitted to offer such share classes of the Fund after the Effective Date, provided that the plan or its financial intermediary or other agent
has or is actively negotiating a contractual agreement with the Fund’s distributor or service provider to offer such share classes of the Fund prior to or on the Effective Date.
|
■
|
New group retirement plans that combine with, replace or are otherwise affiliated with a current plan that invests in such share classes prior to or on the Effective Date will be permitted to purchase such share
classes.
|
■
|
The Fund also reserves the right to refuse any purchase order that might disrupt management of the Fund or to otherwise modify the closure policy at any time on a case-by-case basis.
|
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
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25
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■
|
Shareholders owning Class C shares may continue to hold their Class C shares until the shares automatically convert to Class A shares under the conversion schedule, or until the shareholder redeems their Class C
shares.
|
Reducing or Waiving Class A's and
Class C’s Sales Charges
The following describes the
different ways investors can reduce or avoid paying Class A's sales charge.
Increase the Amount of Your
Investment.
You can reduce Class A's sales charge by increasing the amount of your investment. This table shows 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%
|
$25,000 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 $999,999
|
2.00%
|
2.04%
|
1.75%
|
$1 million to $4,999,999**
|
None
|
None
|
1.00%
|
$5 million to $9,999,999**
|
None
|
None
|
0.50%
|
$10 million and over**
|
None
|
None
|
0.25%
|
* Due to
rounding in the calculation of the offering price and the number of shares purchased, the actual sales charge you pay may be more or less than the percentages shown above.
** If you invest $1 million or more, you
can buy only Class A shares, unless you qualify to buy other share classes. If you purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares and sell these shares within 12 months of purchase, you will be subject to a 1.00% CDSC,
although you will not be subject to an initial sales charge. The CDSC is waived for purchases by certain retirement and/or benefit plans.
*** The Dealer Reallowance is the amount
that is paid by the Fund’s distributor to the financial intermediary responsible for the sale of the Fund’s shares. For more information, please see “How Financial Intermediaries are Compensated for
Selling Fund Shares” in this section of the Prospectus.
To satisfy the purchase amounts
above, you can:
■
|
Use your
, which allow you or an eligible group of related investors to combine the value of a new purchase of Class A shares of any PGIM Fund with (1) the current value
of Class A and Class C, and any other PGIM Fund share class (when used in retail brokerage or advisory programs) you or the eligible group of related investors already own, (2) the value of money market shares (other
than Direct Purchase money market shares) you or an eligible group of related investors have received for shares of other PGIM Funds in an exchange transaction, and (3) the value of the shares you or an eligible group
of related investors are purchasing; or
|
■
|
Sign a
, stating in writing that you or an eligible group of related investors will purchase a certain amount of shares in the Fund and other PGIM Funds within 13 months.
|
■
|
Purchases made prior to the effective date of the Letter of Intent will be applied toward the satisfaction of the Letter of Intent to determine the level of sales charge that will be
paid pursuant to the Letter of Intent, but will not result in any reduction in the amount of any previously paid 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(s) (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 beneficiaries;
|
■
|
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); and
|
■
|
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.
|
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PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
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A “spouse” is defined
in this Prospectus 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 for the 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 shares and any other share class for which a sales charge is paid, the value of existing shares is determined by the maximum offering price (NAV plus maximum sales charge); and
|
■
|
for all other share classes, the value of existing shares is determined by the NAV.
|
If your shares are held directly
by the Transfer Agent, and you believe you qualify for a reduction or waiver of Class A’s or Class C's sales charges, 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 or Class C's sales
charges, 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 or Class C's sales charges. 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 or Class C's sales charges, 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
financial intermediary, the financial 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 or Class C's sales charges. Your financial intermediary is also responsible for notifying the Transfer Agent if your share purchase qualifies for a reduction or waiver of Class A’s or Class C's sales
charges.
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.
Mutual Fund Programs.
The initial sales charge on Class A shares will be waived for participants in any fee-based program or trust program sponsored by Prudential or an affiliate that includes the Fund as an
available option. The initial sales charge will also be waived for clients of financial intermediaries in programs that are sponsored by or available through financial intermediaries that offer Class A shares without
an initial sales charge, 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.
|
Financial intermediaries
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.
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
|
27
|
Group Retirement Plans
. Class A’s and Class C’s sales charges will be waived for group retirement plans (including defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans and deferred compensation plans)
available through a retirement plan recordkeeper or third party administrator. If Prudential Retirement Services is the recordkeeper for your group retirement plan, you may call Prudential at (800) 353-2847 with any
questions. Otherwise, investors in group retirement plans should contact their financial intermediary with any questions regarding availability of Class A and Class C shares at net asset value.
Other Types of Investors.
Certain other types of investors may purchase Class A shares without paying the initial sales charge, including:
■
|
Certain directors or trustees, officers, current employees (including their spouses, children and parents) and former employees (including their spouses, children and parents) of Prudential and its affiliates, the
PGIM Funds, and the subadvisers of the PGIM Funds; former employees must have an existing investment in the Fund;
|
■
|
Persons who have retired directly from active service with Prudential or one of its subsidiaries;
|
■
|
Registered representatives and employees of broker-dealers (including their spouses, children and parents) that offer Class A shares;
|
■
|
Investors in IRAs, provided that: (a) the purchase is made either from a directed rollover to such IRA 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, and
(b) the IRA is established through Prudential Retirement as part of its “Rollover IRA” program (regardless of whether or not the purchase consists of proceeds of a
tax-free rollover of assets from a Benefit Plan described above); and
|
■
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Clients of financial intermediaries, who (i) offer Class A shares through a no-load network or platform, (ii) charge clients an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting or
similar services, or (iii) offer self-directed brokerage accounts or other similar types of accounts that may or may not charge transaction fees to customers.
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To qualify for a waiver of the
Class A or Class C sales charges at the time of purchase (including exchange of share classes within the Fund), you must notify the Transfer Agent, or the Distributor must be notified by the financial intermediary
facilitating the purchase, that the transaction qualifies for a waiver of the Class A or Class C sales charges. The waiver will be granted subject to confirmation of your account holdings.
Additional Information About
Reducing or Waiving Class A’s and Class C's Sales Charges.
The Fund also makes available free of charge, on the Fund's website, in a clear and prominent format, information relating to the Fund's Class A and Class C sales charges, 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
financial intermediary through which you hold Fund shares with the information necessary to take full advantage of reduced or waived Class A or Class C sales charges.
The Distributor may reallow the
Class A sales charge to dealers.
Class C Shares Automatically Convert
to Class A Shares
Class C shares
will be eligible for automatic conversion into Class A shares on a monthly basis approximately eight years after the original date of purchase. Conversion will take place based on the relative NAV of the two classes,
without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. All such automatic conversions of Class C shares will constitute tax-free exchanges for federal income tax purposes.
For shareholders investing in
Class C shares through retirement plans or omnibus accounts, and in certain other instances, the Fund and its agents may not have transparency into how long a shareholder has held Class C shares for purposes of
determining whether such Class C shares are eligible for automatic conversion to Class A shares, and the relevant financial intermediary may not have the ability to track purchases in order to credit individual
shareholders’ holding periods. In these circumstances, the Fund will not be able to automatically convert Class C shares to Class A shares as described above. In order to determine eligibility for conversion in
these circumstances, it is the responsibility of the financial intermediary to notify the Fund that the shareholder is eligible for the conversion of Class C shares to
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Class A shares, and the financial intermediary may
be required to maintain and provide the Fund with records that substantiate the holding period of Class C shares. It is the financial intermediary’s (and not the Fund’s) responsibility to keep records of
transactions made in accounts it holds and to ensure that the shareholder is credited with the proper holding period based on such records or those provided to the financial intermediary by the shareholder. Please
consult with your financial intermediary for the applicability of this conversion feature to your shares.
A financial intermediary may
sponsor and/or control accounts, programs or platforms that impose a different conversion schedule or different eligibility requirements for the exchange of Class C shares for Class A shares (see
Appendix A: Waivers and Discounts Available From Certain Financial Intermediaries
of the Prospectus). Please consult with your financial intermediary if you have any questions
regarding your shares’ conversion from Class C shares to Class A shares.
Qualifying for Class R Shares
Group Retirement Plans
. Class R shares are offered for sale to (i) certain group retirement plans (including defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans and deferred compensation plans) available through a
retirement plan recordkeeper or third party administrator, and (ii) IRAs that are held on the books of the Fund through omnibus level accounts, including The SmartSolution IRA offered by Prudential Retirement. If
Prudential Retirement Services is the recordkeeper for your group retirement plan, you may call Prudential at (800) 353-2847 with any questions. Investors in SmartSolution IRA accounts through Prudential’s
Personal Retirement Services unit can call (888) 244-6237 with any questions regarding how to purchase shares. Otherwise, investors in group retirement plans should contact their financial intermediary with any
questions regarding availability of Class R shares.
Qualifying for Class Z Shares
Institutional Investors.
Various institutional investors may purchase Class Z shares, including corporations, banks, governmental entities, municipalities, hospitals, insurance companies and IRS Section 501
entities, such as foundations and endowments. Institutional investors are responsible for indicating their eligibility to purchase Class Z shares at the time of purchase. Certain financial intermediaries may require
that investments by their institutional investor clients in Class Z shares be placed directly with the Fund's Transfer Agent. Please contact the Transfer Agent at (800) 225-1852 for further details.
Mutual Fund Programs.
Class Z shares 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 financial intermediaries who offer Class Z shares of the Fund, or whose programs are available through financial intermediaries that offer
Class Z shares of the Fund, for:
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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;
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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; or
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Fee- or commission-based retail brokerage programs of certain financial intermediaries that offer Class Z shares through such programs and that have agreements with PIMS to offer such
shares when acting solely on an agency basis for their customers for the purchase or sale of such shares. If you transact in Class Z shares of the Fund through one of these programs, you may be required to pay a
commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker or financial intermediary for effecting such transaction. Because the Fund is not a party to any commission arrangement between you and your broker, any
transactions in Class Z shares will be made by the Fund at net asset value (before imposition of the commission). Any such fee is paid by you, not by the Fund, and the imposition of any such fee or commission by your
broker or financial intermediary does not impact the net asset value for such Fund shares. Shares of the Fund are available in other share classes that have different fees and expenses.
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Financial intermediaries 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 a share class offered by the program before selecting a share class.
Group Retirement Plans
. Group retirement plans (including defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans and deferred compensation plans) available through a retirement plan recordkeeper or third party administrator may purchase Class Z shares. If Prudential Retirement Services is the recordkeeper for your group retirement plan, you may call Prudential at (800) 353-2847 with any questions. Otherwise, investors in group retirement plans should contact their financial intermediary with any questions regarding availability of Class Z shares.
Other Types of Investors.
Class Z shares also can be purchased by any of the following:
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Certain participants in the MEDLEY Program (group variable annuity contracts) sponsored by Prudential for whom Class Z shares of the PGIM Funds are an available option;
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Current and former Directors/Trustees of mutual funds, closed-end funds and ETFs managed by PGIM Investments or any other affiliate of Prudential;
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Current and former employees (including their spouses, children and parents) of Prudential and its affiliates; former employees must have an existing investment in the Fund;
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Prudential (including any program or account sponsored by Prudential or an affiliate that includes the Fund as an available option);
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PGIM Funds, including PGIM funds-of-funds;
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Qualified state tuition programs (529 plans); and
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Investors working with fee-based consultants for investment selection and allocations.
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Qualifying for Class R6 Shares
Group Retirement Plans
. Group retirement plans (including defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans and deferred compensation plans) available through a retirement plan recordkeeper or third party administrator may purchase Class R6 shares. If Prudential Retirement Services is the recordkeeper for your group retirement plan, you may call Prudential at (800) 353-2847 with any questions. Otherwise, investors in group retirement plans should contact their financial intermediary with any questions regarding availability of Class R6 shares.
Institutional Investors.
Various institutional investors may purchase Class R6 shares, including, but not limited to, corporations, governmental entities, municipalities, hospitals, insurance companies and IRS Section 501 entities, such as foundations and endowments and other institutional investors. Institutional investors are responsible for indicating their eligibility to purchase Class R6 shares at the time of purchase.
Other Types of Investors.
Class R6 shares may also be purchased by Prudential, certain programs or accounts sponsored by Prudential, and PGIM Funds, including PGIM funds-of-funds.
Class R6 shares may only be purchased from financial intermediaries who offer such shares.
Class R6 shares are offered to eligible investors as described in this Prospectus. Neither the Fund nor its affiliates are required to make or pay fees associated with or similar to sub-accounting, networking, revenue sharing, or certain administrative fees with respect to Class R6 shares.
How Financial Intermediaries are Compensated for Selling Fund Shares
The PGIM Funds are distributed by Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (the “Distributor”), a broker-dealer that is licensed to sell securities. The Distributor generally does not sell shares of the PGIM Funds directly to the public, but instead markets and sells the PGIM Funds through other broker-dealers, 401(k) providers, retirement plan administrators, and other financial intermediaries. Each PGIM Fund is managed by the Manager.
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Only persons licensed with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), as a registered representative (often referred to as a broker or financial adviser) and associated with a specific financial services firm may sell shares of a mutual fund to you, or to a retirement plan in which you participate.
Rule 12b-1 Fees & Sales Charges.
The Distributor has agreements in place with financial intermediaries defining how much each firm will be paid for the sale of a particular mutual fund from front-end sales charges, if any, paid by Fund shareholders and from fees paid to the Distributor by the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (Rule 12b-1). These financial intermediaries then pay their registered representatives who sold you the Fund some or all of what they received from the Distributor. The registered representatives may receive a payment when the sale is made and can, in some cases, continue to receive ongoing payments while you are invested in the Fund. The Distributor may change at any time, without prior notice, the amount of Rule 12b-1 fees that it pays (when the sale is made and/or any ongoing payments) to financial intermediaries and registered representatives so that the Distributor may retain all or a portion of such fees.
“Revenue Sharing” Payments.
In addition to the compensation received by financial intermediaries as described above, the Manager or certain of its affiliates (but not the Distributor) may make additional payments (which are often referred to as “revenue sharing” payments) to the financial intermediaries from the Manager's or certain affiliates' own resources, including from the profits derived from management fees or other fees received from the Fund, without additional direct or indirect cost to the Fund or its shareholders, provided that no such additional payments to financial intermediaries are made with respect to the Fund’s Class R6 shares. Revenue sharing payments are in addition to the front-end sales charges paid by Fund shareholders or fees paid pursuant to plans adopted in accordance with Rule 12b-1. The Manager or certain of its affiliates may revise the terms of any existing revenue sharing arrangement, and may enter into additional revenue sharing arrangements with other financial intermediaries in the future.
Revenue sharing arrangements are intended to foster the sale of Fund shares and/or to compensate financial intermediaries for assisting in marketing or promotional activities in connection with the sale of Fund shares. In exchange for revenue sharing payments, the Fund generally expects to receive the opportunity for the Fund to be sold through the financial intermediaries' sales force or access to third-party platforms or other marketing programs, including but not limited to mutual fund “supermarket” platforms or other sales programs. To the extent that financial intermediaries receiving revenue sharing payments sell more shares of the Fund, the Manager and Distributor benefit from the increase in Fund assets as a result of the management and distribution fees they receive from the Fund, respectively. Increased sales of Fund shares also may benefit shareholders, since an increase in Fund assets may allow the Fund to expand its investment opportunities, and increased Fund assets may result in reduced Fund operating expenses.
From time to time the Manager or an affiliate of the Fund (and not the Fund itself) may pay certain administrative fees in order to make the Fund available to shareholders. Such fees are not included in, and are paid separate and apart from, any revenue sharing payments.
Revenue sharing payments, as well as the other types of payments described above, may provide an incentive for financial intermediaries 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.
If your Fund shares are purchased through a retirement plan, the Manager or certain of its affiliates (but not the Distributor) may also make revenue sharing payments to the plan's recordkeeper or an affiliate, which generally is not a registered broker-dealer.
It is likely that financial intermediaries that execute portfolio transactions for the Fund will include those firms with which the Manager and/or certain of its affiliates have entered into revenue sharing arrangements. Neither the Manager nor any subadviser may consider sales of Fund shares as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Manager and certain of its affiliates will not use Fund brokerage as any part of revenue sharing payments to financial intermediaries.
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Revenue sharing payments are usually calculated based on a percentage of Fund sales and/or Fund assets attributable to a particular financial services firm. Payments may also be based on other criteria or factors, for example, a fee per each transaction. 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 Manager and/or certain of its affiliates make such payments to financial intermediaries in amounts that generally range from 0.02% up to 0.20% of Fund assets serviced and maintained by the financial intermediaries or from 0.10% to 0.25% of sales of Fund shares attributable to the firm. In addition, the Manager and/or certain of its affiliates may pay flat fees on a one-time or irregular basis for the initial set-up of the Fund on a financial services intermediary’s systems, participation or attendance at a financial services firm's meeting, or for other reasons. These amounts are subject to change. In addition, the costs associated with visiting the financial intermediaries to make presentations, and/or train and educate the personnel of the financial intermediaries, may be paid by the Manager and/or certain of its affiliates, subject to applicable FINRA regulations.
Please contact the registered representative (or his or her firm) who sold shares of the Fund to you for details about any payments the financial intermediary may receive from the Manager and/or certain of its affiliates. You should review your financial intermediary’s disclosure and/or talk to your financial intermediary to obtain more information on how this compensation may have influenced your financial intermediary’s recommendation of the Fund. Additional information regarding these revenue sharing payments is included in the SAI which is available to you at no additional charge.
Other Payments Received by Financial Intermediaries
Administrative, Sub-Accounting and Networking Fees.
In addition to, rather than in lieu of, the fees that the Fund may pay to financial intermediaries as described above, and the fees the Fund pays to the Transfer Agent, the Transfer Agent or its affiliates may enter into additional agreements on behalf of the Fund with financial intermediaries pursuant to which the Fund will pay financial intermediaries for certain administrative, sub-accounting and networking services, provided that no such additional payments to financial intermediaries are made with respect to the Fund’s Class R6 shares. These services include maintenance of shareholder accounts by the firms, such as recordkeeping and other activities that otherwise would be performed by the Transfer Agent. Sub-accounting services encompass activities that reduce the burden of recordkeeping to the Fund. Administrative fees are paid to a firm that undertakes, for example, shareholder communications on behalf of the Fund. Networking services are services undertaken to support the electronic transmission of shareholder purchase and redemption orders through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”).
These payments, as discussed above, are paid out of Fund assets and generally based on either (1) a percentage of the average daily net assets of Fund shareholders serviced by a financial intermediary or (2) a fixed dollar amount for each account serviced by a financial services firm. From time to time, the Manager or certain of its affiliates (but not the Distributor) also may pay a portion of the fees for the services to the financial intermediaries at their own expense and out of their own resources.
In addition, the Fund reimburses the Distributor for NSCC fees that are invoiced to the Distributor as the party to the Agreement with NSCC for the administrative services provided by NSCC to the Fund and its shareholders. These administrative services provided by NSCC to the Fund and its shareholders include transaction processing and settlement through Fund/SERV, electronic networking services to support the transmission of shareholder purchase and redemption orders to and from financial intermediaries, and related recordkeeping provided by NSCC to the Fund and its shareholders. These payments are generally based on a transaction fee rate for certain administrative services plus a fee for other administrative services.
In accordance with federal law, the Fund has adopted policies designed to deter money laundering. Under the policies, the Fund will not knowingly engage in financial transactions that involve proceeds from unlawful activity or support terrorist activities, and shall file government reports, including those concerning suspicious activities, as required by applicable law. The Fund will seek to confirm the identity of potential shareholders to include both individuals and
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entities through documentary and non-documentary methods. Non-documentary methods may include verification of name, address, date of birth and tax identification number with selected credit bureaus. The Fund's Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer oversees the Fund's anti-money laundering policies.
Understanding the Price You'll Pay
The price you pay for each share of the Fund is based on the share value. The share value of a mutual fund—known as the
or
—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).
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 NAV will be determined every day on which the Fund is open as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). The Fund's portfolio securities are valued based upon market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available, at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by the Board. These procedures include pricing methodologies for determining the fair value of certain types of securities and other assets held by the Fund that do not have quoted market prices, and authorize the use of other pricing sources, such as bid prices supplied by a principal market maker and evaluated prices supplied by pricing vendors that employ analytic methodologies that take into account the prices of similar securities and other market factors.
If the Fund determines that a market quotation for a security is not reliable based on, among other things, events or market conditions that occur with respect to one or more securities held by the Fund or the market as a whole, 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, the Fund may use “fair value pricing,” which is implemented by a valuation committee (“Valuation Committee”) consisting of representatives of the Manager or by the Board. The subadviser often provides relevant information for the Valuation Committee meeting. In addition, the Fund may use fair value pricing determined by the Valuation Committee or Board if the pricing source does not provide an evaluated price for a security or provides an evaluated price that, in the judgment of the Manager (which may be based upon a recommendation from the subadviser), does not represent fair value. Equity securities that are traded on foreign exchanges are valued using pricing vendor services that provide fair value model prices. The models generate an evaluated adjustment factor for each security, which is applied to the local closing price to adjust it for post-closing market movements. Utilizing that evaluated adjustment factor, the vendor provides an evaluated price for each security. Non-US securities markets are open for trading on weekends and other days when the Fund does not price shares. Therefore, the value of the Fund’s shares may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund’s shares.
Investments in open-end non-exchange-traded mutual funds will be valued at their NAV as determined as of the close of the NYSE on the date of valuation, which will reflect the mutual fund’s fair valuation procedures.
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. The prospectuses of any other mutual funds in which the Fund invests will explain each fund’s procedures and policies with respect to the use of fair value pricing.
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Fair value pricing procedures are designed to result in prices for the Fund's securities and its NAV 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.
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. Eastern Time, or later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, your order to purchase must be received by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time in order to receive that day's NAV. In the event that regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. Eastern 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. The Fund will not treat an intraday unscheduled disruption in NYSE trading as a closure of the NYSE and will price its shares as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, if the particular disruption directly affects only the NYSE. We deem an order received when it is received by the Transfer Agent at its processing center. If you submit your order through a broker or other financial intermediary, it may be deemed received when received by the broker or financial intermediary.
Each business day, the Fund's current NAV per share is made available at www.pgim.com/investments (click on “Performance & Yields,” and then click on “Prices”).
Additional Shareholder Services
As a Fund shareholder, you can take advantage of the following services and privileges:
Automatic Reinvestment.
As we explained in the “Fund Distributions and Tax Issues” section, the Fund pays out—or distributes—its net investment income and net 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. For accounts held at the Transfer Agent (PMFS), distributions of $10.00 or less on non-retirement accounts will not be paid out in cash, but will be automatically reinvested into your account.
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC
P.O. Box 9658
Providence, RI 02940
Automatic Investment Plan (AIP).
You can make regular purchases of the Fund by having a fixed amount of money automatically withdrawn from your bank or brokerage account at specified intervals. The minimum for subsequent investments through newly-established AIP accounts must be at least $50 monthly.
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. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan is not available to participants in certain retirement plans. Please contact PMFS at (800) 225-1852 for more details.
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Reports to Shareholders.
Every year we will send you an updated summary
prospectus.
We will also send or
make available to you pursuant to Rule 30e-3 under the 1940 Act, an annual report and a semi-annual report, which contain important financial information about the Fund. To reduce Fund expenses, we may send or make available one annual shareholder report, one semi-annual shareholder report and one summary prospectus per household, unless you instruct us or your financial intermediary otherwise. If each Fund shareholder in your household would like to receive a copy of the Fund's summary prospectus and shareholder reports, 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.
Important Note: Effective January 1, 2021 you will no longer receive mailed copies of the annual and semi-annual reports, unless you elect to continue to receive these mailings. See the front cover of this Prospectus for more information
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You can sell your Fund shares for cash 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 or your financial intermediary receives your order to sell (less any applicable CDSC).
Shares Held by Financial Intermediaries.
If your financial intermediary holds your shares, your financial intermediary must receive your order to sell no later than the time regular trading on the NYSE closes—which is usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time—to process the sale on that day. In the event that regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. Eastern 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.
Shares Held by the Transfer Agent.
If the Transfer Agent holds your shares, PMFS must receive your order to sell no later than the time regular trading on the NYSE closes—which is usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time—to process the sale on that day. In the event that regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. Eastern 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. You may contact the Transfer Agent at:
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC
P.O. Box 9658
Providence, RI 02940
Payment for Shares You Have Sold
Shares Held by Financial Intermediaries.
Typically, if your order to sell shares is received in good order, payment will be credited to your account within 1 to 3 business days after the order is received, but in any event within seven days. Your broker may charge you a separate or additional fee for sales of shares.
Shares Held by the Transfer Agent.
Typically, if your order to sell shares is received in good order, we will send payment on the next business day, but in any event within seven days, regardless of the method of payment (e.g., payment by check, wire or electronic transfer (ACH)).
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 seven days from the purchase date.
As a result of restrictions on withdrawals and transfers imposed by Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, we may consider a redemption request to not be in good order until we obtain information from your employer that is reasonably necessary to ensure that the payment is in compliance with such restrictions, if applicable. In such an event, the redemption request will not be in good order and we will not process it until we obtain information from your employer.
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In addition, 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 SEC, the former may happen only during unusual market conditions or emergencies when the Fund is unable to 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 Medallion signature guaranteed if:
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You are selling more than $100,000 of shares;
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You want the redemption proceeds made payable to someone that is not in the Transfer Agent’s records;
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You want the redemption proceeds sent to an address that is not in the Transfer Agent’s records;
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You are a business or a trust; or
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You are redeeming due to the death of the shareholder or on behalf of the shareholder.
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The Medallion signature guarantee may be obtained from an authorized officer from a bank, broker, dealer, securities exchange or association, clearing agency, savings association, or credit union that is participating in one of the recognized Medallion guarantee programs (STAMP, SEMP, or NYSE MSP), but not from a notary public. The Medallion signature guarantee must be appropriate for the dollar amount of the transaction. The Transfer Agent reserves the right to reject sale transactions where the value of the transaction exceeds the value of the surety coverage indicated on the Medallion imprint. The Fund may change the signature guarantee requirements from time to time without prior notice to shareholders. For more information, see the SAI.
How the Fund Pays for Shares You Have Sold
Under normal market conditions, the Fund expects to pay for shares that you have sold primarily by using cash or cash equivalents in its portfolio or selling portfolio assets to generate cash. Supplementally, the Fund may also raise cash to pay for sold shares by short-term borrowing in the form of overdrafts permitted by the Fund’s custodian bank and/or by short-term borrowing from a group of banks through an unsecured credit facility, which is intended to provide the Fund with a temporary additional source of liquidity. In certain circumstances the Fund reserves the right to pay for sold shares by giving you securities from the Fund’s portfolio. If you receive securities, you would incur transaction costs in converting the securities to cash, and you may receive less for the securities than the price at which they were valued for redemption purposes.
During stressed market conditions, it may be impractical or impossible to raise sufficient cash to pay for sold shares through the primary methods described above. In these circumstances, the Fund would be more likely to rely more heavily on the credit facility as a source of liquidity, as described above.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC)
If you sell Class C shares within 12 months of purchase, you will have to pay a CDSC of 1.00%. 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 1.00% CDSC for shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase. The CDSC is waived for purchases by certain retirement and/or benefit plans. To keep the CDSC as low as possible, we will sell amounts representing shares in the following order:
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Amounts representing shares you purchased with reinvested dividends and distributions,
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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) and 12 months for Class C shares, and
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Amounts representing the cost of shares held beyond the CDSC period (12 months for Class A shares (in certain cases) and 12 months for Class C shares).
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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.
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The CDSC is calculated based on the lesser of the original purchase price or the net asset value at redemption. The rate decreases on the anniversary date of your purchase.
The holding period for purposes of determining the applicable CDSC will be calculated from the anniversary date of the purchase, excluding any time Class C shares were held in a money market fund.
Waiver of the CDSC—Class A Shares and Class C Shares
The CDSC will be waived if the Class A shares and Class C shares are sold:
■
|
After a shareholder is deceased or permanently disabled (or, in the case of a trust account, after the death or permanent 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 permanent disability;
|
■
|
To provide for certain distributions—made without IRS penalty—from a qualified or tax-deferred retirement plan, benefit plan, IRA or Section 403(b) custodial account; and
|
■
|
To withdraw excess contributions from a qualified or tax-deferred retirement plan, IRA or Section 403(b) custodial account.
|
For more information, see the SAI.
Involuntary Redemption of Small Accounts Held by the Transfer Agent
If the value of your account with PMFS is less than $500 for any reason, we may sell your shares (without charging any CDSC) and close your account. We would do this to minimize the Fund's expenses paid by other shareholders. The involuntary sale provisions do not apply to Automatic Investment Plan (AIP) accounts, employee savings plan accounts, payroll deduction plan accounts, retirement accounts (such as a 401(k) plan, an IRA or other qualified or tax-deferred plan or account), omnibus accounts, and accounts for which a broker or other financial intermediary is responsible for recordkeeping. Prior thereto, if you make a sale that reduces your account value to less than the threshold, we may sell the rest of your shares (without charging any CDSC) and close your account; this involuntary sale does not apply to shareholders who own their shares as part of a retirement account. For more information, see “Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Fund Shares—Involuntary Redemption” in the SAI.
Account Maintenance Fee for Accounts Held by the Transfer Agent
If the value of your Class A, Class C or Class Z account with PMFS is less than $10,000, with certain exclusions, a $15 annual account maintenance fee will be deducted from your account during the 4th calendar quarter of each year. Any applicable CDSC on the shares redeemed to pay the account maintenance fee will be waived. For more information, see “Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Fund Shares—Account Maintenance Fee” in the SAI.
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. In order to take advantage of this privilege, you must notify the Transfer Agent or your broker at the time of the repurchase. This privilege can only be used once in a 12-month period. For more information, see the SAI.
The terms of this privilege may vary by financial intermediary. For more information, see “Appendix A: Waivers and Discounts Available From Certain Financial Intermediaries.”
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.
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
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37
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HOW TO EXCHANGE YOUR SHARES
You can generally exchange your shares of the Fund for shares of the same class in certain other PGIM Funds—including PGIM Government Money Market Fund—if you satisfy the minimum investment requirements. For example, you can exchange Class A shares of the Fund for Class A shares of other funds in the PGIM Funds mutual fund family, but you can’t exchange Class A shares for a different share class of another PGIM Fund.
In addition, Class R6 shares may not be exchanged for Class R6 shares of the Prudential Day One Funds or the PGIM 60/40 Allocation Fund.
After an exchange, at redemption, any CDSC will be calculated from the date of the initial purchase, excluding any time that Class C shares were held in PGIM Government Money Market Fund. We may change the terms of any exchange privilege after giving you 60 days' notice.
There is no sales charge for exchanges. However, if you exchange—and then sell—shares within the applicable CDSC period, you must still pay the applicable CDSC. At the time of exchange, CDSC liable shares and free shares move proportionally according to the percentage of total shares you are exchanging. If you have exchanged Class C shares into PGIM Government Money Market Fund, the time you hold the Class C shares in the money market fund will not be counted in calculating the required holding period for CDSC liability.
For investors in certain programs sponsored by financial intermediaries that offer shares of the Fund, or whose programs are available through financial intermediaries that offer shares of the Fund for mutual fund “wrap” or asset allocation programs or mutual fund “supermarket” programs, an exchange may be made from Class A to Class Z shares of the Fund in certain limited circumstances. Contact your program sponsor or financial intermediary with any questions.
Exchanging Shares Held by a Financial Intermediary.
If you hold shares through a financial intermediary, you must exchange shares through your financial intermediary.
Exchanging Shares Held by the Transfer Agent.
If you hold shares through the Transfer Agent, contact your financial advisor or PMFS at (800) 225-1852 or write to PMFS at:
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC
P.O. Box 9658
Providence, RI 02940
If you participate in any fee-based program where the Fund is an available investment option, you may arrange with the Transfer Agent or your recordkeeper to exchange your Class A shares, if any, for Class Z shares when you elect to participate in the fee-based program. When you no longer participate in the program, you may arrange with the Transfer Agent or your recordkeeper to exchange all of your Class Z shares, including shares purchased while you were in the program, for Class A shares.
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
38
|
PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
|
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 non-US 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 non-US 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 Fund does not knowingly accommodate or permit frequent trading, and the Board 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. If this occurs, the shareholder’s account will be subject to a 60-day warning period. If a second round-trip occurs before the conclusion of the 60-day warning period, a trading suspension will be placed on the account by the Fund’s Transfer Agent that will remain in effect for 90 days. The trading suspension will relate to purchases and exchange purchases (but not redemptions) in the Fund in which the frequent trading occurred. Exceptions to the trading policy will not normally be granted.
Transactions in the PGIM money market funds, exchange-traded funds and PGIM Short-Term Corporate Bond Fund are excluded from this trading policy. In addition, transactions by affiliated PGIM Funds or certain unaffiliated funds, which are structured as “funds-of-funds,” and invest primarily in other mutual funds within the PGIM Fund family, are not subject to the limitations of the trading policy and are not considered frequent or short-term trading.
This trading policy does not apply to systematic purchases and redemptions (e.g., payroll purchases, systematic withdrawals and rebalancing transactions or other similar transactions not initiated by a shareholder or financial professional on the transaction date). Generally, purchases and redemptions will not be considered “systematic” unless the transaction is pre-established or scheduled for a specific date.
The Fund reserves the right to reject or cancel, without prior notice, all additional purchases or exchanges into the Fund by a shareholder. 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 daily trading activity above a certain threshold, which may be changed from time to time, over a rolling 90-day period. If a purchase into the Fund is rejected or canceled, 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, such as through a financial intermediary such as a broker-dealer, a bank, an insurance company separate account, an investment adviser, or an administrator or trustee of a retirement plan (“Intermediaries”) that holds your shares in an account under its name, 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 has notified 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.
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
|
39
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The Transfer Agent also reviews aggregate omnibus net flows above a certain threshold. In cases where the activity is considered unusual, 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 potential 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 $250,000 or exchange your shares in any amount by calling the Fund at (800) 225-1852 and communicating your instructions in good order to a customer service representative before 4:00 p.m. Eastern 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. Eastern 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 Transfer Agent prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern 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. Eastern 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.
40
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PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
|
The financial highlights will help you evaluate the Fund's financial performance for the past five fiscal years or periods (as applicable) ended November 30, 2020. Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund class share. The total return in each chart represents the rate that a shareholder would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund, assuming investment at the start of the period and reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions. The information is for the periods indicated.
These financial highlights for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2020 were derived from the financial statements audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report on those financial statements was unqualified. The information for the fiscal years or periods (as applicable) prior to the fiscal year ended November 30, 2020 was audited by KPMG LLP, the Fund's prior independent registered public accounting firm.
A copy of the Fund's annual report, including the Fund's audited financial statements and report of independent registered public accounting firm, is available upon request, at no charge, as described on the back cover of this Prospectus.
Class A Shares
|
|
Year Ended November 30,
|
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
Per Share Operating Performance
(a)
:
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year
|
$15.93
|
$13.87
|
$14.49
|
$11.55
|
$12.17
|
Income (loss) from investment operations:
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
0.07
|
0.08
|
0.04
|
0.17
|
0.18
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions
|
0.55
|
2.07
|
(0.49)
|
2.97
|
(0.58)
|
Total from investment operations
|
0.62
|
2.15
|
(0.45)
|
3.14
|
(0.40)
|
Less Dividends and Distributions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
(0.09)
|
(0.03)
|
(0.17)
|
(0.20)
|
(0.22)
|
Distributions from net realized gains
|
-
|
(0.06)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
(0.09)
|
(0.09)
|
(0.17)
|
(0.20)
|
(0.22)
|
Net asset value, end of
Year
|
$16.46
|
$15.93
|
$13.87
|
$14.49
|
$11.55
|
|
3.87%
|
15.76%
|
(3.14)%
|
27.56%
|
(3.28)%
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of
Year (000)
|
$74,696
|
$81,555
|
$76,836
|
$83,561
|
$80,431
|
Average net assets (000)
|
$69,614
|
$77,111
|
$84,872
|
$82,660
|
$84,543
|
Ratios to average net assets
(c)
(d)
:
|
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
1.39%
|
1.38%
|
1.33%
|
1.37%
|
1.42%
|
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
1.39%
|
1.38%
|
1.33%
|
1.37%
|
1.42%
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
0.48%
|
0.54%
|
0.30%
|
1.29%
|
1.63%
|
Portfolio turnover rate
(e)
|
38%
|
14%
|
23%
|
128%
|
68%
|
(a)
|
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.
|
(b)
|
Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.
|
(c)
|
Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.
|
(d)
|
Effective December 1, 2017, class specific expenses include transfer agent fees and expenses and registration fees, which are charged to their respective share class.
|
(e)
|
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate may be higher.
|
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
|
41
|
Class C Shares
|
|
Year Ended November 30,
|
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
Per Share Operating Performance
(a)
:
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year
|
$14.13
|
$12.37
|
$12.96
|
$10.36
|
$10.94
|
Income (loss) from investment operations:
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
(0.03)
(b)
|
(0.02)
|
(0.05)
|
0.07
|
0.09
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency
transactions
|
0.47
|
1.84
|
(0.44)
|
2.67
|
(0.52)
|
Total from investment operations
|
0.44
|
1.82
|
(0.49)
|
2.74
|
(0.43)
|
Less Dividends and Distributions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
-
(c)
|
-
|
(0.10)
|
(0.14)
|
(0.15)
|
Distributions from net realized gains
|
-
|
(0.06)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
-
(c)
|
(0.06)
|
(0.10)
|
(0.14)
|
(0.15)
|
Net asset value, end of
Year
|
$14.57
|
$14.13
|
$12.37
|
$12.96
|
$10.36
|
|
3.14%
|
14.99%
|
(3.81)%
|
26.68%
|
(4.00)%
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of
Year (000)
|
$11,366
|
$15,452
|
$25,457
|
$30,600
|
$30,352
|
Average net assets (000)
|
$11,917
|
$19,307
|
$29,808
|
$30,591
|
$33,171
|
Ratios to average net assets
(e)
(f)
:
|
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
2.14%
|
2.09%
|
2.02%
|
2.07%
|
2.12%
|
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
2.14%
|
2.09%
|
2.02%
|
2.07%
|
2.12%
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
(0.26)%
|
(0.18)%
|
(0.39)%
|
0.59%
|
0.89%
|
Portfolio turnover rate
(g)
|
38%
|
14%
|
23%
|
128%
|
68%
|
(a)
|
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.
|
(b)
|
The per share amount of net investment income (loss) does not directly correlate to the amounts reported in the Statement of Operations due to class specific expenses.
|
(c)
|
Less than $(0.005) per share.
|
(d)
|
Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported
and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.
|
(e)
|
Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.
|
(f)
|
Effective December 1, 2017, class specific expenses include transfer agent fees and expenses and registration fees, which are charged to their respective share class.
|
(g)
|
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and
certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate may be higher.
|
42
|
PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
|
Class R Shares
|
|
Year Ended November 30,
|
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
Per Share Operating Performance
(a)
:
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year
|
$15.89
|
$13.83
|
$14.47
|
$11.54
|
$12.15
|
Income (loss) from investment operations:
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
0.03
|
0.03
|
0.01
|
0.15
|
0.15
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency
transactions
|
0.54
|
2.09
|
(0.50)
|
2.96
|
(0.56)
|
Total from investment operations
|
0.57
|
2.12
|
(0.49)
|
3.11
|
(0.41)
|
Less Dividends and Distributions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
(0.04)
|
-
|
(0.15)
|
(0.18)
|
(0.20)
|
Distributions from net realized gains
|
-
|
(0.06)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
(0.04)
|
(0.06)
|
(0.15)
|
(0.18)
|
(0.20)
|
Net asset value, end of
Year
|
$16.42
|
$15.89
|
$13.83
|
$14.47
|
$11.54
|
|
3.66%
|
15.43%
|
(3.44)%
|
27.27%
|
(3.41)%
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of
Year (000)
|
$9,087
|
$12,077
|
$14,966
|
$17,092
|
$8,534
|
Average net assets (000)
|
$9,490
|
$12,864
|
$17,663
|
$14,192
|
$6,607
|
Ratios to average net assets
(c)
(d)
:
|
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
1.64%
|
1.69%
|
1.59%
|
1.56%
|
1.62%
|
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
1.89%
|
1.94%
|
1.84%
|
1.81%
|
1.87%
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
0.24%
|
0.22%
|
0.05%
|
1.16%
|
1.41%
|
Portfolio turnover rate
(e)
|
38%
|
14%
|
23%
|
128%
|
68%
|
(a)
|
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.
|
(b)
|
Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions,
if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.
|
(c)
|
Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.
|
(d)
|
Effective December 1, 2017, class specific expenses include transfer agent fees and expenses and registration fees, which are charged to their respective share class.
|
(e)
|
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and
certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate may be higher.
|
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
|
43
|
Class Z Shares
|
|
Year Ended November 30,
|
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
Per Share Operating Performance
(a)
:
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year
|
$16.47
|
$14.34
|
$14.97
|
$11.92
|
$12.56
|
Income (loss) from investment operations:
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
0.12
|
0.13
|
0.10
|
0.22
|
0.21
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency
transactions
|
0.57
|
2.14
|
(0.52)
|
3.06
|
(0.59)
|
Total from investment operations
|
0.69
|
2.27
|
(0.42)
|
3.28
|
(0.38)
|
Less Dividends and Distributions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
(0.13)
|
(0.08)
|
(0.21)
|
(0.23)
|
(0.26)
|
Distributions from net realized gains
|
-
|
(0.06)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
(0.13)
|
(0.14)
|
(0.21)
|
(0.23)
|
(0.26)
|
Net asset value, end of
Year
|
$17.03
|
$16.47
|
$14.34
|
$14.97
|
$11.92
|
|
4.22%
|
16.18%
|
(2.87)%
|
27.96%
|
(3.03)%
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of
Year (000)
|
$29,391
|
$43,675
|
$46,317
|
$47,684
|
$34,702
|
Average net assets (000)
|
$34,346
|
$40,671
|
$50,663
|
$44,492
|
$40,929
|
Ratios to average net assets
(c)
(d)
:
|
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
1.09%
|
1.04%
|
1.01%
|
1.06%
|
1.12%
|
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
1.09%
|
1.04%
|
1.01%
|
1.06%
|
1.12%
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
0.80%
|
0.87%
|
0.64%
|
1.66%
|
1.90%
|
Portfolio turnover rate
(e)
|
38%
|
14%
|
23%
|
128%
|
68%
|
(a)
|
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.
|
(b)
|
Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions,
if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.
|
(c)
|
Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.
|
(d)
|
Effective December 1, 2017, class specific expenses include transfer agent fees and expenses and registration fees, which are charged to their respective share class.
|
(e)
|
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and
certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate may be higher.
|
44
|
PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
|
Class R6 Shares
|
|
Year Ended November 30,
|
|
January 26, 2018
(a)
through November 30,
2018
|
|
2020
|
2019
|
|
Per Share Operating Performance
(b)
:
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
$16.48
|
$14.34
|
|
$16.00
|
Income (loss) from investment operations:
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
0.13
|
0.14
|
|
0.10
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency
transactions
|
0.58
|
2.14
|
|
(1.76)
|
Total from investment operations
|
0.71
|
2.28
|
|
(1.66)
|
Less Dividends and Distributions:
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
(0.14)
|
(0.08)
|
|
-
|
Distributions from net realized gains
|
-
|
(0.06)
|
|
-
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
(0.14)
|
(0.14)
|
|
-
|
Net asset value, end of
Period
|
$17.05
|
$16.48
|
|
$14.34
|
|
4.30%
|
16.25%
|
|
(10.38)%
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of
Period (000)
|
$12
|
$11
|
|
$9
|
Average net assets (000)
|
$10
|
$10
|
|
$10
|
Ratios to average net assets
(d)
:
|
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
1.00%
|
1.00%
|
|
1.00%
(e)
|
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement
|
77.93%
|
263.59%
|
|
272.24%
(e)
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
0.86%
|
0.93%
|
|
0.80%
(e)
|
Portfolio turnover rate
(f)
|
38%
|
14%
|
|
23%
|
(a)
|
Commencement of offering.
|
(b)
|
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.
|
(c)
|
Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions,
if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP. Total returns for periods less than one full year are not annualized.
|
(d)
|
Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.
|
(e)
|
Annualized.
|
(f)
|
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and
certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate may be higher.
|
Visit our website at www.pgim.com/investments
|
45
|
S&P Composite 1500 Financials
Index.
The S&P Composite 1500 Financials Index is an unmanaged index that comprises those companies included in the S&P Composite 1500, an index that combines the S&P 500, the S&P
MidCap 400 and the S&P SmallCap 600, that are classified as members of the GICS financials sector. The returns do not include the effects of any sales charges, operating expenses of a mutual fund, or taxes. These
returns would be lower if they included the effects of these expenses.
The S&P
Composite 1500 Financials Index (“
Index
”) is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and/or its affiliates and has been licensed for use by PGIM, Inc. and/or its affiliates. Copyright © 2021 S&
P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global, Inc., and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Redistribution or reproduction in whole or in part are prohibited without written permission of S&P Dow
Jones Indices LLC. For more information on any of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC’s indices please visit www.spdji.com. S&P® is a registered trademark of S&P Global and Dow Jones® is a registered
trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC.
S&P Composite 1500 Index.
The S&P Composite 1500 Index is an unmanaged index of the stocks of 1,500 US companies, with market capitalizations ranging from small to large. The S&P Composite 1500 Index is a
combination of three leading US stock indices: the S&P 500 Index (which measures the performance of US large cap stocks), the S&P MidCap 400 Index (which measures the performance of US mid cap stocks) and the
S&P 600 Index (which measures the performance of US small cap stocks) and gives an indication of how the broad US stock market has performed. Index returns do not include the effect of any sales charges, mutual
fund operating expenses or taxes. These returns would be lower if they included the effect of these expenses.
The S&P
Composite 1500 Index (“
Index
”) is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and/or its affiliates and has been licensed for use by PGIM, Inc. and/or its affiliates. Copyright © 2021 S&
P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global, Inc., and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Redistribution or reproduction in whole or in part are prohibited without written permission of S&P Dow
Jones Indices LLC. For more information on any of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC’s indices please visit www.spdji.com. S&P® is a registered trademark of S&P Global and Dow Jones® is a
registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC.
46
|
PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
|
APPENDIX A: WAIVERS AND DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FROM CERTAIN FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from the Fund or through a financial intermediary. Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) waivers (i.e., back-end), which are discussed below. In all instances, it is the purchaser's responsibility to notify the Fund or the purchaser's financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts.
For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase Fund shares through the applicable intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts.
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, as applicable, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's Prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at Merrill Lynch
■
|
Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
|
■
|
Shares purchased by a 529 Plan (does not include 529 Plan units or 529-specific share classes or equivalents)
|
■
|
Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program
|
■
|
Shares exchanged due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
|
■
|
Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch’s platform
|
■
|
Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform
|
■
|
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)
|
■
|
Shares exchanged from Class C (i.e. level-load) shares of the same fund pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
|
■
|
Employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members
|
■
|
Directors or Trustees of the Fund, and employees of the Fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this Prospectus
|
■
|
Eligible shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement). Automated transactions (i.e. systematic purchases and withdrawals) and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay Merrill Lynch’s account maintenance fees are not eligible for reinstatement
|
CDSC Waivers on Class A and C Shares available at Merrill Lynch
■
|
Death or disability of the shareholder
|
■
|
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in this Prospectus
|
■
|
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account
|
■
|
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code
|
■
|
Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch
|
■
|
Shares acquired through a Right of Reinstatement
|
■
|
Shares held in retirement brokerage accounts, that are exchanged for a lower cost share class due to transfer to certain fee based accounts or platforms
|
■
|
Shares received through an exchange due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
|
Front-end load Discounts Available at Merrill Lynch: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent
■
|
Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus
|
■
|
Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts as described in the Fund’s Prospectus will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts (including 529 program holdings, where applicable) within the purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
|
■
|
Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time
|
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management transactional brokerage account are eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's Prospectus or SAI.
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares Available at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
■
|
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans
|
■
|
Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley’s account linking rules
|
■
|
Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund
|
■
|
Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account
|
■
|
Class C (i.e., level-load) shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s share class conversion program
|
■
|
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (i) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (ii) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (iii) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge
|
Class A Shares Front-End Sales Charge Waivers Available at Ameriprise Financial
The following information applies to Class A shares purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase Fund shares through Ameriprise Financial.
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial brokerage account are eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's Prospectus or SAI.
■
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs.
|
■
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
|
■
Shares exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 7-year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Class C shares or conversion of Class C shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply.
|
■
Employees and registered representatives of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates and their immediate family members.
|
■
Shares purchased by or through qualified accounts (including IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b) TSCAs subject to ERISA and defined benefit plans) that are held by a covered family member, defined as an Ameriprise financial advisor and/or the advisor’s spouse, advisor’s lineal ascendant (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, great grandmother, great grandfather), advisor’s lineal descendant (son, step-son, daughter, step-daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great grandson, great granddaughter) or any spouse of a covered family member who is a lineal descendant.
|
■
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e. Rights of Reinstatement).
|
Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services and each entity’s affiliates (“Raymond James”)
Shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment adviser for which Raymond James provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front-end sales load waivers on Class A shares available at Raymond James
■
|
Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.
|
■
|
Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains and dividend distributions.
|
■
|
Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.
|
■
|
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
|
■
|
A shareholder in the Fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.
|
CDSC Waivers on Classes A and C shares available at Raymond James
■
|
Death or disability of the shareholder.
|
■
|
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.
|
■
|
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
|
■
|
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.
|
■
|
Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.
|
■
|
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
|
Front-end load discounts available at Raymond James: breakpoints, and/or rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent
■
|
Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus.
|
■
|
Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
|
■
|
Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
|
Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (“Edward Jones”)
Policies Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones
■
|
Clients of Edward Jones (also referred to as “shareholders”) purchasing fund shares on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms are eligible only for the following sales charge discounts (also referred to as “breakpoints”) and waivers, which can differ from discounts and waivers described elsewhere in this Fund’s Prospectus or statement of additional information (“SAI”) or through another broker-dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholder's responsibility to inform Edward Jones at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings of the Fund or other facts qualifying the purchaser for breakpoints discounts or waivers. Edward Jones can ask for documentation of such circumstance. Shareholders should contact Edward Jones if they have questions regarding their eligibility for these discounts and waivers.
|
■
|
Breakpoint pricing, otherwise known as volume pricing, at dollar thresholds as described in this Fund’s Prospectus.
|
Rights of Accumulation (ROA)
■
|
The applicable sales charge on a purchase of Class A shares is determined by taking into account all share classes (except certain money market funds and any assets held in group retirement plans ) of PGIM Funds held by the shareholder or in an account grouped by Edward Jones with certain other related accounts for the purpose of providing certain pricing considerations (“pricing groups”). If grouping assets as a shareholder this includes all share classes held on the Edward Jones platform and/or held on another platform. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the ROA calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Money market funds are included only if such shares were sold with a sales charge at the time of purchase or acquired in exchange for shares purchased with a sales charge.
|
■
|
The employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan may elect to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping as opposed to including all share classes at a shareholder or pricing group level.
|
■
|
ROA is determined by calculating the higher of cost minus redemptions or market value (current shares x NAV).
|
■
|
Through a LOI, shareholders can receive the sales charge and breakpoint discounts for purchases shareholders intend to make over a 13-month period from the date Edward Jones receives the LOI. The LOI is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value of qualifying holdings at LOI initiation in combination with the value that the shareholder intends to buy over a 13-month period to calculate the front-end sales charge and any breakpoint discounts. Each purchase the shareholder makes during that 13-month period will receive the sales charge and breakpoint discount that applies to the total amount. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the LOI calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Purchases made before the LOI is received by Edward Jones are not adjusted under the LOI and will not reduce the sales charge previously paid. Sales charges will be adjusted if LOI is not met.
|
■
|
If the employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan has elected to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping. LOIs will also be at the plan-level and may only be established by the employer.
|
Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations:
■
|
Associates of Edward Jones and its affiliates and their family members who are in the same pricing group (as determined by Edward Jones under its policies and procedures) as the associate. This waiver will continue for the remainder of the associate's life if the associate retires from Edward Jones in good-standing and remains in good standing pursuant to Edward Jones’ policies and procedures.
|
■
|
Shares purchased in an Edward Jones fee-based program.
|
■
|
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment.
|
■
|
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redeemed shares of the same fund family so long as the following conditions are met: 1) the proceeds are from the sale of shares within 60 days of the purchase, and 2) the sale and purchase are made in the same share class and the same account or the purchase is made in an individual retirement account with proceeds from liquidations in a non-retirement account.
|
■
|
Shares exchanged into Class A shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of Edward Jones. Edward Jones is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the Prospectus.
|
■
|
Exchanges from Class C shares to Class A shares of the same fund, generally, in the 84th month following the anniversary of the purchase date or earlier at the discretion of Edward Jones.
|
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) Waivers
If the shareholder purchases shares that are subject to a CDSC and those shares are redeemed before the CDSC is expired, the shareholder is responsible to pay the CDSC except in the following conditions:
■
|
The death or disability of the shareholder
|
■
|
Systematic withdrawals with up to 10% per year of the account value
|
■
|
Return of excess contributions from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)
|
■
|
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations
|
■
|
Shares sold to pay Edward Jones fees or costs in such cases where the transaction is initiated by Edward Jones
|
■
|
Shares exchanged in an Edward Jones fee-based program
|
■
|
Shares acquired through NAV reinstatement
|
■
|
Shares redeemed at the discretion of Edward Jones for Minimum Balances, as described below.
|
Other Important Information Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones
Minimum Purchase Amounts (Class A and Class C shares)
■
|
Initial purchase minimum: $250
|
■
|
Subsequent purchase minimum: none
|
■
|
Edward Jones has the right to redeem at its discretion fund holdings with a balance of $250 or less. The following are examples of accounts that are not included in this policy:
|
■
|
A fee-based account held on an Edward Jones platform
|
■
|
A 529 account held on an Edward Jones platform
|
■
|
An account with an active systematic investment plan or LOI
|
■
|
Edward Jones has the authority to exchange at NAV a shareholder's holdings in a fund to Class A shares or such other share class based on Edward Jones’ policy.
|
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (“Janney”)
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Janney account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's Prospectus or SAI.
Front-end sales charge waivers on Class A shares available at Janney
■
|
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
|
■
|
Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Janney or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Janney.
|
■
|
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e., right of reinstatement).
|
■
|
Class C shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Janney’s policies and procedures.
|
Sales charge waivers on Class A and C shares available at Janney
■
|
Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder.
|
■
|
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.
|
■
|
Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account.
|
■
|
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.
|
■
|
Shares sold to pay Janney fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Janney.
|
■
|
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
|
Front-end load discounts available at Janney: breakpoints, and/or rights of accumulation
■
|
Breakpoints as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.
|
■
|
Rights of accumulation (“ROA”), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of Fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Janney. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
|
Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (OPCO)
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an OPCO platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) waivers (i.e., back-end)) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or the SAI.
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A share available at OPCO
■
|
Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
|
■
|
Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan
|
■
|
Shares purchased through an OPCO affiliated investment advisory program
|
■
|
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the PGIM fund family)
|
■
|
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement)
|
■
|
A shareholder in the Fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of OPCO
|
■
|
Employees and registered representatives of OPCO or its affiliates and their family members
|
■
|
Directors or Trustees of the Fund, and employees of the Fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this Prospectus
|
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) Waivers available at OPCO
■
|
The death or disability of the shareholder
|
■
|
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in this Prospectus
|
■
|
Return of excess contributions from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)
|
■
|
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations
|
■
|
Shares sold to pay OPCO fees but only if the transaction is initiated by OPCO
|
■
|
Shares acquired through a Right of Reinstatement
|
Front-end load discounts available at OPCO: breakpoints and/or rights of accumulation
■
|
Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus
|
■
|
Rights of accumulation (ROA), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of Fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at OPCO. Eligible Fund family assets not held at OPCO may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
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Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Baird platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or the SAI.
Front-end sales charge waivers on Class A shares available at Baird.
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Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund
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Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Baird or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Baird
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Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions from another PGIM Fund, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as Rights of Reinstatement)
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A shareholder in the Fund's Class C Shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Baird
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Employer-sponsored retirement plans or charitable accounts in a transactional brokerage account at Baird, including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans. For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs
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Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) waivers on Class A and C shares available at Baird
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Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder
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Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in this Prospectus
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Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account
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Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations
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Shares sold to pay Baird fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Baird
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Shares acquired through a Right of Reinstatement
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Front-end Sales Charge Discounts available at Baird: Breakpoints and/or Rights of Accumulation
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Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus
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Rights of accumulation (ROA), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of PGIM Fund assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Baird. Eligible PGIM Fund assets not held at Baird may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
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Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases of PGIM Funds through Baird, over a 13-month period of time
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STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY, INCORPORATED (“STIFEL”)
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Stifel platform or account, or who own shares for which Stifel or an affiliate is the broker-dealer of record, are eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's Prospectus or SAI. All other waivers in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI apply as described.
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares
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Class C (i.e., level-load) shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same Fund (at net asset value per share) pursuant to policies and procedures of Stifel.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please read this Prospectus before you invest in the Fund and keep it for future reference.
For information or shareholder questions contact:
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Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC
PO Box 9658
Providence, RI 02940
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www.pgim.com/investments
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(800) 225-1852
(973) 367-3529
(from outside the US)
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To receive your mutual fund documents on-line, go to pgim.com/investments/resource/edelivery and enroll. Instead of receiving printed documents by mail, you will receive notification via email when new materials are available. You can cancel your enrollment or change your email address at any time by visiting the website address above.
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The Annual and Semi-Annual Reports and the SAI contain additional information about the Fund. 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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STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)
(incorporated by reference into this Prospectus)
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(contains a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance during the last fiscal year)
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You can also obtain copies of Fund documents, including the SAI, from the SEC as follows (the SEC charges a fee to copy documents):
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publicinfo@sec.gov
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on the EDGAR Database at www.sec.gov
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PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
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Share Class
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A
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C
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R
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Z
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R6
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NASDAQ
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PFSAX
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PUFCX
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PSSRX
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PFSZX
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PFSQX
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CUSIP
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74441P106
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74441P304
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74441P783
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74441P403
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74441P734
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MF188STAT
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The Fund's Investment Company Act File No. 811-03175
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PGIM INVESTMENTS
| Bringing you the investment managers of Prudential Financial, Inc.
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | January 29, 2021
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) of Prudential Sector Funds, Inc., which is comprised of PGIM Jennison Utility Fund, PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund and PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund (each a “Fund,” and collectively the “Funds”), is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of each Fund dated January 29, 2021. Each Prospectus can be obtained, without charge, by calling (800) 225-1852 or by writing to Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, P.O. Box 9658, Providence, RI 02940. This SAI has been incorporated by reference into each Fund’s Prospectus.
The Funds’ audited financial statements are incorporated into this SAI by reference to the Funds’ 2020 Annual Reports (File No. 811-03175). You may request a copy of the Annual Reports at no charge by calling (800) 225-1852.
PGIM JENNISON UTILITY FUND
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A:
PRUAX
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C:
PCUFX
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R:
JDURX
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Z:
PRUZX
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R6:
PRUQX
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PGIM JENNISON HEALTH SCIENCES FUND
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A:
PHLAX
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C:
PHLCX
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R:
PJHRX
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Z:
PHSZX
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R6:
PHLQX
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PGIM JENNISON FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND
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A:
PFSAX
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C:
PUFCX
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R:
PSSRX
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Z:
PFSZX
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R6:
PFSQX
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To enroll in e-delivery, go to pgim.com/investments/resource/edelivery
Table of Contents
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PART I
This SAI sets forth information about Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. (the Company) and each of its series (each, a “Fund,” and collectively, the “Funds”). This SAI provides additional information about certain of the securities, instruments, policies and strategies that are used by the Fund in seeking to achieve its objective. This SAI provides additional information about the Funds' Board of Directors (hereafter referred to as “Board Members”), the advisory services provided to and the management fees paid by each Fund, and information about other fees paid by and services provided to each Fund.
Before reading the SAI, you should consult the Glossary below, which defines certain of the terms used in the SAI:
Term
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Definition
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1933 Act
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Securities Act of 1933, as amended
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1934 Act
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Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
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1940 Act
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Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
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1940 Act Laws, Interpretations and Exemptions
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Exemptive order, SEC release, no-action letter or similar relief or interpretations, collectively
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ADR
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American Depositary Receipt
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ADS
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American Depositary Share
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Board
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Fund’s Board of Directors or Trustees
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Board Member
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A trustee or director of the Fund’s Board
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CEA
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Commodity Exchange Act, as amended
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CFTC
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US Commodity Futures Trading Commission
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Code
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Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
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CMO
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Collateralized Mortgage Obligation
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ETF
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Exchange-Traded Fund
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EDR
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European Depositary Receipt
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Exchange
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NYSE Arca, Inc.
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Fannie Mae
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Federal National Mortgage Association
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FDIC
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Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
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Fitch
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Fitch Ratings, Inc.
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Freddie Mac
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Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
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GDR
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Global Depositary Receipt
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Ginnie Mae
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Government National Mortgage Association
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IPO
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Initial Public Offering
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IRS
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Internal Revenue Service
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LIBOR
|
London Interbank Offered Rate
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Manager or PGIM Investments
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PGIM Investments LLC
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Moody’s
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Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
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NASDAQ
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National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations
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NAV
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Net Asset Value
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NRSRO
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Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization
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NYSE
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New York Stock Exchange
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OTC
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Over the Counter
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Prudential
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Prudential Financial, Inc.
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PMFS
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Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC
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QPTP
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“Qualified publicly traded partnership” as the term is used in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
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REIT
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Real Estate Investment Trust
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Term
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Definition
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RIC
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Regulated Investment Company, as the term is used in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
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S&P
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S&P Global Ratings
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SEC
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US Securities and Exchange Commission
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World Bank
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International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
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FUND CLASSIFICATION, INVESTMENT Objectives & POLICIES
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. is an open-end, management investment company comprised of three series:
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PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
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PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
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PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
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PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund and PGIM Jennison Utility Fund are non-diversified funds. PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund is a diversified fund.
PGIM JENNISON FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND
(Financial Services Fund). The investment objective of Financial Services Fund is long-term capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in equity and equity-related securities of financial services related companies. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its investable assets in such securities.
Financial Services Fund concentrates its investments in financial services related companies which are, defined as any company that is categorized, based on Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) Industry classifications, as they may be amended from time to time, within the following industries: Banks, Thrifts & Mortgage Finance, Diversified Financial Services, Consumer Finance, Capital Markets, Insurance, IT Services, Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts & Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (together referred to as REITs), and Real Estate Management & Development, as well as the following financial services related GICS Sub-Industry: Data Processing & Outsourced Services.
Financial Services Fund is a non-diversified, open-end management investment company. Because the Fund is non-diversified it may invest a significant portion of its total assets in the securities of one issuer. Investing in a non-diversified investment company involves greater risk than investing in a diversified investment company because a loss resulting from the default of a single issuer may represent a greater portion of the total assets of a non-diversified portfolio.
PGIM JENNISON HEALTH SCIENCES FUND
(Health Sciences Fund). The investment objective of Health Sciences Fund is long-term capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in equity and equity-related securities of companies engaged in the drug, health care, medicine, medical device, medical insurance carriers and biotechnology group of industries. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its investable assets in companies that derive at least 50% of their assets, revenues or profits from operations in the healthcare sector.
Health Sciences Fund concentrates its investments in the following types of health services companies: hospitals, nursing and residential care, health and medical insurance carriers, pharmaceutical and medicine companies, and medical equipment and supply companies. Companies in these industries include the following:
Major pharmaceuticals
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Medical specialties
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Medical nursing services companies
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Specialty pharmaceuticals
(including drug delivery)
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Healthcare providers
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Healthcare information services companies
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Other pharmaceuticals
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Managed care
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Other healthcare services companies
(including providers of outsourcing services)
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Generic drug companies
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Drug/medical/dental distribution
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Contract research organizations
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Biotechnology companies
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Assisted living services
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Medical devices/equipment companies
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PGIM JENNISON UTILITY FUND
(Utility Fund). The investment objective of Utility Fund is total return through a combination of capital appreciation and current income. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective through investment in equity and equity-related and investment-grade debt securities of utility companies, based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) Industry classifications, as they may be amended from time to time, which include electric utilities, gas utilities, water utilities, multi-utilities, independent power producers, diversified telecommunication services, wireless telecommunication services, and GICS subindustry oil & gas storage & transportation. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its investable assets in such securities. The
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 4
Fund invests primarily in equity and equity-related securities of utility companies that its subadviser believes have the potential for total return; however, the Fund may invest primarily in preferred stocks and debt securities of utility companies when it appears that the Fund will be better able to achieve its investment objective through investments in such securities.
Utility Fund concentrates its investments in utility companies.
Utility Fund is a non-diversified, open-end management investment company. Because the Fund is non-diversified it may invest a significant portion of its total assets in the securities of one issuer. Investing in a non-diversified investment company involves greater risk than investing in a diversified investment company because a loss resulting from the default of a single issuer may represent a greater portion of the total assets of a non-diversified portfolio.
INVESTMENTS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
Set forth below are descriptions of some of the types of investments and investment strategies that the Funds may use and the risks and considerations associated with those investments and investment strategies. The order of the below investments, investment strategies and risks does not indicate the significance of any particular investment, investment strategy or risk. Please also see the Prospectus of each Fund and the “Fund Classification, Investment Objectives & Policies” section of this SAI. As used in the following section, unless otherwise noted, the term “Fund” includes each of the Funds which comprise the Prudential Sector Funds, Inc.
ASIA-PACIFIC COUNTRIES INVESTMENTS RISK.
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. 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 US regulatory requirements for open-end investment companies and the restrictions on foreign investment discussed below, result in potentially fewer investment opportunities for a Fund and may have an adverse impact on the investment performance of a Fund.
Many 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) monsoons and other natural disasters may cause substantial economic disruptions in Asian countries; (iv) outbreaks of infectious illness or other public health threats may reduce consumer demand, result in travel restrictions or quarantines, and may generally have a significant effect on certain Asian economies; (v) internal insurgencies; (vi) hostile relations with neighboring countries; (vii) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection; (viii) nationalization of property and/or confiscatory taxation; and (ix) piracy of intellectual property, data and other security breaches, especially of data stored electronically. In addition, the governments of many such countries, such as India, Indonesia and Vietnam, 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 a Fund. For example, while the potential liability of a shareholder in a US 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 US corporations. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain and/or enforce a judgment in a developing market Asia-Pacific country.
Governments of many 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 Asia-Pacific countries, which could affect private sector companies and a Fund itself, as well as the value of securities in a 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 US 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 a Fund incurring additional costs and delays in providing transportation and custody services for such securities outside such countries.
Certain Asia-Pacific countries 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 Asia-Pacific country. A Fund may invest in countries in which foreign investors, including management of a Fund, have had no or limited prior experience.
Certain Asian countries have democracies with relatively short histories, which may increase the risk of political instability. These countries have faced political and military unrest, and further unrest could present a risk to their local economies and securities markets. Indonesia and the Philippines have each experienced violence and terrorism, which has negatively impacted their economies. North Korea and South Korea each have substantial military capabilities, and historical tensions between the two countries present the risk of war. Escalated tensions involving the two countries and any outbreak of hostilities between the two countries, or even the threat of an outbreak of hostilities, could have a severe adverse effect on the entire Asian region. Certain Asian countries have also developed increasingly strained relationships with the US, and if these relations were to worsen, they could adversely affect Asian issuers that rely on the US for trade. Political, religious, and border disputes persist in India. India has recently experienced and may continue to experience civil unrest and hostilities with certain of its neighboring countries. Increased political and social unrest in these geographic areas could adversely affect the performance of investments in this region.
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 investment opportunities in issuers or industries deemed important to national interests.
The manner in which foreign investors may invest in companies in certain developing Asia-Pacific countries, as well as limitations on such investments, also may have an adverse impact on the operations of a 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 a 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 subsequently learns, at the time of re-registration, that the permissible allocation of the investment to foreign investors has been filled, depriving a 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 a Fund of any restrictions on investments. For example, in September 1998, Malaysia imposed currency controls that limited funds’ 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 a 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. In certain countries, banks or other financial institutions may be among the leading companies or have actively traded securities. The 1940 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.
In addition to the risks listed above, investing in China (including in Chinese issuers that are listed on US exchanges) presents additional risks. Investing in China involves a high degree of risk and special considerations not typically associated with investing in other more established economies or securities markets. Such risks may include: (a) the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets or confiscatory taxation; (b) greater social, economic and political uncertainty (including the risk of war and social unrest); (c) dependency
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 6
on exports and the corresponding importance of international trade; (d) the increasing competition from Asia’s other low-cost emerging economies; (e) greater price volatility and significantly smaller market capitalization of securities markets; (f) substantially less liquidity, particularly of certain share classes of Chinese securities; (g) currency exchange rate fluctuations and the lack of available currency hedging instruments; (h) higher rates of inflation; (i) controls on foreign investment and limitations on repatriation of invested capital and on a Fund’s ability to exchange local currencies for US dollars; (j) greater governmental involvement in and control over the economy; (k) the risk that the Chinese government may decide not to continue to support the economic reform programs implemented since 1978 and could return to the prior, completely centrally planned, economy; (l) the fact that Chinese companies, particularly those located in China, may be smaller, less seasoned and newly-organized; (m) the difference in, or lack of, auditing and financial reporting standards which may result in unavailability of material information about issuers, particularly in China; (n) the fact that statistical information regarding the economy of China may be inaccurate or not comparable to statistical information regarding the US or other economies; (o) the less extensive, and still developing, regulation of the securities markets, business entities and commercial transactions; (p) the fact that the settlement period of securities transactions in foreign markets may be longer; (q) the willingness and ability of the Chinese government to support the Chinese and Hong Kong economies and markets is uncertain; (r) the risk that it may be more difficult, or impossible, to obtain and/or enforce a judgment than in other countries; and (s) the rapidity and erratic nature of growth, particularly in China, resulting in efficiencies and dislocations.
President Trump signed an executive order in November 2020 which prohibits the Fund from investing in certain Chinese companies identified as “Communist Chinese military companies.” The ultimate effect of the executive order is not yet clear, but it may force the Fund to sell certain positions or restrict the Fund from future investments the subadviser deems otherwise attractive.
Investment in China and Hong Kong are subject to certain political risks. Following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) by the Communist Party in 1949, the Chinese government renounced various debt obligations incurred by China’s predecessor governments, which obligations remain in default, and expropriated assets without compensation. There can be no assurance that the Chinese government will not take similar action in the future. The political reunification of China and Taiwan is a highly contentious issue and is unlikely to be settled in the near future. This situation poses a threat to Taiwan’s economy and could negatively affect its stock market.
Hong Kong reverted to Chinese sovereignty on July 1, 1997 as a Special Administrative Region of the PRC under the principle of “one country, two systems.” Although China is obligated to maintain the current capitalist economic and social system of Hong Kong through June 30, 2047, the continuation of economic and social freedoms enjoyed in Hong Kong is dependent on the government of China. Since 1997, there have been tensions between the Chinese government and many people in Hong Kong regarding China's perceived tightening of control over Hong Kong's semi-autonomous liberal political, economic, legal, and social framework. Recent protests may prompt the Chinese and Hong Kong governments to rapidly address Hong Kong's future relationship with mainland China, which remains unresolved. Due to the interconnected nature of the Hong Kong and Chinese economies, this instability in Hong Kong may cause uncertainty in the Hong Kong and Chinese markets. In addition, the Hong Kong dollar trades at a fixed exchange rate in relation to (or, is “pegged” to) the US dollar, which has contributed to the growth and stability of the Hong Kong economy. However, it is uncertain how long the currency peg will continue or what effect the establishment of an alternative exchange rate system would have on the Hong Kong economy. Because a Fund's NAV is denominated in US dollars, the establishment of an alternative exchange rate system could result in a decline in a Fund’s NAV.
The Chinese economy has grown rapidly during the past several years but there is no assurance that this growth rate will be maintained. In fact, the Chinese economy may experience a significant slowdown as a result of, among other things, a deterioration in global demand for Chinese exports, as well as contraction in spending on domestic goods by Chinese consumers. In addition, China may experience substantial rates of inflation or economic recessions, which would have a negative effect on the economy and securities market. Delays in enterprise restructuring, slow development of well-functioning financial and widespread corruption have also hindered performance of the Chinese economy. China continues to receive substantial pressure from trading partners to liberalize official currency exchange rates. Reduction in spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade barriers or a downturn in any of the economies of China's key trading partners may have an adverse impact on the securities of Chinese issuers. The tax laws and regulations in the PRC are subject to change, including the issuance of authoritative guidance or enforcement, possibly with retroactive effect. The interpretation, applicability and enforcement of such laws by the PRC tax authorities are not as consistent and transparent as those of more developed nations, and may vary over time and from region to region. The application and enforcement of the PRC tax rules could have a significant adverse effect on a Fund and its investors, particularly in relation to capital gains withholding tax imposed upon non-residents. In addition, the accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices applicable to Chinese companies may be less rigorous, and may result in significant differences between financial statements prepared in accordance with PRC accounting standards and practices and those prepared in accordance with international accounting standards.
Risk of Investing through Stock Connect
. China A-shares (“A-shares”) are equity securities of companies based in mainland China that trade on Chinese stock exchanges such as the Shanghai Stock Exchange (“SSE”) and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (“SZSE”). Foreign investment in A-shares on the SSE and SZSE has historically not been permitted, other than through a license granted under regulations in the PRC known as the Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor and Renminbi (“RMB”) Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor systems. Each license permits investment in A-shares only up to a specified quota.
Investment in eligible A-shares listed and traded on the SSE is also permitted through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect program (“Stock Connect”). Stock Connect is a securities trading and clearing program established by Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited (“HKSCC”), the SSE and China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited (“CSDCC”) that aims to provide mutual stock market access between the PRC and Hong Kong by permitting investors to trade and settle shares on each market through their local exchanges. The Fund may invest in A-shares through Stock Connect or on such other stock exchanges in China which participate in Stock Connect from time to time. Under Stock Connect, the Fund’s trading of eligible A-shares listed on the SSE would be effectuated through its Hong Kong broker.
Although no individual investment quotas or licensing requirements apply to investors in Stock Connect, trading through Stock Connect’s Northbound Trading Link is subject to aggregate and daily investment quota limitations that require that buy orders for A-shares be rejected once the remaining balance of the relevant quota drops to zero or the daily quota is exceeded (although the Fund will be permitted to sell A-shares regardless of the quota balance). These limitations may restrict the Fund from investing in A-shares on a timely basis, which could affect the Fund’s ability to effectively pursue its investment strategy. Investment quotas are also subject to change.
Investment in eligible A-shares through Stock Connect is subject to trading, clearance and settlement procedures that could pose risks to the Fund. A-shares purchased through Stock Connect generally may not be sold or otherwise transferred other than through Stock Connect in accordance with applicable rules. For example, PRC regulations require that in order for an investor to sell any A-shares on a certain trading day, there must be sufficient A-shares in the investor’s account before the market opens on that day. If there are insufficient A-shares in the investor’s account, the sell order will be rejected by the SSE. The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (“SEHK”) carries out pre-trade checking on sell orders of certain stocks listed on the SSE market (“SSE Securities”) of its participants (i.e., stock brokers) to ensure that this requirement is satisfied. While shares must be designated as eligible to be traded under Stock Connect, those shares may also lose such designation, and if this occurs, such shares may be sold but cannot be purchased through Stock Connect. In addition, Stock Connect will only operate on days when both the Chinese and Hong Kong markets are open for trading and when banks in both markets are open on the corresponding settlement days. Therefore, an investment in A-shares through Stock Connect may subject the Fund to a risk of price fluctuations on days where the Chinese market is open, but Stock Connect is not trading. Moreover, day (turnaround) trading is not permitted on the A-shares market. If an investor buys A-shares on day “T,” the investor will only be able to sell the A-shares on or after day T+1. Further, since all trades of eligible Stock Connect A-shares must be settled in RMB, investors must have timely access to a reliable supply of offshore RMB, which cannot be guaranteed. There is also no assurance that RMB will not be subject to devaluation. Any devaluation of RMB could adversely affect a Fund’s investments. If a Fund holds a class of shares denominated in a local currency other than RMB, the Fund will be exposed to currency exchange risk if the Fund converts the local currency into RMB for investments in A-shares. A Fund may also incur conversion costs.
A-shares held through the nominee structure under Stock Connect will be held through HKSCC as nominee on behalf of investors. The precise nature and rights of the Fund as the beneficial owner of the SSE Securities through HKSCC as nominee is not well defined under PRC law. There is lack of a clear definition of, and distinction between, legal ownership and beneficial ownership under PRC law and there have been few cases involving a nominee account structure in the PRC courts. The exact nature and methods of enforcement of the rights and interests of the Fund under PRC law is also uncertain. In the unlikely event that HKSCC becomes subject to winding up proceedings in Hong Kong there is a risk that the SSE Securities may not be regarded as held for the beneficial ownership of the Fund or as part of the general assets of HKSCC available for general distribution to its creditors. Notwithstanding the fact that HKSCC does not claim proprietary interests in the SSE Securities held in its omnibus stock account in the CSDCC, the CSDCC as the share registrar for SSE listed companies will still treat HKSCC as one of the shareholders when it handles corporate actions in respect of such SSE Securities. HKSCC monitors the corporate actions affecting SSE Securities and keeps participants of Central Clearing and Settlement System (“CCASS”) informed of all such corporate actions that require CCASS participants to take steps in order to participate in them. Investors may only exercise their voting rights by providing their voting instructions to the HKSCC through participants of the CCASS. All voting instructions from CCASS participants will be consolidated by HKSCC, who will then submit a combined single voting instruction to the relevant SSE-listed company.
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The Fund’s investments through Stock Connect’s Northbound Trading Link are not covered by Hong Kong’s Investor Compensation Fund. Hong Kong’s Investor Compensation Fund is established to pay compensation to investors of any nationality who suffer pecuniary losses as a result of default of a licensed intermediary or authorized financial institution in relation to exchange-traded products in Hong Kong. In addition, since the Fund is carrying out Northbound trading through securities brokers in Hong Kong but not PRC brokers, it is not protected by the China Securities Investor Protection Fund in the PRC.
Market participants are able to participate in Stock Connect subject to meeting certain information technology capability, risk management and other requirements as may be specified by the relevant exchange and/or clearing house. Further, the “connectivity” in Stock Connect requires the routing of orders across the border of Hong Kong and the PRC, including the development of new information technology systems on the part of the SEHK and exchange participants. The actual effect on the market for trading A-shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is unknown. There is no assurance that these systems will function properly or will continue to be adapted to changes and developments in both markets. In the event that the relevant systems fail to function properly, trading in A-shares through Stock Connect could be disrupted.
Stock Connect is subject to regulations promulgated by regulatory authorities for both exchanges. New regulations may be issued from time to time by the regulators and stock exchanges in PRC and Hong Kong in connection with operations, legal enforcement and cross-border trades under Stock Connect. The Fund may be adversely affected as a result of such changes. Furthermore, the securities regimes and legal systems of PRC and Hong Kong differ significantly and issues may arise based on these differences. In addition, the Fund’s investments in A-shares through Stock Connect are generally subject to Chinese securities regulations and listing rules, among other restrictions. Further, different fees, costs and taxes are imposed on foreign investors acquiring A-shares obtained through Stock Connect, and these fees, costs and taxes may be higher than comparable fees, costs and taxes imposed on owners of other securities providing similar investment exposure.
A-Share Market Suspension Risk.
A-shares may only be bought from, or sold to, the Fund at times when the relevant A-shares may be sold or purchased on the relevant Chinese stock exchange. The A-shares market has historically had a higher propensity for trading suspensions than many other global equity markets. Trading suspensions in certain stocks could lead to greater market execution risk and costs for the Fund. The SSE currently applies a daily price limit, set at 10%, of the amount of fluctuation permitted in the prices of A-shares during a single trading day. The daily price limit refers to price movements only and does not restrict trading within the relevant limit. There can be no assurance that a liquid market on an exchange will exist for any particular A-share or for any particular time.
BORROWING AND LEVERAGE.
Unless noted otherwise, a Fund may borrow up to 33
1
⁄
3
% of the value of its total assets (calculated at the time of the borrowing). A Fund may pledge up to 33
1
⁄
3
% of its total assets to secure these borrowings. If a Fund’s asset coverage for borrowings falls below 300%, a Fund will take prompt action to reduce borrowings. If a Fund borrows to invest in securities, any investment gains made on the securities in excess of interest paid on the borrowing will cause the NAV 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 a Fund, the NAV of a Fund’s shares will decrease faster than would otherwise be the case. This is the speculative factor known as “leverage.” In addition, a Fund may use certain investment management techniques (collectively, “effective leverage”), such as certain derivatives, that may provide leverage and are not subject to the borrowing limitation noted above.
A Fund may borrow from time to time, at the discretion of the subadviser, to take advantage of investment opportunities, when yields on available investments exceed interest rates and other expenses of related borrowing, or when, in the subadviser's opinion, unusual market conditions otherwise make it advantageous for a 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. 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 NAV of Fund shares and in the yield on a Fund. Unless otherwise stated, a Fund may borrow through forward rolls, dollar rolls or reverse repurchase agreements.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES.
A Fund may invest in 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 long-term capital appreciation and/or total return. 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 subadviser 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 US 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 a Fund 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, a 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 subadviser 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 subadviser by combining separate securities that possess one of the two principal characteristics of a convertible security, i.e., fixed income (“fixed income component”) or a right to acquire equity securities (“convertibility component”). The fixed income component is achieved by investing in nonconvertible fixed income securities, such as nonconvertible bonds, preferred stocks and money market instruments. The convertibility component is achieved by investing in call options, warrants, or other securities with equity conversion features (“equity features”) granting the holder the right to purchase a specified quantity of the underlying stocks within a specified period of time at a specified price or, in the case of a stock index option, the right to receive a cash payment based on the value of the underlying stock index.
A Manufactured Convertible differs from traditional convertible securities in several respects. Unlike a traditional convertible security, which is a single security having a unitary market value, a Manufactured Convertible is comprised of two or more separate securities, each with its own market value. Therefore, the total “market value” of such a Manufactured Convertible is the sum of the values of its fixed income component and its convertibility component.
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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 subadviser 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 subadviser 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 subadviser believes such a Manufactured Convertible would better promote a Fund’s objective(s) than alternate investments. For example, the subadviser 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 a Fund’s credit exposure, or with a US Treasury instrument to create a Manufactured Convertible with a higher credit profile than a traditional convertible security issued by that issuer. A Manufactured Convertible also is a more flexible investment in that its two components may be purchased separately and, upon purchasing the separate securities, “combined” to create a Manufactured Convertible. For example, a 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 US 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/BANK LOANS.
Commercial banks and other financial institutions make loans to companies. These loans may be variously referred to as corporate loans, bank loans, or bank floating rate loans (“corporate loans”). Borrowers generally pay interest on corporate loans at rates that change in response to changes in market interest rates such as the LIBOR or the prime rate of US banks. As a result, the value of corporate loan investments is generally 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, the 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, the Fund may not recover its investment, or there might be a delay in the Fund’s recovery. By investing in a corporate loan, the Fund becomes a member of the syndicate.
As in the case of junk bonds, the corporate loans in which the 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 interest. There are, however, some significant differences between corporate loans and junk bonds. Corporate loans are frequently secured by pledges of liens and security interests in the assets of the borrower, and the holders of corporate loans are frequently the beneficiaries of debt service subordination provisions imposed on the borrower's bondholders. These arrangements are designed to give corporate loan investors preferential treatment over junk bond investors in the event of a deterioration in the credit quality of the issuer. Even when these arrangements exist, however, there can be no assurance that the principal and interest owed on the corporate loans will be repaid in full. Corporate loans generally bear interest at rates set at a margin above a generally recognized base lending rate that may fluctuate on a day-to-day basis, in the case of the prime rate of a US 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 the 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.
The Fund may acquire interests in corporate loans by means of a novation, assignment or participation. In a novation, the 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, the 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, the 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, the Fund will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the institution selling the participation to the Fund.
The Fund’s ability to receive payments of principal and interest and other amounts in connection with loans (whether through participations, assignments or otherwise) will depend primarily on the financial condition of the borrower. The failure by the Fund to receive scheduled interest or principal payments on a loan because of a default, bankruptcy or any other reason would adversely affect
the income of the Fund and would likely reduce the value of its assets. Even with loans secured by collateral, there is the risk that the value of the collateral may decline, may be insufficient to meet the obligations of the borrower, or be difficult to liquidate. In the event of a default, the Fund may have difficulty collecting on any collateral and would not have the ability to collect on any collateral for an uncollateralized loan. Further, the Fund’s access to collateral, if any, may be limited by bankruptcy laws. Due to the nature of the private syndication of senior loans, including, for example, lack of publicly-available information, some senior loans are not as easily purchased or sold as publicly-traded securities. In addition, loan participations generally are subject to restrictions on transfer, and only limited opportunities may exist to sell loan participations in secondary markets. As a result, it may be difficult for the Fund to value loans or sell loans at an acceptable price when it wants to sell them. Loans trade in an over-the-counter market, and confirmation and settlement, which are effected through standardized procedures and documentation, may take significantly longer than seven days to complete. Floating rate loans are especially subject to liquidity and settlement risk due to the fact that they can take more than seven days to settle. Extended trade settlement periods may, in unusual market conditions with a high volume of shareholder redemptions, present a risk to shareholders regarding the Fund’s ability to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time periods stated in the Prospectus. In some instances, loans and loan participations are not rated by independent credit rating agencies; in such instances, a decision by the Fund to invest in a particular loan or loan participation could depend exclusively on the subadviser’s credit analysis of the borrower, or in the case of a loan participation, of the intermediary holding the portion of the loan that the Fund has purchased. To the extent the Fund invests in loans of non-US issuers, the risks of investing in non-US issuers are applicable.
Loans may not be considered to be “securities” and as a result may not benefit from the protections of the federal securities laws, including anti-fraud protections and those with respect to the use of material non-public information, so that purchasers, such as the Fund, may not have the benefit of these protections. If the Fund is in possession of material non-public information about a borrower as a result of its investment in such borrower’s loan, the Fund may not be able to enter into a transaction with respect to a publicly-traded security of the borrower when it would otherwise be advantageous to do so.
CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP AGREEMENTS AND SIMILAR INSTRUMENTS
A Fund may enter into credit default swap agreements and similar agreements. 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 is a buyer and no credit event occurs, a 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 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 risk. A Fund will enter into credit default swap agreements and similar instruments only with counterparties that are rated investment grade quality by at least one credit rating agency at the time of entering into such transaction or whose creditworthiness is believed by the subadviser to be equivalent to such rating. 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 a Fund. When acting as a seller of a credit default swap or a similar instrument, a Fund 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.
CURRENCY FUTURES
A Fund may seek to enhance returns or hedge against the decline in the value of a currency 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 the sub-section entitled “Futures.” Currency futures involve substantial currency risk, and also involve leverage risk.
CURRENCY OPTIONS
A Fund may seek to enhance returns or hedge against the decline in the value of a currency against the US 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
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transactions in options on currencies either on exchanges or OTC markets. See “Types of Options” and “Additional Risk Factors of OTC Transactions; Limitations on the Use of OTC Derivatives” in this SAI. Currency options involve substantial currency risk, and may also involve credit, leverage or liquidity risk.
CYBER SECURITY RISK.
With the increasing use of technology and computer systems in general and, in particular, the Internet to conduct necessary business functions, a Fund is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. These risks, which are often collectively referred to as “cyber security” risks, may include deliberate or malicious attacks, as well as unintentional events and occurrences. Cyber security is generally defined as the technology, operations and related protocol surrounding and protecting a user’s computer hardware, network, systems and applications and the data transmitted and stored therewith. These measures ensure the reliability of a user’s systems, as well as the security, availability, integrity, and confidentiality of data assets.
Deliberate cyber attacks can include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to computer systems in order to misappropriate and/or disclose sensitive or confidential information; deleting, corrupting or modifying data; and causing operational disruptions. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (in order to prevent access to computer networks). In addition to deliberate breaches engineered by external actors, cyber security risks can also result from the conduct of malicious, exploited or careless insiders, whose actions may result in the destruction, release or disclosure of confidential or proprietary information stored on an organization’s systems.
Cyber security failures or breaches, whether deliberate or unintentional, arising from a Fund’s third-party service providers (e.g., custodians, financial intermediaries, transfer agents), subadviser, shareholder usage of unsecure systems to access personal accounts, as well as breaches suffered by the issuers of securities in which a Fund invests, may cause significant disruptions in the business operations of a Fund. Potential impacts may include, but are not limited to, potential financial losses for a Fund and the issuers’ securities, the inability of shareholders to conduct transactions with a Fund, an inability of a Fund to calculate NAV, and disclosures of personal or confidential shareholder information.
In addition to direct impacts on Fund shareholders, cyber security failures by a Fund and/or its service providers and others may result in regulatory inquiries, regulatory proceedings, regulatory and/or legal and litigation costs to a Fund, and reputational damage. A Fund may incur reimbursement and other expenses, including the costs of litigation and litigation settlements and additional compliance costs. A Fund may also incur considerable expenses in enhancing and upgrading computer systems and systems security following a cyber security failure.
The rapid proliferation of technologies, as well as the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, and others continue to pose new and significant cyber security threats. Although a Fund and its service providers and subadviser may have established business continuity plans and risk management systems to mitigate cyber security risks, there can be no guarantee or assurance that such plans or systems will be effective, or that all risks that exist, or may develop in the future, have been completely anticipated and identified or can be protected against. Furthermore, a Fund cannot control or assure the efficacy of the cyber security plans and systems implemented by third-party service providers, the subadviser, and the issuers in which a Fund invests.
DEBT SECURITIES.
A Fund may invest in debt securities, such as bonds, that 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 invests its assets in US Government securities. Certain debt securities, however, may be 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. A Fund may lose money if short-term or long-term interest rates rise sharply or in a manner not anticipated by the subadviser.
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. ADRs and 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. EDRs are receipts issued in Europe that evidence a similar ownership arrangement. 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 US 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. International Depositary Receipts (IDRs) are the non-US equivalent of an ADR.
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 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 a Fund is exposed more quickly and efficiently than transactions in other types of instruments. A Fund may use derivatives for hedging purposes. A Fund may also use derivatives to seek to enhance returns. The use of a derivative is speculative if a Fund is primarily seeking to achieve gains, rather than offset the risk of other positions. When a Fund invests in a derivative for speculative purposes, a Fund will be fully exposed to the risks of loss of that derivative, which may sometimes be greater than the derivative's cost. A Fund may not use any derivative to gain exposure to an asset or class of assets that a Fund would be prohibited by its investment restrictions from purchasing directly.
Risk Factors Involving Derivatives.
Derivatives are volatile and involve significant risks, including:
Counterparty Risk
—the risk that the counterparty on a derivative transaction will be unable to honor its financial obligation to a Fund.
Currency Risk
—the risk that changes in the exchange rate between two currencies will adversely affect the value (in US dollar terms) of an investment.
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.
Regulatory Risk
—the risk that new regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise affect their value or performance. In October 2020, the SEC adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies. The Fund will need to comply with certain conditions depending on the extent of its use of derivatives by the third quarter of 2022, including (as applicable) the adoption and implementation of policies and procedures designed to manage the Fund's derivatives risks, recordkeeping and reporting requirements, compliance with a limit on the amount of leverage-related risk that the Fund may obtain based on value-at-risk and maintaining a derivatives risk management program and designating a derivative risk
manager.
The 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 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 market will exist for a derivative or a 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 may exceed the amount originally invested by a Fund. A Fund will segregate assets pursuant to its Board approved policies. Such segregation will ensure that a Fund has assets available to satisfy its obligations with respect to the transaction, but any asset segregation will not limit a 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, certain 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 subadviser anticipates a 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.
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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 counterparties, a Fund is at risk that its counterparties will become bankrupt or otherwise fail to honor their 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 a Fund with a third-party guaranty or other credit enhancement.
EMERGING MARKETS INVESTMENTS.
The Fund 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) fluctuations in exchange rates, differing legal systems and the existence or possible imposition of exchange controls, custodial restrictions or other non-US or US governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments, (iv) national policies that may limit the Fund’s investment opportunities such as restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests, (v) the lack or relatively early development of legal structures governing private and non-US investments and private property, (vi) substantial difficulties US governmental entities may have in bringing and enforcing actions against non-US companies and non-US persons, including company directors and officers, and (vii) the difficulty of bringing shareholder claims to pursue as a matter of law or practicality in certain emerging markets. In addition to withholding taxes on investment income, some countries with emerging markets may impose differential capital gains taxes on non-US 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 the 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 the 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 governing US companies. 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 the 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. The Fund would absorb any loss resulting from such registration problems and may have no successful claim for compensation.
EUROPE RECENT EVENTS RISK
. A number of countries in Europe have experienced severe economic and financial difficulties. Many non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions have in many cases required government or central bank support, have needed to raise capital, and/or have been impaired in their ability to extend credit; and financial markets in Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. These difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within and beyond Europe. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, the United Kingdom (UK) has formally withdrawn from the European Union
(EU) and one or more other countries may withdraw from the
EU and/or abandon the Euro, the common currency of the EU. The UK and EU have reached an agreement effective January 1, 2021 on the terms of their future trading relationship relating to the trading of goods, however negotiations are ongoing for matters not covered by the agreement such as the trade of services, including financial services. The Fund may face risks associated with the potential uncertainty and consequences of the new relationship between the UK and EU, including volatility in exchange and interest rates and politically divergent national laws and regulations. Ukraine has experienced ongoing military conflict; this conflict may expand, and military attacks could occur elsewhere in Europe. Europe has also been struggling with mass migration from the Middle East and Africa. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching. Whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries, these events could negatively affect the value and relative liquidity of the Fund’s investments. The occurrence of terrorist incidents throughout Europe could also impact financial markets.
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS.
The Fund may invest in ETFs, which may be unit investment trusts or open-end management investment companies. ETFs may hold portfolios of securities designed to track the performance of various broad securities indices or sectors of such indices or ETFs may be actively managed. ETFs provide another means, in addition to futures and options on indices, of including exposure to global equities, global bonds, commodities and currencies markets in the Fund’s investment portfolio. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such ETF.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS
The 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 US dollar or to seek to enhance returns. Such transactions could be effected with respect to hedges on non-US dollar denominated securities owned by the Fund, sold by the Fund but not yet delivered, or committed or anticipated to be purchased by the Fund.
As an illustration, the Fund may use such techniques to hedge the stated value in US dollars of an investment in a yen-denominated security. In such circumstances, for example, the Fund may purchase a foreign currency put option enabling the Fund to sell a specified amount of yen for dollars at a specified price by a future date. To the extent the hedge is successful, a loss in the value of the yen relative to the dollar will tend to be offset by an increase in the value of the put option. To offset, in whole or in part, the cost of acquiring such a put option, the Fund may also sell a call option which, if exercised, requires the Fund 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 the Fund are considered to constitute hedging transactions and are consistent with the policies described above. The Fund will not 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 specified 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 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 a 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 of a Fund is denominated or by purchasing a currency in which a 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.
Risk Factors In Hedging Foreign Currency.
Hedging transactions involving Currency Instruments have 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 NAV of a Fund’s shares, the NAV of a 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 a Fund’s hedging strategies will be ineffective. To the extent that a Fund hedges against anticipated currency movements that do not occur, a 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.
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In connection with its trading in forward foreign currency contracts, a Fund will contract with a foreign or domestic bank, or a 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 such default would deprive a Fund of any profit potential or force a Fund to cover its commitments for resale, if any, at the then market price and could result in a loss to a 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 a 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.
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS.
A Fund may invest in foreign equity and/or debt securities. Foreign debt securities include certain foreign bank obligations and US dollar or foreign currency-denominated obligations of foreign governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, international agencies and supranational entities.
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 a Fund as compared to investment companies that invest only in the United States.
Currency Risk and Exchange Risk.
Securities in which a Fund invests may be denominated or quoted in currencies other than the US dollar. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the value of a Fund’s portfolio. Generally, when the US dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, a security denominated in that currency loses value because the currency is worth fewer US dollars. Conversely, when the US dollar decreases in value against a foreign currency, a security denominated in that currency gains value because the currency is worth more US dollars. This risk, generally known as “currency risk,” means that a stronger US dollar will reduce returns on foreign currency dominated securities for US investors while a weak US dollar will increase those returns.
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 of these actions could severely affect security prices, impair a Fund’s ability to purchase or sell foreign securities or transfer a 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.
Foreign Market Risk.
Foreign securities offer the potential for more diversification than if a Fund invests only in the United States because securities traded on foreign markets have often (though not always) performed differently from securities in the United States. However, such investments involve special risks not present in US 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 a 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.
Governmental Supervision and Regulation/Accounting Standards.
Many foreign governments supervise and regulate stock exchanges, brokers and the sale of securities less rigorously than the United States. Some countries may not have laws to protect investors comparable to the US 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 US accounting standards, it may be harder for Fund management to completely and accurately determine a company's financial condition.
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 US 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 there is a delay in settling a purchase of securities, a Fund may miss attractive investment opportunities and certain assets may be uninvested with no return earned thereon for some period. If a Fund cannot settle or there is a delay in settling a sale of securities, a Fund may lose money if the value of the security then declines or, if there is a contract to sell the security to another party, a 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.
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, a 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 a Fund was attempting to identify specific securities in which to invest in a market a 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, a 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 a 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 a 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 written on a futures contract if a 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 holds segregated in an account with its custodian for the term of the option cash or other relatively liquid assets at all times equal in value to the mark-to-market value of the futures contract on which the option was written. A Fund will be considered “covered” with respect to a put option written on a futures contract if a Fund 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 a Fund holds segregated in an account with its custodian for the term of the option cash or other relatively liquid assets at all times equal in value to the exercise price of the put (less any initial margin deposited by a Fund with its futures custody manager or as otherwise
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permitted by applicable law with respect to such option). There is no limitation on the amount of a Fund’s assets that can be segregated. Segregation requirements may impair a Fund’s ability to sell a portfolio security or make an investment at a time when it would otherwise be favorable to do so, or require a Fund to sell a portfolio security or close out a derivatives position at a disadvantageous time or price.
The Manager has filed a notice of exclusion from registration as a “commodity pool operator” with respect to a Fund under CFTC Rule 4.5 and, therefore, is not subject to registration or regulation with respect to a Fund under the CEA. In order for the Manager to claim exclusion from registration as a “commodity pool operator” under the CEA with respect to a Fund, a Fund is limited in its ability to trade instruments subject to the CFTC’s jurisdiction, including commodity futures (which include futures on broad-based securities indices, interest rate futures and currency futures), options on commodity futures, certain swaps or other investments (whether directly or indirectly through investments in other investment vehicles). Under this exclusion, a Fund must satisfy one of the following two trading limitations whenever it enters into a new commodity trading position: (1) the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish a Fund’s positions in CFTC-regulated instruments may not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of a Fund’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such investments); or (2) the aggregate net notional value of such instruments, determined at the time the most recent position was established, may not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of a Fund’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). A Fund would not be required to consider its exposure to such instruments if they were held for “bona fide hedging” purposes, as such term is defined in the rules of the CFTC. In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations, a Fund may not market itself as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the markets for CFTC-regulated instruments.
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 a 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 a Fund of margin deposits or collateral in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with whom a 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. A Fund is not required to engage in hedging transactions and a Fund may choose not to do so from time to time.
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS OR RESTRICTED SECURITIES.
Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, a Fund has adopted a Board approved Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) that requires, among other things that the Fund limit its illiquid investments to no more than 15% of its net assets. Illiquid investments are those that, because of the absence of a readily available market or due to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, may not reasonably be expected to be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors' interests in the Fund. Investment of a Fund’s assets in illiquid investments may restrict the ability of a 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 a Fund redeems shares or pays dividends, and could result in a Fund borrowing to meet short-term cash requirements or incurring capital losses on the sale of illiquid investments.
A Fund may invest in securities that are not registered (restricted securities) under the 1933 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 a Fund or less than their fair market value. In addition, issuers whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that may be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. If 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, a Fund may be required to bear the expenses of registration. Certain of a 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 a Fund’s ability to conduct portfolio transactions in such securities.
A Fund may purchase restricted securities that can be offered and sold to “qualified institutional buyers” under Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. Restricted securities that would otherwise be considered illiquid investments pursuant to the Fund’s LRMP because of legal restrictions on resale to the general public may be traded among qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A. Therefore, these securities, as well as commercial paper that is sold in private placements under Section 4(a)(2) under the 1933 Act, may be classified higher than “illiquid” under the LRMP (i.e., “moderately liquid” or “less liquid” investments). However, the liquidity of the Fund’s investments in restricted securities could be impaired if trading does not develop or declines.
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS.
A Fund may invest in securities sold in IPOs. An IPO is the first sale of stock by a private company to the public. IPOs are often issued by smaller, younger companies seeking capital to expand, but can also be done by large privately owned companies looking to become publicly traded.
In an IPO, the issuer obtains the assistance of an underwriting firm, which helps it determine what type of security to issue (common or preferred), best offering price and time to bring it to market. The volume of IPOs and the levels at which the newly issued stocks trade in the secondary market are affected by the performance of the stock market overall. If IPOs are brought to the market, availability may be limited and a Fund may not be able to buy any shares at the offering price, or if a Fund is able to buy shares, a Fund may not be able to buy as many shares at the offering price as a Fund would like.
Investing in IPOs entails risks. Importantly, the prices of securities involved in IPOs are often subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than more established stocks. It is difficult to predict what the stock will do on its initial day of trading and in the near future since there is often little historical data with which to analyze the company. Also, most IPOs are of companies going through a transitory growth period, and they are therefore subject to additional uncertainty regarding their future value.
INVESTMENT IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
A Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies
(including ETFs), subject to applicable regulatory
limits.
As with other investments, investments in other investment companies are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, if a Fund acquires shares in other investment companies, shareholders would bear both their proportionate share of expenses in a Fund (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, their proportionate shares of the expenses of such investment companies (including management and advisory fees).
JUNK BONDS.
Junk bonds are debt securities that are rated below investment grade by a NRSRO or are unrated securities that the subadviser 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 of junk bond investments include the following:
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Junk bonds are issued by less creditworthy issuers. These securities are vulnerable to adverse changes in the issuer's economic condition 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Junk bonds may be more illiquid 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.
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A Fund may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer.
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MARKET DISRUPTION AND GEOPOLITICAL RISK.
Stresses associated with the 2008 financial crisis in the United States and global economies peaked approximately a decade ago, but periods of unusually high volatility in the financial markets and restrictive credit conditions, sometimes limited to a particular sector or a geography, continue to recur. Some countries, including the United States, have adopted and/or are considering the adoption of more protectionist trade policies, a move away from the tighter financial industry regulations that followed the financial crisis, and/or substantially reducing corporate taxes. The exact shape of these policies is still being considered (and may further change as a result of changes in administration as a result of political elections), but the equity and debt markets may react strongly to expectations of change, which could increase volatility, especially if the market’s expectations are not borne out.
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International wars or conflicts and geopolitical developments in foreign countries, along with instability in regions such as Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, possible terrorist attacks in the United States, Europe or around the world, public health epidemics such as the outbreak of infectious diseases like the recent outbreak of coronavirus globally or the 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa of the Ebola virus, and other similar events could adversely affect the US and foreign financial markets, including increases in market volatility, reduced liquidity in the securities markets and government intervention, and may cause further long-term economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide generally. The coronavirus pandemic and the related governmental and public responses have had and may continue to have an impact on the Funds' investments and net asset value and have led and may continue to lead to increased market volatility and the potential for illiquidity in certain classes of securities and sectors of the market. Preventative or protective actions that governments may take in respect of pandemic or epidemic diseases may result in periods of business disruption, business closures, inability to obtain raw materials, supplies and component parts, and reduced or disrupted operations for the issuers in which the Funds invest. Government intervention in markets may impact interest rates, market volatility and security pricing. The occurrence, reoccurrence and pendency of such diseases could adversely affect the economies (including through changes in business activity and increased unemployment) and financial markets either in specific countries or worldwide. Public health crises may exacerbate other preexisting political, social and economic risks in certain countries or globally.
MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS.
The Fund may invest in MLPs, which are limited partnerships or limited liability companies usually taxable as partnerships. MLPs may derive income and gains from the exploration, development, mining or production, processing, refining, infrastructure related services transportation (including pipelines transporting gas, oil, or products thereof), storage, or the marketing of any mineral or natural resources. The value of an investment in an MLP may be directly affected by the prices of natural resources commodity prices. The volatility and interrelationships of commodity prices can also indirectly affect certain MLPs due to the potential impact on the volume of commodities transported, processed, stored or distributed. The Fund’s investment in an MLP may be adversely affected by market perceptions that the performance and distributions or dividends of MLPs are directly tied to commodity prices. In addition, MLPs are generally considered interest-rate sensitive investments, and during periods of interest rate volatility, may not provide attractive returns.
MLPs generally have two classes of owners, the general partner and limited partners. The general partner is typically owned by a major energy company, an investment fund, the direct management of the MLP or is an entity owned by one or more of such parties. The general partner may be structured as a private or publicly traded corporation or other entity. The general partner typically controls the operations and management of the MLP through an equity interest of up to 2% in the MLP plus, in many cases, ownership of common units and subordinated units. Limited partners own the remainder of the partnership, through ownership of common units, and have a limited role in the partnership’s operations and management.
MLPs are typically structured such that common units and general partner interests have first priority to receive quarterly cash distributions up to an established minimum amount (“minimum quarterly distributions” or “MQD”). Common and general partner interests also accrue arrearages in distributions to the extent the MQD is not paid. Once common and general partner interests have been paid, subordinated units receive distributions of up to the MQD; however, subordinated units do not accrue arrearages. Distributable cash in excess of the MQD paid to both common and subordinated units is distributed to both common and subordinated units generally on a pro rata basis. The general partner is also eligible to receive incentive distributions if the general partner operates the business in a manner which results in distributions paid per common unit surpassing specified target levels. As the general partner increases cash distributions to the limited partners, the general partner receives an increasingly higher percentage of the incremental cash distributions. A common arrangement provides that the general partner can reach a tier where it receives 50% of every incremental dollar paid to common and subordinated unit holders. These incentive distributions encourage the general partner to streamline costs, increase capital expenditures and acquire assets in order to increase the partnership’s cash flow and raise the quarterly cash distribution in order to reach higher tiers. Such results benefit all security holders of the MLP and increases costs to the limited partners.
MLP common units represent a limited partnership interest in the MLP. Common units are listed and traded on US securities exchanges, with their value fluctuating predominantly based on prevailing market conditions and the success of the MLP. Unlike owners of common stock of a corporation, owners of common units have limited voting rights and have no ability annually to elect directors. In the event of liquidation, common units have preference over subordinated units, but not over debt or preferred units, to the remaining assets of the MLP.
General partner interests of MLPs are typically retained by the original sponsors of an MLP, such as its founders, corporate partners and entities that sell assets to the MLP. The holder of the general partner interest can be liable in certain circumstances for amounts greater than the amount of the holder’s investment in the general partner. General partner interests often confer direct board participation rights in, and in many cases control over the operations of, the MLP. General partner interests can be privately held or owned by publicly traded entities.
The Fund may not invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the securities of MLPs that are treated for US federal income tax purposes as QPTPs (the “25% Limitation”). A QPTP means a partnership (i) whose interests are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof; (ii) that derives at least 90% of its annual income from (a) dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gain from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or foreign currencies, (b) real property rents, (c) gain from the sale or other disposition of real property, (d) the exploration, development, mining or production, processing, refining, transportation (including pipelines transporting gas, oil, or products thereof), or the marketing of any mineral or natural resource (including fertilizer, geothermal energy, and timber), industrial source carbon dioxide, or the transportation or storage of certain fuels, and (e) in the case of a partnership a principal activity of which is the buying and selling of commodities, income and gains from commodities or futures, forwards, and options with respect to commodities; and (iii) that derives less than 90% of its annual income from the items listed in (a) above. The 25% Limitation generally does not apply to publicly traded partnerships that are not energy- or commodity-focused, such as, for instance, asset management-related partnerships.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS.
A Fund may invest in money market instruments. Money market instruments include cash equivalents and short-term obligations of US banks, non-US government securities, certificates of deposit and short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by the US Government or its agencies. Money market instruments also include bankers' acceptances, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and Eurodollar obligations issued or guaranteed by bank holding companies in the US, their subsidiaries and non-US branches, by non-US banking institutions, and by the World Bank and other multinational instrumentalities, as well as commercial paper and other short-term obligations of, and variable amount master demand notes, variable rate notes and funding agreements issued by, US and non-US corporations.
OPTIONS ON SECURITIES AND SECURITIES INDICES.
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 OTC markets. In general, exchange-traded options have standardized exercise prices and expiration dates and require the parties to post margin against their obligations, and the performance of the parties' obligations in connection with such options is guaranteed by the exchange or a related clearing corporation. OTC options have more flexible terms negotiated between the buyer and the seller, but generally do not require the parties to post margin and are subject to greater credit risk. OTC options also involve greater liquidity risk. See “Additional Risk Factors of OTC Transactions; Limitations on the Use of OTC Derivatives.”
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.
A Fund may only write (i.e., sell) covered call options on the securities or instruments in which it may invest and enter into closing purchase transactions with respect to certain of such options, provided such options are “covered,” as defined herein. A covered call option is an option in which a Fund owns the underlying security or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security, without additional consideration (or for additional consideration held in a segregated account by its custodian), upon conversion or exchange of other securities currently held in its portfolio or with respect to which a Fund holds cash or other relatively liquid assets segregated within a Fund’s account at the custodian or in a separate segregation account at the custodian. 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 a Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction. A closing purchase 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 a decline in the price of the underlying security. Also, with respect to call options written by a Fund that are covered only by segregated portfolio securities, a Fund is exposed to the risk of loss equal to the amount by which the price of the underlying securities rises above the exercise price.
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 a 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
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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.
A Fund may write (i.e., sell) put options on the types of securities or instruments that may be held by a Fund, provided that such put options are covered (as described above, covered options are secured by cash or other relatively liquid assets held in a segregated account or the referenced security). A Fund will receive a premium for writing a put option, which increases a Fund’s return.
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 1940 Act. REITs are also subject to the risks of changes in the Code affecting their tax status.
In addition, between 2018 and 2025, a direct REIT shareholder may claim a 20% “qualified business income” deduction for ordinary REIT dividends, and a RIC may pass through to its shareholders the special character of this income. Ordinary dividends received by the Fund from a REIT will generally not constitute qualified dividend income, which would be eligible for tax at a reduced rate.
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 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. A Fund’s investments in REITs may subject the Fund to duplicate management and/or advisory fees.
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 a 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 relatively 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 a Fund but only constitute collateral for the seller's obligation to pay the repurchase price. Therefore, a 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 the Manager pursuant to an order of the SEC. On a daily basis, any uninvested cash balances of a Fund may be aggregated with those of such investment companies and invested in one or more repurchase agreements. A Fund participates in the income earned or accrued in the joint account based on the percentage of its investment.
RUSSIAN FEDERATION INVESTMENT RISK.
Investing in the Russian securities
market
involves a high degree of risk and special considerations not typically associated with investing in the US securities market,
and should be considered highly speculative. Risks include:
the absence of developed legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property; the possibility of the loss of all or a substantial portion of
a Fund's assets invested in Russia as a result of expropriation;
certain
national policies which may restrict the Fund's investment opportunities,
including,
without limitation, restrictions on investing in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests;
and potentially greater price volatility in, significantly smaller capitalization of,
and relative illiquidity of, the Russian market.
There can also be no assurance that a Fund's investments in the Russian securities market would not be expropriated, nationalized or otherwise confiscated.
In the event of the settlement of any such claims or such expropriation, nationalization or other confiscation,
a Fund could lose its entire investment. In addition, it may be difficult and more costly to obtain and enforce a judgment in the Russian court
system.
Russia is also subject to a high degree of economic, political and social instability. Such instability may result from, among other things, the following: (i) an authoritarian government 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 discord.
The Russian economy is heavily dependent upon the export of a range of commodities including most industrial metals, forestry products and oil and gas. Accordingly, it is strongly affected by international commodity prices and is particularly vulnerable to any weakening in global demand for these products. Any acts of terrorism or armed conflicts in Russia or internationally could have an adverse effect on the financial and commodities markets and the global economy. As Russia produces and exports large amounts of crude oil and gas, any acts of terrorism or armed conflict causing disruptions of Russian oil and gas exports could negatively impact the Russian economy and, thus, adversely affect the financial condition, results of operations or prospects of related companies.
As a result of political and military actions undertaken by the Russian Federation, the US, the European Union and various other countries including Canada, Australia and Japan, have instituted various economic sanctions against Russian individuals and entities. These sanctioning polities may impose additional economic sanctions, or take other actions, against individuals and/or companies in specific sectors of the Russian economy, including, but not limited to, the financial services, energy, metals and mining, engineering, and defense and defense-related materials sectors. These sanctions, and the threat of additional sanctions, could have adverse consequences for the Russian economy, including continued weakening of the Russian currency, downgrades in Russia’s credit rating, and a significant decline in the value and liquidity of securities issued by Russian companies or the Russian government. Any of these events could negatively impact the Fund’s investment in Russian securities. These sanctions have the possibility of impairing the Fund’s ability to invest in accordance with its investment strategy and/or to meet its investment objective. For example, the Fund may be prohibited from investing in securities issued by companies subject to such sanctions. In addition, these sanctions may require a fund to freeze its existing investments in Russian securities, thereby prohibiting the Fund from buying, selling, receiving or delivering those securities or other financial instruments. It is also possible that any counter measures or retaliatory action by Russia could further impair the value and liquidity of securities issued by Russian companies and may have an impact on the economies of other emerging markets as well.
The Russian government may exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector and may own or control many companies. Future government actions could have a significant effect on the economic conditions in Russia, which could have a negative impact on private sector companies. There is also the possibility of diplomatic developments that could adversely affect investments in Russia. In recent years, the Russian government has taken bolder steps, including military actions and alleged state sponsored cyberattacks against foreign companies and governments, to reassert its regional geopolitical influence. Such steps may increase tensions between Russia, its neighbors and Western countries, and may negatively affect its economic growth.
SECURITIES LENDING.
Unless otherwise noted, a Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions subject to applicable regulatory requirements and guidance, including the requirements that: (1) the aggregate market value of securities loaned will not at any time exceed 33
1
⁄
3
% of the total assets of a Fund; (2) the borrower pledge and maintain with a Fund collateral consisting of cash having at all times a value of not less than 102% of the value of the securities lent; and (3) the loan be made subject to termination by a Fund at any time. Securities Finance Trust Company (eSecLending) serves as securities lending agent for each Fund, and in that role administers a Fund’s securities lending program. As compensation for these services, eSecLending receives a portion of any amounts earned by a Fund through lending securities.
Cash collateral is invested in an affiliated prime money market fund and will be subject to market depreciation or appreciation. A Fund will be responsible for any loss that results from this investment of collateral. The affiliated prime money market fund in which cash collateral is invested may impose liquidity fees or temporary gates on redemptions if its weekly liquid assets fall below a designated threshold. If this were to occur, the Fund may lose money on its investment of cash collateral in the affiliated prime money market fund,
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or the Fund may not be able to redeem its investment of cash collateral in the affiliated prime money market fund, which might cause the Fund to liquidate other holdings in order to return the cash collateral to the borrower upon termination of a securities loan. These events could trigger adverse tax consequences for the 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. If the borrower defaults on its obligation to return the securities lent because of insolvency or other reasons, a Fund could experience delays and costs in recovering the securities lent or in gaining access to the collateral. In such situations, a Fund may sell the collateral and purchase a replacement investment in the market. There is a risk that the value of the collateral could decrease below the value of the replacement investment by the time the replacement investment is purchased.
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. Voting or consent rights which accompany loaned securities pass to the borrower. However, all loans may be terminated at any time to facilitate the exercise of voting or other consent rights with respect to matters considered to be material. A Fund bears the risk that there may be a delay in the return of the securities which may impair a Fund’s ability to exercise such rights.
SHORT SALES AND SHORT SALES AGAINST-THE-BOX.
A Fund 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 a Fund does not own declines in value. Because making short sales in securities not owned by a Fund 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, a Fund 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 a 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 a desired price. Although a Fund’s gain is limited to the price at which a Fund 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. There is also a risk that a borrowed security will need to be returned to the broker/dealer on short notice. If the request for the return of a security occurs at a time when other short sellers of the security are receiving similar requests, a “short squeeze” can occur, meaning that a Fund might be compelled, at the most disadvantageous time, to replace the borrowed security with a security purchased on the open market, possibly at prices significantly in excess of the proceeds received earlier.
A Fund has a short position in the securities sold short until it delivers to the broker/dealer the securities sold, at which time a Fund receives the proceeds of the sale. In addition, a Fund is required to pay to the broker/dealer the amount of any dividends or interest paid on shares sold short. A Fund will normally close out a short position by purchasing on the open market and delivering to the broker/dealer an equal amount of the securities sold short.
A Fund may also make short sales against-the-box. A short sale against-the-box is a short sale in which a 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.
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 subadviser 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 capitalization and emerging growth securities will often be traded only in the OTC 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 subadviser's judgment, such disposition is not desirable.
While the process of selection and continuous supervision by the subadviser 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 capitalization 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 subadviser 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 capitalization 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 capitalization 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.
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 governmental entity's policy towards the International Monetary Fund and the political constraints to which a governmental entity may be subject. Governmental entities may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The commitment on the part of these governments, agencies and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned on the implementation of economic reforms and/or economic performance and the timely service of such debtor's obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third parties' commitments to lend 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 governmental 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.
SWAP AGREEMENTS.
The Fund may enter into swap transactions, including, but not limited to, equity, interest rate, index, credit default, total return and, to the extent that it invests in foreign currency-denominated securities, currency exchange rate swap agreements. In addition, the Fund may enter into options on swap agreements (swap options). These swap transactions are entered into in an attempt to obtain a particular return when it is considered desirable to do so, possibly at a lower cost to the Fund than if the Fund had invested directly in an instrument that yielded that desired return. Swap transactions are a type of derivative. Derivatives are further discussed in the sub-sections entitled “Derivatives” and “Risk Factors Involving Derivatives.”
Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on or calculated with respect to particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” that is, the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index or other investments or instruments. Most swap agreements entered into by the Fund would calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis.” Consequently the Fund’s current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). The Fund’s current obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by the segregation of more liquid assets.
To the extent that the Fund enters into swaps on other than a net basis, the segregated amount maintained will be the full amount of the Fund’s obligations, if any, with respect to such swaps, accrued on a daily basis. Inasmuch as segregated accounts are established for these hedging transactions, the subadviser and the Fund believe such obligations do not constitute senior securities and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Fund’s borrowing restrictions. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreement related to the transaction. Since swaps are individually negotiated, the
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Fund expects to achieve an acceptable degree of correlation between its rights to receive a return on its portfolio securities and its rights and obligations to receive and pay a return pursuant to swaps. The Fund will enter into swaps only with counterparties meeting certain creditworthiness standards (generally, such counterparties would have to be eligible counterparties under the terms of the Fund’s repurchase agreement guidelines approved by the Board).
Certain swaps are required to be executed through a centralized exchange or regulated facility and be cleared through a regulated clearinghouse. Although this clearing mechanism is generally expected to reduce counterparty credit risk, it may disrupt or limit the swap market and may not result in swaps being easier to trade or value. As swaps become more standardized, the Fund may not be able to enter into swaps that meet its investment needs. The Fund also may not be able to find a clearinghouse willing to accept a swap for clearing. In a cleared swap, a central clearing organization will be the counterparty to the transaction. The Fund will assume the risk that the clearinghouse may be unable to perform its obligations. The Fund will be required to maintain its positions with a clearing organization through one or more clearing brokers. The clearing organization will require the Fund to post margin and the broker may require the Fund to post additional margin to secure the Fund’s obligations. The amount of margin required may change from time to time. In addition, cleared transactions may be more expensive to maintain than OTC transactions and may require the Fund to deposit larger amounts of margin. The Fund may not be able to recover margin amounts if the broker has financial difficulties. Also, the broker may require the Fund to terminate a derivatives position under certain circumstances. This may cause the Fund to lose money.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE STRATEGY AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS.
A Fund may temporarily invest without limit in money market instruments, including commercial paper of US corporations, certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and other obligations of domestic banks, and obligations issued or guaranteed by the US Government, its agencies or its instrumentalities, as part of a temporary defensive strategy.
A Fund may invest in money market instruments to maintain appropriate liquidity to meet anticipated 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.
TOTAL RETURN SWAP AGREEMENTS
A Fund 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 a Fund’s portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, a 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 a Fund thereunder. Swap agreements also bear the risk that a Fund will not be able to meet its obligation to the counterparty. Generally, a Fund will enter into total return swaps on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out with a 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 a 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 relatively liquid instruments having an aggregate NAV at least equal to the accrued excess will be segregated by a Fund. If the total return swap transaction is entered into on other than a net basis, the full amount of a Fund’s obligations will be accrued on a daily basis, and the full amount of a Fund’s obligations will be segregated by a 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 a Fund initially to make an equivalent direct investment, plus or minus any amount a Fund is obligated to pay or is to receive under the total return swap agreement.
Segregation and other requirements pertaining to total return swap agreements are subject to change in the event of future changes in applicable laws or regulations. It is possible that any such changes in laws or regulations could require modifications to the operation of a Fund.
US GOVERNMENT SECURITIES.
A Fund may invest in adjustable rate and fixed rate US Government securities. US Government securities are instruments issued or guaranteed by the US Treasury or by an agency or instrumentality of the US Government. US Government guarantees do not extend to the yield or value of the securities or a Fund’s shares. Not all US Government securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Some are supported only by the credit of the issuing agency.
US Treasury securities include bills, notes, bonds and other debt securities issued by the US Treasury. These instruments are direct obligations of the US Government and, as such, are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. They differ primarily in their interest rates, the lengths of their maturities and the dates of their issuances.
Securities issued by agencies of the US Government or instrumentalities of the US Government, including those which are guaranteed by Federal agencies or instrumentalities, may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Obligations of Ginnie Mae, the Farmers Home Administration and the Small Business Administration are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, a Fund must look principally to the agency issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States if the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitments.
A Fund may also invest in component parts of US Government securities, namely either the corpus (principal) of such obligations or one or more of the interest payments scheduled to be paid on such obligations. These obligations may take the form of (1) obligations from which the interest coupons have been stripped; (2) the interest coupons that are stripped; (3) book-entries at a Federal Reserve member bank representing ownership of obligation components; or (4) receipts evidencing the component parts (corpus or coupons) of US Government obligations that have not actually been stripped. Such receipts evidence ownership of component parts of US Government obligations (corpus or coupons) purchased by a third party (typically an investment banking firm) and held on behalf of the third party in physical or book-entry form by a major commercial bank or trust company pursuant to a custody agreement with the third party. A Fund may also invest in custodial receipts held by a third party that are not US Government securities.
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 a Fund 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. When delayed-delivery securities are purchased, the price and interest rate are fixed at the time of purchase. When-issued, delayed-delivery and forward commitment transactions all involve the purchase or sale of securities with payment and delivery taking place in the future. A Fund enters into these transactions to obtain what is considered an advantageous price to a Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. A Fund has not 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, a Fund segregates relatively 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 a Fund’s purchase price. A 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.
FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND: ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS & STRATEGIES
In addition to the types of investments and investment strategies discussed above, Financial Services Fund may also use the investments and investment strategies discussed below. As used in this section “Fund” refers to the Financial Services Fund. Please also see the Fund’s Prospectus and the “Fund Classification, Investment Objectives & Policies” section of this SAI.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND DOLLAR ROLLS.
The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. A reverse repurchase agreement involves the sale of a portfolio-eligible security by the Fund, coupled with its agreement to repurchase the instrument at a specified time and price. See “Repurchase Agreements.” The Fund’s investments in these instruments are subject to the Fund’s restrictions on borrowing.
The Fund may enter into dollar rolls. In a dollar roll, the Fund sells securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date from the same party. During the roll period, the Fund forgoes principal and interest paid on the securities. The Fund is compensated by the difference between the current sale price and the forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the drop) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. The Fund will segregate cash or other liquid assets, marked to market daily, having a value equal to the obligations of the Fund in respect of dollar rolls.
Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities retained by the Fund may decline below the price of the securities sold by the Fund but which the Fund is obligated to repurchase under the agreement. In the event the buyer of securities under a dollar roll files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Fund’s use of the proceeds of the agreement may be restricted pending a determination by the other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the Fund’s obligation to repurchase the securities. Cash proceeds from dollar rolls may be invested in cash or other liquid assets.
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 28
ZERO COUPON SECURITIES, PAY-IN-KIND SECURITIES AND DEFERRED PAYMENT SECURITIES.
The Fund 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. To the extent a distribution is paid, there may be uncertainty about the source of the distribution. The effect of owning instruments that do not make current interest payments is that a fixed yield is earned not only on the original investment but also, in effect, on all discount accretion during the life of the obligations. This implicit reinvestment of earnings at the same rate eliminates the risk of being unable to invest distributions at a rate as high as the implicit yield on the zero coupon bond, but at the same time eliminates the holder's ability to reinvest at higher rates in the future. For this reason, some of these securities may be subject to substantially greater price fluctuations during periods of changing market interest rates than are comparable securities that pay interest currently, which fluctuation increases the longer the period to maturity. These investments benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash to meet debt service, but also require a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt of cash. Because these securities do not pay current cash income, their price can be volatile when interest rates fluctuate and an investment in these securities generally has a greater potential for complete loss of principal and/or return than an investment in debt securities that make periodic interest payments. Such investments are more vulnerable to the creditworthiness of the issuer and any other parties upon which performance relies. If the issuer defaults, the Fund may not obtain any return on its investment. These securities may be subject to less liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparably rated securities that pay cash interest at regular intervals. The Fund accrues income with respect to these securities for federal income tax and accounting purposes prior to the receipt of cash payments.
Pay-in-kind securities are securities that have interest payable by delivery of additional securities. Upon maturity, the holder is entitled to receive the aggregate par value of the securities. Deferred payment securities are securities that remain a zero coupon security until a predetermined date, at which time the stated coupon rate becomes effective and interest becomes payable at regular intervals. Pay-in-kind and deferred payment securities may be subject to greater fluctuation in value and lesser liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparable rated securities paying cash interest at regular intervals.
In addition to the above described risks, there are certain other risks related to investing in zero coupon, pay-in-kind and deferred payment securities. During a period of severe market conditions, the market for such securities may become even less liquid. In addition, as these securities do not pay cash interest, the 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, the 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 distribution of phantom income and the value of the paid-in-kind interest. The required distributions will result in an increase in the Fund’s exposure to such securities.
UTILITY FUND: ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS & STRATEGIES
In addition to the types of investments and investment strategies discussed above, the Utility Fund may also use the investments and investment strategies discussed below. As used in this section “Fund” refers to the Utility Fund. Please also see the Fund’s Prospectus and the “Fund Classification, Investment Objectives & Policies” section of this SAI.
STRUCTURED NOTES / STRUCTURED SECURITIES
. The Fund may invest in structured securities, including participation notes, structured notes, low exercise price warrants and other related instruments purchased by the Fund that are generally privately negotiated financial instruments where the interest or value of the structured security is linked to equity securities or equity indices or other instruments or indices (reference instruments). Issuers of structured securities include corporations and banks. Structured securities are subject to the creditworthiness of the counterparty of the structured security, and their values may decline substantially if the counterparty's creditworthiness deteriorates.
Structured securities differ from debt securities in several aspects. The interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may increase or decrease, depending upon changes in the value of the reference instrument. The terms of a structured security may provide that, in certain circumstances, no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, may result in a loss of invested capital by the Fund. Receipt of the reference instrument is also, in certain circumstances, exchanged upon maturity of the security.
A structured security may be positively, negatively, or both positively and negatively indexed; that is, its value or interest rate may increase or decrease if the value of the reference instrument increases. Similarly, its value or interest rate 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 security may be calculated as a multiple of the percentage change (positive or negative) in the value of the underlying reference instrument(s); therefore, the value of such structured security may be very volatile. Also, caps can be placed on the amount of appreciation with regard to the reference instrument.
Structured securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of debt obligations because the investor bears the risk of the reference instrument. Structured securities may also be more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities. The secondary market for structured securities could be illiquid, making them difficult to sell when the Fund determines to sell them. The possible lack of a liquid secondary market for structured securities and the resulting inability of the Fund to sell a structured security could expose the Fund to losses and could make structured securities more difficult for the Fund to value accurately.
HEALTH SCIENCES FUND: ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS & STRATEGIES
In addition to the types of investments and investment strategies discussed above, Health Sciences Fund may also use the investments and investment strategies discussed below. As used in this section “Fund” refers to the Health Sciences Fund. Please also see the Fund’s Prospectus and the “Fund Classification, Investment Objectives & Policies” section of this SAI.
PIPEs.
The Fund may make private investments in public companies whose stocks are quoted on stock exchanges or which trade in the over-the-counter securities market, a type of investment commonly referred to as a “PIPE” transaction. A public company typically issues unregistered equity-linked securities to investors at a discount to the price of the issuer’s common stock at the time the deal is closed. The issuer commits to registering the securities with the SEC so they can be resold to the public. PIPE transactions will generally result in the Fund acquiring either restricted stock or an instrument convertible into restricted stock. As with investments in other types of restricted securities, such an investment may be illiquid. The Fund’s ability to dispose of securities acquired in PIPE transactions may depend upon the registration of such securities for resale. Any number of factors may prevent or delay a proposed registration. Alternatively, it may be possible for securities acquired in a PIPE transaction to be resold in transactions exempt from registration in accordance with Rule 144 under the 1933 Act or otherwise under the federal securities laws. There is no guarantee, however, that an active trading market for the securities will exist at the time of disposition of the securities, and the lack of such a market could hurt the market value of the Fund’s investments. As a result, even if the Fund is able to have securities acquired in a PIPE transaction registered or sell such securities through an exempt transaction, the Fund may not be able to sell all the securities on short notice, and the sale of the securities could lower the market price of the securities. Some of the risks involved in PIPEs are that the selling company could go bankrupt, in which case the Fund may be locked in as the shares go down. In addition, the issuance of PIPES by a company often has a negative impact on the value of the issuing company’s securities in the short-term because the issuance floods the market with more shares.
The Funds have each adopted the restrictions listed below as fundamental policies. Under the 1940 Act, a fundamental policy is one that cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of each Fund’s outstanding voting securities. A “majority of each Fund’s outstanding voting securities,” when used in this SAI, means the lesser of (i) 67% of the voting shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding voting shares are present in person or represented by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding voting shares.
1. Each Fund may not issue senior securities or borrow money or pledge its assets, except as permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as each may be amended from time to time except to the extent that a 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”). 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, including, without limitation, 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 a Fund to its Directors pursuant to deferred compensation arrangements are not deemed to be a pledge of assets or the issuance of a senior security.
2. Each Fund may not 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 a 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.
3. Each Fund may not buy or sell physical commodities or contracts involving physical commodities. A 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
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 30
a 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.
4. Each Fund may not purchase any security (other than obligations of the US government, its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result, 25% or more of the Fund's total assets (determined at the time of investment) would be invested in any one industry other than as follows: Financial Services Fund will concentrate its investments (i.e., will invest at least 25% of its total assets under normal circumstances) in securities of companies in the financial services group of industries. Health Sciences Fund will concentrate its investments (i.e., will invest at least 25% of its total assets under normal circumstances) in securities of companies in the health sciences group of industries. Utility Fund will concentrate its investments (i.e., will invest at least 25% of its total assets under normal circumstances) in securities of companies in the utility group of industries.
5. Each Fund may not 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.
6. Each 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.
Each Fund’s investment objective is a fundamental policy that cannot be changed without shareholder approval.
With respect to Investment Restriction 1 above, the 1940 Act permits each Fund to borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the Fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose, and to borrow up to 5% of the Fund’s total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes. (A Fund’s total assets include the amounts being borrowed.) To limit the risks attendant to borrowing, the 1940 Act requires each Fund to maintain an “asset coverage” of at least 300% of the amount of its borrowings, provided that in the event that a Fund’s asset coverage falls below 300%, the Fund is required to reduce the amount of its borrowings so that it meets the 300% asset coverage threshold within three days (not including Sundays and holidays). Asset coverage means the ratio that the value of the Fund’s total assets (including amounts borrowed), minus liabilities other than borrowings, bears to the aggregate amount of all borrowings. Borrowing money to increase portfolio holdings is known as “leveraging.” Borrowing, especially when used for leverage, may cause the value of the Fund’s shares to be more volatile than if the Fund did not borrow. This is because borrowing tends to magnify the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s portfolio holdings. Borrowed money thus creates an opportunity for greater gains, but also greater losses. To repay borrowings, the Fund may have to sell securities at a time and at a price that is unfavorable to the Fund. There also are costs associated with borrowing money, and these costs would offset and could eliminate a Fund’s net investment income in any given period. Investment Restriction 1 will be interpreted to permit a Fund to engage in trading practices and investments that may be considered to be borrowing to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Practices and investments that may involve leverage but are not considered to be borrowings are not subject to the policy. In addition, Investment Restriction 1 will be interpreted not to prevent collateral arrangements with respect to swaps, options, forward or futures contracts or other derivatives, the posting of initial or variation margin or a Fund’s deferred compensation arrangements with the Directors.
Investment Restriction 2 prohibits each Fund from buying or selling real estate. Each Fund may invest in real estate-related companies, companies whose businesses consist in whole or in part of investing in real estate, instruments (like mortgages and mortgage participations) that are secured by real estate or interests therein, or REIT securities. Each Fund may exercise rights relating to real estate 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.
Investment Restriction 3 prohibits each Fund from buying or selling physical commodities (such as oil or grains) or contracts involving physical commodities. A Fund may purchase and sell derivative, hedging and similar instruments such as financial futures contracts and options thereon (such as futures or options on market indexes, currencies, interest rates or some other benchmark, and swap agreements) and securities or instruments backed by, or the return from which is linked to, physical commodities or currencies, such as forward currency exchange contracts. In addition, a 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.
With respect to Investment Restriction 4 relating to concentration, the 1940 Act does not define what constitutes “concentration” in an industry. The SEC staff has taken the position that investment of 25% or more of a fund’s total assets in one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry constitutes concentration. It is possible that interpretations of concentration could
change in the future. A fund that invests a significant percentage of its total assets in a single industry may be particularly susceptible to adverse events affecting that industry and may be more risky than a fund that does not concentrate in an industry. The policy in Investment Restriction 4 will be interpreted to refer to concentration as that term may be interpreted from time to time. Investment without limit in securities of the US Government and its agencies or instrumentalities is permitted by the restriction. Accordingly, issuers of the foregoing securities will not be considered to be members of any industry.
Each Fund concentrates its investments (i.e., will invest at least 25% of its total assets under normal circumstances) as follows:
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Financial Services Fund concentrates its investments in the securities of companies in the financial services related industries.
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Health Sciences Fund concentrates its investments in the securities of companies in the health sciences industries.
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Utility Fund concentrates its investments in the securities of companies in the utility industries.
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For purposes of Investment Restriction 4, each Fund relies on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) published by S&P in determining industry classification. A Fund's reliance on this classification system is not a fundamental policy of the Fund and, therefore, can be changed without shareholder approval.
Investment Restriction 5 prohibits each Fund from acting 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. A fund engaging in transactions involving disposition of portfolio securities may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act. Under the 1933 Act, an underwriter may be liable for material omissions or misstatements in an issuer’s registration statement or prospectus. Securities purchased from an issuer and not registered for sale under the 1933 Act are considered restricted securities. There may be a limited market for these securities. If these securities are registered under the 1933 Act, they may then be eligible for sale but participating in the sale may subject the seller to underwriter liability. These risks could apply to a fund investing in restricted securities. A Fund may purchase restricted securities without limit (except to the extent that restricted securities are subject to the limitation on investment in illiquid investments).
For purposes of Investment Restriction 6, each Fund may currently lend up to 33
⁄
3
% of the value of its total assets.
With respect to Investment Restriction 6, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from making loans; however, SEC staff interpretations currently prohibit funds from lending more than one-third of their total assets, except through the purchase of debt obligations or the use of repurchase agreements. (A repurchase agreement is an agreement to purchase a security, coupled with an agreement to sell that security back to the original seller on an agreed-upon date at a price that reflects current interest rates. The SEC frequently treats repurchase agreements as loans.) Investment Restriction 6 permits a Fund to lend its portfolio securities. While lending securities may be a source of income to the Fund, as with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the underlying securities should the borrower fail financially. Additionally, losses could result from the reinvestment of collateral received on loaned securities in investments that decline in value, default, or do not perform as well as expected. Investment Restriction 6 also permits a Fund to make loans of money, including loans of money to other PGIM Funds pursuant to an SEC order for exemptive relief. Investment Restriction 6 will be interpreted not to prevent a Fund from purchasing or investing in debt obligations and loans.
Whenever any fundamental investment policy or investment restriction states a maximum percentage of a 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 asset values will not be considered a violation of such policy.
Each Fund’s fundamental investment restrictions will be interpreted broadly. For example, the policies will be interpreted to refer to the 1940 Act and the related rules as they are in effect from time to time, and to interpretations and modifications of or relating to the 1940 Act by the SEC and others as they are given from time to time. When a restriction provides that an investment practice may be conducted as permitted by the 1940 Act, the restriction will be interpreted to mean either that the 1940 Act expressly permits the practice or that the 1940 Act does not prohibit the practice.
Although not fundamental, each Fund has the following additional investment restrictions.
1. Each Fund may not purchase securities on margin (but a 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. Each Fund may not invest in securities of other investment companies, except: (a) purchases in the open market involving only customary brokerage commissions and as a result of which a 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
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 32
invested more than 10% of its total assets (determined at the time of investment) in such securities of one or more investment companies, (b) as part of a merger, consolidation or other acquisition and (c) purchases of affiliated investment company shares pursuant to and subject to such limits as the SEC may impose by rule or order.
In addition to the previous investment restrictions, as a non-fundamental investment restriction, both Utility Fund and Health Sciences Fund may not invest more than 25% of their net assets in derivatives.
In addition to the previous investment restrictions, as a non-fundamental investment restriction, Utility Fund may not invest in interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development programs, although it may invest in the common stocks of companies which invest in or sponsor such programs.
The Office of Public Utility Regulation of the SEC (the Office) previously advised The Prudential Insurance Company of America and its subsidiaries (Prudential) that the Office would not recommend enforcement action with respect to the purchase by Prudential of securities of “public utility companies” as defined by the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 in Prudential's capacity as owner or manager of securities on the conditions that (1) the aggregate voting securities of public utility companies held by accounts owned or managed by Prudential, including Utility Fund, will be less than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any public utility company and (2) Prudential will not attempt to control any public utility company, other than through the exercise of rights associated with stock ownership (including director representation).
The Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 was repealed in 2005 and replaced by the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 (2005 Act). Because the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ruled in 2008 that it has jurisdiction over the acquisition of certain power infrastructure securities by investment advisers under the Federal Power Act that are defined as public utility holding companies under the 2005 Act, the Utility Fund could become subject to FERC jurisdiction if it is deemed to be a holding company of a public utility company if it directly or indirectly owns, controls or holds, with power to vote, more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a public utility company or of a holding company of any public utility company.
Accordingly, it is a policy of Utility Fund, which may be changed without shareholder approval, not to purchase any voting security of any public utility company if, as a result, the Utility Fund, along with other accounts owned or managed by Prudential, would then hold 10% or more of the outstanding voting securities of such company.
Each Fund will provide 60 days' written notice to shareholders of a change in that Fund's non-fundamental policy of investing at least 80% of its investable assets in the type of investment suggested by the Fund's name.
Financial Services Fund and Utility Fund are each currently classified as a “non-diversified company”, as is defined under the 1940 Act. In general, this means that each Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in a single issuer. Under the 1940 Act, each Fund can change its classification from non-diversified to diversified without shareholder approval.
Health Sciences Fund is currently classified as a “diversified company” under the 1940 Act. In general, this means that the Fund may not purchase securities of an issuer (other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the US Government, its agencies or instrumentalities) if, with respect to 75% of its total assets, (a) more than 5% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in securities of that issuer or (b) the Fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer. With respect to the remaining 25% of its total assets, the Fund can invest more than 5% of its assets in one issuer. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund cannot change its classification from diversified to non-diversified without shareholder approval.
INFORMATION ABOUT BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS
Information about Board Members and Officers of the Funds is set forth below. Board Members who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Funds, as defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Board Members.” Board Members who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Funds are referred to as “Interested Board Members.” The Board Members are responsible for the overall supervision of the operations of the Funds and perform the various duties imposed on the directors of investment companies by the 1940 Act. The Board in turn elects the Officers, who are responsible for administering the day-to-day operations of the Funds.
Independent Board Members
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Name
Year of Birth
Position(s)
Portfolios Overseen
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Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
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Other Directorships
Held During
Past Five Years
|
Length of
Board Service
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Ellen S. Alberding
1958
Board Member
Portfolios Overseen: 95
|
President and Board Member, The Joyce Foundation (charitable foundation) (since 2002); Vice Chair, City Colleges of Chicago (community college system) (2011-2015); Trustee, National Park Foundation (charitable foundation for national park system) (2009-2018); Trustee, Economic Club of Chicago (2009-2016); Trustee, Loyola University (since 2018).
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None.
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Since September 2013
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Kevin J. Bannon
1952
Board Member
Portfolios Overseen: 95
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Retired; Managing Director (April 2008-May 2015) and Chief Investment Officer (October 2008-November 2013) of Highmount Capital LLC (registered investment adviser); formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer (April 1993-August 2007) of Bank of New York Company; President (May 2003-May 2007) of BNY Hamilton Family of Mutual Funds.
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Director of Urstadt Biddle Properties (equity real estate investment trust) (since September 2008).
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Since July 2008
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Linda W. Bynoe
1952
Board Member
Portfolios Overseen: 95
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President and Chief Executive Officer (since March 1995) and formerly Chief Operating Officer (December 1989-February 1995) of Telemat Limited LLC
(formerly
Telemat Ltd
. (management consulting); formerly Vice President (January 1985-June 1989) at Morgan Stanley & Co. (broker-dealer).
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Director of Anixter International, Inc. (communication products distributor) (January 2006–June 2020); Director of Northern Trust Corporation (financial services) (since April 2006); Trustee of Equity Residential (residential real estate) (since December 2009).
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Since March 2005
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Barry H. Evans
1960
Board Member
Portfolios Overseen: 94
|
Retired; formerly President (2005 – 2016), Global Chief Operating Officer (2014– 2016), Chief Investment Officer – Global Head of Fixed Income (1998-2014), and various portfolio manager roles (1986-2006), Manulife Asset Management U.S.
|
Formerly Director, Manulife Trust Company (2011-2018); formerly Director, Manulife Asset Management Limited (2015-2017); formerly Chairman of the Board of Directors of Manulife Asset Management U.S. (2005-2016); formerly Chairman of the Board, Declaration Investment Management and Research (2008-2016).
|
Since September 2017
|
Keith F. Hartstein
1956
Board Member & Independent Chair
Portfolios Overseen: 95
|
Executive Committee of the Independent Directors Council (IDC) Board of Governors (since October 2019); Retired; Member (since November 2014) of the Governing Council of the IDC (organization of independent mutual fund directors); formerly President and Chief Executive Officer (2005-2012), Senior Vice President (2004-2005), Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing (1997-2004), and various executive management positions (1990-1997), John Hancock Funds, LLC (asset management); Chairman, Investment Company Institute’s Sales Force Marketing Committee (2003-2008).
|
None.
|
Since September 2013
|
Laurie Simon Hodrick
1962
Board Member
Portfolios Overseen: 94
|
A. Barton Hepburn Professor Emerita of Economics in the Faculty of Business, Columbia Business School (since 2018); Visiting Professor of Law, Stanford Law School (since 2015); Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University (since 2015); Sole Member, ReidCourt LLC (since 2008) (a consulting firm); formerly A. Barton Hepburn Professor of Economics in the Faculty of Business, Columbia Business School (1996-2017); formerly Managing Director, Global Head of Alternative Investment Strategies, Deutsche Bank (2006-2008).
|
Independent Director, Roku, Inc. (since 2020); Independent Director, Synnex Corporation (since 2019) (information technology); Independent Director, Kabbage, Inc. (2018-2020) (financial services); Independent Director, Corporate Capital Trust (2017-2018) (a business development company).
|
Since September 2017
|
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 34
Independent Board Members
|
|
|
Name
Year of Birth
Position(s)
Portfolios Overseen
|
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
|
Other Directorships
Held During
Past Five Years
|
Length of
Board Service
|
Brian K. Reid
1961
Board Member
Portfolios Overseen: 94
|
Retired; formerly Chief Economist for the Investment Company Institute (ICI) (2005-2017); formerly Senior Economist and Director of Industry and Financial Analysis at the ICI (1998-2004); formerly Senior Economist, Industry and Financial Analysis at the ICI (1996-1998); formerly Staff Economist at the Federal Reserve Board (1989-1996); Director, ICI Mutual Insurance Company (2012-2017).
|
None.
|
Since March 2018
|
Grace C. Torres
1959
Board Member
Portfolios Overseen: 94
|
Retired; formerly Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of the PGIM Funds, Target Funds, Advanced Series Trust, Prudential Variable Contract Accounts and The Prudential Series Fund (1998-June 2014); Assistant Treasurer (March 1999-June 2014) and Senior Vice President (September 1999-June 2014) of PGIM Investments LLC; Assistant Treasurer (May 2003-June 2014) and Vice President (June 2005-June 2014) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Assistant Treasurer (May 2003-June 2014) of Prudential Annuities Advisory Services, Inc.
|
Formerly Director (July 2015-January 2018) of Sun Bancorp, Inc. N.A. and Sun National Bank; Director (since January 2018) of OceanFirst Financial Corp. and OceanFirst Bank.
|
Since November 2014
|
Interested Board Members
|
Name
Year of Birth
Position(s)
Portfolios Overseen
|
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
|
Other Directorships
Held During
Past Five Years
|
Length of
Board Service
|
Stuart S. Parker
1962
Board Member & President
Portfolios Overseen: 95
|
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Officer in Charge of PGIM Investments LLC (formerly known as Prudential Investments LLC) (since January 2012); Executive Vice President of Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (since December 2012); formerly Executive Vice President of Jennison Associates LLC and Head of Retail Distribution of PGIM Investments LLC (June 2005-December 2011); Investment Company Institute - Board of Governors (since May 2012).
|
None.
|
Since January 2012
|
Scott E. Benjamin
1973
Board Member & Vice President
Portfolios Overseen: 95
|
Executive Vice President (since May 2009) of PGIM Investments LLC; Vice President (since June 2012) of Prudential Investment Management Services LLC; Executive Vice President (since September 2009) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President of Product Development and Marketing, PGIM Investments (since February 2006); formerly Vice President of Product Development and Product Management, PGIM Investments LLC (2003-2006).
|
None.
|
Since March 2010
|
|
|
|
Name
Year of Birth
Fund Position
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years
|
Length of
Service as Fund Officer
|
Claudia DiGiacomo
1974
Chief Legal Officer
|
Chief Legal Officer, Executive Vice President and Secretary of PGIM Investments LLC (since August 2020); Chief Legal Officer of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (since August 2020); Chief Legal Officer of PIFM Holdco, LLC (since August 2020); Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since January 2005) of Prudential; and Corporate Counsel of AST Investment Services, Inc. (since August 2020); formerly Vice President and Assistant Secretary of PGIM Investments LLC (2005-2020); formerly Associate at Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP (1999-2004).
|
Since December 2005
|
Dino Capasso
1974
Chief Compliance Officer
|
Chief Compliance Officer (July 2019-Present) of PGIM Investments LLC; Chief Compliance Officer (July 2019-Present) of the PGIM Funds, Target Funds, Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund, Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc., PGIM Global High Yield Fund, Inc., and PGIM High Yield Bond Fund, Inc.; Vice President and Deputy Chief Compliance Officer (June 2017-2019) of PGIM Investments LLC; formerly, Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel (January 2016-June 2017), and Vice President and Counsel (February 2012-December 2015) of Pacific Investment Management Company LLC.
|
Since March 2018
|
Andrew R. French
1962
Secretary
|
Vice President (since December 2018 - present) of PGIM Investments LLC; Formerly, Vice President and Corporate Counsel (2010-2018) of Prudential; formerly Director and Corporate Counsel (2006-2010) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of PGIM Investments LLC; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC.
|
Since October 2006
|
Diana N. Huffman
1982
Assistant Secretary
|
Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since September 2015) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since August 2020) of PGIM Investments LLC; formerly Associate at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP (2009-2015).
|
Since March 2019
|
Melissa Gonzalez
1980
Assistant Secretary
|
Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since September 2018) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since August 2020) of PGIM Investments LLC; formerly Director and Corporate Counsel (March 2014-September 2018) of Prudential.
|
Since March 2020
|
Patrick E. McGuinness
1986
Assistant Secretary
|
Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since August 2020) of PGIM Investments LLC; Director and Corporate Counsel (since February 2017) of Prudential; and Corporate Counsel (2012 – 2017) of IIL, Inc.
|
Since June 2020
|
Debra Rubano
1975
Assistant Secretary
|
Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since November 2020) of Prudential; formerly Director and Senior Counsel of Allianz Global Investors U.S. Holdings LLC (2010-2020) and Assistant Secretary of numerous funds in the Allianz fund complex (2015-2020).
|
Since December 2020
|
Kelly A. Coyne
1968
Assistant Secretary
|
Director, Investment Operations of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (since 2010).
|
Since March 2015
|
Christian J. Kelly
1975
Treasurer and Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer
|
Vice President, Head of Fund Administration of PGIM Investments LLC (since November 2018); formerly, Director of Fund Administration of Lord Abbett & Co. LLC (2009-2018), Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Lord Abbett Family of Funds (2017-2018); Director of Accounting, Avenue Capital Group (2008-2009); Senior Manager, Investment Management Practice of Deloitte & Touche LLP (1998-2007).
|
Since January 2019
|
Lana Lomuti
1967
Assistant Treasurer
|
Vice President (since 2007) and Director (2005-2007), within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; formerly Assistant Treasurer (December 2007-February 2014) of The Greater China Fund, Inc.
|
Since April 2014
|
Russ Shupak
1973
Assistant Treasurer
|
Vice President (since 2017) and Director (2013-2017), within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.
|
Since October 2019
|
Deborah Conway
1969
Assistant Treasurer
|
Vice President (since 2017) and Director (2007-2017), within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.
|
Since October 2019
|
Elyse M. McLaughlin
1974
Assistant Treasurer
|
Vice President (since 2017) and Director (2011-2017), within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.
|
Since October 2019
|
Charles H. Smith
1973
Anti-Money Laundering
Compliance Officer
|
Vice President, Corporate Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering Unit (since January 2015) of Prudential; committee member of the American Council of Life Insurers Anti-Money Laundering and Critical Infrastructure Committee (since January 2016); formerly Global Head of Economic Sanctions Compliance at AIG Property Casualty (February 2007-December 2014); Assistant Attorney General at the New York State Attorney General's Office, Division of Public Advocacy. (August 1998-January 2007).
|
Since January 2017
|
(a)
Excludes Mr. Parker and Mr. Benjamin, interested Board Members who also serve as President and Vice President, respectively.
Explanatory Notes to Tables:
■
|
Board Members are deemed to be “Interested,” as defined in the 1940 Act, by reason of their affiliation with PGIM Investments LLC and/or an affiliate of PGIM Investments LLC.
|
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 36
■
|
Unless otherwise noted, the address of all Board Members and Officers is c/o PGIM Investments LLC, 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4410.
|
■
|
There is no set term of office for Board Members or Officers. The Board Members have adopted a retirement policy, which calls for the retirement of Board Members on December 31 of the year in which they reach the age of 75.
|
■
|
“Other Directorships Held” includes all directorships of companies required to register or file reports with the SEC under the 1934 Act (that is, “public companies”) or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.
|
■
|
“Portfolios Overseen” includes all investment companies managed by PGIM Investments LLC. The investment companies for which PGIM Investments LLC serves as manager include the PGIM Funds, The Prudential Variable Contract Accounts, PGIM ETF Trust, PGIM High Yield Bond Fund, Inc., PGIM Global High Yield Fund, Inc., PGIM Short Duration High Yield Opportunities Fund, The Prudential Series Fund, Prudential's Gibraltar Fund, Inc. and the Advanced Series Trust.
|
■
|
As used in the Fund Officers table “Prudential” means The Prudential Insurance Company of America.
|
COMPENSATION OF BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS.
Pursuant to a management agreement with the Company on behalf of the Funds the Manager pays all compensation of Fund Officers and employees as well as the fees and expenses of all Interested Board Members.
The Funds pay each Independent Board Member annual compensation in addition to certain out-of-pocket expenses. Independent Board Members who serve on Board Committees may receive additional compensation. The amount of annual compensation paid to each Independent Board Member may change as a result of the introduction of additional funds on whose Boards the Board Member may be asked to serve.
Independent Board Members may defer receipt of their fees pursuant to a deferred fee agreement with the Funds. Under the terms of the agreement, the Funds accrue deferred Board Members' fees daily which, in turn, accrue interest at a rate equivalent to the prevailing rate of 90-day US Treasury Bills at the beginning of each calendar quarter or at the daily rate of return of any mutual fund managed by PGIM Investments chosen by the Board Member. Payment of the interest so accrued is also deferred and becomes payable at the option of the Board Member. The obligation to make payments of deferred Board Members' fees, together with interest thereon, is a general obligation of the Funds. No Fund has a retirement or pension plan for Board Members.
The following table sets forth the aggregate compensation paid by the Funds for the most recently completed fiscal year to the Independent Board Members for service on the Board, and the Board of any other investment company in the Fund Complex for the most recently completed calendar year. Board Members and officers who are “interested persons” of the Funds (as defined in the 1940 Act) do not receive compensation from PGIM Investments-managed funds and therefore are not shown in the following table.
Name
|
Aggregate Fiscal Year
Compensation from Fund
|
Pension or Retirement Benefits
Accrued as Part of Fund Expenses
|
Estimated Annual Benefits
Upon Retirement
|
Total Compensation from Fund
and Fund Complex for Most
Recent Calendar Year
|
Compensation Received by Independent Board Members
|
Ellen S. Alberding**
|
$11,583
|
None
|
None
|
$329,000 (33/95)*
|
Kevin J. Bannon
|
$11,260
|
None
|
None
|
$312,000 (33/95)*
|
Linda W. Bynoe
|
$11,977
|
None
|
None
|
$336,000 (33/95)*
|
Barry Evans**
|
$11,900
|
None
|
None
|
$331,000 (32/94)*
|
Keith F. Hartstein
|
$14,787
|
None
|
None
|
$410,000 (33/95)*
|
Laurie Simon Hodrick**
|
$11,537
|
None
|
None
|
$320,000 (32/94)*
|
Michael S. Hyland**
†
|
$11,353
|
None
|
None
|
$316,000 (33/95)*
|
Brian Reid
|
$11,537
|
None
|
None
|
$320,000 (32/94)*
|
Grace C. Torres
|
$11,893
|
None
|
None
|
$338,000 (32/94)*
|
Explanatory Notes to Board Member Compensation Tables
* Compensation relates to portfolios that were in existence for any period during 2020. Number of funds and portfolios represent those in existence as of December 31, 2020, and excludes funds that have merged or liquidated during the year. Additionally, the number of funds and portfolios includes those which are approved as of December 31, 2020, but may commence operations after that date. No compensation is paid out from such funds/portfolios.
** Under the deferred fee agreement for the PGIM Investments-managed funds, certain Board Members have elected to defer all or part of their total compensation. The amount of compensation deferred during the calendar year ended December 31, 2020, amounted to $315,500, $317,450, $306,620 and $40,000 for Ms. Alberding, Mr. Evans, Ms. Hodrick and Mr. Hyland, respectively. Under the deferred fee arrangement, these amounts are deposited into a trust held for the benefit of participating Board Members and are not continuing obligations of the Fund.
†
Mr.
Hyland retired from the Board effective as of December 31,
2020.
BOARD COMMITTEES.
The Board has established three standing committees in connection with Fund governance—Audit, Nominating and Governance, and Investment. Information on the membership of each standing committee and its functions is set forth below.
Audit Committee:
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 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 Funds' most recently completed fiscal year is set forth in the table below.
The membership of the Audit Committee is set forth below:
Grace C. Torres (Chair)
Laurie Simon Hodrick
Brian K. Reid
Keith F. Hartstein (ex-officio)
Nominating and Governance Committee:
The Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board is responsible for nominating Board Members and making recommendations to the Board concerning Board composition, committee structure and governance, director education, and governance practices. 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 Funds' most recently completed fiscal year is set forth in the table below. The Nominating and Governance Committee Charter is available on the Funds' website.
The membership of the Nominating and Governance Committee is set forth below:
Linda W. Bynoe (Chair)
Kevin J. Bannon
Ellen S. Alberding
Barry H. Evans
Keith F. Hartstein (ex-officio)
Investment Committees:
The Board of each fund in the PGIM retail mutual funds complex has formed joint committees to review the performance of each Fund in the Fund Complex. The Gibraltar Investment Committee reviews the performance of each Fund that is subadvised by Jennison Associates LLC and QMA LLC. The Dryden Investment Committee reviews the performance of each Fund that is subadvised by PGIM Fixed Income, PGIM Real Estate (each of which is a business unit of PGIM, Inc.), PGIM Limited and PGIM Real Estate (UK) Limited. In addition, the Dryden Investment Committee reviews the performance of the closed-end funds. Each committee meets at least four 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 Board Member sits on one of the two committees.
The number of Gibraltar Investment Committee or Dryden Investment Committee meetings, as applicable, held during the Fund's most recently completed fiscal year is set forth in the table below.
The membership of the Gibraltar Investment Committee and the Dryden Investment Committee is set forth below:
Gibraltar Investment Committee
Ellen S. Alberding (Chair)
Kevin J. Bannon
Keith F. Hartstein (ex-officio)
Laurie Simon Hodrick
Brian K. Reid
Dryden Investment Committee
Barry H. Evans (Chair)
Linda W. Bynoe
Keith F. Hartstein (ex-officio)
Grace C. Torres
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 38
Board Committee Meetings (for most recently completed fiscal year)
|
Audit Committee
|
Nominating & Governance Committee
|
Dryden & Gibraltar Investment Committees
|
7
|
5
|
4
|
LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND QUALIFICATIONS OF BOARD MEMBERS.
The Board is responsible for oversight of the Funds. The Funds have engaged the Manager to manage the Funds on a day-to-day basis. The Board oversees the Manager and certain other principal service providers in the operations of the Funds. The Board is currently composed of ten members, eight of whom are Independent Board Members. The Board meets in-person at regularly scheduled meetings four times throughout the year. In addition, the Board Members may meet in-person or by telephone at special meetings or on an informal basis at other times. As described above, the Board has established three standing committees—Audit, Nominating and Governance, and Investment—and may establish ad hoc committees or working groups from time to time, to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Independent Board Members have also engaged independent legal counsel to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities.
The Board is chaired by an Independent Board Member. As Chair, this Independent Board Member leads the Board in its activities. Also, the Chair acts as a member or as an ex-officio member of each standing committee and any ad hoc committee of the Board. The Board Members have determined that the Board's leadership and committee structure is appropriate because the Board believes it sets the proper tone to the relationships between the Funds, on the one hand, and the Manager, the subadviser(s) and certain other principal service providers, on the other, and facilitates the exercise of the Board's independent judgment in evaluating and managing the relationships. In addition, the structure efficiently allocates responsibility among committees.
The Board has concluded that, based on each Board Member's experience, qualifications, attributes or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Board Members, each Board Member should serve as a Board Member. Among other attributes common to all Board Members are their ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the various service providers to the Funds, and to exercise reasonable business judgment in the performance of their duties as Board Members. In addition, the Board has taken into account the actual service and commitment of the Board Members during their tenure in concluding that each should continue to serve. A Board Member's ability to perform his or her duties effectively may have been attained through a Board Member's educational background or professional training; business, consulting, public service or academic positions; experience from service as a Board Member of the Funds, other funds in the Fund Complex, public companies, or non-profit entities or other organizations; or other experiences. Set forth below is a brief discussion of the specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills of each Board Member that led the Board to conclude that he or she should serve as a Board Member.
Ellen S. Alberding.
Ms. Alberding joined the Board of the Funds and other funds in the Fund Complex in 2013. Ms. Alberding has over 30 years of experience in the non-profit sector, including over 20 years as the president of a charitable foundation, where she oversees multiple investment managers. Ms. Alberding also served as a Trustee of the Aon Funds from 2000 to 2003.
Kevin J. Bannon.
Mr. Bannon joined the Board of the Funds and other funds in the Fund Complex in 2008. Mr. Bannon has held senior executive positions in the financial services industry, including serving as a senior executive of asset management firms, for over 25 years.
Linda W. Bynoe.
Ms. Bynoe has been a Board Member of the Funds and other funds in the Fund Complex since 2005, having served on the boards of other mutual fund complexes since 1993. She has worked in the financial services industry over 20 years, has over 30 years of experience as a management consultant and serves as a Director of financial services and other complex global corporations.
Barry H. Evans.
Mr. Evans joined the Board of the Funds and other funds in the Fund Complex in 2017. Mr. Evans has held senior executive positions and various portfolio manager roles in an asset management firm for thirty years.
Keith F. Hartstein
. Mr. Hartstein joined the Board of the Funds and other funds in the Fund Complex in 2013. Mr. Hartstein has worked in the asset management industry for 30 years and served as a senior executive in an asset management firm.
Laurie Simon Hodrick
. Ms. Hodrick joined the Board of the Funds and other funds in the Fund Complex in 2017. Ms. Hodrick brings 30 years of experience as a finance academic, practitioner, and consultant.
Brian K. Reid
. Mr. Reid joined the Board of the Funds and the other funds in the Fund Complex in 2018. Mr. Reid has more than 30 years of experience in economics and related fields, including serving as Chief Economist for the Investment Company Institute (ICI) for 13 years.
Grace C. Torres.
Ms. Torres joined the Board of the Funds and other funds in the Fund Complex in 2014. Ms. Torres formerly served as Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer for the Funds and other funds in the Fund Complex for 16 years and held senior positions with the Manager from 1999 to 2014. In addition, Ms. Torres is a certified public accountant (CPA).
Stuart S. Parker
. Mr. Parker, who has served as an Interested Board Member and President of the Funds and the other funds in the Fund Complex since 2012, is President, Chief Operating Officer and Officer-in-Charge of PGIM Investments and several of its affiliates that provide services to the Fund and has held senior positions in PGIM Investments since 2005.
Scott E. Benjamin
. Mr. Benjamin, an Interested Board Member of the Funds and other funds in the Fund Complex since 2010, has served as a Vice President of the Funds and other funds in the Fund Complex since 2009 and has held senior positions in PGIM Investments since 2003.
Specific details about each Board Member's professional experience appear in the professional biography tables, above.
Risk Oversight.
Investing in general and the operation of a mutual fund involve a variety of risks, such as investment risk, illiquidity risk, compliance risk, and operational risk, among others. The Board oversees risk as part of its oversight of the Funds. Risk oversight is addressed as part of various regular Board and committee activities. The Board, directly or through its committees, reviews reports from among others, the Manager, subadvisers, the Funds' Chief Compliance Officer, the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm, counsel, and internal auditors of the Manager or its affiliates, as appropriate, regarding risks faced by the Funds and the risk management programs of the Manager and certain service providers. The actual day-to-day risk management with respect to the Funds resides with the Manager and other service providers to the Funds. Although the risk management policies of the Manager and the service providers are designed to be effective, those policies and their implementation vary among service providers and over time, and there is no guarantee that they will be effective. Not all risks that may affect the Funds can be identified or processes and controls developed to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects, and some risks are simply beyond any control of the Funds or the Manager, its affiliates or other service providers.
Selection of Board Member Nominees.
The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for considering nominees for Board Members 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 SEC 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 board member for nomination should submit his or her recommendation in writing to the Chair of the Board (Keith Hartstein) or the Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee (Linda W. Bynoe), in either case in care of the specified Fund(s), at 655 Broad Street, 17
th
Floor, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4410. At a minimum, the recommendation should include: the name, address and business, educational and/or other pertinent background of the person being recommended; a statement concerning whether the person is an “interested person” as defined in the 1940 Act; any other information that the Funds 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 person 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 (the parent company of the Funds' Manager) would be deemed an “interested person” under the 1940 Act. In addition, certain other relationships with Prudential 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 SEC 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.
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 40
Share Ownership.
Information relating to each Board Member's Fund share ownership and in all registered funds in the PGIM Investments-advised funds that are overseen by the respective Board Member as of the most recently completed calendar year is set forth in the chart below.
Name
|
Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in the Funds
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All
Registered Investment
Companies Overseen by
Board Member in Fund Complex
|
Board Member Share Ownership: Independent Board Members
|
Ellen S. Alberding
|
None
|
Over $100,000
|
Kevin J. Bannon
|
Health Sciences Fund
Over $100,000
|
Over $100,000
|
Linda W. Bynoe
|
None
|
Over $100,000
|
Barry H. Evans
|
None
|
Over $100,000
|
Keith F. Hartstein
|
None
|
Over $100,000
|
Laurie Simon Hodrick
|
None
|
Over $100,000
|
Brian K. Reid
|
None
|
Over $100,000
|
Grace C. Torres
|
Utility Fund
Over $100,000
|
Over $100,000
|
Board Member Share Ownership: Interested Board Members
|
Stuart S. Parker
|
Health Sciences Fund
Over $100,000
|
Over $100,000
|
Scott E. Benjamin
|
Health Sciences Fund
$10,001-$50,000
|
Over $100,000
|
Note: Information provided is as of 12/31/19.
None of the Independent Board Members, or any member of his/her immediate family, owned beneficially or of record any securities in an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Funds 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 Funds as of the most recently completed calendar year.
Shareholder Communications with Board Members.
Shareholders can communicate directly with Board Members by writing to the Chair of the Board, c/o the Funds, 655 Broad Street, 17
th
Floor, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4410. Shareholders can communicate directly with an individual Board Member by writing to that Board Member, c/o the Funds, 655 Broad Street, 17
th
Floor, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4410. Such communications to the Board or individual Board Members are not screened before being delivered to the addressee.
MANAGEMENT & ADVISORY ARRANGEMENTS
MANAGER.
The Manager’s address is 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4410. The Manager serves as manager to all of the other investment companies that, together with the Funds, comprise the PGIM Funds. See the Prospectuses for more information about PGIM Investments. As of December 31, 2020, the Manager served as the investment manager to all of the Prudential US and offshore open-end investment companies, and as administrator to closed-end investment companies, with aggregate assets of approximately $361.6 billion.
The Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PIFM Holdco, LLC, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PGIM Holding Company LLC, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential. PMFS, an affiliate of PGIM Investments, serves as the transfer agent and dividend distribution agent for the PGIM Funds and, in addition, provides customer service, record keeping and management and administrative services to qualified plans.
Pursuant to the Management Agreement between Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. on behalf of each Fund and PGIM Investments (the Management Agreement), PGIM Investments, subject to the supervision of the Board and in conformity with the stated policies of the Funds, manages both the investment operations of the Funds and the composition of the Funds' portfolios, including the purchase, retention, disposition and loan of securities and other assets. In connection therewith, the Manager is obligated to keep certain books and records of the Funds. The Manager is authorized to enter into subadvisory agreements for investment advisory services in connection with the management of the Funds. The Manager will continue to have responsibility for all investment advisory services
performed pursuant to any such subadvisory agreements. PGIM Investments will review the performance of the subadviser(s) and make recommendations to the Board with respect to the retention of subadvisers and the renewal of contracts. The Manager also administers the Funds' corporate affairs and, in connection therewith, furnishes the Funds with office facilities, together with those ordinary clerical and bookkeeping services which are not being furnished by the Funds' custodian (the Custodian) and PMFS. The management services of PGIM Investments to the Funds are not exclusive under the terms of the Management Agreement and PGIM Investments is free to, and does, render management services to others.
PGIM Investments 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 Funds. Fee waivers and subsidies will increase the Funds' total return. These voluntary waivers may be terminated at any time without notice. To the extent that PGIM Investments agrees to waive its fee or subsidize the Funds' expenses, it may enter into a relationship agreement with the subadviser to share the economic impact of the fee waiver or expense subsidy.
In connection with its management of the corporate affairs of the Funds, PGIM Investments bears the following expenses:
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the salaries and expenses of all of its and the Funds' personnel except the fees and expenses of Independent Board Members;
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all expenses incurred by the Manager or the Funds in connection with managing the ordinary course of the Funds' business, other than those assumed by the Funds as described below; and
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the fees, costs and expenses payable to any subadviser pursuant to a subadvisory agreement between PGIM Investments and such subadviser.
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Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Funds are responsible for the payment of the following expenses:
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the fees and expenses incurred by the Funds in connection with the management of the investment and reinvestment of the Funds' assets payable to the Manager;
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the fees and expenses of Independent Board Members;
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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 Funds and of pricing the Funds' shares;
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the charges and expenses of the Funds' legal counsel and independent auditors and of legal counsel to the Independent Board Members;
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brokerage commissions and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable to the Funds in connection with securities (and futures, if applicable) transactions;
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all taxes and corporate fees payable by the Funds to governmental agencies;
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the fees of any trade associations of which the Funds may be a member;
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the cost of share certificates representing, and/or non-negotiable share deposit receipts evidencing, shares of the Funds;
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the cost of fidelity, directors and officers and errors and omissions insurance;
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the fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining registration of the Funds and of Fund shares with the SEC and paying notice filing fees under state securities laws, including the preparation and printing of the Funds' registration statements and prospectuses for such purposes; allocable communications expenses with respect to investor services and all expenses of shareholders' and Board meetings and of preparing, printing and mailing reports and notices to shareholders; and
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litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Funds' business and distribution and service (12b-1) fees.
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The Management Agreement provides that PGIM Investments will not be liable for any error of judgment by PGIM Investments or for any loss suffered by the Funds 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 PGIM Investments or the Funds by the Board or vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds (as defined in the 1940 Act) upon not more than 60 days', nor less than 30 days', written notice. The Management Agreement will continue in effect for a period of more than two years from the date of execution only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act.
Fees payable under the Management Agreement are computed daily and paid monthly. The applicable fee rate and the management fees received by PGIM Investments from the Funds for the indicated fiscal years are set forth below.
MANAGEMENT FEE RATES:
Financial Services Fund
0.75% to $1 billion of average daily net assets;
0.70% over $1 billion of average daily net assets.
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 42
Health Sciences Fund
0.75% to $1 billion of average daily net assets;
0.70% over $1 billion of average daily net assets.
Utility Fund
0.60% to $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.50% on next $500 million of average daily net assets;
0.45% on next $750 million of average daily net assets;
0.40% on next $500 million of average daily net assets;
0.35% on next $2 billion of average daily net assets;
0.325% on next $2 billion of average daily net assets;
0.30% over $6 billion of average daily net assets.
Management Fees Paid by Financial Services Fund
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2020
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2019
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2018
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Gross Fee
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$946,823
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$1,143,166
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$1,404,400
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Amount Waived/ Reimbursed by PGIM Investments
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$(13,865)
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$(42,319)
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$(26,546)
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Net Fee
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$932,958
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$1,100,847
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$1,377,854
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Management Fees Paid by Health Sciences Fund
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2020
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2019
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2018
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Gross Fee
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$13,622,697
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$14,674,036
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$17,147,957
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Amount Waived/Reimbursed by PGIM Investments
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$(22,379)
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$(13,224)
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$(6,408)
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Net Fee
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$13,600,318
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$14,660,812
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$17,141,549
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Management Fees Paid by Utility Fund
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2020
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2019
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2018
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Gross Fee
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$13,862,967
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$13,718,095
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$13,086,856
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Amount Waived/Reimbursed by PGIM Investments
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$(32,567)
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$(65,847)
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$(29,986)
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Net Fee
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$13,830,400
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$13,652,248
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$13,056,870
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Note: For the fiscal years shown above, PGIM Investments contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse certain expenses. The “gross fee” shown above is the fee amount that PGIM Investments earned from each Fund without reflecting the impact of the contractual fee waiver/reimbursement arrangement. The “net fee” reflects the impact of the contractual fee waiver, and is the actual fee amount paid by each Fund to PGIM Investments.
SUBADVISORY ARRANGEMENTS.
The Manager has entered into subadvisory agreements (Subadvisory Agreements) with the Funds' subadviser. Each Subadvisory Agreement provides that the subadviser will furnish investment advisory services in connection with the management of the Funds. In connection therewith, the subadviser is obligated to keep certain books and records of the Funds. Under the Subadvisory Agreements, the subadviser, subject to the supervision of PGIM Investments, is responsible for managing the assets of the Funds in accordance with the Funds' investment objectives, investment program and policies. The subadviser determines what securities and other instruments are purchased and sold for the Funds and is responsible for obtaining and evaluating financial data relevant to the Funds. PGIM Investments 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 Prospectuses, PGIM Investments employs the subadviser under a “manager of managers” structure that allows PGIM Investments to replace the subadviser or amend a Subadvisory Agreement without seeking shareholder approval. The Subadvisory Agreements provide that they will terminate in the event of their assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) or upon the termination of the Management Agreement. Each Subadvisory Agreement may be terminated by the Funds, PGIM Investments, or the subadviser upon not more than 60 days’ nor less than 30 days’ written notice. Each 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. Any new subadvisory agreement or amendment to a Fund’s Management Agreement or Subadvisory Agreement that directly or indirectly results in an increase in the aggregate management fee rate payable by a Fund will be submitted to the Fund’s shareholders for their approval.
The applicable fee rate and the subadvisory fees paid by PGIM Investments for the indicated fiscal years are set forth below. Subadvisory fees are based on the average daily net assets of each Fund, calculated and paid on a monthly basis, at the fee rate as set forth in each Subadvisory Agreement. Subadvisory fees are paid by PGIM Investments out of the management fee that it receives from the Funds.
SUBADVISORY FEE RATES:
0.385% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Health Sciences Fund
0.30% to $300 million of average daily net assets;
0.25% over $300 million of average daily net assets.
Utility Fund
0.30% to $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.238% over $250 million to $750 million of average daily net assets;
0.203% over $750 million to $1.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.170% over $1.5 billion to $2 billion of average daily net assets;
0.140% over $2 billion to $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.122% over $4 billion to $6 billion of average daily net assets;
0.105% over $6 billion of average daily net assets.
Subadvisory Fees Paid by PGIM Investments: Financial Services Fund
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2020
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2019
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2018
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Jennison Associates LLC
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$486,036
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$587,027
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$720,928
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Subadvisory Fees Paid by PGIM Investments: Health Sciences Fund
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2020
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2019
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2018
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Jennison Associates LLC
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$4,836,673
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$5,209,470
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$6,095,706
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Subadvisory Fees Paid by PGIM Investments: Utility Fund
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2020
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2019
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2018
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Jennison Associates LLC
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$6,107,688
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$6,049,296
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$5,797,247
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THE FUNDS’ PORTFOLIO MANAGERS: INFORMATION ABOUT OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED
The table below identifies the number and total assets of other mutual funds and other types of investment accounts managed by each portfolio manager. For each category, the number of investment accounts and total assets in the investment accounts whose fees are based on performance, if any, is indicated in italics typeface. Information shown below is as of each Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year, unless noted otherwise.
Other Funds and Investment Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers
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Fund
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Subadviser
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Portfolio Managers
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Registered Investment
Companies/Total Assets (Thousands)
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Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles/
Total Assets (Thousands)
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Other Accounts/
Total Assets (Thousands)
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Financial Services Fund
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Jennison Associates LLC
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Steven A. Gavios
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None
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None
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None
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Jonathan M. Shapiro
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1/$1,901,228
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None
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None
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Andrew M. Tucker, CFA
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None
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None
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None
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Health Sciences Fund
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Jennison Associates LLC
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David Chan, CFA
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1/$75,843
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8/$391,728
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1/$341,807
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Debra Netschert
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1/$75,843
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8/$391,728
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1/$341,807
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Daniel Matviyenko*
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None
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None
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None
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Utility Fund
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Jennison Associates LLC
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Ubong “Bobby” Edemeka
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7/$1,701,523
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1/$138,396
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None
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Shaun Hong, CFA
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7/$1,701,523
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1/$138,396
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None
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Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 44
Other Funds and Investment Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers
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Fund
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Subadviser
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Portfolio Managers
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Registered Investment
Companies/Total Assets (Thousands)
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Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles/
Total Assets (Thousands)
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Other Accounts/
Total Assets (Thousands)
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Teresa Ho Kim, CFA
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None
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None
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None
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*Mr. Matviyenko became a portfolio manager of the Health Sciences Fund as of December 15, 2020.
THE FUNDS’ PORTFOLIO MANAGERS: PERSONAL INVESTMENTS AND FINANCIAL INTERESTS
The table below identifies the dollar value (in ranges) of investments beneficially held by, and financial interests awarded to, each portfolio manager, if any, in each Fund and in other investment accounts managed by, or which have an individual portion or sleeve managed by, each portfolio manager that utilize investment strategies, objective and policies similar to each Fund. Information shown below is as of each Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year, unless noted otherwise.
Personal Investments and Financial Interests of the Portfolio Managers
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Fund
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Subadviser
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Portfolio Managers
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Investments and Other Financial Interests
in the Fund and Similar Strategies
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Financial Services Fund
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Jennison Associates LLC
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Steven A. Gavios
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$100,001 - $500,000
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Jonathan M. Shapiro
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$50,001 - $100,000
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Andrew M. Tucker, CFA
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None
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Health Sciences Fund
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Jennison Associates LLC
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David Chan, CFA
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Over $1,000,000
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Debra Netschert
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$100,001 - $500,000
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Daniel Matviyenko
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None
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Utility Fund
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Jennison Associates LLC
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Ubong “Bobby” Edemeka
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$100,001 - $500,000
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Shaun Hong, CFA
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$500,001 - $1,000,000
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Teresa Ho Kim, CFA
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$100,001 - $500,000
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*“Investments and Other Financial Interests in the Fund and Similar Strategies” include the Fund and all other investment accounts which are managed by the same portfolio manager that utilize investment strategies, investment objectives and policies that are similar to those of the Fund. “Other Investment Accounts” in similar strategies includes other mutual funds, including Prudential mutual funds, insurance company separate accounts, and collective and commingled trusts. “Investments” include holdings in the Fund and in investment accounts in similar strategies, including shares or units that may be held through a 401(k) or other retirement plan. “Other Financial Interests” include an investment professional’s notional investments in the Fund through a deferred compensation plan for Jennison employees where such notional investments track the performance of the Fund and are subject to increase or decrease based on the annual performance of the Fund.
The dollar ranges for each Portfolio Manager’s investment in the Fund are as follows:
Steven A. Gavios: $100,001-$500,000; Jonathan M. Shapiro: $50,001-$100,000; Andrew M. Tucker, CFA: None;
David Chan, CFA: Over $1,000,000; Debra Netschert: $100,001-$500,000; Daniel Matviyenko: None;
Ubong ‘Bobby’ Edemeka: $100,001 - $500,000; Shaun Hong, CFA : $100,001 - $500,000; Teresa Ho Kim, CFA: $100,001 - $500,000.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS—COMPENSATION AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.
Set forth below, is an explanation of the structure of, and methods used to determine, portfolio manager compensation. Also set forth below, is an explanation of any material conflicts of interest that may arise between a portfolio manager's management of the Fund's investments and investments in other accounts.
COMPENSATION
. Jennison seeks to maintain a highly competitive compensation program designed to attract and retain outstanding investment professionals, which include portfolio managers and research analysts, and to align the interests of its investment professionals with those of its clients and overall firm results. Jennison recognizes individuals for their achievements and contributions and continues to promote those who exemplify the same values and level of commitment that are hallmarks of the organization. Investment professionals are compensated with a combination of base salary and discretionary cash bonus. Overall firm profitability determines the size of the investment professional compensation pool. In general, the discretionary cash bonus represents the majority of an investment professional’s compensation.
Jennison sponsors a profit sharing retirement plan for all eligible employees. The contribution to the profit sharing retirement plan for portfolio managers is based on a percentage of the portfolio manager’s total compensation, subject to a maximum determined by applicable law. In addition to eligibility to participate in retirement and welfare plans, senior investment professionals, including portfolio
managers and senior research analysts, are eligible to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program where all or a portion of the discretionary cash bonus can be deferred. Participants in the deferred compensation plan are permitted to allocate the deferred amounts among various options that track the gross-of-fee pre-tax performance of accounts or composites of accounts managed by Jennison.
Investment professionals’ total compensation is determined through a subjective process that evaluates numerous qualitative and quantitative factors. Not all factors are applicable to every investment professional, and there is no particular weighting or formula for considering the factors.
The factors reviewed for the portfolio managers are listed below.
The quantitative factors reviewed for the portfolio manager may include:
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One-, three-, five-year and longer term pre-tax investment performance for groupings of accounts managed in the same strategy (composite) relative to market conditions, pre-determined passive indices and industry peer group data for the product strategy (e.g., large cap growth, large cap value). Some portfolio managers may manage or contribute ideas to more than one product strategy, and the performance of the other product strategies is also considered in determining the portfolio manager’s overall compensation. For David Chan, a portfolio manager to the PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund, a portion of the portfolio manager's compensation is expected to be derived from the portfolio manager's impact on investment performance of portfolios other than the Fund.
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The investment professional’s contribution to client portfolio’s pre-tax one-, three-, five-year and longer-term performance from the investment professional’s recommended stocks relative to market conditions, the strategy’s passive benchmarks, and the investment professional’s respective coverage universes.
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The qualitative factors reviewed for the portfolio managers may include:
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The quality of the portfolio manager’s investment ideas and consistency of the portfolio manager’s judgment;
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Qualitative factors such as teamwork and responsiveness;
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Individual factors such as years of experience and responsibilities specific to the individual’s role such as being a team leader or supervisor are also factored into the determination of an investment professional’s total compensation; and
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Historical and long-term business potential of the product strategies.
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Potential Conflicts of Interest
Jennison manages accounts with asset-based fees alongside accounts with performance-based fees. This side-by-side management can create an incentive for Jennison and its investment professionals to favor one account over another. Specifically, Jennison has the incentive to favor accounts for which it receives performance fees, and possibly take greater investment risks in those accounts, in order to bolster performance and increase its fees.
Other types of side-by-side management of multiple accounts can also create incentives for Jennison to favor one account over another. Examples are detailed below, followed by a discussion of how Jennison addresses these conflicts.
Long only accounts/long-short accounts
:
Jennison manages accounts in strategies that only hold long securities positions as well as accounts in strategies that are permitted to sell securities short. Jennison may hold a long position in a security in some client accounts while selling the same security short in other client accounts. For example, Jennison permits quantitatively hedged strategies to short securities that are held long in other strategies. Additionally, Jennison permits securities that are held long in quantitatively derived strategies to be shorted by other strategies. The strategies that sell a security short held long by another strategy could lower the price for the security held long. Similarly, if a strategy is purchasing a security that is held short in other strategies, the strategies purchasing the security could increase the price of the security held short.
Multiple strategies
:
Jennison may buy or sell, or may direct or recommend that one client buy or sell, securities of the same kind or class that are purchased or sold for another client, at prices that may be different. Jennison may also, at any time, execute trades of securities of the same kind or class in one direction for an account and in the opposite direction for another account, due to differences in investment strategy or client direction. Different strategies effecting trading in the same securities or types of securities may appear as inconsistencies in Jennison’s management of multiple accounts side-by-side.
Investments at different levels of an issuer’s capital structure:
To the extent different clients invest across multiple strategies or asset classes, Jennison may invest client assets in the same issuer, but at different levels in the capital structure. Interests in these positions could be inconsistent or in potential or actual conflict with each other.
Affiliated accounts/unaffiliated accounts and seeded/nonseeded accounts and accounts receiving asset allocation assets from affiliated investment advisers
:
Jennison manages accounts for its affiliates and accounts in which it has an interest alongside unaffiliated accounts. Jennison could have an incentive to favor its affiliated accounts over unaffiliated accounts. Additionally, Jennison’s affiliates
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 46
may provide initial funding or otherwise invest in vehicles managed by Jennison. When an affiliate provides “seed capital” or other capital for a fund or account, it may do so with the intention of redeeming all or part of its interest at a particular future point in time or when it deems that sufficient additional capital has been invested in that fund or account. Jennison typically requests seed capital to start a track record for a new strategy or product. Managing “seeded” accounts alongside “non-seeded” accounts can create an incentive to favor the “seeded” accounts to establish a track record for a new strategy or product. Additionally, Jennison’s affiliated investment advisers could allocate their asset allocation clients’ assets to Jennison. Jennison could favor accounts used by its affiliate for their asset allocation clients to receive more assets from the affiliate.
Non-discretionary accounts or models
:
Jennison provides non-discretionary model portfolios to some clients and manages other portfolios on a discretionary basis. Recommendations for some non-discretionary models that are derived from discretionary portfolios are communicated after the discretionary portfolio has traded. The non-discretionary clients could be disadvantaged if Jennison delivers the model investment portfolio to them after Jennison initiates trading for the discretionary clients. Discretionary clients could be disadvantaged if the non-discretionary clients receive their model investment portfolio and start trading before Jennison has started trading for the discretionary clients.
Higher fee paying accounts or products or strategies
:
Jennison receives more revenues from (1) larger accounts or client relationships than smaller accounts or client relationships and from (2) managing discretionary accounts than advising non-discretionary models and from (3) non-wrap fee accounts than from wrap fee accounts and from (4) charging higher fees for some strategies than others. The differences in revenue that Jennison receives could create an incentive for Jennison to favor the higher fee paying or higher revenue generating account or product or strategy over another.
Personal interests
:
The performance of one or more accounts managed by Jennison’s investment professionals is taken into consideration in determining their compensation. Jennison also manages accounts that are investment options in its employee benefit plans such as its defined contribution plans or deferred compensation arrangements and where its employees may have personally invested alongside other accounts where there is no personal interest. These factors could create an incentive for Jennison to favor the accounts where it has a personal interest over accounts where Jennison does not have a personal interest.
How Jennison Addresses These Conflicts of Interest
The conflicts of interest described above could create incentives for Jennison to favor one or more accounts or types of accounts over others in the allocation of investment opportunities, aggregation and timing of investments. Portfolios in a particular strategy with similar objectives are managed similarly to the extent possible. Accordingly, portfolio holdings and industry and sector exposure tend to be similar across a group of accounts in a strategy that have similar objectives, which tends to minimize the potential for conflicts of interest among accounts within a product strategy. While these accounts have many similarities, the investment performance of each account will be different primarily due to differences in guidelines, individual portfolio manager’s decisions, timing of investments, fees, expenses and cash flows.
Additionally, Jennison has developed policies and procedures that seek to address, mitigate and assess these conflicts of interest.
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Jennison has adopted trade aggregation and allocation procedures that seek to treat all clients (including affiliated accounts) fairly. These policies and procedures address the allocation of limited investment opportunities, such as initial public offerings (IPOs) and new issues, the allocation of transactions across multiple accounts, and the timing of transactions between its non-wrap accounts and its wrap fee accounts and between wrap fee program sponsors.
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Jennison has policies that limit the ability to short securities in portfolios that primarily rely on its fundamental research and investment processes (fundamental portfolios) if the security is held long in other fundamental portfolios.
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Jennison has adopted procedures to review allocations or performance dispersion between accounts with performance fees and non-performance fee based accounts and to review overlapping long and short positions among long accounts and long-short accounts.
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Jennison has adopted a code of ethics and policies relating to personal trading.
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Jennison has adopted a conflicts of interest policy and procedures.
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Jennison provides disclosure of these conflicts as described in its Form ADV brochure.
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CUSTODIAN.
The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY), 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286, serves as Custodian for each 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 non-US assets held outside the United States.
SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES
. Securities Finance Trust Company (eSecLending) serves as securities lending agent for each Fund and in that role administers each Fund’s securities lending program pursuant to the terms of a securities lending agency agreement entered into between the Company and eSecLending.
As securities lending agent, eSecLending is responsible for marketing to approved borrowers available securities from each Fund’s portfolio. As administered by eSecLending, available securities from each Fund’s portfolio are furnished to borrowers either through security-by-security loans effected by eSecLending as lending agent on behalf of each Fund or through an auction process managed and conducted by eSecLending through which a winning bidder (as selected and approved by PGIM Investments on behalf of the Fund) is given the exclusive right to borrow the securities subject to the auction for an agreed-upon period of time.
eSecLending is responsible for the administration and management of each Fund’s securities lending program, including the preparation and execution of a participant agreement with each borrower governing the terms and conditions of any securities loan, ensuring that securities loans are properly coordinated and documented with the Funds’ custodian, ensuring that loaned securities are daily valued and that the corresponding required cash collateral is delivered by the borrower(s), and arranging for the investment of cash collateral received from borrowers.
eSecLending receives as compensation for its services a portion of the amount earned by each Fund for lending securities.
The table below sets forth, for each Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Fund’s gross income received from securities lending activities, the fees and/or other compensation paid by the Fund for securities lending activities, and the net income earned by the Fund for securities lending activities. The table below also discloses any other fees or payments incurred by each Fund resulting from lending securities.
Securities Lending Activities: PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
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Gross Income from securities lending activities
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$
22,046
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Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
|
|
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split
|
$
(744)
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Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral investment vehicle)
|
$
(3,582)
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Administrative fees not included in revenue split
|
$
—
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Indemnification fee not included in revenue split
|
$
—
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Rebate (paid to borrower)
|
$
(9,165)
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Other fees not included in revenue split (specify)
|
$
—
|
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities
|
$(13,491)
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Net Income from securities lending activities
|
$
8,555
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Securities Lending Activities: PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
|
Gross Income from securities lending activities
|
$
3,912,920
|
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
|
|
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split
|
$
(137,718)
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Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral investment vehicle)
|
$
(251,970)
|
Administrative fees not included in revenue split
|
$
—
|
Indemnification fee not included in revenue split
|
$
—
|
Rebate (paid to borrower)
|
$(1,936,970)
|
Other fees not included in revenue split (specify)
|
$
—
|
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities
|
$(2,326,658)
|
Net Income from securities lending activities
|
$
1,586,262
|
Securities Lending Activities: PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
|
Gross Income from securities lending activities
|
$
778,927
|
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services
|
|
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split
|
$
(25,111)
|
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral investment vehicle)
|
$(123,023)
|
Administrative fees not included in revenue split
|
$
—
|
Indemnification fee not included in revenue split
|
$
—
|
Rebate (paid to borrower)
|
$(337,596)
|
Other fees not included in revenue split (specify)
|
$
—
|
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities
|
$(485,730)
|
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 48
Securities Lending Activities: PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
|
Net Income from securities lending activities
|
$293,197
|
TRANSFER AGENT.
PMFS, 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent of each Fund. PMFS is an affiliate of the Manager. PMFS provides customary transfer agency services to the Funds, 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 compensation from the Funds and is reimbursed for its transfer agent expenses which include an annual fee and certain out-of-pocket expenses including, but not limited to, postage, stationery, printing, allocable communication expenses and other costs.
BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (BNYAS), 301 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809, serves as sub-transfer agent to each Fund. PMFS has contracted with BNYAS to provide certain administrative functions to PMFS. PMFS will compensate BNYAS for such services.
For the most recently completed fiscal year, the Funds incurred the following amount of fees for services provided by PMFS:
Fees Paid to PMFS
|
|
|
Amount
|
Financial Services Fund
|
$57,838
|
Health Sciences Fund
|
$317,228
|
Utility Fund
|
$1,379,723
|
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 300 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017-6204 served as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Funds for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2020, and in that capacity will audit the annual financial statements for the Fund for the next fiscal year.
KPMG LLP, 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154, served as the independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2019.
DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES
DISTRIBUTOR.
Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (PIMS or the Distributor), 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4410, acts as the distributor of all of the shares of the Funds. The Distributor is a subsidiary of Prudential.
The Distributor incurs the expenses of distributing each of the Funds' share classes pursuant to separate Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plans or Distribution Plans, as applicable, for each share class (collectively, the Plans) adopted by the Funds pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act and a distribution agreement (the Distribution Agreement). PIMS also incurs the expenses of distributing any share class offered by the Funds which is not subject to a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan, and none of the expenses incurred by PIMS in distributing such share classes are reimbursed or paid for by the Funds.
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, as applicable, 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 sales promotion expenses.
Under the Plans, the Funds are obligated to pay distribution and/or service fees to the Distributor, as applicable, 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 (12b-1) fees, the Funds will not be obligated to pay any additional expenses. If the Distributor’s expenses are less than such distribution and service (12b-1) fees, then 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 each share class are allocated to each such class based upon the ratio of sales of each such class to the combined sales of all classes of the Funds, 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 or another fund.
Each Plan continues 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 Board Members who are not interested persons of the Funds and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in any of the Plans or in any agreement related to the Plans (the Rule 12b-1 Board Members), 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 Board Members or by the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the applicable class of the Funds. 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. The Funds 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 the Funds 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 Board Members shall be committed to the Rule 12b-1 Board Members.
Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Funds have 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 (12b-1) fees paid by the Funds 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 the Funds. Such payments may be calculated by reference to the NAV of shares sold by such persons or otherwise.
CLASS A SALES CHARGE AND DISTRIBUTION EXPENSE INFORMATION.
Under the Class A Plan, the Funds may pay the Distributor for its distribution-related activities with respect to Class A shares at an annual rate of 0.30% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares. The Class A Plan provides that (1) 0.25% 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 0.25%) may not exceed 0.30% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares. The Prospectuses discuss any contractual or voluntary fee waivers that may be in effect. In addition, if you purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares, you are subject to a 1.00% CDSC (defined below) for shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase (the CDSC is waived for purchase by certain retirement and/or benefit plans).
For the most recently completed fiscal year, the Distributor received payments under the Class A Plan for the Fund. 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 and proceeds of contingent deferred sales charges paid by shareholders upon certain redemptions of Class A shares. The payments received and amounts spent by the Distributor during the most recently completed fiscal year are detailed in the tables below.
CLASS B AND C SALES CHARGE AND DISTRIBUTION EXPENSE INFORMATION.
Under the Class B and Class C Plans, the Funds may pay the Distributor for its distribution-related activities with respect to Class B and Class C shares at an annual rate of 1.00% 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) 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the shares may be paid as a service fee and (2) 0.75% (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 and Class C shares. The service fee (0.25% of average daily net assets) is used to pay for personal service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Prospectuses discuss any voluntary or contractual fee waivers that may be in effect. 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 Class C Plans. These amounts were expended primarily for payments of account servicing fees to financial advisers and other persons who sell Class B and Class 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 payments received and amounts spent by the Distributor during the most recently completed fiscal year are detailed in the tables below.
CLASS R SALES CHARGE AND DISTRIBUTION EXPENSE INFORMATION.
Under the Class R Plan, the Funds may pay the Distributor for its distribution-related expenses with respect to Class R shares at an annual rate of up to 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Class R shares. The Class R Plan provides that (1) up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Class R shares may be used as a service fee and (2) total distribution fees (including the service fee of 0.25%) may not exceed 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Class R shares. There is no CDSC for the redemption of Class R shares. The Prospectuses discuss 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 R Plan.
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 50
These amounts were expended primarily for payments of account servicing fees to financial advisors and other persons who sell Class R shares. The payments received and amounts spent by the Distributor during the most recently completed fiscal year are detailed in the tables below.
Payments Received by the Distributor: Financial Services Fund
|
CLASS A CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES (CDSC)
|
$716
|
CLASS A DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12B-1) FEES
|
$208,842
|
CLASS A INITIAL SALES CHARGES
|
$44,079
|
CLASS B CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES (CDSC)
|
$239
|
CLASS B DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12B-1) FEES
|
$8,656
|
CLASS C CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES (CDSC)
|
$448
|
CLASS C DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12B-1) FEES
|
$119,170
|
CLASS R DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12B-1) FEES
|
$47,452
|
Payments Received by the Distributor: Health Sciences Fund
|
CLASS A CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES (CDSC)
|
$0
|
CLASS A DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12B-1) FEES
|
$2,332,807
|
CLASS A INITIAL SALES CHARGES
|
$318,580
|
CLASS B CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES (CDSC)
|
$506
|
CLASS B DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12B-1) FEES
|
$18,832
|
CLASS C CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES (CDSC)
|
$222
|
CLASS C DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12B-1) FEES
|
$453,023
|
CLASS R DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12B-1) FEES
|
$44,759
|
Payments Received by the Distributor: Utility Fund
|
CLASS A CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES (CDSC)
|
$7,136
|
CLASS A DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12B-1) FEES
|
$8,443,714
|
CLASS A INITIAL SALES CHARGES
|
$1,273,519
|
CLASS B CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES (CSDC)
|
$2,145
|
CLASS B DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12B-1) FEES
|
$81,784
|
CLASS C CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES (CSDC)
|
$5,279
|
CLASS C DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12B-1) FEES
|
$629,783
|
CLASS R DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12B-1) FEES
|
$419,118
|
For the most recently completed fiscal year, the Distributor spent the following amounts on behalf of the Fund:
Amounts Spent by the Distributor: Financial Services Fund
|
Share Class
|
Printing & Mailing
Prospectuses to Other than
Current Shareholders
|
Compensation to Broker/Dealers for
Commissions to Representatives &
Other Expenses*
|
Overhead Costs**
|
Total Amount
Spent by Distributor
|
CLASS A
|
$0
|
$174,338
|
$1,842
|
$176,180
|
CLASS B
|
$0
|
$2,123
|
$41
|
$2,164
|
CLASS C
|
$0
|
$123,316
|
$539
|
$123,855
|
CLASS R
|
$0
|
$47,431
|
$299
|
$47,730
|
Amounts Spent by the Distributor: Health Sciences Fund
|
Share Class
|
Printing & Mailing
Prospectuses to Other than
Current Shareholders
|
Compensation to Broker/Dealers for
Commissions to Representatives &
Other Expenses*
|
Overhead Costs**
|
Total Amount
Spent by Distributor
|
CLASS A
|
$0
|
$1,955,477
|
$12,195
|
$1,967,672
|
CLASS B
|
$0
|
$4,648
|
$60
|
$4,708
|
CLASS C
|
$0
|
$456,517
|
$2,227
|
$458,744
|
Amounts Spent by the Distributor: Health Sciences Fund
|
Share Class
|
Printing & Mailing
Prospectuses to Other than
Current Shareholders
|
Compensation to Broker/Dealers for
Commissions to Representatives &
Other Expenses*
|
Overhead Costs**
|
Total Amount
Spent by Distributor
|
CLASS R
|
$0
|
$44,798
|
$172
|
$44,970
|
Amounts Spent by the Distributor: Utility Fund
|
Share Class
|
Printing & Mailing
Prospectuses to Other than
Current Shareholders
|
Compensation to Broker/Dealers for
Commissions to Representatives &
Other Expenses*
|
Overhead Costs**
|
Total Amount
Spent by Distributor
|
CLASS A
|
$0
|
$6,916,586
|
$159,134
|
$7,075,720
|
CLASS B
|
$0
|
$20,135
|
$311
|
$20,446
|
CLASS C
|
$0
|
$601,456
|
$8,840
|
$610,296
|
CLASS R
|
$0
|
$418,968
|
$4,873
|
$423,841
|
* Includes amounts paid to affiliated broker/dealers.
** Including sales promotion expenses.
FEE WAIVERS AND SUBSIDIES.
PGIM Investments 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 Funds. In addition, the Distributor may from time to time waive a portion of the distribution (12b-1) fees as described in the Prospectuses. Fee waivers and subsidies will increase the Funds' total return.
PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL SERVICES FIRMS.
As described in the Funds' Prospectuses, the Manager or certain of its affiliates (but not the Distributor) 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 received from the Manager, and/or certain of its affiliates, revenue sharing payments of more than $10,000 in calendar year 2020 for marketing and product support of the Funds and other PGIM Funds as described above.
■
|
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
|
■
|
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
|
■
|
Charles Schwab & Co, Inc.
|
■
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
|
■
|
Raymond James Financial
|
■
|
National Financial Services
|
■
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc.
|
■
|
Commonwealth Financial Network
|
■
|
Cetera Advisor Networks
|
■
|
Principal Securities Inc.
|
■
|
PNC
|
■
|
AIG Advisor Group
|
■
|
ADP Broker Dealer, Inc.
|
■
|
John Hancock
|
■
|
American United Life Insurance Co.
|
■
|
Nationwide Investment Services Co.
|
■
|
Midatlantic Capital Group
|
■
|
Standard Insurance Company
|
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 52
■
|
Securities America, Inc.
|
■
|
Talcott Resolution Life
|
■
|
Reliance Trust Company
|
■
|
RBC Capital Markets, LLC
|
■
|
Cambridge Investment Research
|
■
|
The Vanguard Group, Inc.
|
■
|
Sammons Retirement Solutions
|
■
|
Lincoln Financial Group
|
■
|
Valic Financial Advisors Inc.
|
■
|
Citigroup Inc.
|
■
|
Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC
|
■
|
Securities Service Network, LLC
|
■
|
KMS Financial Services Inc
|
COMPUTATION OF OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE
Using the NAV at November 30, 2020, the offering prices of Fund shares were as follows:
Offering Price Per Share
|
|
Financial
Services Fund
|
Health
Sciences Fund
|
Utility Fund
|
Class A
|
|
|
|
NAV and redemption price per Class A share
|
$16.46
|
$56.98
|
$15.97
|
Maximum initial sales charge (5.50% of public offering price)
|
$0.96
|
$3.32
|
$0.93
|
Maximum offering price to public
|
$17.42
|
$60.30
|
$16.90
|
Class C
|
|
|
|
NAV and redemption price per Class C share
|
$14.57
|
$40.50
|
$15.89
|
Class R
|
|
|
|
NAV and redemption price per Class R share
|
$16.42
|
$55.28
|
$15.95
|
Class Z
|
|
|
|
NAV and redemption price per Class Z share
|
$17.03
|
$64.17
|
$16.02
|
Class R6
|
|
|
|
NAV and redemption price per Class R6 share
|
$17.05
|
$64.40
|
$16.00
|
Explanatory Notes to Table:
Class A and Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) on certain redemptions. See “How to Buy, Sell and Exchange Fund Shares—How to Sell Your Shares—Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC)” in the Prospectus.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS & BROKERAGE
The Funds have adopted a policy pursuant to which the Funds and their 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. The Funds have adopted procedures for the purpose of deterring and detecting any violations of the policy. The policy permits the Funds, the Manager and the subadviser 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 the Funds and is not influenced by considerations about the sale of Fund shares. For purposes of this section, the term “Manager” includes the subadviser.
The Manager is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities, futures contracts and options on such securities and futures for the Funds, 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 non-US securities exchange, commissions may be fixed. Orders may be directed to any broker or futures commission merchant including, to the extent and in the manner permitted by applicable laws, one of the Manager's affiliates (an affiliated broker). Brokerage commissions on US 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 OTC 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 US Government agency securities may be purchased directly from the issuer, in which case no commissions or discounts are paid. The Funds 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 SEC.
In placing orders for portfolio securities of the Funds, 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 of 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 Funds 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 databases, quotation equipment and services, research-oriented computer software 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 Funds. 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 Funds and their 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 Funds or their 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 clients. The allocation of orders among firms and the commission rates paid are reviewed periodically by the Funds' Board. Portfolio securities may not be purchased from any underwriting or selling syndicate of which 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 SEC. This limitation, in the opinion of the Funds, will not significantly affect the Funds' ability to pursue their present investment objectives. However, in the future in other circumstances, the Funds may be at a disadvantage because of this limitation in comparison to other funds with similar objectives but not subject to such limitations.
Subject to the above considerations, an affiliate may act as a broker or futures commission merchant for the Funds. In order for an affiliate of the Manager to effect any portfolio transactions for the Funds, 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 Board, including a majority of the Independent Board Members, has adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to provide that any commissions,
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 54
fees or other remuneration paid to the affiliated broker (or any affiliate) are consistent with the foregoing standard. In accordance with Section 11(a) of the 1934 Act, an affiliate may not retain compensation for effecting transactions on a national securities exchange for the Funds unless the Funds have expressly authorized the retention of such compensation. The affiliate must furnish to the Funds at least annually a statement setting forth the total amount of all compensation retained by the affiliate from transactions effected for the Funds during the applicable period. Brokerage transactions with an affiliated broker are also subject to such fiduciary standards as may be imposed upon the affiliate by applicable law. Transactions in options by the Funds 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 Funds 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.
Set forth below is information concerning the payment of commissions by the Funds, including the amount of such commissions paid to an affiliate, if any, for the indicated fiscal years or periods:
Brokerage Commissions Paid by the Funds
|
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
Financial Services Fund
|
|
|
|
Total brokerage commissions paid by the Fund
|
$83,630
|
$64,666
|
$57,084
|
Total brokerage commissions paid to affiliated brokers
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Percentage of total brokerage commissions paid to affiliated brokers
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Percentage of the aggregate dollar amount of portfolio transactions involving the payment of commissions to affiliated brokers
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Health Sciences Fund
|
|
|
|
Total brokerage commissions paid by the Fund
|
$868,013
|
$1,367,093
|
$1,012,550
|
Total brokerage commissions paid to affiliated brokers
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Percentage of total brokerage commissions paid to affiliated brokers
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Percentage of the aggregate dollar amount of portfolio transactions involving the payment of commissions to affiliated brokers
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Utility Fund
|
|
|
|
Total brokerage commissions paid by the Fund
|
$1,437,963
|
$1,898,633
|
$2,154,244
|
Total brokerage commissions paid to affiliated brokers
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Percentage of total brokerage commissions paid to affiliated brokers
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Percentage of the aggregate dollar amount of portfolio transactions involving the payment of commissions to affiliated brokers
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
The Funds are required to disclose their holdings of securities of their regular brokers and dealers (as defined under Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) and their parents as of the most recently completed fiscal year. As of the most recently completed fiscal year, the Funds held the following securities of their regular brokers and dealers.
Broker-Dealer Securities Holdings
|
Fund Name
|
Broker
|
Equity or Debt
|
Amount
|
Financial Services Fund
|
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.
|
Equity
|
$6,897,242
|
|
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
|
Equity
|
$7,408,535
|
|
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
|
Equity
|
$10,649,751
|
|
BofA Securities, Inc.
|
Equity
|
$6,455,961
|
|
|
|
|
Health Sciences Fund
|
|
None
|
None
|
Utility Fund
|
|
None
|
None
|
The below table shows the Fund's portfolio turnover rates over the two most recently completed fiscal years:
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
|
Fund name
|
2020
|
2019
|
Financial Services Fund
|
38%
|
14%
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
|
Fund name
|
2020
|
2019
|
Health Sciences Fund
|
45%
|
30%
|
Utility Fund
|
28%
|
31%
|
FUND HISTORY.
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in Maryland on April 29, 1981. At a special meeting held on July 19, 1994, shareholders approved an amendment to the Company's Articles of Incorporation to change the Company's name from Prudential-Bache Utility Fund, Inc. to Prudential Utility Fund, Inc. Effective May 17, 1999, the Company's name changed from Prudential Utility Fund, Inc. to Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. in conjunction with the creation of Prudential Financial Services Fund, Prudential Health Sciences Fund and Prudential Technology Fund, and Prudential Utility Fund became a fourth series of the Company.
COMPANY NAMES.
Effective as of June 30, 2003, the Company elected to do business under various trade names, as set out below:
■
|
Former Name: Prudential Sector Funds, Inc
New Name: Jennison Sector Funds
|
■
|
Former Name: Prudential Financial Services Fund
New Name: Jennison Financial Services Fund
|
■
|
Former Name: Prudential Health Sciences Fund
New Name: Jennison Health Sciences Fund
|
■
|
Former Name: Prudential Technology Fund
New Name: Jennison Technology Fund
|
■
|
Former Name: Prudential Utility Fund
New Name: Jennison Utility Fund
|
Effective as of January 9, 2009, the Company revised certain of the trade names.
■
|
Former Trade Name: Jennison Sector Funds
New Trade Name: Jennison Dryden Sector Funds
|
■
|
Former Trade Name: Jennison Financial Services Fund
New Trade Name: Dryden Financial Services Fund
|
Effective as of February 16, 2010, the Company revised certain of the trade names.
Effective December 1, 2011, the Company's charter was amended to change the designation of Prudential Jennison Health Sciences Fund and to change the designation of Prudential Jennison Utility Fund. Effective November 1, 2017, the Company's charter was amended to change the designation of Prudential Jennison Financial Services Fund.
Effective November 1, 2017, the name of the Prudential Financial Services Fund was changed to the Prudential Jennison Financial Services Fund.
Effective as of June 11, 2018, the Company revised certain of the trade names.
■
|
Former Trade Name: Prudential Financial Services Fund
New Trade Name: PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
|
■
|
Former Trade Name: Prudential Jennison Health Sciences Fund
New Trade Name: PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
|
■
|
Former Trade Name: Prudential Jennison Utility Fund
New Trade Name: PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
|
REORGANIZATION.
Effective as of September 21, 2007, Jennison Technology Fund was acquired by (merged into) Prudential Jennison Mid-Cap Growth Fund, Inc., and no longer is in existence.
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES AND ORGANIZATION.
The Company is authorized to issue 2 billion shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share, divided into three series (the Funds), of which Utility Fund is authorized to issue 1.085 billion shares, Financial Services Fund may issue 400 million shares, and Health Sciences Fund may issue 515 million shares.
The Funds are further divided into classes, consisting of the shares of common stock as set forth below:
PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
Class A Common Stock: 75,000,000
Class B Common Stock: 10,000,000
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 56
Class C Common Stock: 30,000,000
Class R6 Common Stock: 130,000,000
Class R Common Stock: 50,000,000
Class Z Common Stock: 150,000,000
Class T Common Stock: 70,000,000
PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
Class A Common Stock: 50,000,000
Class B Common Stock: 5,000,000
Class C Common Stock: 40,000,000
Class R6 Common Stock: 90,000,000
Class R Common Stock: 75,000,000
Class Z Common Stock: 90,000,000
Class T Common Stock 50,000,000
PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
Class A Common Stock: 500,000,000
Class B Common Stock: 10,000,000
Class C Common Stock: 75,000,000
Class R6 Common Stock: 75,000,000
Class R Common Stock: 75,000,000
Class Z Common Stock: 100,000,000
Class T Common Stock 250,000,000
With respect to each Fund, each class of shares 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 and Class R6 shares, which are not subject to any sales charges and distribution and/or service fees), which may affect net asset value, dividends and liquidation rights, (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 C shares have a conversion feature, and (5) Class R6, Class R and Class Z shares are offered exclusively for sale to a limited group of investors. In accordance with the Company's Articles of Incorporation, the Board Members may authorize the creation of additional series and classes within such series, with such preferences, privileges, limitations and voting and dividend rights as the Board Members may determine. The voting rights of the shareholders of a series or class can be modified only by the majority vote of shareholders of that series or class.
As of the date of this SAI, no Class B or Class T shares were issued or outstanding.
Shares of each 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 a 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 R6 and 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 C shares, there are no conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights. In the event of liquidation, each share of a Fund is entitled to its portion of all of the Fund's assets after all debt and expenses of the Fund have been paid. Since Class C, and Class R 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, Class R6 and Class Z shareholders, whose shares are not subject to any distribution and/or service fees.
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 Board Members is required to be acted on by shareholders under the 1940 Act. Shareholders have certain rights, including the right to call a meeting upon the written request of shareholders entitled to cast at least a majority of all votes entitled to be cast at the meeting.
Under the Articles of Incorporation, the Board may authorize the creation of additional series of shares (the proceeds of which would be invested in separate, independently managed portfolios with distinct investment objectives and policies and share purchase, redemption and net asset value procedures) with such preferences, privileges, limitations and voting and dividend rights as the Board may determine. All consideration received by the Company for shares of any additional series, and all assets in which such consideration is
invested, would belong to that series (subject only to the rights of creditors of that series) and would be subject to the liabilities related thereto. Under the 1940 Act, shareholders of any additional series of shares would normally have to approve the adoption of any advisory contract relating to such series and of any changes in the fundamental investment policies related thereto.
The Board Members have the power to alter the number of the Board Members and they may appoint their own successors, provided that always at least a majority of the Board Members have been elected by the shareholders of the Company. The voting rights of shareholders are not cumulative, so that holders of more than 50% of the shares voting can if they choose, elect all Board Members being selected, while the holders of the remaining shares would be unable to elect any Board Member.
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS AND CONTROL PERSONS
Set forth below are the name and address of any person (a “principal shareholder”) who owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of any class of outstanding shares of the Funds and their percentage of ownership. Also set forth below are the name and address of any person (a “control person”) who owned of record or beneficially either directly or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of the Funds or who acknowledges or asserts the existence of control. Control persons may be able to determine or significantly influence the outcome of matters submitted to a shareholder vote.
Principal Fund Shareholders as of January 6, 2021
|
Fund Name and Share Class
|
Shareholder Name and Address
|
No. of Shares
|
% of Class
|
PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund – Class A
|
Wells Fargo Clearing Svcs LLC
Special Custody Acct for The Exclusive Benefit of Customer
2801 Market St
Saint Louis, MO 63103-2523
|
1,138,766.489
|
25.24%
|
|
National Financial Services LLC
For Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
Attn Mutual Funds Dept – 4
th
Floor
499 Washington Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07310
|
752,621.635
|
16.68%
|
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of its Customers
1 New York Plaza Fl 12
New York, NY 10004-1901
|
291,898.655
|
6.47%
|
|
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plaza
Jersey City, NJ 07399-0002
|
226,071.418
|
5.01%
|
PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund – Class C
|
Wells Fargo Clearing Svcs LLC
Special Custody Acct for The Exclusive Benefit of Customer
2801 Market St
Saint Louis, MO 63103-2523
|
193,176.353
|
24.71%
|
|
LPL Financial
4707 Executive Drive
San Diego, CA 92121-3091
|
187,752.260
|
24.02%
|
|
National Financial Services LLC
For Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
Attn Mutual Funds Dept – 4
th
Floor
499 Washington Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07310
|
115,779.896
|
14.81%
|
|
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plaza
Jersey City, NJ 07399-0002
|
58,567.894
|
7.49%
|
|
Raymond James
Omnibus for Mutual Funds
Attn: Courtney Waller
880 Carillon Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
|
53,186.836
|
6.80%
|
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of its Customers
1 New York Plaza Fl 12
New York, NY 10004-1901
|
42,974.905
|
5.50%
|
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 58
Principal Fund Shareholders as of January 6, 2021
|
Fund Name and Share Class
|
Shareholder Name and Address
|
No. of Shares
|
% of Class
|
PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund – Class Z
|
National Financial Services LLC
For Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
Attn Mutual Funds Dept – 4
th
Floor
499 Washington Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07310
|
609,165.669
|
33.49%
|
|
Wells Fargo Clearing Svcs LLC
Special Custody Acct for The Exclusive Benefit of Customer
2801 Market St
Saint Louis, MO 63103-2523
|
347,718.255
|
19.12%
|
|
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plaza
Jersey City, NJ 07399-0002
|
222,549.363
|
12.24%
|
|
LPL Financial
4707 Executive Drive
San Diego, CA 92121-3091
|
139,284.247
|
7.66%
|
|
UBS WM USA
Spec Cdy A/C Exl Ben Customers of UBSFSI
1000 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken, NJ 07086
|
94,858.764
|
5.22%
|
PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund – Class R
|
Sammons Financial Network LLC
4546 Corporate Dr Ste 100
West Des Moines, IA 50266-5911
|
237,306.009
|
44.09%
|
|
Voya Institutional Trust Company
One Orange Way
Windsor, CT 06095-4774
|
226,705.209
|
42.12%
|
PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund – Class R6
|
Mid Atlantic Trust Company FBO
MATC Omnibus Div Reinvest LTCG – Re
1251 Waterfront Place, Suite 525
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
|
2,428.159
|
63.33%
|
|
Great-West Trust Company TTEE F
Employee Benefits Clients 401K
8515 E Orchard Rd 2T2
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
|
759.382
|
19.81%
|
|
Prudential Investment Mgmt Inc.
Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC
Attn Kristen Pedersen
655 Broad St 19
th
Floor 08-19-24
Newark, NJ 07102-4410
|
641.764
|
16.74%
|
PGIM Health Sciences Fund – Class A
|
Wells Fargo Clearing Svcs LLC
Special Custody Acct for The Exclusive Benefit of Customer
2801 Market St
Saint Louis, MO 63103-2523
|
4,347,690.524
|
22.73%
|
|
National Financial Services LLC
For Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
Attn Mutual Funds Dept – 4
th
Floor
499 Washington Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07310
|
2,801,464.362
|
14.65%
|
|
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
For the Sole Benefit of its Customer
4800 Deer Lake Dr E
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
|
980,493.902
|
5.13%
|
|
Charles Schwab & Co Inc.
Special Custody Acct FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main St
San Francisco, CA 94105
|
977,859.517
|
5.11%
|
Principal Fund Shareholders as of January 6, 2021
|
Fund Name and Share Class
|
Shareholder Name and Address
|
No. of Shares
|
% of Class
|
PGIM Health Sciences Fund – Class C
|
Wells Fargo Clearing Svcs LLC
Special Custody Acct for The Exclusive Benefit of Customer
2801 Market St
Saint Louis, MO 63103-2523
|
518,546.686
|
36.37%
|
|
National Financial Services LLC
For Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
Attn Mutual Funds Dept – 4
th
Floor
499 Washington Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07310
|
216,141.008
|
15.16%
|
|
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plaza
Jersey City, NJ 07399-0002
|
122,626.764
|
8.60%
|
|
American Enterprise Investment Svc
707 2
nd
Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55402-2405
|
73,799.282
|
5.18%
|
|
LPL Financial
4707 Executive Drive
San Diego, CA 92121-3091
|
72,984.941
|
5.12%
|
PGIM Health Sciences Fund – Class Z
|
National Financial Services LLC
For Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
Attn Mutual Funds Dept – 4
th
Floor
499 Washington Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07310
|
3,546,619.818
|
16.17%
|
|
American Enterprise Investment Svc
707 2
nd
Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55402-2405
|
2,396,697.255
|
10.93%
|
|
Wells Fargo Clearing Svcs LLC
Special Custody Acct for The Exclusive Benefit of Customer
2801 Market St
Saint Louis, MO 63103-2523
|
2,281,521.039
|
10.40%
|
|
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
For the Sole Benefit of its Customer
4800 Deer Lake Dr E
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
|
2,049,780.976
|
9.34%
|
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of its Customers
1 New York Plaza Fl 12
New York, NY 10004-1901
|
1,972,685.358
|
8.99%
|
|
Charles Schwab & Co
211 Main St
San Francisco, CA 94105
|
1,633,807.141
|
7.45%
|
|
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plaza
Jersey City, NJ 07399-0002
|
1,380,437.677
|
6.29%
|
PGIM Health Sciences Fund – Class R
|
PIMS/Prudential Retirement
As Nominee for the TTEE/Cust Pl 007
Prudential SmartSolution IRA
280 Trumbull St.
Hartford, CT 06103
|
118,136.158
|
51.09%
|
|
PIMS/Prudential Retirement
As Nominee for the TTEE/Cust Pl 006
Prudential SmartSolution IRA
280 Trumbull St.
Hartford, CT 06103
|
70,359.863
|
30.43%
|
|
PIMS/Prudential Retirement
As Nominee for the TTEE/Cust Pl 007
Prudential SmartSolution IRA
280 Trumbull St.
Hartford, CT 06103
|
12,293.451
|
5.32%
|
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 60
Principal Fund Shareholders as of January 6, 2021
|
Fund Name and Share Class
|
Shareholder Name and Address
|
No. of Shares
|
% of Class
|
PGIM Health Sciences Fund – Class R6
|
National Financial Services LLC
For Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
Attn Mutual Funds Dept – 4
th
Floor
499 Washington Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07310
|
61,402.834
|
17.95%
|
|
DCGT as TTEE and/or Cust
FBO PLIC Various Retirement Plans Omnibus
Attn NPIO Trade Desk
711 High Street
Des Moines, IA 50392
|
60,146.916
|
17.58%
|
|
Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company
PO BOX 2600 VM 613
Attn: Outside Funds
Valley Forge, PA 19482-0000
|
42,084.222
|
12.30%
|
|
Voya Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company
1 Orange Way
Windsor, CT 06090-0000
|
24,885.637
|
7.28%
|
|
J. P. Morgan Securities LLC
Omnibus Account for the Exclusive Benefit of Customers
4 Chase Metrotech Center
3
rd
Floor Mutual Fund Department
Brooklyn, NY 11245
|
24,439.191
|
7.14%
|
|
FIIOC FBO
Stony Brook Business
Ventures LLC 401(K) Plan
100 Magellan Way
Covington, KY 41015-1987
|
19,239.987
|
5.62%
|
|
SEI Private Trust Company
C/O Johnson Bank ETS ID 243
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, PA 19456
|
19,207.639
|
5.62%
|
PGIM Jennison Utility Fund – Class A
|
Wells Fargo Clearing Svcs LLC
Special Custody Acct for The Exclusive Benefit of Customer
2801 Market St
Saint Louis, MO 63103-2523
|
29,762,398.057
|
16.56%
|
|
National Financial Services LLC
For Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
Attn Mutual Funds Dept – 4th Floor
499 Washington Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07310
|
15,328,711.616
|
8.53%
|
PGIM Jennison Utility Fund – Class C
|
Wells Fargo Clearing Svcs LLC
Special Custody Acct for The Exclusive Benefit of Customer
2801 Market St
Saint Louis, MO 63103-2523
|
760,832.885
|
19.91%
|
|
National Financial Services LLC
For Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
Attn Mutual Funds Dept – 4th Floor
499 Washington Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07310
|
592,013.784
|
15.49%
|
|
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plaza
Jersey City, NJ 07399-0002
|
372,972.814
|
9.76%
|
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of its Customers
1 New York Plaza Fl 12
New York, NY 10004-1901
|
303,600.883
|
7.94%
|
Principal Fund Shareholders as of January 6, 2021
|
Fund Name and Share Class
|
Shareholder Name and Address
|
No. of Shares
|
% of Class
|
|
Charles Schwab & Co Inc.
Special Custody Acct FBO Customers
Attn Mutual Funds
211 Main St
San Francisco, CA 94105
|
221,659.012
|
5.80%
|
|
LPL Financial
4707 Executive Drive
San Diego, CA 92121-3091
|
202,186.471
|
5.29%
|
PGIM Jennison Utility Fund – Class Z
|
National Financial Services LLC
For Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
Attn Mutual Funds Dept – 4th Floor
499 Washington Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07310
|
5,845,781.980
|
28.40%
|
|
LPL Financial
4707 Executive Drive
San Diego, CA 92121-3091
|
1,780,853.027
|
8.65%
|
|
Wells Fargo Clearing Svcs LLC
Special Custody Acct for The Exclusive Benefit of Customer
2801 Market St
Saint Louis, MO 63103-2523
|
1,573,928.714
|
7.65%
|
|
American Enterprise Investment Svc
707 2
nd
Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55402-2405
|
1,234,931.414
|
6.00%
|
|
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plaza
Jersey City, NJ 07399-0002
|
1,222,092.489
|
5.94%
|
PGIM Jennison Utility Fund – Class R
|
Voya Institutional Trust Company
One Orange Way
Windsor, CT 06095-4774
|
3,237,614.713
|
62.63%
|
|
Sammons Financial Network LLC
4546 Corporate Dr Ste 100
West Des Moines, IA 50266-5911
|
1,083,366.445
|
20.96%
|
PGIM Jennison Utility Fund – Class R6
|
Great-West Trust Company TTEE F
Employee Benefits Clients 401K
8515 E Orchard Rd 2T2
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
|
147,173.969
|
38.48%
|
|
Nationwide Trust Company FSB C/O IPO Portfolio Accounting
PO BOX 182029
Columbus, OH 43218-2029
|
63,579.128
|
16.62%
|
|
Ascensus Trust Company FBO
Paley, Rothman 401(K) Plan
P.O. BOX 10758
Fargo, ND 58106
|
31,522.250
|
8.24%
|
|
FIIOC FBO
Stony Brook Business
Ventures LLC 401(K) Plan
100 Magellan Way
Covington, KY 41015-1987
|
27,764.378
|
7.26%
|
|
Ascensus Trust Company FBO
Quality Consulting Inc. 401(K) Retirement
P.O. BOX 10758
Fargo, ND 58106
|
25,856.302
|
6.76%
|
|
J P. Morgan Securities LLC
Omnibus Account for the Exclusive Benefit of Customers
4 Chase Metrotech Center
3
rd
Floor Mutual Fund Department
Brooklyn, NY 11245
|
22,868.317
|
5.98%
|
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 62
As of the date of this SAI, no person was deemed to have “control” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund because it owned more than 25% of the Fund’s outstanding shares, either beneficially or by virtue of its fiduciary or trust roles or otherwise.
As of the date of this SAI, the Board Members and Officers of the Funds, as a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Fund.
The financial statements for PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund, PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund and PGIM Jennison Utility Fund for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2020, which are incorporated in this SAI by reference to the 2020 Annual Reports to shareholders (File No. 811-3175), were audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. The financial statements for PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund, PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund and PGIM Jennison Utility Fund for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2019, which are also incorporated in this SAI by reference to the 2020 Annual Report to shareholders (File No. 811-3175), were audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. You may obtain a copy of the Annual Reports at no charge by request to the Funds by calling (800) 225-1852 or by writing to Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, P.O. Box 9658, Providence, RI 02940.
PART II
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF FUND SHARES
SHARE CLASSES.
The Funds may offer shares of one or more classes to investors. Not every share class described in this SAI may be offered, and investors should consult their Prospectuses for specific information concerning the share classes that are available to them.
Shares of the Funds 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 C shares or Class A shares, in certain circumstances). Class R, Class R1, Class R2, Class R3, Class R4, Class R5, Class R6, and Class Z shares, if offered, are offered only to a limited group of investors at NAV without any sales charges.
Additional or different classes of shares may also be offered, including Class R, Class R1, Class R2, Class R3, Class R4, Class R5, and Class R6. If offered, specific information with respect to these share classes is set forth in the Prospectuses and SAI.
For more information, see “How to Buy, Sell and Exchange Fund Shares—How to Buy Shares” in the Prospectuses.
PURCHASE BY WIRE
. For an initial purchase of shares of the Funds 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 Funds' 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 NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time), on a business day, you may purchase shares of the Funds as of that day. In the event that regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. Eastern 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 Custodian directly and should be sure that the wire specifies the Funds' name, the share class to be purchased, your name, individual account number, Direct Deposit Account (DDA) Number and the Fund's Bank Account registration. 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 Funds, (b) are relatively 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 Funds' 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 Fund Shares—How 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 FUND SHARES.
The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment may be postponed for a period of up to seven days. Suspensions or postponements may not exceed seven days except 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 of Fund securities is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Funds fairly to determine the value of their net assets, or (4) during any other period when the SEC, by order, so permits; provided that applicable rules and regulations of the SEC shall govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (2), (3) or (4) exist.
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 64
REDEMPTION IN KIND.
The Funds may pay the redemption price in whole or in part by a distribution in kind of securities from the investment portfolio of the Funds, in lieu of cash, in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC and procedures adopted by the Board. 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, and you would bear all market risk relating to the securities until the securities are sold. The Funds, however, have elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, under which the Funds are obligated to redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1.00% of the NAV of the Funds 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 Class A
and Class C shares of the Funds and shares of other PGIM 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 PMFS 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). The Distributor, your broker or PMFS must be notified at the time of purchase that the investor is entitled to a reduced sales charge. Reduced sales charges will be granted subject to confirmation of the investor's holdings. This does not apply to PGIM Government Money Market Fund.
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 PMFS in connection with investors' accounts) by PMFS or your broker or other financial intermediary. See “Net Asset Value” below. In certain cases, however, redemption proceeds will be reduced by the amount of any applicable contingent deferred sales charge (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 NAV is computed for that day (at the close of regular trading on the NYSE, usually, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) in order to receive that day's NAV. In the event that regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. Eastern 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 responsible for furnishing all necessary documentation to the Distributor and may charge you for its services in connection with redeeming shares of the Funds.
All correspondence and documents concerning redemptions should be sent to the Funds in care of PMFS, P.O. Box 9658, Providence, Rhode Island 02940 or to your broker or other financial intermediary.
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 PMFS, 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 PMFS must be submitted before such request will be accepted. All correspondence and documents concerning redemptions should be sent to the Funds in care of PMFS, P.O. Box 9658, Providence, RI 02940, to the Distributor or to your broker.
Payment for redemption of recently purchased shares may be delayed until the Funds or PMFS has been advised that the purchase check has been honored, which may take up to 7 calendar days from the time of receipt of the purchase check by PMFS. 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 PMFS’ records, (4) are to be paid to a corporation, partnership, trust or fiduciary, or (5) are to be paid due to the death of the shareholder or on behalf of the shareholder, and your shares are held directly with PMFS, the signature(s) on the redemption request or stock power must be Medallion signature guaranteed. The Medallion signature guarantee must be obtained from an authorized officer of a bank, broker, dealer, securities exchange or association, clearing agency, savings association, or credit union that is participating in one of the recognized Medallion programs (STAMP, SEMP, or NYSE MSP), but not from a notary public. The Medallion signature guarantee must be appropriate for the dollar amount of the transaction. The Funds may change the signature guarantee requirements from time to time without prior notice to shareholders. PMFS reserves the right to reject transactions where the value of the transaction exceeds the value of the surety coverage indicated on the Medallion imprint. PMFS also reserves the right to request additional information from, and make reasonable inquires of, any institution that provides a Medallion signature guarantee. In the case of redemptions from a PruArray Plan, if the proceeds of the redemption are invested in another investment option of the plan in the name of the record holder and at the same address as reflected in PMFS' records, a Medallion signature guarantee is not required.
Under normal market conditions, payment for shares presented for redemption will be made by check within seven days after receipt by PMFS 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 Funds of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Funds fairly to determine the value of their net assets, or (4) during any other period when the SEC, by order, so permits; provided that applicable rules and regulations of the SEC shall govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (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 $100 or more, except if an account for which an expedited redemption is requested has an NAV of less than $100, 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. The money would generally be received by your bank within one business day of the redemption. Redemption proceeds of less than $500 will be sent by ACH to your bank which must be a member of the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system. The money would generally be received by your bank within three business days of the redemption. 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 Transfer Agent prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern 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 Prospectuses regarding redemption of shares. In the event that regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. Eastern 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 Fund Shares-Telephone Redemptions or Exchanges” in the Prospectuses. The Expedited Redemption Privilege may be modified or terminated at any time without notice. To receive further information, shareholders should contact PMFS.
INVOLUNTARY REDEMPTION.
If the value of your account with PMFS is less than $500 for any reason, PMFS may sell the rest of your shares (without charging any CDSC) and close your account. The involuntary sale provisions do not apply to: (i) an individual retirement account (IRA) or other qualified or tax-deferred retirement plan or account, (ii) Automatic Investment Plan (AIP) accounts, employee savings plan accounts or payroll deduction plan accounts, (iii) accounts under the same registration with multiple share classes in the Funds whose combined value exceeds $500, or (iv) clients with assets more than $50,000 across the PGIM Funds. “Client” for this purpose has the same definition as for purposes of Rights of Accumulation, i.e., an investor and an eligible group of related investors.
PMFS has the right to reject any purchase order (including an exchange into the Funds) or suspend or modify the Funds' sales of its shares under certain circumstances. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, failure by you to provide additional information requested, such as information required to verify the source of funds used to purchase shares, your identity or the identity of any underlying beneficial owners of your shares. Furthermore, PMFS is required by law to close your account if you do not provide the required identifying information; this would result in the redemption of shares at the then-current day's NAV and the proceeds would be remitted to you via check. PMFS will attempt to verify your identity within a reasonable time frame (e.g., 60 days) which may change from time to time.
ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE FEE.
In order to offset the disproportionate effect (in basis points) of expenses associated with servicing lower balance accounts, if the value of your Class A, Class
C or Class Z account with PMFS is less than $10,000, a $15 annual account maintenance fee (“account maintenance fee”) will be deducted from your account. The account maintenance fee will be assessed during the 4th calendar quarter of each year. Any applicable CDSC on the shares redeemed to pay the account maintenance fee will be waived. The account maintenance fee will not be charged on: (i) accounts during the first six months from inception of the account, (ii) accounts for which you have elected to receive your account statements, transaction confirmations, prospectuses, and fund shareholder reports electronically rather than by mail, (iii) omnibus accounts or other accounts for which the dealer is responsible for recordkeeping, (iv) institutional accounts, (v) group retirement plans (including SIMPLE IRA plans, profit-sharing plans, money purchase pension plans, Keogh plans, defined compensation plans, defined benefit plans and 401(k) plans), (vi) AIP accounts or employee savings plan accounts, (vii) accounts with the same registration associated with multiple share classes within the Funds, provided that the aggregate value of share classes with the same registration within the Funds is $10,000 or more, or (viii) clients with assets of $50,000 or more across the PGIM Funds. “Client” for this purpose has the same definition as for purposes of Rights of Accumulation, i.e., an investor and an eligible group of related investors or other financial intermediary.
90 DAY REPURCHASE PRIVILEGE.
If you redeem your shares and have not previously exercised the repurchase privilege during the previous 12 months, you may reinvest back into your account any portion or all of the proceeds of such redemption in shares of the Funds 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 in Class A
or Class C shares 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.) This repurchase privilege can only be used once in a 12-month period. You must notify PMFS, 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
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 66
redemption. See “Contingent Deferred Sales Charge” below. Exercise of the repurchase privilege will generally not affect federal tax treatment of any gain realized upon redemption. However, if the redemption was made within a 30 day period of the repurchase and if the redemption resulted in a loss, some or all of the loss, depending on the amount reinvested, may not be allowed for federal income tax purposes.
The terms of this privilege may vary by financial intermediary. For more information, see “Appendix A: Waivers and Discounts Available From Certain Financial Intermediaries” in the Fund’s Prospectus.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE (CDSC)
Class A.
Investors who purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares and sell these shares within 12 months of purchase are subject to a 1.00%
CDSC.
Class C
. Class C shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase will be subject to a 1.00% CDSC. The CDSC will be deducted from the redemption proceeds and reduce the amount paid to you.
Waiver of CDSC
. The Class A
or Class C CDSC is waived if the shares are sold:
■
|
After a shareholder is deceased or permanently disabled (or, in the case of a trust account, after 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 permanent disability,
|
■
|
To provide for certain distributions—made without IRS penalty—from a qualified or tax-deferred retirement plan, benefit plan, IRA or Section 403(b) custodial account, and
|
■
|
To withdraw excess contributions from a qualified or tax-deferred retirement plan, IRA or Section 403(b) custodial account.
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If you purchase Class Z shares (see “Qualifying for Class Z Shares” in the Prospectus) within 5 days of redemption of your Class A shares that you had purchased directly through the Fund's transfer agent, PMFS will credit your account with the appropriate number of shares to reflect any CDSC you paid on the reinvested portion of your redemption proceeds.
Calculation of CDSC
. The CDSC will be imposed on any redemption that reduces the current value of your Class A
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), 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. The CDSC will be calculated from the date of the initial purchase, excluding the time shares were held in Class C shares of a money market fund. See “Shareholder Services—Exchange Privileges” below.
In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a redemption, the calculation will be made in a manner that results in the lowest possible rate. It will be assumed that the redemption is made first of amounts representing shares acquired pursuant to the reinvestment of dividends and distributions; then of amounts representing the increase in NAV above the total amount of payments for the purchase of Class A shares made during the preceding 12 months (in certain cases), 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 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.
As noted above, the CDSC will be waived in the case of a redemption following the death or permanent disability of a shareholder or, in the case of a trust account, following the death or permanent 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 permanent disability, provided that the shares were purchased prior to death or permanent disability.
The CDSC will be waived in the case of a total or partial redemption in connection with certain distributions under the Code from a tax-deferred retirement plan, an IRA or Section 403(b) custodial account. 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 reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations. The distribution form must be signed by the shareholder.
AUTOMATIC CONVERSION OF CLASS C SHARES
.
Class
C shares automatically convert into Class A shares on a monthly basis approximately eight years
after
the
original date of purchase
(the
“Conversion Date”).
Conversion will
take place based on the
relative NAV of the two classes, without
the imposition of any sales load, fee or other
charge.
Class C shares of the Funds acquired through automatic reinvestment of dividends or distributions will convert to Class A shares of the Funds on the Conversion Date pro rata with the converting Class C shares of the Funds that were not acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions. All such automatic conversions of Class C shares will constitute tax-free exchanges for federal income tax purposes.
For shareholders investing in Class C shares through retirement plans or omnibus accounts, and in certain other instances, the Funds and its agents may not have transparency into how long a shareholder has held Class C shares for purposes of determining whether such Class C shares are eligible for automatic conversion into Class A shares, and the relevant financial intermediary may not have the ability to track purchases in order to credit individual shareholders’ holding periods. In these circumstances, the Funds will not be able to automatically convert Class C shares into Class A shares as described above. In order to determine eligibility for conversion in these circumstances, it is the responsibility of the financial intermediary to notify the Fund that the shareholder is eligible for the conversion of Class C shares to Class A shares, and the financial intermediary may be required to maintain and provide the Funds with records that substantiate the holding period of Class C shares. It is the financial intermediary’s (and not the Fund’s) responsibility to keep records of transactions made in accounts it holds and to ensure that the shareholder is credited with the proper holding period based on such records or those provided to the financial intermediary by the shareholder. Please consult with your financial intermediary for the applicability of this conversion feature to your shares.
Class C shares were generally closed to investments by new group retirement plans effective on or about June 1, 2018. Group retirement plans (and their successor, related and affiliated plans) that have Class C shares of the Funds available to participants on or before the Effective Date may continue to open accounts for new participants in such share class and purchase additional shares in existing participant accounts.
The Funds have no responsibility for monitoring or implementing a financial intermediary’s process for determining whether a shareholder meets the required holding period for conversion. A financial intermediary may sponsor and/or control accounts, programs or platforms that impose a different conversion schedule or different eligibility requirements for the exchange of Class C shares for Class A shares, as set forth on
Appendix A: Waivers and Discounts Available From Certain Financial Intermediaries
of the Prospectus. In these cases, Class C shareholders may have their shares exchanged for Class A shares under the policies of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries will be responsible for making such exchanges in those circumstances. Please consult with your financial intermediary if you have any questions regarding your shares’ conversion from Class C shares to Class A shares.
The conversion feature may be subject to the continuing availability of opinions of counsel or rulings of the IRS that the conversion of shares does not constitute a taxable event for federal income tax purposes. The automatic conversion of Class C shares into Class A shares may be suspended if such opinions or rulings are no longer available. If such conversions are suspended, Class C shares of the Funds will continue to be subject, possibly indefinitely, to their higher annual distribution and service (12b-1) fee. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of the conversion or exchange of shares.
EXCHANGE OF SHARE CLASSES WITHIN THE FUND
. Within the Funds, investors or their financial intermediaries may wish to exchange investments in one share class of the Funds to another share class offered by the same Fund. For certain exchanges, subject to the discretion of the Manager and or its affiliates, the Funds may need to waive applicable sales charges in the share class that the shareholder is receiving and/or waive CDSC on the redeemed shares, as applicable.
Such exchanges may be subject to the continuing availability of opinions of counsel or rulings of the IRS that the exchange of shares does not constitute a taxable event for federal income tax purposes. If such opinions or rulings are no longer available, then the exchange may be a taxable event. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of the exchange of shares.
Please contact PMFS at (800) 225-1852 for more details on such exchanges.
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 68
The price an investor pays for the Funds' share is based on the share value. The share value—known as the net asset value per share or NAV—is determined by subtracting Fund liabilities from the value of Fund assets and dividing the remainder by the number of outstanding shares. NAV is calculated separately for each class. The Funds will compute their NAV once each business day at the close of regular trading on the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. For purposes of computing NAV, the Funds will value futures contracts generally 15 minutes after the close of regular trading on the NYSE. The Funds may not compute their NAV on days on which no orders to purchase, sell or exchange shares of the Funds have been received or on days on which changes in the value of the Funds' portfolio securities do not materially affect NAV. The Funds will not treat an intraday unscheduled disruption in NYSE trading as a closure of the NYSE and will price its shares as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, if the particular disruption directly affects only the NYSE. Please see the NYSE website (www.nyse.com) for a specific list of the holidays on which the NYSE is closed.
In accordance with procedures adopted by the Board, the value of investments listed on a securities exchange and NASDAQ 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, or if the mean price does not represent fair value, in the judgment of the Manager. 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. Open-end, non-exchange traded mutual funds are valued at their net asset value as determined as of the close of the NYSE on the date of valuation. Corporate bonds (other than convertible debt securities) and US Government securities that are actively traded in the OTC market, including listed securities for which the primary market is believed by the Manager in 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 on the day of valuation at an evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing agent, or, in the absence of valuation provided by an independent pricing agent, at the bid price provided by a principal market maker or primary market dealer.
Options on securities and securities indices that are listed on an exchange are valued at the last sale price on such exchange on the day of valuation or, if there was no such sale on such day, at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on such exchange or at the last bid price in the absence of an asked price. Where exchange trading has halted on exchange-traded call or put options, the last available traded price may be used for a period of no longer than five business days. On the sixth business day, such options may be valued at zero in the absence of trading, when such options are “out of the money” by more than 5% of the value of the underlying asset and expire within 14 calendar days of the valuation date. If this methodology is determined to not be representative of the market value for the options, they will be fair valued.
Futures contracts and options thereon traded on a commodities exchange or Board of Trade shall be valued on the day of valuation at the last sale price at the close of trading on such exchange or Board of Trade or, if there was no sale on the applicable exchange or Board of Trade on such date, at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on such exchange or Board of Trade or at the last bid price in the absence of an asked price. Quotations of non-US securities in a non-US currency are converted to US 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 subadviser or Manager under procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Funds' Board.
Under the 1940 Act, the Board is responsible for determining in good faith the fair value of securities of the Funds. 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 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 relative liquidity/illiquidity of the securities; the issuer's financial condition and the markets in which it does business; the cost of the investment; 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 PGIM Funds; and such other factors as may be determined by the subadviser, 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; securities 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 portfolio securities to no longer reflect their value at the time of the NAV calculation. On a day that the Manager determines that one or more portfolio securities constitute Fair Value Securities, the Manager’s Fair Valuation Committee may determine the fair value of these securities if the fair valuation of each security results in a change of less than $0.01 to the Funds' NAV and/or the fair valuation of the securities in the aggregate results in a change of less than one half of one percent of the Funds' daily net assets and the Fair Valuation Committee presents these valuations to the Board for its ratification. In the event that the fair valuation of a security results in a NAV change of $0.01 or more per share and/or in the aggregate results in a change of one half of one percent or more of the daily NAV, the Board shall promptly be notified, in detail, of the fair valuation, and the fair valuation will be reported on and presented for ratification at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. Also, the Board receives, on an interim basis, reports of the meetings of the Valuation Committee that occur between regularly scheduled Board meetings.
In addition, the Funds use a service provided by a pricing vendor to fair value non-US Fair Value Securities, which are securities that are primarily traded in non-US markets and subject to a valuation adjustment upon the reaching of a valuation “trigger” determined by the Board. The fair value prices of non-US Fair Value Securities reflect an adjustment to closing market prices that is intended to reflect the causal link between movements in the US market and the non-US market on which the securities trade.
The use of fair value pricing procedures involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security may be materially different from the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Funds could obtain the fair value assigned to a security if the security were sold at approximately the same time at which the NAV per share is determined.
Generally, futures contracts will be valued at the close of trading for those contracts (normally 15 minutes after the close of regular trading on the NYSE). If, in the judgment of the subadviser or Manager, the closing price of a contract is materially different from the contract price at the NYSE close, a fair value price for the contract will be determined.
If dividends are declared daily, the NAV of each class of shares 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.
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 PMFS. Share certificates are no longer issued for shares of the Funds. The Funds furnish to 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 Funds at NAV per share. An investor may direct PMFS 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 PMFS 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 PMFS. Shares purchased with reinvested dividends and/or distributions will not be subject to any CDSC upon redemption.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES.
The Funds furnish to shareholders the privilege of exchanging their shares of the Funds for shares of certain other PGIM Funds, as disclosed in each Fund’s Prospectus, including one or more specified money market funds, subject in each case to the minimum investment requirements of such funds. Shares of such other PGIM Funds may also be exchanged for shares of the Funds. 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 federal income 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 PGIM 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 PGIM Funds, the shares of which may be distributed by the Distributor.
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 70
In order to exchange shares by telephone, you must authorize telephone exchanges on your initial application form or by written notice to PMFS and hold shares in non-certificated form. Thereafter, you may call the Funds at (800) 225-1852 to execute a telephone exchange of shares. For your protection and to prevent fraudulent exchanges, your telephone call will be recorded and you will be asked to authenticate your account. A written confirmation of the exchange transaction will be sent to you. Neither the Funds nor their 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 Shares—Sale of Shares” above.
You may also exchange shares by mail by writing to PMFS, P.O. Box 9658, Providence, RI 02940.
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 PMFS at the address noted above.
Class A shares:
Shareholders of the Funds may exchange their Class A shares for Class A shares of certain other PGIM 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 PGIM Funds participating in the exchange privilege.
The following money market fund participates in the Class A exchange privilege: PGIM Government Money Market Fund (Class A shares).
Participants in certain programs sponsored by broker-dealers, investment advisers and financial planners who have agreements with Prudential, or whose programs are available through financial intermediaries that have agreements with Prudential relating to mutual fund “wrap” or asset allocation programs or mutual fund “supermarket” programs, for which the Funds are an available option, may have their Class A shares, if any, exchanged for Class Z shares of the Funds, if available as an investment option, when they elect to have those assets become a part of the 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) may be exchanged for Class A shares of the Funds at NAV if Class Z shares are not available to the shareholder as an investment option outside the program. Contact your program sponsor or financial intermediary with any questions.
Class C shares:
Shareholders of the Funds may exchange their Class
C shares of the Funds for Class
C shares, of other PGIM Funds. No CDSC will be payable upon such exchange, but a CDSC may be payable upon the redemption of the 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 date of the initial purchase, rather than the date of the exchange, excluding any time Class
C shares were held in a money market fund.
Class C shares may also be exchanged for shares of PGIM Government Money Market Fund without imposition of any CDSC at the time of exchange. Upon subsequent redemption from such money market fund or after re-exchange into the Funds, such shares will be subject to the CDSC calculated without regard to the time such shares were held in the money market fund.
At any time after acquiring shares of other funds participating in the Class C exchange privilege, a shareholder may again exchange those shares (and any reinvested dividends and distributions) for Class C shares of the Funds without subjecting such shares to any CDSC. Shares of any fund participating in the Class C exchange privilege that were acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions may be exchanged for Class C shares of other funds without being subject to any CDSC.
Class R shares:
Class R shares may be exchanged for Class R shares of other PGIM Funds.
Class R2 shares:
Class R2 shares may be exchanged for Class R2 shares of other PGIM Funds (except the Prudential Day One Funds).
Class R4 shares
: Class R4 shares may be exchanged for Class R4 shares of other PGIM Funds (except the Prudential Day One Funds).
Class Z shares:
Class Z shares may be exchanged for Class Z shares of other PGIM Funds.
Class R6 shares:
Class R6 shares may be exchanged for Class R6 shares of other PGIM Funds (except the Prudential Day One Funds or the PGIM 60/40 Allocation Fund).
Shareholders who qualify to purchase Class Z shares may have their Class C shares which are not subject to a CDSC and their Class A shares exchanged for Class Z shares upon notification. Eligibility for this exchange privilege will be calculated on the business day prior to the date of the exchange. Amounts representing Class C shares which are not subject to a CDSC include the following: (1) amounts representing Class C shares acquired pursuant to the automatic reinvestment of dividends and distributions, (2) amounts representing the increase in the NAV above the total amount of payments for the purchase of Class C shares and (3) amounts representing Class C shares held beyond the applicable CDSC period. Class C shareholders must notify PMFS either directly or through Wells Fargo Advisors, Pruco Securities, LLC or another broker that they are eligible for this special exchange privilege.
Participants in any fee-based program for which the Funds are an available option may arrange with the Transfer Agent or their recordkeeper to 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), the participant may arrange with the Transfer Agent or their recordkeeper to have such Class Z shares acquired through participation in the program exchanged for Class A shares at NAV. Similarly, participants in Wells Fargo Advisors' 401(k) Plan for which the Funds' Class Z shares are an available option and who wish to transfer their Class Z shares out of the Wells Fargo Advisors 401(k) Plan following separation from service (i.e., voluntary or involuntary termination of employment or retirement) may arrange with the Transfer Agent or their recordkeeper to have their Class Z shares exchanged for Class A shares at NAV.
Additional details about the exchange privilege and prospectuses for each of the PGIM Funds are available from PMFS, the Distributor or your broker. The special exchange privilege may be modified, terminated or suspended on sixty days' notice, and the Funds, or the Distributor, have the right to reject any exchange application relating to the Funds' shares.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN (AIP).
Under AIP, an investor may arrange to have a fixed amount automatically invested in shares of the Funds by authorizing his or her bank account or brokerage account to be debited to invest specified dollar amounts in shares of the Funds. 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 PMFS, the Distributor or your broker.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN.
A Systematic Withdrawal Plan is available to shareholders through the PMFS 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
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.
PMFS, 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.
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) 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, the Funds may be included in a mutual fund program with other PGIM 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. The Funds 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.
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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 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 PMFS.
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 Code, Treasury Regulations, 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 adviser 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., 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 its net tax-exempt income and investment company taxable 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. If a Fund has a capital loss carryforward, the amount and duration of any such capital loss carryforward will be set forth at the end of this section.
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 non-US 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 and net income derived from an interest in a QPTP.
Each Fund must also satisfy an asset diversification test on a quarterly basis. Failure to do so may result in a Fund being subject to penalty taxes, being required to sell certain of its positions, and may cause the Fund to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company. Under this asset diversification 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 two or more issuers (other than securities of other regulated investment companies) of which the Fund owns 20% or more of the voting stock and which are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses or (y) one or more QPTPs (as such term is defined in the Code) and commonly referred to as “master limited partnerships.”
A Fund may be able to cure a failure to derive at least 90% of its income from the sources specified above or a failure to diversify its holdings in the manner described above by paying a tax, by disposing of certain assets, or by paying a tax and disposing of assets. If, in any taxable year, a Fund fails one of these tests and does not timely cure the failure, the Fund will be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation and distributions to its shareholders will not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income.
Although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to regulated investment companies, such rules do apply to a regulated investment company with respect to items attributable to an interest in a QPTP. A Fund’s investments in partnerships, including in QPTPs, may result in the Fund being subject to state, local or non-US income, franchise or withholding tax liabilities.
If for any year a Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company, or fails to meet the Distribution Requirement, 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. In addition, in the event of a failure to qualify, a Fund’s distributions, to the extent derived from the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, including any distributions of net long-term capital gains, will be taxable to shareholders as dividend income. However, such dividends will be eligible (i) to be treated as qualified dividend income in the case of shareholders taxed as individuals and (ii) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders. Moreover, if a Fund fails to qualify as a
regulated investment company in any year, it must pay out its earnings and profits accumulated in that year in order to qualify again as a regulated investment company. If a Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company for a period greater than two taxable years, the Fund may be subject to taxation on any net built-in-gains (i.e., the excess of the aggregate gain, including items of income, over aggregate loss that would have been realized if the Fund had been liquidated) recognized for a period of five years, or, under certain circumstances, may have to recognize and pay tax on such net built-in-gain, in order to qualify as a regulated investment company in a subsequent year.
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 ordinary taxable income, including qualified dividend income, for the calendar year and 98.2% 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 taxable 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 a Fund. Any such income would be treated as income earned by a 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 Requirement. Additionally, a Fund may make investments that result in the recognition of ordinary income rather than capital gain, or that prevent a Fund from accruing a long-term holding period. These investments may prevent a 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 following 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 a 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.
In certain situations, a Fund may, for a taxable year, defer all or a portion of its net capital loss realized after October (or if there is no net capital loss, then any net long-term or short-term capital loss) and its late-year ordinary loss (defined as the sum of the excess of post-October non-US currency and passive non-US investment company (“PFIC”) losses over post-October non-US currency and PFIC gains plus the excess of post-December ordinary losses over post-December ordinary income) until the next taxable year in computing its investment company taxable income and net capital gain, which will defer the recognition of such realized losses. Such deferrals and other rules regarding gains and losses realized after October (or December) may affect the tax character of shareholder distributions.
If an option written by a Fund on securities lapses or is terminated through a closing transaction, such as a repurchase by a Fund of the option from its holder, a Fund will generally realize short-term capital gain or loss. If securities are sold by a Fund pursuant to the exercise of a call option written by it, a 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 indices 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.
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As a result of entering into swap contracts, a Fund may make or receive periodic net payments. A Fund may also make or receive a payment when a swap is terminated prior to maturity through an assignment of the swap or other closing transaction. Periodic net payments will generally constitute taxable ordinary income or deductions, while termination of a swap will generally result in capital gain or loss (which will be a long-term capital gain or loss if a Fund has been a party to the swap for more than one year). With respect to certain types of swaps, a Fund may be required to currently recognize income or loss with respect to future payments on such swaps or may elect under certain circumstances to mark such swaps to market annually for tax purposes as ordinary income or loss. Periodic net payments that would otherwise constitute ordinary deductions but are allocable under the Code to exempt-interest dividends will not be allowed as a deduction but instead will reduce net tax-exempt income.
In general, gain or loss on a short sale is recognized when a Fund closes the sale by delivering the borrowed property to the lender, not when the borrowed property is sold. Gain or loss from a short sale is generally capital gain or loss to the extent that the property used to close the short sale constitutes a capital asset in a Fund’s hands. Except with respect to certain situations where the property used by a Fund to close a short sale has a long-term holding period on the date of the short sale, special rules would generally treat the gains on short sales as short-term capital gains. These rules may also terminate the running of the holding period of “substantially identical property” held by a Fund. Moreover, a loss on a short sale will be treated as a long-term capital loss if, on the date of the short sale, “substantially identical property” has been held by a Fund for more than one year. In general, a Fund will not be permitted to deduct payments made to reimburse the lender of securities for dividends paid on borrowed stock if the short sale is closed on or before the 45th day after the short sale is entered into.
Debt securities acquired by a Fund may be subject to original issue discount and market discount rules which, respectively, may cause a 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 a 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, a Fund may have to borrow money or dispose of other securities and use the proceeds to make distributions to satisfy the Distribution Requirement. A Fund will face a similar issue with market discount that it elects, or is required to accrue.
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 a Fund’s taxable year. Except with respect to certain non-US 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 the 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 non-US currency and the time a Fund actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities are treated as ordinary income or loss. Similarly, gains or losses on non-US currency forward contracts or dispositions of debt securities denominated in a non-US currency that are attributable to fluctuations in the value of the non-US 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 a Fund’s net capital 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 from current earnings and profits, and distributions made before the losses were realized could 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.
If a Fund holds (directly or indirectly) one or more “tax credit bonds” (defined below) on one or more specified dates during a Fund’s taxable year, and a Fund satisfies the minimum distribution requirement, a Fund may elect for US federal income tax purposes to pass through to shareholders tax credits otherwise allowable to a Fund for that year with respect to such bonds. A tax credit bond is defined in the Code as a “qualified tax credit bond” (which includes a qualified forestry conservation bond, a new clean renewable energy bond, a qualified energy conservation bond, a qualified zone academy bond, or a qualified school construction bond, each of which must meet certain requirements specified in the Code), a “build America bond” or certain other specified bonds. If the Fund were to make an election, a shareholder of a Fund would be required to include in gross income an amount equal to such shareholder’s proportionate share of the interest income attributable to such credits and would be entitled to claim as a tax credit an amount equal to the shareholder’s proportionate share of such credits. Certain limitations may apply on the extent to which the credit may be claimed.
A Fund may make investments in equity securities of non-US issuers, subject to the requirements of its investment restrictions. If a Fund purchases shares in PFICs, a Fund may be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” from such non-US corporation, including any gain from the disposition of such shares, even if such income is distributed by a Fund to its shareholders. In addition, certain interest charges may be imposed on a 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, a 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 a 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, with such election being made separately for each PFIC owned by a Fund, a 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 a 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 non-US corporation will not be eligible for the special tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income if the non-US 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.
A Fund may invest in REITs, subject to the requirements of its investment restrictions. A Fund’s investments in REIT equity securities may require a Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. In order to generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, a Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio that it otherwise would have continued to hold (including when it is not advantageous to do so). A Fund’s investments in REIT equity securities may at other times result in a Fund’s receipt of cash in excess of the REIT’s earnings; if a Fund distributes such amounts, such distribution could constitute a return of capital to Fund shareholders for federal income tax purposes. In addition, between 2018 and 2025, a direct REIT shareholder may claim a 20% “qualified business income” deduction for ordinary REIT dividends, and a RIC may pass through to its shareholders the special character of this income. Ordinary dividends received by the Fund from a REIT will generally not constitute qualified dividend income, which would be eligible for tax at a reduced rate.
Some of the REITs in which the Funds may invest will be permitted to hold residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMICs”). Under Treasury regulations not yet issued, but that may apply retroactively, a portion of a Fund’s income from a REIT that is attributable to the REIT’s residual interest in a REMIC (referred to in the Code as an “excess inclusion”) will be subject to federal income tax in all events. These regulations are expected to provide that excess inclusion income of a regulated investment company, such as a Fund, will be allocated to shareholders of the regulated investment company in proportion to the dividends received by shareholders, with the same consequences as if shareholders held the related REMIC residual interest directly.
In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will constitute unrelated business taxable income to entities (including a qualified pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan or other tax-exempt entity) subject to tax on unrelated business income, thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and that otherwise might not be required to file a tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income, and (iii) in the case of a non-US shareholder, will not qualify for any reduction in US federal withholding tax.
Under current law, if a charitable remainder trust (defined in Section 664 of the Code) realizes any unrelated business taxable income for a taxable year, it will be subject to an excise tax equal to 100% of such unrelated business taxable income. In addition, if at any time during any taxable year a “disqualified organization” (as defined in the Code) is a record holder of a share in a regulated investment company, then the regulated investment company will be subject to a tax equal to that portion of its excess inclusion income for the taxable year that is allocable to the disqualified organization, multiplied by the highest federal income tax rate imposed on corporations. The Funds do not intend to invest directly in residual interests in REMICs or to invest in REITs in which a substantial portion of the assets will consist of residual interests in REMICs.
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 US shareholder that are reported as qualified dividend income will generally be taxable to such shareholder at capital gain income tax rates. The amount of dividend income that may be reported by a Fund as qualified dividend income will generally be limited to the aggregate of the eligible dividends received by a Fund. Dividends of net investment income that are not reported as qualified dividend income or exempt-interest dividends and dividends of net short-term capital gains will be taxable
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to shareholders at ordinary income rates. Dividends paid by a Fund with respect to a taxable year will qualify for the dividends received deduction generally available to corporations to the extent of the amount of dividends received by a Fund from certain domestic corporations for the taxable year. For tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, a Fund may also report dividends eligible for a 20% “qualified business income” deduction for non-corporate US shareholders to the extent a Fund’s income is derived from ordinary REIT dividends, reduced by allocable Fund expenses. In order for a Fund’s dividends to be eligible for treatment as qualified dividend income or for the dividends received deduction or qualified business income deduction, a Fund must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to the shares on which a Fund received the eligible dividends, and the US shareholder must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to a Fund shares. Shareholders will be advised annually as to the US 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.
Dividends paid by a Fund that are properly reported as exempt-interest dividends will not be subject to regular federal income tax. Dividends paid by a Fund will be exempt from federal income tax (though not necessarily exempt from state and local taxation) to the extent of a Fund’s tax-exempt interest income as long as 50% or more of the value of a Fund’s assets at the end of each quarter is invested in (1) state, municipal and other bonds that are excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes or (2) interests in other regulated investment companies, and, in each case, as long as a Fund properly reports such dividends as exempt-interest dividends. Exempt-interest dividends from interest earned on municipal securities of a state, or its political subdivisions, are generally exempt from income tax in that state. However, income from municipal securities from other states generally will not qualify for tax-free treatment.
Interest on indebtedness incurred by a shareholder to purchase or carry shares of a Fund will not be deductible for US federal income tax purposes to the extent it relates to exempt-interest dividends received by a shareholder. If a shareholder receives exempt-interest dividends with respect to any share of a Fund (other than if a Fund declares income dividends daily and pays such dividends at least as frequently as monthly) and if the share is held by the shareholder for six months or less, then any loss on the sale or exchange of the share may, to the extent of the exempt-interest dividends, be disallowed. In addition, the Code may require a shareholder that receives exempt-interest dividends to treat as taxable income a portion of certain otherwise non-taxable social security and railroad retirement benefit payments. Furthermore, a portion of any exempt-interest dividend paid by a Fund that represents income derived from certain revenue or private activity bonds held by a Fund may not retain its tax-exempt status in the hands of a shareholder who is a “substantial user” of a facility financed by such bonds, or a “related person” thereof. In addition, the receipt of dividends and distributions from a Fund may affect a non-US corporate shareholder’s federal “branch profits” tax liability and the federal “excess net passive income” tax liability of a shareholder of an S corporation. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers as to whether they are (i) “substantial users” with respect to a facility or “related” to such users within the meaning of the Code or (ii) subject to the federal “branch profits” tax, or the federal “excess net passive income” tax.
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 reported 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 its shares or whether such gain was recognized by a Fund prior to the date on which the shareholder acquired its shares. Conversely, if a Fund elects to retain its net capital gain, a Fund will be taxed thereon (except to the extent of any available capital loss carryovers) at the 21% corporate tax rate. In such a case, it is expected that a 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 a 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 that exceed a Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits 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 in excess of a Fund’s minimum distribution requirements but not in excess of a Fund’s earnings and profits will be taxable to shareholders and will not constitute nontaxable returns of capital. In the event that a Fund were to experience an ownership change as defined under the Code, a Fund’s loss carryforwards, if any, may be subject to limitation.
Distributions will be treated in the manner described above regardless of whether such distributions are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares of a 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 amount of cash that could have been received. In addition, prospective investors in a Fund should be aware that distributions from a Fund will, all other things being equal, have the effect of reducing the NAV of a Fund’s shares by the amount of the distribution. If the NAV 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 amount of the forthcoming distribution.
SALE OR REDEMPTION OF SHARES.
A shareholder will generally recognize gain or loss on the sale or redemption of shares 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 or substantially identical stock or securities 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 (1) before January 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the original stock was disposed of, (2) pursuant to a reinvestment right received upon the purchase of the original shares and (3) at a reduced load charge (i.e., sales or additional charge), then any load charge incurred upon the acquisition of the original shares will not be taken into account as part of the shareholder’s basis for computing gain or loss upon the sale of such shares, to the extent the original load charge does not exceed any reduction of the load charge with respect to the acquisition of the subsequent shares. To the extent the original load charge is not taken into account on the disposition of the original shares, such charge shall be treated as incurred in connection with the acquisition of the subsequent 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 long-term capital gain dividends received on (or undistributed long-term capital gains credited with respect to) such shares.
Capital gain of a non-corporate US shareholder is generally taxed at a federal income tax rate of up to 15% or 20%, depending on whether the shareholder’s income exceeds certain threshold amounts, which are adjusted annually for inflation. Capital gain of a corporate shareholder is taxed at the same rate as ordinary income.
Cost Basis Reporting
. Mutual funds must report cost basis information to you and the IRS when you sell or exchange shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012 in your non-retirement accounts. The cost basis regulations do not affect retirement accounts, money market funds, and shares acquired before January 1, 2012. The regulations also require mutual funds to report whether a gain or loss is short-term (shares held one year or less) or long-term (shares held more than one year) for all shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012 that are subsequently sold or exchanged. To calculate the gain or loss on shares sold, you need to know the cost basis of the shares. Cost basis is the original value of an asset for tax purposes (usually the gross purchase price), adjusted for stock splits, reinvested dividends, and return of capital distributions. This value is used to determine the capital gain (or loss), which is the difference between the cost basis of the shares and the gross proceeds when the shares are sold. The Fund’s Transfer Agent supports several different cost basis methods from which you may select a cost basis method you believe best suited to your needs. If you decide to elect the Transfer Agent’s default method, which is average cost, no action is required on your part. For shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012, if you change your cost basis method, the new method will apply to all shares in the account if you request the change prior to the first redemption. If, however, you request the change after the first redemption, the new method will apply to shares acquired on or after the date of the change. Keep in mind that the Fund’s Transfer Agent is not required to report cost basis information to you or the IRS on shares acquired before January 1, 2012. However, the Transfer Agent will provide this information to you, as a service, if its cost basis records are complete for such shares. This information will be separately identified on the Form 1099-B (Proceeds from Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions) sent to you by the Transfer Agent and not transmitted to the IRS.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING.
A Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the US Treasury 24% of all dividends and capital gain dividends, and the proceeds of redemption of shares, paid to any shareholder (1) who has provided the Fund with 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. In addition, dividends and capital gain dividends made to corporate United States holders may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding. 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.
If a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to a Fund’s shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases exempted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a
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regulated investment company are not exempted. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
MEDICARE CONTRIBUTION TAX.
A US person that is an individual or estate, or a trust that does not fall into a special class of trusts that is exempt from such tax, is subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (1) the US person’s “net investment income” for the relevant taxable year and (2) the excess of the US person’s modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over $200,000 (or $250,000 if married filing jointly). A Fund shareholder’s net investment income will generally include, among other things, dividend income from the Fund and net gains from the disposition of Fund shares, unless such dividend income or net gains are derived in the ordinary course of the conduct of a trade or business (other than a trade or business that consists of certain passive or trading activities). If you are a US person that is an individual, estate or trust, you are urged to consult your tax advisers regarding the applicability of the Medicare contribution tax to your income and gains in respect of your investment in the Fund shares.
NON-US SHAREHOLDERS.
Dividends paid to a shareholder who, as to the United States, is a nonresident alien individual, non-US trust or estate, non-US corporation, or non-US partnership (“non-US shareholder”) will be subject to US withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) on the gross amount of the dividend. Such a non-US shareholder would generally be exempt from US federal income tax, including withholding tax, on gains realized on the sale of shares of a Fund, net capital gain dividends, exempt-interest dividends,
amounts retained by the Fund that are reported as undistributed capital gains, and amounts reported by the Fund as interest-related dividends or short-term capital gain
dividends.
The foregoing applies when the non-US shareholder’s income from a Fund is not effectively connected with a US trade or business. If the income from a Fund is effectively connected with a US trade or business carried on by a non-US shareholder, then ordinary income dividends, qualified dividend income, net 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 US federal income tax at the graduated rates applicable to US citizens or domestic corporations.
Distributions that a Fund reports as “short-term capital gain dividends” or “net capital gain dividends” will not be treated as such to a recipient non-US shareholder if the distribution is attributable to gain from the sale or exchange of US real property or an interest in a US real property holding corporation (including a REIT dividend attributable to such gain) and a Fund’s direct or indirect interests in US real property exceed certain levels. Instead, if the non-US shareholder has not owned more than 5% of the outstanding shares of a Fund at any time during the one year period ending on the date of distribution, such distributions will be subject to 30% withholding by a Fund and will be treated as ordinary dividends to the non-US shareholder; if the non-US shareholder owned more than 5% of the outstanding shares of a Fund at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution, such distribution will be treated as real property gain subject to 21% withholding tax and could subject the non-US shareholder to US filing requirements. Additionally, if a Fund’s direct or indirect interests in US real property were to exceed certain levels, a non-US shareholder realizing gains upon redemption from a Fund could be subject to the 21% withholding tax and US filing requirements unless more than 50% of a Fund’s shares were owned by US persons at such time or unless the non-US person had not held more than 5% of a Fund’s outstanding shares throughout either such person’s holding period for the redeemed shares or, if shorter, the previous five years.
The rules laid out in the previous paragraph, other than the withholding rules, will apply notwithstanding a Fund’s participation in a wash sale transaction or its payment of a substitute dividend.
Provided that more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s stock is held by US shareholders, distributions of US real property interests (including securities in a US real property holding corporation, unless such corporation is regularly traded on an established securities market and the Fund has held 5% or less of the outstanding shares of the corporation during the five-year period ending on the date of distribution), in redemption of a non-US shareholder’s shares of the Fund will cause the Fund to recognize gain. If the Fund is required to recognize gain, the amount of gain recognized will be equal to the fair market value of such interests over the Fund’s adjusted bases to the extent of the greatest non-US ownership percentage of the Fund during the five-year period ending on the date of redemption.
In the case of non-US non-corporate shareholders, a Fund may be required to backup withhold US federal income tax on distributions that are otherwise exempt from withholding tax unless such shareholders furnish the Fund with proper notification of their non-US status.
Separately, a 30% withholding tax is currently imposed on US-source dividends, interest and other income items paid to (i) non-US financial institutions including non-US investment funds unless they agree to collect and disclose to the IRS information regarding their direct and indirect US account holders and (ii) certain other non-US entities, unless they certify certain information regarding their direct and indirect US owners. To avoid withholding, non-US financial institutions will need to (i) enter into agreements with the IRS that state that they will provide the IRS information, including the names, addresses and taxpayer identification numbers of direct and indirect US
account holders, comply with due diligence procedures with respect to the identification of US accounts, report to the IRS certain information with respect to US accounts maintained, agree to withhold tax on certain payments made to non-compliant non-US financial institutions or to account holders, or (ii) in the event that an intergovernmental agreement and implementing legislation are adopted, provide local revenue authorities with similar account holder information. Other non-US entities will need to either provide the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of each substantial US owner or certifications of no substantial US ownership unless certain exceptions apply.
The tax consequences to a non-US shareholder entitled to claim the benefits of an applicable tax treaty may be different from those described herein. Non-US 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 non-US taxes.
NON-US TAXES.
A Fund may be subject to non-US withholding taxes or other non-US taxes with respect to income (possibly including, in some cases, capital gain) received from sources within non-US countries. So long as more than 50% by value of the total assets of the Fund (1) at the close of the taxable year, consists of stock or securities of non-US issuers, or (2) at the close of each quarter, consists of interests in other regulated investment companies, the Fund may elect to treat any non-US income taxes paid by it as paid directly by its shareholders.
If the Fund makes the election, each shareholder will be required to (i) include in gross income, even though not actually received, its pro rata share of the Fund’s non-US income taxes, and (ii) either deduct (in calculating US taxable income) or credit (in calculating US federal income tax) its pro rata share of the Fund’s income taxes. A non-US tax credit may not exceed the US federal income tax otherwise payable with respect to the non-US source income. For this purpose, each shareholder must treat as non-US source gross income (i) its proportionate share of non-US taxes paid by the Fund and (ii) the portion of any actual dividend paid by the Fund which represents income derived from non-US sources; the gain from the sale of securities will generally be treated as US source income and certain non-US currency gains and losses likewise will be treated as derived from US sources. This non-US tax credit limitation is, with certain exceptions, applied separately to separate categories of income; dividends from the Fund will be treated as “passive” or “general” income for this purpose. The effect of this limitation may be to prevent shareholders from claiming as a credit the full amount of their pro rata share of the Fund’s non-US income taxes. In addition, shareholders will not be eligible to claim a non-US tax credit with respect to non-US income taxes paid by the Fund unless certain holding period requirements are met at both the Fund and the shareholder levels. For purposes of foreign tax credits for US shareholders of the Fund, foreign capital gains taxes may not produce associated foreign source income, limiting the availability of such credits for US persons.
A Fund will make such an election only if it deems it to be in the best interest of its shareholders. A shareholder not subject to US tax may prefer that this election not be made. The Fund will notify shareholders in writing each year if it makes the election and of the amount of non-US income taxes, if any, to be passed through to the shareholders and the amount of non-US taxes, if any, for which shareholders of the Fund will not be eligible to claim a non-US tax credit because the holding period requirements (described above) have not been satisfied.
Shares of a Fund held by a non-US shareholder at death will be considered situated within the United States and subject to the US estate tax.
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 gains distributions from regulated investment companies and other items may differ from federal income tax rules. 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.
CAPITAL LOSS CARRYFORWARD.
PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund.
For federal income tax purposes, the Fund had a capital loss carryforward as of November 30, 2020 of approximately $570,000 which can be carried forward for an unlimited period. The Fund utilized approximately $4,116,000 of its capital loss carryforward to offset net taxable gains realized in the fiscal year ended November 30, 2020. No capital gains distributions are expected to be paid to shareholders until net gains have been realized in excess of such losses.
PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund.
As of November 30, 2020, the Fund had no capital loss carryforwards.
PGIM Jennison Utility Fund.
As of November 30, 2020, the Fund had no capital loss carryforwards.
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DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Board of each Fund in the PGIM Fund complex has adopted policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of portfolio securities owned by each Fund and to authorize certain arrangements to make available information about portfolio holdings. These policies and procedures are designed to ensure that disclosures of a Fund’s portfolio holdings are made consistently with the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws and the fiduciary duties of each Fund and each Funds' adviser. The policy is designed to ensure that disclosures of nonpublic portfolio holdings to selected third parties are made only when the Fund has legitimate business purposes for doing so and the recipients are subject to a duty of confidentiality, including a duty not to trade on the nonpublic information.
The Board has authorized PGIM Investments, as the investment manager of each Fund, to administer these policies and procedures and to enter into confidentiality agreements on behalf of the Funds that provide that all information disclosed shall be treated as confidential and that the recipient will not trade on the nonpublic information. No material, non-public information, including but not limited to portfolio holdings, may be disseminated to third parties except in compliance with these policies and procedures.
The Custodian Bank (Bank of New York Mellon) is authorized to facilitate, under the supervision of PGIM Investments, the release of portfolio holdings.
Regulatory Filings.
Portfolio holdings for each Fund will be made public at the time of quarterly public regulatory filings via Forms N-CSR and/or N-PORT unless noted otherwise herein.
Annual and semi-annual reports for each Fund are filed with the SEC on Form N-CSR and mailed or made available to shareholders within 60 days after the end of the second and fourth fiscal quarters. Annual and semi-annual shareholder reports for a Fund may be accessed at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and at the website for the PGIM Funds (www.pgim.com/investments).
Portfolio holdings for each Fund are filed with the SEC on Form N-PORT. Form N-PORT is filed with the SEC quarterly, and the Fund's full portfolio holdings as of its first and third quarter ends of each fiscal quarter will be made publicly available 60 days after the end of each quarter on www.sec.gov.
Public Disclosures—Fund Holdings and Characteristics.
Each Fund may post on the PGIM Funds website a detailed list of its portfolio holdings and characteristics derived from the portfolio holdings as of the end of each calendar month approximately 15 days after the end of the month, unless noted otherwise herein.
Any portfolio holdings and characteristics information that is posted to the Fund’s website and third-party databases but not contained in regulatory filings may be distributed at or after posting to financial advisors, investment consultants, broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, plan sponsors, shareholders, plan participants, and third-party databases.
Public Disclosures—Other Time Periods.
Where a Fund has recently commenced operations or adopted significant changes to its investment policies (a “repositioning”), it may make available in the manner described above the same portfolio holdings and characteristics information, but as of other relevant period-ends besides month-end, with such information made available and posted to the website approximately 15 days after the commencement of the Fund’s operations or the date of the repositioning (“Effective Date”), and any portfolio holdings or characteristics information may be distributed after posting to financial advisors, investment consultants, broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, plan sponsors, shareholders, plan participants, and third-party databases. The Fund may release this information until the first quarter-end or the first month-end following the Effective Date, as applicable.
Other than as set forth above, the release of holdings and characteristics information will normally occur 15 days after the end of the month: the release of holdings and characteristics information other than 15 days after the end of the month will be determined based on procedures approved by the Chief Compliance Officer. In addition, when authorized by the Chief Compliance Officer and another officer of the PGIM Funds, portfolio holdings information may be publicly disseminated more frequently or at different periods than as described above.
Public Disclosures—Non-Specific Information
. Each Fund and/or PGIM Investments may publicly distribute non-specific information about the Funds and/or summary information about the Funds at any time. Such information will not identify any specific portfolio holding, but may reflect, among other things, the quality or character of a Fund’s holdings.
Ongoing Nonpublic Disclosure Arrangements.
Each Fund has entered into ongoing arrangements to make available nonpublic information about its portfolio holdings, subject to the conditions, restrictions and requirements set forth below. Parties receiving this information may include intermediaries that distribute Fund shares, third-party providers of auditing, custody, proxy voting and other services for the Funds, rating and ranking organizations, and certain affiliated persons of each Fund, as described below. The procedures utilized to determine eligibility are set forth below:
All requests from third parties for portfolio holdings shall require the following steps:
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A request for release of portfolio holdings shall be prepared setting forth a legitimate business purpose for such release which shall specify the Fund(s), the terms of such release, and frequency (e.g., level of detail, staleness). Such request shall address whether there are any conflicts of interest between the Fund and the investment adviser, subadviser, 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(s).
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The request shall be forwarded to PGIM Investments’ Product Development Group and to the Chief Compliance Officer or his delegate for review and approval.
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A confidentiality agreement in the form approved by a Fund officer must be executed by the recipient of the portfolio holdings.
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A Fund officer shall approve the release and the agreement. Copies of the release and agreement shall be sent to PGIM Investments’ Law Department.
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Written notification of the approval shall be sent by such officer to PGIM Investments’ Fund Administration Group to arrange the release of portfolio holdings.
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PGIM Investments’ Fund Administration Group shall arrange the release by the Custodian Bank.
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Requests for disclosure to PGIM Investments or its employees shall follow the procedures noted above other than the execution of a confidentiality agreement.
Set forth below are the authorized ongoing arrangements as of the date of this SAI:
1. Traditional External Recipients/Vendors
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Full holdings on a daily basis to Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), Broadridge and Glass, Lewis & Co. (proxy voting administrator/agents) at the end of each day;
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Full holdings on a daily basis to ISS (securities class action claims administrator) at the end of each day;
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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;
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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;
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Full holdings to a Fund’s counsel on an as-needed basis;
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Full holdings to counsel of a Fund’s independent board members on an as-needed basis; and
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Full holdings to financial printers as soon as practicable following the end of a Fund's quarterly, semi-annual and annual period-ends.
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2. Analytical Service Providers
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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;
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Full holdings on a daily basis to FactSet Research Systems, Inc. (investment research provider) at the end of each day;
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Full holdings on a daily basis to FT Interactive Data (a fair value information service) at the end of each day;
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Full holdings on a quarterly basis to Frank Russell Company (investment research provider) when made available;
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Full holdings on a monthly basis to Fidelity Advisors (wrap program provider) approximately five days after the end of each month (PGIM Jennison Growth Fund and certain other selected PGIM Funds only);
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Full holdings on a daily basis to ICE (InterContinental Exchange), IHS Markit and Thompson Reuters (securities valuation);
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Full holdings on a daily basis to Standard & Poor’s Corporation (securities valuation);
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Full holdings on a monthly basis to FX Transparency (foreign exchange/transaction analysis) when made available.
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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).
In addition, certain authorized employees of PGIM Investments receive portfolio holdings information on a quarterly, monthly or daily basis or upon request, in order to perform their business functions. All PGIM Investments employees are subject to the requirements of the personal securities trading policy of Prudential, which prohibits employees from trading on or further disseminating confidential information, including portfolio holdings information.
Also, affiliated shareholders may, subject to execution of a non-disclosure agreement, receive current portfolio holdings for the sole purpose of enabling a Fund to effect the payment of the redemption price to such shareholder 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 the rules of the SEC and procedures adopted by the Board. For more information regarding the payment of the redemption price by a distribution in kind of securities from the investment portfolio of the Fund, see “Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Fund Shares—Redemption in Kind” in the SAI.
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In addition, the Fund provides an industry trade group, subject to a confidentiality agreement, with data from the Fund's N-PORT filing with the SEC on a quarterly basis. Such data is aggregated with other industry participants and made anonymous for the purposes of research strictly for public policy and advocacy efforts for investment companies, the markets and investors.
PGIM Investments’ Law Department and the Chief Compliance Officer shall review the arrangements with each recipient on an annual basis. The Board shall, on a quarterly basis be advised of any revisions to the list of recipients of portfolio holdings and the reason for such disclosure. These policies and procedures will be reviewed for adequacy and effectiveness in connection with the Funds' compliance program under Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act.
A listing of the parties who will receive portfolio holdings pursuant to these procedures is maintained by PGIM Investments Compliance.
There can be no assurance that the policies and procedures on portfolio holdings information will protect a Fund from the potential misuse of such information by individuals or entities that come into possession of the information.
The Board has delegated to the Manager the responsibility for voting any proxies and maintaining proxy recordkeeping with respect to the Funds. The Manager is authorized by the Funds to delegate, in whole or in part, their proxy voting authority to the subadviser(s) 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 Funds. 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 Funds should a proxy issue potentially implicate a conflict of interest between the Funds and the Manager or its affiliates.
The Manager delegates to the Funds' subadviser(s) the responsibility for voting proxies. The subadviser is expected to identify and seek to obtain the optimal benefit for the Funds, and to adopt written policies that meet certain minimum standards, including that the policies be reasonably designed to protect the best interests of the Funds and delineate procedures to be followed when a proxy vote presents a conflict between the interests of the Funds 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 SEC. Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to their portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ending June 30 is available without charge on the Funds' website at www.pgim.com/investments and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
A summary of the proxy voting policies of the subadviser(s) is set forth in its respective Appendix to this SAI.
The Board has adopted a Code of Ethics. In addition, the Manager, subadviser(s) and Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics. The Codes of Ethics apply to access persons (generally, persons who have access to information about the Funds' investment program) and permit personnel subject to the Codes of Ethics to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Funds. However, the protective provisions of the Codes of Ethics prohibit certain investments and limit such personnel from making investments during periods when the Funds are making such investments. The Codes of Ethics are on public file with, and are available from, the SEC.
APPENDIX I: PROXY VOTING POLICIES OF THE SUBADVISER
JENNISON ASSOCIATES LLC
Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures
Jennison (or the “Company”) has adopted the following policy and related procedures to guide the voting of proxies in a manner that is consistent with Jennison’s fiduciary duties and the requirements of Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act.
In the absence of any written delegation or when proxy voting authority has been delegated in writing to Jennison by clients, Jennison will exercise this voting authority in each client’s best interests. The Company will not consider its own interests, or those of any affiliates, when voting proxies.
Unless otherwise specified by a client, “best interest” means the client’s best economic interest over the long term, as determined by Jennison’s portfolio managers and analysts (“Investment Professionals”) covering the issuer. Secondary consideration may be given to the public and social value of each issue, but absent specific client instructions, long term economic interests will be the primary basis for voting.
Jennison will disclose information about its proxy voting policies and procedures to clients, and will provide a copy of these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures upon request. The Company will also inform clients how they may obtain information about the votes cast on their behalf.
Jennison has adopted proxy voting guidelines (“Guidelines”) with respect to certain recurring issues. When Jennison is responsible for voting proxies, Jennison considers these guidelines except when Jennison accepts custom guidelines.
The Guidelines are reviewed as necessary by the Company’s Proxy Voting Committee and Investment Professionals, and are revised when a change is appropriate. The Proxy Team maintains the Guidelines and distributes copies to the Investment Professionals following confirmation of any change. The Guidelines are meant to convey Jennison’s general approach to voting decisions on certain issues. Nevertheless, Investment Professionals are responsible for reviewing all proposals related to fundamental strategies individually and making final decisions based on the merits of each voting opportunity.
If an Investment Professional believes that Jennison should vote in a way that is different from the Guidelines, the Proxy Team is notified. In certain circumstances, an Investment Professional may conclude that different clients should vote in different ways, or that it is in the best interests of some or all clients to abstain from voting. The Proxy Team will notify each Investment Professional’s supervisor of any Guideline overrides authorized by that Investment Professional.
The Proxy Team is responsible for maintaining Investment Professionals’ reasons for deviating from the Guidelines.
Client-Specific Voting Mandates
Any client’s specific voting instructions must be communicated or confirmed by the client in writing, either through a provision in the investment advisory contract or through other written correspondence. Such instructions may call for Jennison to vote the client’s securities according to the client’s own voting guidelines, or may indicate that the Company is not responsible for voting the client’s proxies.
The Proxy Team reviews client specific voting instructions and approves operational implementation, and certain instructions may only be implemented on a best efforts basis. The Proxy Team is responsible for communicating such instructions to the third party vendor.
Use of a Third Party Voting Service
Jennison has engaged an independent third party proxy voting vendor that provides research and analytical services, operational implementation and recordkeeping and reporting services. The proxy voting vendor will cast votes in accordance with the Company’s Guidelines, unless instructed otherwise by the Investment Professionals.
Identifying and Addressing Potential Material Conflicts of Interest
There may be instances where Jennison’s interests conflict materially, or appear to conflict materially, with the interests of clients in connection with a proxy vote (a “Material Conflict”). Examples of potential Material Conflicts include, but are not limited to:
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Jennison managing the pension plan of the issuer.
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Jennison or its affiliates have a material business relationship with the issuer.
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Jennison investment professionals who are related to a person who is senior management or a director at a public company.
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Jennison has a material investment in a security that the investment professional who is responsible for voting that security’s proxy also holds the same security personally.
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If an Investment Professional or any other employee perceives a Material Conflict, he or she must promptly report the matter to the Chief Compliance Officer.
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 84
If the Proxy Voting Committee determines that a Material Conflict is present and if the Investment Professional is recommending a vote that deviates from the Guidelines or there is no specific recommended Guideline vote and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, then the voting decision must be reviewed and approved by the Investment Professional’s supervisor and the Proxy Committee prior to casting the vote.
Jennison will not abstain from voting a proxy for the purpose of avoiding a Material Conflict.
Quantitatively Derived Holdings and the Jennison Managed Accounts
In voting proxies for non-fundamental strategies such as quantitatively derived holdings and Jennison Managed Accounts (i.e. “wrap”) where the securities are not held elsewhere in the firm, proxies will be voted utilizing the Guidelines. Additionally, in those circumstances where no specific Guidelines exist, the Company will consider the recommendations of the proxy voting vendor.
Jennison will exercise opportunities to vote on international holdings on a best efforts basis. Such votes will be cast based on the same principles that govern domestic holdings.
In some countries casting a proxy vote can adversely affect a client, such as countries that restrict stock sales around the time of the proxy vote by requiring “share blocking” as part of the voting process. The Investment Professional covering the issuer will weigh the expected benefits of voting proxies on international holdings against any anticipated costs or limitations, such as those associated with share blocking. Jennison may abstain from voting if it anticipates that the costs or limitations associated with voting outweigh the benefits.
Jennison may be unable to vote proxies when the underlying securities have been lent out pursuant to a client’s securities lending program. The Company does not know when securities are on loan and are therefore not available to be voted. In rare circumstances, Investment Professionals may ask the Proxy Team to work with the client’s custodian to recall the shares so that Jennison can vote. Efforts to recall loaned securities are not always effective since such requests must be submitted prior to the record date for the upcoming proxy vote; therefore voting shares on loan is on a best efforts basis. In determining whether to call back securities that are out on loan, the Investment Professional will consider whether the benefit to the client in voting the matter outweighs the benefit to the client in keeping the security out on loan.
Disclosure to Advisory Clients
Jennison will provide a copy of these Policies and Procedures and the Guidelines to any client upon request. The Company will also provide any client with information about how Jennison has voted that client’s proxies upon request. Any such requests should be forwarded to the Proxy Team, which is responsible for responding, and for documenting the correspondence.
Compliance Reporting for Investment Companies
Upon request, the Proxy Team will provide to each investment company board of directors or trustees for which Jennison acts as sub-adviser reporting needed to satisfy their regulatory and board requirements, including, but not limited to, information required for Form N-PX.
The Proxy Team will notify each Investment Professional’s supervisor of any Guideline overrides authorized by that Investment Professional. The supervisor reviews the overrides ensuring that they were made based on clients’ best interests, and that they were not influenced by any Material Conflict or other considerations.
The Proxy Voting Committee
The Proxy Voting Committee consists of representatives from Operations, Operational Risk, Legal, and Compliance. It meets at least quarterly, and has the following responsibilities:
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Review potential Material Conflicts and decide whether a material conflict is present, and needs to be addressed according to these policies and procedures.
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Review the Guidelines in consultation with the Investment Professionals and make revisions as appropriate.
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Review these Policies and Procedures annually for accuracy and effectiveness, and recommend and adopt any necessary changes.
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Review all Guideline overrides.
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Review quarterly voting metrics and analysis published by the Proxy Team.
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Review the performance of the proxy voting vendor and determine whether Jennison should continue to retain their services. The Committee will consider the following factors while conducting their review:
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Accuracy and completeness of research reports, engagement with issuers, potential conflicts of interest and overall administration of Jennison’s proxy voting recommendations.
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Any concerns about aspects of the policy that lack specific escalation guidance may be reported to the reporting employee’s supervisor, the Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Risk Officer, Chief Ethics Officer, Chief Operating Officer or Chief Executive Officer. Alternatively Jennison has an Ethics Reporting Hotline phone number and email address that enable employees to raise concerns anonymously. Information about the Ethics Reporting Hotline phone number and email address can be found on the Jennison intranet’s “Ethics” web page.
V.
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Discipline and Sanctions
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All Jennison employees are responsible for understanding and complying with the policies and procedures outlined in this policy. The procedures described in this policy are intended to ensure that Jennison and its employees act in full compliance with the law. Violations of this policy and related procedures will be communicated to your supervisor and to senior management through Jennison’s Compliance Council, and may lead to disciplinary action.
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 86
APPENDIX II: DESCRIPTIONS OF SECURITY RATINGS
MOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. (MOODY’S)
Aaa:
Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit
risk.
Aa:
Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit
risk.
A:
Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit
risk.
Baa
: Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative
characteristics.
Ba:
Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit
risk.
B:
Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit
risk.
Caa:
Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing
and are subject to very high credit
risk.
Ca:
Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in,
or very near,
default,
with some prospect of recovery of principal and
interest.
C:
Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or
interest.
Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. Additionally, a “(hyb)” indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms.
P-1:
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt
obligations.
P-2:
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt
obligations.
P-3:
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.
NP:
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
Short-Term Municipal Ratings
MIG 1:
This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
MIG 2:
This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.
MIG 3:
This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.
SG:
This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
S&P Global Ratings (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 to a 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 weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C
are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, they may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.
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. The CC rating is used when a default has not yet occurred but S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to
default.
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.
D:
An obligation rated 'D' is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to 'D' if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.
Plus (+) or Minus (–):
Ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the rating categories.
Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings
A-1:
A short-term obligation rated
'A-1'
is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings.
The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category,
certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on these obligations is extremely
strong.
A-2:
A short-term obligation rated
'A-2'
is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is
satisfactory.
A-3:
A short-term obligation rated 'A-3' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
B:
A short-term obligation rated 'B' is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.
C:
A short-term obligation rated 'C' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 88
D:
A short-term obligation rated 'D' is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to 'D' if it is subject to a distressed exchange
offer.
An S&P Notes rating reflects the liquidity factors and market access 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.
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Amortization schedule-the longer the final maturity relative to other maturities the more likely it will be treated as a note.
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Source of payment-the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.
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Note rating symbols are as follows:
SP-1:
Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.
SP-2:
Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.
SP-3:
Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
D:
D is assigned upon failure to pay the note when due, completion of a distressed exchange offer, or the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions.
International Long-Term Credit Ratings
AAA:
Highest Credit Quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for 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 payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A:
High Credit Quality. A ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB:
Good Credit Quality. BBB ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this
capacity.
BB:
Speculative. BB ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be
met.
B:
Highly Speculative. B ratings indicate that material credit risk is
present.
CCC:
Substantial Credit
Risk. CCC ratings indicate that substantial credit risk is
present.
CC:
Very High Levels of Credit Risk. CC ratings indicate very high levels of credit risk.
C:
Exceptionally High Levels of Credit Risk. C indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.
International Short-Term Credit Ratings
F1:
Highest Short-Term Credit Quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
F2:
Good Short-Term Credit Quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
F3:
Fair Short-Term Credit Quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.
B:
Speculative Short-Term Credit Quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C:
High Short-Term Default Risk. Default is a real possibility.
D:
Default. Indicates the default of a short-term obligation.
Plus (+) or Minus (–):
The modifiers
“+” or “-”
may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to AAA ratings and ratings below CCC. For the short-term rating category of F1, a “+”
may be
appended.
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. 90
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(16) Articles of Amendment for Fund name changes dated June 11, 2018.
(5) Contractual expense cap for PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund.
(6) Contractual expense cap for PGIM Jennison Utility Fund.
(7) Contractual expense cap for PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund.
(f) Not applicable.
(j)(1) Consent of independent registered public accounting firm
(2) Consent of independent registered public accounting firm
(k) Not applicable.
(l) Not applicable.
(4) Rule 12b-1 Fee Waiver for Class R shares of PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund.
(5) Rule 12b-1 Fee Waiver for Class R shares of PGIM Jennison Utility Fund.
(6) Rule 12b-1 Fee Waiver for Class R shares of PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund.
(n) Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan as of January 22, 2021.
(o) Power of Attorney dated January 7, 2021.
Item 29. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with the Registrant.
None.
Item 30. Indemnification.
As permitted by Sections 17(h) and (i) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act) and the Maryland General Corporation Law (the MGCL), and pursuant to Article V of the Company’s Amended and Restated By-Laws (Exhibit (b) (2) to the Registration Statement), the Company shall indemnify present and former officers and directors (and persons who serve or served as the officer or director of certain other enterprises at the Company’s request), and, to the extent authorized by the Company’s Board, employees and agents, 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. Section 2-418 of the MGCL permits indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents who are made a party (or threatened to be made a party) to any proceeding by reason of their service in such capacity, unless it is established that (i) the act or omission of such person was material to the matter and (a) was committed in bad faith or (b) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; or (ii) such person actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or (iii) in the case of a criminal proceeding, such person had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. The MGCL does not permit indemnification in respect of any proceeding by or in the right of the Company in which a person is found liable to the Company or, except in limited circumstances, for proceedings brought against the Company. A Maryland corporation is required to reimburse officers and directors for reasonable expenses incurred in the successful defense of a proceeding to which such director or officer is a party by reason of his or her service in such capacity, or in the successful defense of any issue, claim or matter in such a proceeding. As permitted by Section 17(i) of the 1940 Act, pursuant to Section 10 of each Distribution Agreement (Exhibit (e)(1) to the Registration Statement), the Distributor of the Funds may be indemnified against liabilities which it may incur, except liabilities arising from bad faith, gross negligence, willful misfeasance or reckless disregard of duties.
Pursuant to Article VI of the Fund’s charter, directors and officers of the Fund shall not be liable to the Fund or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as officers or directors to the extent permitted by law (including the MGCL and the 1940 Act). Under Maryland law, such limitation on liability will not apply to: (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act) may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1940 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Company in connection with the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted against the Company by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the shares being registered, the Company 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 Company has purchased an insurance policy insuring its officers and directors against liabilities, and certain costs of defending claims against such officers and directors, to the extent such officers and directors are not found to have committed conduct constituting willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their duties. The insurance policy also insures the Company against the cost of indemnification payments to officers and directors under certain circumstances.
Section 9 of each Management Agreement and each other Management Agreement (Exhibits (d)(3), (d)(4) and (d)(5) of the the Registration Statement) and Section 4 of each Subadvisory Agreement (Exhibits (d)(1), (d)(2), and (d)(6) to the Registration Statement) limit the liability of Prudential Investments LLC (PI), and Jennison Associates LLC (Jennison), 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 Company hereby undertakes that it will apply the indemnification provisions of its Amended and Restated By-Laws and each 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 Sections 17(h) and 17(i) of such Act remain in effect and are consistently applied.
Item 31. Business and other Connections of the Investment Adviser.
PGIM Investments LLC (PGIM Investments)
See the Prospectus constituting Part A of this Registration Statement and “Management and Advisory Arrangements” in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI) constituting Part B of this Registration Statement.
The business and other connections of the officers of PGIM Investments are listed in Schedules A and D of Form ADV of PGIM Investments as currently on file with the Commission, the text of which is hereby incorporated by reference (File No. 801-31104).
Jennison Associates LLC (Jennison)
See the Prospectus constituting a portion of Part A of this Registration Statement and “Management and Advisory Arrangements” in the SAI.
Information as to Jennison’s directors and executive officers is included in its Form ADV filed with the Commission (801-5608), the relevant text of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 32. Principal Underwriters.
(a) Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (PIMS)
(a) Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (PIMS) is distributor for PGIM ETF Trust, Prudential Government Money Market Fund, Inc., The Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc., Prudential Investment Portfolios 2, Prudential Investment Portfolios 3, Prudential Investment Portfolios Inc. 14, Prudential Investment Portfolios 4, Prudential Investment Portfolios 5, Prudential Investment Portfolios 6, Prudential National Muni Fund, Inc., Prudential Jennison Blend Fund, Inc., Prudential Jennison Mid-Cap Growth Fund, Inc., Prudential Investment Portfolios 7, Prudential Investment Portfolios 8, Prudential Jennison Small Company Fund, Inc., Prudential Investment Portfolios 9, Prudential World Fund, Inc., Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. 10, Prudential Jennison Natural Resources Fund, Inc., Prudential Global Total Return Fund, Inc., Prudential Investment Portfolios 12,
Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. 15, Prudential Investment Portfolios 16, Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. 17, Prudential Investment Portfolios 18, Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. Prudential Short-Term Corporate Bond Fund, Inc., The Target Portfolio Trust, and The Prudential Series Fund.
PIMS is also distributor of the following other investment companies: Separate Accounts: Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc., The Prudential Variable Contract Account-2, The Prudential Variable Contract Account-10, 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, The Prudential Qualified Individual Variable Contract Account and PRIAC Variable Contract Account A.
(b) The following table sets forth information regarding certain officers of PIMS. As a limited liability company, PIMS has no directors.
Name and Principal Business Address
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Positions and Offices with Underwriter
|
|
Positions and Offices with Registrant
|
Adam Scaramella
(1)
|
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President
|
|
N/A
|
Monica Oswald
(3)
|
|
Executive Vice President
|
|
N/A
|
Stuart S. Parker
(2)
|
|
Executive Vice President
|
|
Board Member and
President
|
Scott E. Benjamin
(2)
|
|
Vice President
|
|
Board Member and
Vice President
|
Francine Boucher
(1)
|
|
Senior Vice President, Chief
Legal Officer and Secretary
|
|
N/A
|
Peter J. Boland
(2)
|
|
Senior Vice President
and Chief Administrative Officer
|
|
N/A
|
John N. Christolini
(3)
|
|
Senior Vice President and Co-Chief Compliance Officer
|
|
N/A
|
Jaynthi K Gandhi
(2)
|
|
Senior Vice President
and Chief Compliance Officer
|
|
N/A
|
Robert Smit
(2)
|
|
Senior Vice President, Comptroller
and Chief Financial Officer
|
|
N/A
|
Hansjerg Schlenker
(2)
|
|
Senior Vice President and
Chief Operations Officer
|
|
N/A
|
Lenore J Paoli
(3)
|
|
Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer
|
|
N/A
|
Peter Puzio
(3)
|
|
Senior Vice President
|
|
N/A
|
Kevin Chaillet
(1)
|
|
Treasurer
|
|
N/A
|
Charles Smith
(4)
|
|
Vice President and Anti-Money
Laundering Officer
|
|
Anti-Money Laundering
Compliance Officer
|
Principal Business Addresses:
(1)
|
213 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102
|
(2)
|
655 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102
|
(3)
|
280 Trumbull Street, Hartford, CT 06103
|
(4)
|
751 Broad Street, Newark NJ, 07102
|
(c) Registrant has no principal underwriter who is not an affiliated person of the Registrant.
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records.
All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the Rules thereunder are maintained at the offices of BNY Mellon, 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York, 10286, Jennison Associates LLC, 744 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY, the Registrant, 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, and Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS), 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102.
Documents required by Rules 31a-1(b) (4), (5), (6), (7), (9), (10) and (11) and 31a-1 (d) and (f) will be kept at 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, and the remaining accounts, books and other documents required by such other pertinent provisions of Section 31(a) and the Rules promulgated thereunder will be kept by BNY and PMFS.
Item 34. Management Services.
Other than as set forth under the captions “How the Fund is Managed-Manager” and “How the Fund is Managed-Distributor” in the Prospectus and the caption “Management and Advisory Arrangements” in the SAI, constituting Parts A and B, respectively, of this Registration Statement, Registrant is not a party to any management-related service contract.
Not applicable.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant 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 29th day of January, 2021.
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc.
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*
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Stuart S. Parker, President
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signature
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Title
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Date
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Ellen S. Alberding
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Director
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*
Kevin J. Bannon
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Director
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*
Scott E. Benjamin
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Director
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*
Linda W. Bynoe
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Director
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*
Barry H. Evans
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Director
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*
Keith F. Hartstein
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Director
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*
Laurie Simon Hodrick
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Director
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*
Stuart S. Parker
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Director and President, Principal Executive Officer
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*
Brian K. Reid
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Director
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*
Grace C. Torres
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Director
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*
Christian J. Kelly
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Treasurer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer
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*By: /s/ Patrick McGuinness
Patrick McGuinness
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Attorney-in-Fact
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January 29, 2021
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for the PGIM Fund Complex
The undersigned, directors/ trustees and/or officers of each of the registered investment companies listed in Appendix A hereto, hereby authorize Andrew French, Claudia DiGiacomo, Diana Huffman, Melissa Gonzalez, Patrick McGuinness and Debra Rubano or any of them, as attorney-in-fact, to sign on his or her behalf in the capacities indicated (and not in such person’s personal individual capacity for personal financial or estate planning), the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed for such registered investment company or any amendment thereto (including any pre-effective or post-effective amendments) and any and all supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, including Form N-PX, Forms 3, 4 and 5 for or on behalf of each registered investment company listed in Appendix A or any current or future series thereof, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
This Power of Attorney may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but which taken together shall constitute one instrument.
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/s/ Ellen S. Alberding
Ellen S. Alberding
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/s/ Laurie Simon Hodrick
Laurie Simon Hodrick
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/s/ Kevin J. Bannon
Kevin J. Bannon
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/s/ Christian J. Kelly
Christian J. Kelly
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/s/ Scott E. Benjamin
Scott E. Benjamin
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/s/ Stuart S. Parker
Stuart S. Parker
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/s/ Linda W. Bynoe
Linda W. Bynoe
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/s/ Brian K. Reid
Brian K. Reid
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/s/ Barry H. Evans
Barry H. Evans
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/s/ Grace C. Torres
Grace C. Torres
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/s/ Keith F. Hartstein
Keith F. Hartstein
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Dated: January 7, 2021
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Prudential Government Money Market Fund, Inc.
The Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc.
Prudential Investment Portfolios 2
Prudential Investment Portfolios 3
Prudential Investment Portfolios Inc. 14
Prudential Investment Portfolios 4
Prudential Investment Portfolios 5
Prudential Investment Portfolios 6
Prudential National Muni Fund, Inc.
Prudential Jennison Blend Fund, Inc.
Prudential Jennison Mid-Cap Growth Fund, Inc.
Prudential Investment Portfolios 7
Prudential Investment Portfolios 8
Prudential Jennison Small Company Fund, Inc.
Prudential Investment Portfolios 9
Prudential World Fund, Inc.
Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. 10
Prudential Jennison Natural Resources Fund, Inc.
Prudential Global Total Return Fund, Inc.
Prudential Investment Portfolios 12
Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. 15
Prudential Investment Portfolios 16
Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. 17
Prudential Investment Portfolios 18
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc.
Prudential Short-Term Corporate Bond Fund, Inc.
The Target Portfolio Trust
The Prudential Variable Contract Account-2
The Prudential Variable Contract Account-10
PGIM ETF Trust
PGIM Global High Yield Fund, Inc.
PGIM High Yield Bond Fund, Inc.
PGIM Short Duration High Yield Opportunities Fund
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc.
Item 28
Exhibit No.
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Description
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(a)(16)
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Articles of Amendment for Fund name changes dated June 11, 2018
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(d)(5)
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Contractual Expense Cap for PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
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(d)(6)
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Contractual Expense Cap for PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
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(d)(7)
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Contractual Expense Cap for PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
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(j)(1)
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Consent of independent registered public accounting firm
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(j)(2)
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Consent of independent registered public accounting firm
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(m)(4)
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Rule 12b-1 Fee Waiver for PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
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(m)(5)
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Rule 12b-1 Fee Waiver for PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
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(m)(6)
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Rule 12b-1 Fee Waiver for PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
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(n)
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Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan as of January 22, 2021
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PRUDENTIAL SECTOR FUNDS, INC.
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc., a Maryland corporation registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Corporation”), hereby certifies to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland that:
FIRST: The charter of the Corporation (the “Charter”) is hereby amended to change the names of the following series and classes of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Corporation, as set forth below:
Current NameNew Name
Prudential Jennison Financial Services-PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
Fund
Class A Common Stock-Class A Common Stock
Class B Common Stock-Class B Common Stock
Class C Common Stock-Class C Common Stock
Class R Common Stock Class R Common Stock
Class Z Common Stock-Class Z Common Stock
Class Q Common Stock-Class R6 Common Stock
Class T Common Stock-Class T Common Stock
Prudential Jennison Utility Fund-PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
Class A Common Stock-Class A Common Stock
Class B Common Stock Class B Common Stock
Class C Common Stock-Class C Common Stock
Class R Common Stock Class R Common Stock
Class Z Common Stock-Class Z Common Stock
Class Q Common Stock-Class R6 Common Stock
Class T Common Stock-Class T Common Stock
Prudential Jennison Health Sciences-PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
Fund
Class A Common Stock-Class A Common Stock
Class B Common Stock Class B Common Stock
Class C Common Stock-Class C Common Stock
Class Q Common Stock-Class R6 Common Stock
Class R Common Stock Class R Common Stock
Class Z Common Stock-Class Z Common Stock
Class T Common Stock-Class T Common Stock
SECOND: The foregoing amendment to the Charter was approved by a majority of the entire Board of Directors of the Corporation and was limited to a change expressly authorized by Section 2-605(a)(2) of the Maryland General Corporation Law without action by the stockholders.
THIRD: These Articles of Amendment shall become effective at 12:01 a.m. on June 11, 2018.
FOURTH: The undersigned officer of the Corporation acknowledges these Articles of Amendment to be the corporate act of the Corporation and, as to all matters or facts required to be verified under oath, the undersigned officer acknowledges that, to the best of such officer’s knowledge, information and belief, these matters and facts are true in all material respects and that this statement is made under the penalties for perjury.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused these Articles of Amendment to be signed in its name and on its behalf by its Vice President and attested by its Assistant Secretary as of this 14th day of May, 2018.
ATTEST:
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PRUDENTIAL SECTOR FUNDS, INC.
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/s/ Claudia DiGiacomo By: /s/ Scott E. Benjamin(SEAL)
Name: Claudia DiGiacom Name: Scott E. Benjamin
Title: Assistant SecretaryTitle: Vice President
PGIM Investments LLC
655 Broad Street – 17th Floor
Newark, New Jersey 07102
December 1, 2020
The Board of Directors
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc.
655 Broad Street—17th Floor
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Re: PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
To the Board of Directors:
PGIM Investments LLC (PGIM Investments) has contractually agreed, through March 31, 2022, to limit transfer agency, shareholder servicing, sub-transfer agency, and blue sky fees, as applicable, to the extent that such fees cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 0.82% of average daily net assets for Class R6 shares. This contractual expense limitation excludes interest, brokerage, taxes (such as income and foreign withholding taxes, stamp duty and deferred tax expenses), acquired fund fees and expenses, extraordinary expenses, and certain other Fund expenses such as dividend and interest expense and broker charges on short sales. Where applicable, PGIM Investments agrees to waive management fees or shared operating expenses on any share class to the same extent that it waives such expenses on any other share class. In addition, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class R6 shares will not exceed Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class Z shares. Fees and/or expenses waived and/or reimbursed by PGIM Investments may be recouped by PGIM Investments within the same fiscal year during which such waiver and/or reimbursement is made if such recoupment can be realized without exceeding the expense limit in effect at the time of the recoupment for that fiscal year. This expense limitation may not be terminated prior to March 31, 2022 without the prior approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors.
Very truly yours,
PGIM INVESTMENTS LLC
By:/s/ Scott E. Benjamin
Name:Scott E. Benjamin
Title:Executive Vice President
PGIM Investments LLC
655 Broad Street – 17th Floor
Newark, New Jersey 07102
December 1, 2020
The Board of Directors
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc.
655 Broad Street—17th Floor
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Re: PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
To the Board of Directors:
PGIM Investments LLC (PGIM Investments) has contractually agreed, through March 31, 2022, to limit transfer agency, shareholder servicing, sub-transfer agency, and blue sky fees, as applicable, to the extent that such fees cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 0.52% of average daily net assets for Class R6 shares. This contractual expense limitation excludes interest, brokerage, taxes (such as income and foreign withholding taxes, stamp duty and deferred tax expenses), acquired fund fees and expenses, extraordinary expenses, and certain other Fund expenses such as dividend and interest expense and broker charges on short sales. Where applicable, PGIM Investments agrees to waive management fees or shared operating expenses on any share class to the same extent that it waives such expenses on any other share class. In addition, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class R6 shares will not exceed Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class Z shares. Fees and/or expenses waived and/or reimbursed by PGIM Investments may be recouped by PGIM Investments within the same fiscal year during which such waiver and/or reimbursement is made if such recoupment can be realized without exceeding the expense limit in effect at the time of the recoupment for that fiscal year. This expense limitation may not be terminated prior to March 31, 2022 without the prior approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors
Very truly yours,
PGIM INVESTMENTS LLC
By:/s/ Scott E. Benjamin
Name:Scott E. Benjamin
Title:Executive Vice President
PGIM Investments LLC
655 Broad Street – 17th Floor
Newark, New Jersey 07102
December 1, 2020
The Board of Directors
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc.
655 Broad Street—17th Floor
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Re: PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
To the Board of Directors:
PGIM Investments LLC (PGIM Investments) has contractually agreed, through March 31, 2022, to limit transfer agency, shareholder servicing, sub-transfer agency, and blue sky fees, as applicable, to the extent that such fees cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.00% of average daily net assets for Class R6 shares. This contractual expense limitation excludes interest, brokerage, taxes (such as income and foreign withholding taxes, stamp duty and deferred tax expenses), acquired fund fees and expenses, extraordinary expenses, and certain other Fund expenses such as dividend and interest expense and broker charges on short sales. Where applicable, PGIM Investments agrees to waive management fees or shared operating expenses on any share class to the same extent that it waives such expenses on any other share class. In addition, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class R6 shares will not exceed Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class Z shares. Fees and/or expenses waived and/or reimbursed by PGIM Investments may be recouped by PGIM Investments within the same fiscal year during which such waiver and/or reimbursement is made if such recoupment can be realized without exceeding the expense limit in effect at the time of the recoupment for that fiscal year. This expense limitation may not be terminated prior to March 31, 2022 without the prior approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors.
Very truly yours,
PGIM INVESTMENTS LLC
By:/s/ Scott E. Benjamin
Name:Scott E. Benjamin
Title:Executive Vice President
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. of our report dated January 15, 2021, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights, which appears in PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund's Annual Report on Form N-CSR for the year ended November 30, 2020. We also consent to the references to us under the headings "Financial Statements", "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" and "Financial Highlights" in such Registration Statement.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
January 28, 2021
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. of our report dated January 15, 2021, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights, which appears in PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund's Annual Report on Form N-CSR for the year ended November 30, 2020. We also consent to the references to us under the headings "Financial Statements", "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" and "Financial Highlights" in such Registration Statement.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
January 28, 2021
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. of our report dated January 15, 2021, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights, which appears in PGIM Jennison Utility Fund's Annual Report on Form N-CSR for the year ended November 30, 2020. We also consent to the references to us under the headings "Financial Statements", "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" and "Financial Highlights" in such Registration Statement.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
January 28, 2021
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc.:
We consent to the use of our reports dated January 15, 2020, with respect to the financial statements and financial highlights of PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund, PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund, and PGIM Jennison Utility Fund, each a series of Prudential Sector Funds, Inc., as of November 30, 2019, and for the respective years or periods presented therein, each incorporated by reference herein. We also consent to the references to our firm under the headings “Financial Highlights” in the prospectuses and “Other Service Providers – Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and “Financial Statements” in the statement of additional information.
New York, New York
January 28, 2021
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc.
PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund
Notice of Rule 12b-1 Fee Waiver
Class R Shares
THIS NOTICE OF RULE 12B-1 FEE WAIVER is signed as of December 1, 2020, by PRUDENTIAL
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC (PIMS), the principal underwriter of PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund (the Fund), a series of Prudential Sector Funds, Inc, an open-end management investment company (the RIC).
WHEREAS, PIMS desires to waive a portion of its distribution and shareholder services fees payable on Class R 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 Fund’s 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 waivers by incurring lower Fund operating expenses than they would absent such waivers.
NOW, THEREFORE, PIMS hereby provides notice that it has agreed to limit the distribution and service (12b-1) fees incurred by Class R shares of the Fund to 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class R shares. This contractual waiver shall be effective from the date hereof until March 31, 2022.
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/ Scott E. Benjamin
Name: Scott E. Benjamin
Title: Vice President
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc.
PGIM Jennison Utility Fund
Notice of Rule 12b-1 Fee Waiver
Class R Shares
THIS NOTICE OF RULE 12B-1 FEE WAIVER is signed as of December 1, 2020, by PRUDENTIAL
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC (PIMS), the principal underwriter of PGIM Jennison Utility Fund (the Fund), a series of Prudential Sector Funds, Inc, an open-end management investment company (the RIC).
WHEREAS, PIMS desires to waive a portion of its distribution and shareholder services fees payable on Class R 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 Fund’s 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 waivers by incurring lower Fund operating expenses than they would absent such waivers.
NOW, THEREFORE, PIMS hereby provides notice that it has agreed to limit the distribution and service (12b-1) fees incurred by Class R shares of the Fund to 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class R shares. This contractual waiver shall be effective from the date hereof until March 31, 2022.
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/ Scott E. Benjamin
Name: Scott E. Benjamin
Title: Vice President
Prudential Sector Funds, Inc.
PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund
Notice of Rule 12b-1 Fee Waiver
Class R Shares
THIS NOTICE OF RULE 12B-1 FEE WAIVER is signed as of December 1, 2020, by PRUDENTIAL
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC (PIMS), the principal underwriter of PGIM Jennison Financial Services Fund (the Fund), a series of Prudential Sector Funds, Inc, an open-end management investment company (the RIC).
WHEREAS, PIMS desires to waive a portion of its distribution and shareholder services fees payable on Class R 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 Fund’s 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 waivers by incurring lower Fund operating expenses than they would absent such waivers.
NOW, THEREFORE, PIMS hereby provides notice that it has agreed to limit the distribution and service (12b-1) fees incurred by Class R shares of the Fund to 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class R shares. This contractual waiver shall be effective from the date hereof until March 31, 2022.
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/ Scott E. Benjamin
Name: Scott E. Benjamin
Title: Vice President
PGIM INVESTMENTS RETAIL MUTUAL FUNDS
(each, the “Fund”)
AMENDED AND RESTATED PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 18F-3
The Fund hereby adopts this plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), setting forth the separate arrangement and expense allocation of each class of shares in each Fund, as applicable. Any material amendment to this plan with respect to a Fund is subject to prior approval of the Board of Directors/Trustees, including a majority of the independent Directors/Trustees.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
CLASS A SHARES:
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Class A shares are subject to an initial sales charge and an annual distribution and/or service fee pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (Rule 12b-1 fee) not to exceed 0.30 of 1% per annum of the average daily net assets of the class. The initial sales charge is waived or reduced for certain eligible investors. Investors who purchase $1 million or more (or $500,000 for Funds advised by PGIM Fixed Income) of Class A shares and for whom the initial sales charge would be waived are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") of 1% on shares that are redeemed within 12 months of purchase.
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CLASS B SHARES:
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Class B shares are not subject to an initial sales charge but are subject to a CDSC (declining from 5% to zero over a six-year period) which will be imposed on certain redemptions and an annual Rule 12b-1 fee not to exceed 1% of the average daily net assets of the class. The CDSC is waived for certain eligible investors. Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares upon the earlier of (i) approximately seven years after purchase and (ii) June 26, 2020. Class B shares are closed to all purchase activity.
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CLASS C SHARES:
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Class C shares issued before October 28, 1998 are not subject to an initial sales charge but are subject to a 1% CDSC which will be imposed on certain redemptions within the first 18 month after purchase and an annual Rule 12b-1 fee not to exceed 1% of the average daily net assets of the class. Class C shares issued on or after October 28, 1998 are not subject to an initial sales charge but are subject to a 1% CDSC which will be imposed on certain redemptions within the first 12 month after purchase and an annual Rule 12b-1 fee not to exceed 1% of the average daily net assets of the class. Class C shares automatically convert to Class A shares approximately eight years after purchase.
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CLASS R SHARES:
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Class R shares are not subject to either an initial sales charge or CDSC, but they are subject to an annual Rule 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.75 of 1% per annum of the average daily net assets of the class. Class R shares are closed to all purchase activity.
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CLASS T SHARES:
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Class T shares are subject to an initial sales charge and an annual distribution and/or service fee pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (Rule 12b-1 fee) not to exceed 0.25 of 1% per annum of the average daily net assets of the class. The initial sales charge is waived or reduced for certain eligible investors. The Class T shares are not subject to a CDSC.
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CLASS Q SHARES:
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Effective on or about June 11, 2018, all outstanding Class Q shares were renamed as Class R6 shares.
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CLASS Z SHARES:
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Class Z shares are not subject to either an initial sales charge or CDSC, nor are they subject to any Rule 12b-1 fee.
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CLASS R1 SHARES:
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Class R1 shares are not subject to either an initial sales charge or CDSC, but they are subject to an annual distribution fee pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act and an annual service fee not to exceed 0.50 of 1% per annum and 0.10 of 1% per annum, respectively, of the average daily net assets of the class.
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CLASS R2 SHARES:
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Class R2 shares are not subject to either an initial sales charge or CDSC, but they are subject to an annual distribution fee pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act and an annual service fee not to exceed 0.25 of 1% per annum and 0.10 of 1% per annum, respectively, of the average daily net assets of the class.
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CLASS R3 SHARES:
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Class R3 shares are not subject to either an initial sales charge or CDSC, but they are subject to an annual distribution fee pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act and an annual service fee not to exceed 0.10 of 1% per annum and 0.10 of 1% per annum, respectively, of the average daily net assets of the class.
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CLASS R4 SHARES:
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Class R4 shares are not subject to either an initial sales charge or CDSC and are not subject to any distribution fee pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, but they are subject to an annual service fee not to exceed 0.10 of 1% per annum of the average daily net assets of the class.
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CLASS R5 SHARES:
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Class R5 shares are not subject to either an initial sales charge or CDSC, nor are they subject to any distribution and/or service fee.
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CLASS R6 SHARES:
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Class R6 shares are not subject to either an initial sales charge or CDSC, nor are they subject to any distribution and/or service fee.
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INCOME AND EXPENSE ALLOCATIONS
Income, realized gains and losses, unrealized appreciation and depreciation, and Fundwide Expenses shall be allocated based on one of the following methods (which method shall be applied on a consistent basis):
1)
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To each class based on the net assets of that class in relation to the net asset of the Fund (“relative net assets”); or
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2)
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To each class based on the Settled Shares Method, provided that the Fund is a Daily Dividend Fund (such a Fund may allocate income and Fundwide Expenses based on the Settled Shares Method and realized gains and losses and unrealized appreciation and depreciation based on relative net assets.
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For these purposes:
Daily Dividend Fund means a Fund that has a policy of declaring, distributions of net income daily, including any money market fund that operates in compliance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act.
Fundwide Expenses mean expenses of the Fund not allocated to a particular class.
Settled Shares Method means allocating to each class based on relative net assets, excluding the value of subscriptions receivable.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends and other distributions paid by the Fund to each class of shares, to the extent paid, will be paid on the same day and at the same time, and will be determined in the same manner and will be in the same amount, except that the amount of the dividends and other distributions declared and paid by a particular class of the Fund may be different from that paid by another class of the Fund because of Rule 12b-1 fees, service fees and other expenses borne exclusively by that class.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
Holders of Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares, Class R Shares, Class T Shares, Class Z Shares, Class R1 Shares, Class R2 Shares, Class R3 Shares, Class R4 Shares, Class R5 Shares and Class R6 Shares shall have such exchange privileges as set forth in each Fund’s current prospectus. Exchange privileges may vary among classes and among holders of a Class.
CONVERSION FEATURES
Prior to January 22, 2021, Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares on a monthly basis approximately ten years after purchase. On or after January 22, 2021, Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares on a monthly basis approximately eight years after purchase. Conversions will be effected at relative net asset value without the imposition of any additional sales charge. Class C shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends or distributions will be subject to conversion in accordance with the procedures utilized by the broker-dealer through which the Class C shares were purchased, to the extent such broker-dealer provides sub-accounting services to the Fund, otherwise the procedures utilized by Prudential Mutual Fund Services, LLC, or its affiliates, shall be used. Class C shares of a Fund acquired through automatic reinvestment of dividends or distributions will convert to Class A shares pro rata with the converting Class C shares that were not acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions.
Effective June 26, 2020, all issued and outstanding Class B shares of the Fund were converted to Class A shares of the Fund.
GENERAL
A.
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Each class of shares shall have exclusive voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its arrangement and shall have separate voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of one class differ from the interests of any other class.
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B.
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On an ongoing basis, the Directors/Trustees, pursuant to their fiduciary responsibilities under the 1940 Act and otherwise, will monitor the Fund for the existence of any material conflicts among the interests of its several classes. The Directors/Trustees, including a majority of the independent Directors/Trustees, shall take such action as is reasonably necessary to eliminate any such conflicts that may develop. Prudential Investments LLC, the Fund's Manager, will be responsible for reporting any potential or existing conflicts to the Directors/Trustees.
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Approved: March 1, 2000 and November 14, 2018. Amended and Restated as of January 22, 2021.