As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 24, 1998
Registration No. 333-64033
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM N-14
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 / /
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 /X/
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. / /
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
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PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
GATEWAY CENTER THREE
100 MULBERRY STREET
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102-4077
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (973) 367-7521
DEBORAH A. DOCS, ESQ.
GATEWAY CENTER THREE
100 MULBERRY STREET
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102-4077
(NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING:
AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE
DATE OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT.
NO FILING FEE IS REQUIRED BECAUSE OF RELIANCE ON SECTION 24(f) OF THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940. PURSUANT TO RULE 429 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933, THE PROSPECTUS AND PROXY STATEMENT RELATES TO SHARES PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED
ON FORM N-1A (FILE NO. 2-66407).
TITLE OF SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED................ SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER
SHARE
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CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
(AS REQUIRED BY RULE 481(a) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933)
N-14 ITEM NO. PROSPECTUS/PROXY
AND CAPTION STATEMENT CAPTION
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PART A
Item 1. Beginning of Registration Statement and
Outside Front Cover Page of
Prospectus.............................. Cover Page
Item 2. Beginning and Outside Back Cover Page of
Prospectus.............................. Table of Contents
Item 3. Fee Table, Synopsis Information and Risk
Factors................................. Synopsis; Principal Risk Factors
Item 4. Information about the Transaction....... Synopsis; The Proposed Transaction
Item 5. Information about the Registrant........ Information about National Municipals
Fund; Appendix A
Item 6. Information about the Company Being
Acquired................................ Information about the Series
Item 7. Voting Information...................... Voting Information
Item 8. Interest of Certain Persons and
Experts................................. Not Applicable
Item 9. Additional Information Required for
Reoffering by Persons Deemed to be
Underwriters............................ Not Applicable
PART B
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION CAPTION
----------------------------------------
Item 10. Cover Page.............................. Cover Page
Item 11. Table of Contents....................... Cover Page
Item 12. Additional Information about the
Registrant.............................. Statement of Additional Information of
Prudential National Municipals Fund,
Inc. dated November 23, 1998.
Item 13. Additional Information about the Company
Being Acquired.......................... Not Applicable
Item 14. Financial Statements.................... Statement of Additional Information of
Prudential National Municipals Fund,
Inc. dated November 23, 1998; Annual and
Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders of
National Municipals Fund for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1997 and the six
months ended June 30, 1998,
respectively; Annual Reports to
Shareholders of the Maryland Series and
Michigan Series for the fiscal year
ended August 31, 1998; Annual Report to
Shareholders of the Intermediate Series
of Prudential Municipal Bond Fund for
the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998.
PART C
Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the appropriate item,
so numbered, in Part C of this Registration Statement.
[LOGO]
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL SERIES FUND/MARYLAND AND MICHIGAN SERIES
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND/INTERMEDIATE SERIES
November 25, 1998
Dear Shareholder:
You may be aware that the Trustees of Prudential Municipal Series Fund/Maryland
Series and Michigan Series and the Trustees of Prudential Municipal Bond
Fund/Intermediate Series have recently approved a proposal to exchange the
assets and liabilities of your Series for shares of Prudential National
Municipals Fund. The enclosed proxy materials describe this proposal in detail.
If the proposal is approved by the shareholders and implemented, you will
automatically receive shares of Prudential National Municipals Fund in exchange
for your share of each Series.
THE TRUSTEES AND I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL. WE BELIEVE
THAT THIS TRANSACTION SERVES YOUR INTERESTS IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:
SIMILAR STRATEGIES--GREATER FLEXIBILITY
The Funds' investment objectives and strategies, while not identical, are
similar. Each invests primarily in investment grade, tax-exempt municipal
bonds. While Maryland and Michigan Series seek to provide income exempt
from federal and Maryland and Michigan state income taxes, respectively,
Prudential National Municipals Fund seeks income exempt from only federal
income taxes. Increasingly, single state series have had difficulty finding
attractive issues due to a shrinking municipal bond supply--making
portfolio diversification a challenge. In contrast, Prudential National
Municipals Fund is nationally diversified, enabling it to invest in a wider
range of municipal bond investment opportunities.
EXPENSE LEVELS
The Series have relatively few assets and have not been able to attract new
assets. They operated with relatively high expense ratios before voluntary
management fee waivers, which were discontinued by the Manager as of
September 1, 1997.
POTENTIAL FOR HIGHER INCOME GENERALLY EXEMPT INCOME TAXES
The municipal obligations held by National Municipals Fund have
historically had a higher gross yield than the obligations in the Series'
portfolios and National Municipals Fund has lower expense ratios than the
Series due to its appreciably larger size.
PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND'S investment objective is to seek a high
level of current income exempt from federal income taxes. The Fund seeks to
achieve this objective by investing in a broadly diversified portfolio of
municipal bonds issued from across the country. Portfolio manager Peter
Allegrini has over 19 years of investment experience.
PLEASE READ THE ENCLOSED MATERIALS CAREFULLY FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION. Your
vote is important, no matter how many shares you own. Voting your shares early
may permit your Series to avoid costly follow-up mail and telephone
solicitation. After you have reviewed the enclosed materials, please complete,
date and sign your proxy card and mail it in the enclosed postage-paid return
envelope today.
SAVE TIME AND POSTAGE COSTS. Help us save time and postage costs (savings that
we can pass on to you) by voting through the internet or via a touch tone phone.
Each method is generally available 24 hours per day. If you are voting via these
methods, you do not need to return your proxy card.
TO VOTE BY INTERNET, FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:
Read your proxy statement and have your proxy card available.
Go to website www.proxyvote.com.
Enter your 12 digit control number found on your proxy card.
Follow the simple instructions found at the website.
TO VOTE BY TELEPHONE, FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:
Read your proxy statement and have your proxy card available.
Call 1-800-690-6903 toll free.
Enter your 12 digit control number found on your proxy card.
Follow the simple recorded instructions.
SHAREHOLDERS ON SYSTEMATIC ACCUMULATION PLANS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR FINANCIAL
ADVISOR OR CALL PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUNDS CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION
(1-800-225-1852) TO CHANGE THEIR OPTIONS. IF NO CHANGE IS MADE BY DECEMBER 9,
1998, FUTURE PURCHASES WILL BE MADE IN SHARES OF PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS
FUND. SHAREHOLDERS WITH CERTIFICATES OUTSTANDING SHOULD CONTACT THEIR FINANCIAL
ADVISOR OR CALL PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUNDS CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION
(1-800-225-1852) TO DEPOSIT THEIR CERTIFICATES.
We value your investment and thank you for the confidence you have placed in
Prudential Mutual Funds.
Sincerely,
/s/ Brian M. Storms
Brian M. Storms
PRESIDENT, PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUNDS AND ANNUITIES
Prudential Municipal Series Fund and Prudential Municipal Bond Fund, Gateway
Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 09102-4077
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL SERIES FUND--MARYLAND AND MICHIGAN SERIES
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND--INTERMEDIATE SERIES
GATEWAY CENTER THREE
100 MULBERRY STREET
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102-4077
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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
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To our Shareholders:
Notice is hereby given that a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of each of
the Maryland and Michigan Series (collectively, the State Series) of Prudential
Municipal Series Fund (Series Fund) and the Shareholders of the Intermediate
Series (Intermediate Series, and collectively, with the State Series, the Series
and each a Series) of Prudential Municipal Bond Fund (Municipal Bond Fund) will
be held at 9:00 A.M. Eastern time, on December 17, 1998, at The Prudential
Insurance Company of America, Plaza Building, 751 Broad Street, Newark, New
Jersey 07102, for the following purposes:
1. With respect to each of the Maryland and Michigan Series, separately, to
approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization whereby all of the assets of
each of the Maryland and Michigan Series will be transferred to Prudential
National Municipals Fund, Inc. (National Municipals Fund) in exchange for shares
of the National Municipals Fund and National Municipals Fund's assumption of all
of the liabilities, if any, of each of the Maryland and Michigan Series.
2. With respect to the Intermediate Series, to approve an Agreement and
Plan of Reorganization whereby all of the assets of the Intermediate Series will
be transferred to National Municipals Fund in exchange for shares of the
National Municipals Fund and National Municipals Fund's assumption of all of the
liabilities, if any, of Intermediate Series.
3. To consider and act upon any other business as may properly come before
the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Only shares of beneficial interest of the Series of record at the close of
business on November 20, 1998, are entitled to notice of and to vote at this
Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
DEBORAH A. DOCS
SECRETARY
Dated: November 25, 1998
WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE SIGN AND PROMPTLY
RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED SELF-ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE.
IN ORDER TO AVOID THE ADDITIONAL EXPENSE OF FURTHER SOLICITATION, WE ASK
YOUR COOPERATION IN MAILING IN YOUR PROXY PROMPTLY.
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL SERIES FUND--MARYLAND AND MICHIGAN SERIES
AND
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND--INTERMEDIATE SERIES.
PROXY STATEMENT
GATEWAY CENTER THREE
100 MULBERRY STREET
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102-4077
(800) 255-1852
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Prudential Municipal Series Fund (Series Fund) is an open-end, management
investment company comprised of thirteen separate series, two of which are the
Maryland Series and the Michigan Series (collectively, the State Series).
Prudential Municipal Bond Fund (Municipal Bond Fund) is an open-end diversified
management investment company comprised of three Series, one of which is the
Intermediate Series (Intermediate Series and, collectively with the State
Series, the Series and each a Series) Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc.
(National Municipals Fund) is an open-end, diversified, management investment
company. Each of Series Fund, Municipal Bond Fund and National Municipals Fund
(collectively, the Funds) are managed by Prudential Investments Fund Management
LLC, and have the same address.
The Maryland and Michigan Series each is a non-diversified series, the
investment objective of each of which is to provide the maximum amount of income
that is exempt from Maryland or Michigan state taxes, respectively, and federal
income taxes consistent with the preservation of capital and, in conjunction
therewith, the State Series may each invest in debt securities with the
potential for capital gain. The investment objective of Intermediate Series is
to provide a high level of income that is eligible for exclusion from federal
income taxes consistent with the preservation of capital. The investment
objective of National Municipals Fund is to seek a high level of current income
exempt from federal income taxes.
This Prospectus and Proxy Statement is being furnished to shareholders of
each Series in connection with an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization with
respect to the State Series and an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization with
respect to Intermediate Series (the State Series Plan, the Intermediate Series
Plan and, collectively, the Plans), whereby National Municipals Fund will
acquire all of the assets of each Series and assume the liabilities, if any, of
each Series.
If the Plans are each approved by the respective Series' shareholders, the
respective Series will be terminated and shareholders of each State Series Class
A, Class B and Class C shares will receive Class A shares of National Municipals
Fund; shareholders of Intermediate Series Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z
shares will receive Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares, respectively,
of National Municipals Fund. Shareholders of National Municipals Fund are not
being asked to vote on the Plans. The Shareholders of each Series vote
separately on the respective Plan and the reorganization of any Series into
National Municipals Fund is not contingent on that Plan being approved by any
other Series.
This Prospectus and Proxy Statement sets forth concisely information about
National Municipals Fund that prospective investors should know before
investing. This Prospectus and Proxy Statement is accompanied by the Prospectus
of National Municipals Fund, dated November 23, 1998, the Prospectus of each
State Series, each dated November 2, 1998, the Prospectus of Intermediate
Series, dated July 1, 1998, as supplemented August 27, 1998, September 1, 1998
and October 21, 1998, and the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders of
National Municipals Fund for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, and the
six-month period ended June 30, 1998, respectively, which Prospectuses and
Supplements and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports are incorporated by reference
herein. The Annual Report to Shareholders of each State Series for the fiscal
year ended August 31, 1998, which Annual and Semi-Annual Reports are
incorporated by reference herein; the Annual Report to Shareholders of
Intermediate Series for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998, which Annual
Report is incorporated by reference herein; and the Statement of Additional
Information of National Municipals Fund, dated November 23, 1998, have been
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission), and are
available without charge upon written request to Prudential Mutual Fund Services
LLC, Raritan Plaza One, Edison, New Jersey 08837 or by calling the toll-free
number shown above. Additional information contained in a Statement of
Information dated November 25, 1998, forming a part of National Municipals
Fund's Registration Statement on Form N-14 has been filed with the Commission,
is incorporated herein by reference and is available without charge upon request
to the address or telephone number shown above.
This Prospectus and Proxy Statement will first be mailed to shareholders on
or about November 27, 1998.
Investors are advised to read and retain this Prospectus and Proxy Statement
for future reference.
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THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this Prospectus and Proxy Statement is November 25, 1998
PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL SERIES FUND--MARYLAND AND MICHIGAN SERIES
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND--INTERMEDIATE SERIES
GATEWAY CENTER THREE
100 MULBERRY STREET
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102-4077
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PROSPECTUS AND PROXY STATEMENT DATED NOVEMBER 25, 1998
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SYNOPSIS
The following synopsis is a summary of certain information contained
elsewhere in this Prospectus and Proxy Statement and the Agreements and Plans of
Reorganization (with respect to each of the Maryland and Michigan Series, the
State Series Plan; with respect to the Intermediate Series, the Intermediate
Series Plan, and collectively, the Plans) and is qualified by reference to the
more complete information contained herein as well as in the Prospectuses of the
Maryland Series and Michigan Series (collectively the State Series) of
Prudential Municipal Series Fund (Series Fund) and the Prospectus of
Intermediate Series (Intermediate Series, collectively with the State Series,
the Series) of the Prudential Municipal Bond Fund (Municipal Bond Fund) and the
enclosed Prospectus of Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc. (National
Municipals Fund, and together with the Series Fund and Municipal Bond Fund, the
Funds). Shareholders should read the entire Prospectus and Proxy Statement
carefully.
GENERAL
This Prospectus and Proxy Statement is furnished by the Trustees of the
Series Fund and Municipal Bond Fund in connection with the solicitation of
Proxies for use at a Special Meeting of Shareholders of each of the Series of
such Funds (the Meeting) to be held at 9:00 A.M. on December 17, 1998 at the
Prudential Insurance Company of America, Plaza Building, 751 Broad Street,
Newark, New Jersey 07102. The purpose of the Meeting is to approve each Plan
whereby all of the assets of the respective Series will be acquired by, and the
liabilities of each Series, if any, will be assumed by National Municipals Fund,
in exchange for shares of common stock of National Municipals Fund, and such
other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment
thereof. The Plans are attached to this Prospectus and Proxy Statement as
Appendix B.
Approval of the Plans with respect to a particular Series requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of that Series that are outstanding
and entitled to vote. Shareholders of each Series vote together and not by
separate class within each Series. Approval of the Plans by the shareholders of
National Municipals Fund is not required and the Plans are not being submitted
for their approval. The Shareholders of each Series vote separately on the
respective Plan, and the reorganization of any series (each a Reorganization)
into National Municipals Fund is not contingent on that Plan being approved by
any other Series.
THE PROPOSED REORGANIZATIONS
The Directors of National Municipals Fund and the Trustees of both Series
Fund and Municipal Bond Fund have approved each respective Plan. Each Plan
provides for the transfer of all the assets of the respective Series in exchange
for shares of common stock of National Municipals Fund and the assumption
2
by National Municipals Fund of the liabilities, if any, of such Series.
Following approval by the shareholders of the Maryland or Michigan Series, Class
A shares of National Municipals Fund will be distributed to Class A, Class B and
Class C shareholders of that Series and the Series will be terminated. Following
approval by Intermediate Series' shareholders, Class A, Class B, Class C and
Class Z shares of National Municipals Fund will be distributed to Class A, Class
B, Class C and Class Z shareholders, respectively, of Intermediate Series, and
Intermediate Series will be terminated. Each Reorganization will become
effective as soon as practicable after the Meeting. Each Series' shareholders
will receive the number of full and fractional shares of National Municipals
Fund of the applicable Class equal in value (rounded to the third decimal place)
to such shareholder's corresponding shares of the Series as of the closing date.
REASONS FOR THE REORGANIZATIONS
There are a number of similarities between each Series and National
Municipals Fund that led to consideration of the Plans. The following are among
the reasons for each Reorganization proposed by Prudential Investments Fund
Management LLC (PIFM), the Manager of each Fund:
THE SERIES HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO ATTRACT SIGNIFICANT ASSETS. Assets in each
of the Series have been steadily declining during the past several years. As of
June 30, 1998, Maryland and Michigan Series' assets were approximately
$30,950,000 and $54,413,000, respectively, with 1,357 and 2,368 shareholders,
respectively. As of June 30, 1998, the Intermediate Series assets were
approximately $38,624,000, with 1,711 shareholders. As a result, the Series have
been operated with relatively high expense ratios. Because of their size, the
Series' do not enjoy the economies of scale of National Municipals Fund. The
Manager believes the Series' situations are not likely to improve. The
Distributor of Series Fund and Municipal Bond Fund limited distribution fees
with respect to the Class A and Class C shares of the Series to no more than .10
of 1% of the average daily net asset value of the Class A shares and to no more
than .75 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class C shares,
respectively, for each respective Series. Although such distribution fee
limitations or waivers have been in place for some time for the Series, such
limitations or waivers are voluntary and could therefore be eliminated at any
time.
NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND AND THE SERIES HAVE SIMILAR INVESTMENT
POLICIES. National Municipals Fund and each Series invest primarily in
investment grade debt securities of municipal debt obligations, the investment
income from which is exempt from federal income taxes. However, shareholders of
the Maryland and Michigan Series should recognize that if the Reorganization
occurs, income from their investment in National Municipals Fund will likely be
subject to Maryland and Michigan state income taxes, as applicable. Shareholders
of each Series are advised to consult their own tax advisers regarding specific
questions as to federal, state, or local taxes. See "--Investment Objectives and
Policies" below. An additional difference is that each of the Series seeks a
high level of income consistent with capital preservation while National
Municipals Fund does not similarly seek capital preservation.
NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND OFFERS GREATER DIVERSIFICATION OF ASSETS AND
REDUCES POTENTIAL CONCERNS RELATING TO INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF MUNICIPAL BONDS FROM
SPECIFIC STATES. Because the Maryland and Michigan Series must each invest at
least 80% of its total assets in municipal obligations of issuers located in
Maryland or Michigan, respectively, and other obligations of qualifying issuers,
each of their portfolios are more susceptible to factors adversely affecting
issuers of such obligations than is a national municipal bond fund such as
National Municipals Fund. In addition, the State Series from time to time may
have difficulty obtaining suitable investments due to inadequate supply. A
national municipal fund such as National Municipals Fund is not similarly
constrained as to potential purchasers.
3
AFTER IMPLEMENTATION OF EACH PLAN, THE FORMER SHAREHOLDERS OF EACH SERIES
AND THE SHAREHOLDERS OF NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND MAY BENEFIT FROM REDUCED
EXPENSES RESULTING FROM GREATER ECONOMIES OF SCALE. The Trustees of Series
Fund, the Trustees of the Municipal Bond Fund and the Directors of National
Municipals Fund believe that each Reorganization may achieve certain economies
of scale that each Series alone cannot realize because of its small size, and
that National Municipals Fund would realize the benefits of a larger asset base.
The combination of the Series and National Municipals Fund would eliminate
certain duplicate expenses, such as those incurred in connection with separate
audits and the preparation of separate financial statements for the Series and
National Municipals Fund, and reduce other expenses, because their expenses
would be spread across a larger asset base.
The ratios of total expenses to average net assets for Class A, Class B,
Class C and Class Z shares of National Municipals Fund and Intermediate Series
and Class A, Class B, and Class C shares of each State Series were as follows:
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS Z
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NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND:
Six Months Ended June 30, 1998(1)............................... 0.73% 1.13% 1.38% 0.63%*
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1997(2).......................... 0.70% 1.10% 1.35% 0.60%*
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1997(3).......................... 0.73% 1.13% 1.38% 0.63%*
MARYLAND SERIES:
Six Months Ended February 28, 1998(1)........................... 1.19% 1.59% 1.84% --
Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 1998............................... 1.19% 1.58% 1.83% --
MICHIGAN SERIES:
Six Months Ended February 28, 1998(1)........................... 0.94% 1.34% 1.59% --
Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 1998............................... 0.92% 1.32% 1.57% --
INTERMEDIATE SERIES:
Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 1998(2)............................. 1.31% 1.71% 1.96% 1.21%
Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 1998(3)............................. 1.33% 1.73% 1.98% 1.23%
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(1) Figures are annualized and unaudited.
(2) Net of management fee waiver and/or expense subsidy. As of September 1,
1997, the Manager eliminated its management fee waiver (.05 of 1%) with
respect to both National Municipal Fund and the Series.
(3) Before consideration of management fee waiver and/or expense subsidy.
* National Municipals Fund commenced offering Class Z shares November 23,
1998. The ratios of total expenses to average net assets for Class Z shares
of National Municipals Fund are estimated based on expenses to have been
incurred if Class Z shares had been in existence during the periods
specified.
AFTER IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLANS, CERTAIN SHAREHOLDERS OF THE STATE SERIES
SHOULD BENEFIT FROM REDUCED DISTRIBUTION FEES AND SALES LOADS. If the State
Series Plan is implemented, each Class A, Class B and Class C shareholder of the
State Series will receive the number of full and fractional Class A shares of
National Municipals Fund equal to the net asset value (rounded to the third
decimal place) of such shareholder's shares as of the closing date. Class A,
Class B and Class C shares of the State Series currently are subject to maximum
distribution fees of .10 of 1%, .50 of 1% and .75 of 1%, respectively (after
reduction). Class A shares of National Municipals Fund currently are subject to
a maximum distribution fee of .10 of 1% (after reduction). Accordingly, Class B
and Class C shareholders of the State Series should benefit from reduced
distribution fees since they will receive Class A shares in the Reorganization.
Furthermore, Class B shares of the State Series currently are subject to maximum
deferred sales loads of up to 5% and Class C shares of the State Series
currently are subject to an initial sales load of 1% and deferred sales load of
1%. If the State
4
Series Plan is implemented, such shareholders will receive Class A shares of
National Municipals Fund, which are not subject to a deferred sales load.
Therefore, Class B and Class C shareholders of the State Series should benefit
from the elimination of otherwise applicable sales loads if the State Series
Plan is approved.
If the State Series Plan is implemented, Class A shareholders of the State
Series will be subject to the same distribution fee charged by National
Municipals Fund as is currently charged by the State Series (each after
reduction). Like Class A shares of the State Series, the Class A shares of
National Municipals Fund to be received in the Reorganizations by Class A
shareholders of the State Series will not be subject to any deferred sales load.
Therefore, Class A shareholders of the State Series will not be subject to any
additional distribution fees or sales loads following the Reorganizations.
If the Intermediate Series Plan is implemented, each Class A, Class B, Class
C and Class Z shareholder of Intermediate Series will receive the number of full
and fractional Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares of National
Municipals Fund equal to the net asset value (rounded to the third decimal
place) of such shareholder's shares as of the closing date. Class A, Class B and
Class C shares of Intermediate Series currently are subject to maximum
distribution fees (after reduction) of .10 of 1%, .50 of 1% and .75 of 1%,
respectively, which are the same maximum distribution fees (after reduction)
with respect to Class A, Class B and Class C shares of National Municipals Fund.
Class A shares of Intermediate Series and National Municipals Fund are not
subject to any deferred sales load and Class B and Class C shares of
Intermediate Series are subject to the same sales loads with respect to Class B
and Class C shares of National Municipals Fund, respectively. Furthermore, Class
Z shares of Intermediate Series and National Municipals Fund are not subject to
any distribution fees or sales loads. Therefore, Class A, Class B, Class C and
Class Z shareholders of Intermediate Series will not be subject to any
additional distribution fees or sales loads following the Reorganization.
NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUNDS HAS ACHIEVED A YIELD COMPARABLE TO THE
SERIES. The municipal obligations held by National Municipals Fund have
historically had a higher gross yield than the obligations in the other Series'
portfolios, and National Municipals Fund has lower expense ratios than each
Series due to its appreciably larger size. The following table presents the
thirty day yield for each Series and National Municipals Fund (on a pre- and
after-state income tax basis) for the period ended June 30, 1998:
ADJUSTED
NATIONAL NATIONAL
MARYLAND MICHIGAN INTERMEDIATE MUNICIPALS MUNICIPALS
SERIES SERIES SERIES FUND FUND
30 DAY 30 DAY 30 DAY 30 DAY 30 DAY
CLASS SEC YIELD* SEC YIELD* SEC YIELD* SEC YIELD* SEC YIELD*
----- -------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- ----------------
A 3.67% 3.75% 3.51% 4.16% 3.95%**/3.98%***
B 3.39% 3.46% 3.23% 3.89% N/A
C 3.14% 3.23% 2.97% 3.64% N/A
Z N/A N/A 3.73% N/A N/A
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Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
* After distribution subsidy.
** After application of Maryland state tax rate of 4.95%.
*** After application of Michigan state tax rate of 4.40%.
5
NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND HAS ACHIEVED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
COMPARABLE TO THE SERIES. The following table reflects each Fund's respective
average annual total returns (unaudited) before and after application of the
management fee waivers and/or subsidy and after distribution fee reduction as of
June 30, 1998.
AFTER MANAGEMENT FEE WAIVER BEFORE MANAGEMENT FEE WAIVER
AND/OR EXPENSE SUBSIDY+ AND/OR EXPENSE SUBSIDY+
------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS Z CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS Z
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND:
One Year............... 5.52% 3.34% 7.07% N/A 5.52% 3.34% 7.07% N/A
Five Years............. 5.07% 5.14% N/A N/A 5.10% 5.17% N/A N/A
Ten Years.............. N/A 7.30% N/A N/A N/A 7.32% N/A N/A
Since Inception*....... 7.32% 8.64% 6.54% N/A 7.33% 8.64% 6.57% N/A
MARYLAND SERIES:
One Year............... 5.11% 3.03% 6.76% N/A 5.11% 3.03% 6.76% N/A
Five Years............. 4.64% 4.71% N/A N/A 4.68% 4.75% N/A N/A
Ten Years.............. N/A 6.75% N/A N/A N/A 6.78% N/A N/A
Since Inception*....... 6.58% 6.89% 6.08% N/A 6.60% 7.07% 6.13% N/A
MICHIGAN SERIES:
One Year............... 5.42% 3.25% 6.98% N/A 5.42% 3.25% 6.98% N/A
Five Years............. 5.05% 5.09% N/A N/A 5.09% 5.12% N/A N/A
Ten Years.............. N/A 7.32% N/A N/A N/A 7.33% N/A N/A
Since Inception*....... 7.05% 8.13% 6.26% N/A 7.07% 8.24% 6.31% N/A
INTERMEDIATE SERIES:
One Year............... 3.41% 1.18% 4.92% 6.71% 3.41% 1.18% 4.92% 6.71%
Five Years............. 4.13% 4.18% N/A N/A 4.17% 4.22% N/A N/A
Ten Years.............. N/A 6.13% N/A N/A N/A 6.49% N/A N/A
Since Inception*....... 6.07% 6.19% 4.78% 6.36% 6.22% 6.61% 4.83% 6.31%
- ------------
+ As of September 1, 1997, PIFM discontinued its management fee waiver for the
Series and National Municipals Fund.
* Inception dates: Class A, January 22, 1990, Class B, May 18, 1984, Class C,
August 1, 1994, Class Z (Intermediate Series), September 16, 1996 and Class Z
(National Municipals Fund), November 23, 1998.
Average annual total return takes into account any applicable initial or
contingent deferred sales charges but does not take into account any federal or
state income taxes that may be payable upon redemption.
6
For the reasons set forth below under "The Proposed Transaction--Reasons for
the Reorganizations Considered by the Trustees/Directors," the Directors of
National Municipals Fund, and the Trustees of Series Fund and Municipal Bond
Fund, including those Directors or Trustees who are not "interested persons"
(Independent Directors or Trustees), as that term is defined in the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (Investment Company Act), have concluded that
each Reorganization would be in the best interests of the shareholders of
National Municipals Fund and the respective Series and that the interests of
shareholders of National Municipals Fund and the respective Series will not be
diluted as a result of the proposed transaction. Accordingly, the Board of
Directors of National Municipals Fund and the Trustees of Series Fund and
Municipal Bond Fund each recommend approval of the respective Plans.
STRUCTURE OF THE SERIES AND NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND
Each Series is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of
beneficial interest, $.01 par value per share, whereas National Municipals Fund
is authorized to issue one billion shares of common stock, $.01 par value per
share. The State Series have each divided their shares into three classes,
designated Class A, Class B and Class C, each of which is currently being
offered by the respective funds. National Municipals Fund and Intermediate
Series have each divided their shares into four classes, designated Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class Z, each of which is currently being offered. Each
class of shares represents an interest in the same assets of the Maryland,
Michigan or Intermediate Series or National Municipals Fund, as the case may be,
and is identical in all respects except that (i) each class is subject to
different sales charges and/or service fees (except for Class Z shares of
National Municipals Fund and Intermediate Series, which are not subject to any
sales charges or distribution and/or service fees), (ii) each class has
exclusive voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders that relates
solely to its arrangement and has separate voting rights on any matter submitted
to shareholders in which the interests of one class differ from the interests of
any other class, (iii) each class has a different exchange privilege, (iv) only
Class B shares have a conversion feature and (v) with respect to National
Municipals Fund and Intermediate Series, Class Z shares are offered to a limited
group of investors. The distribution systems for Class A, Class B and Class C
shares of each Fund are identical. Share certificates will be issued by National
Municipals Fund upon written request to Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, the
Fund's Transfer Agent. See "Shareholder Guide" in the National Municipals Fund's
Prospectus. National Municipals Fund has adopted a plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3
under the Investment Company Act permitting the issuance and sale of multiple
classes of shares. Pursuant to National Municipals Fund's Articles of
Incorporation, Series Fund's Declaration of Trust and Municipal Bond Fund's
Declaration of Trust, each Fund's Board of Directors/Trustees may authorize the
creation of additional series of shares, and classes within such series, with
such preferences, privileges, limitations and voting and dividend rights as that
Fund's Board of Directors/Trustees may determine.
The Board of Directors/Trustees of each Fund may increase or decrease the
number of authorized shares of its respective Fund without approval by the
shareholders. Shares of National Municipals Fund or a Series, when issued, are
fully paid, nonassessable, fully transferable and redeemable at the option of
the holder. Shares are also redeemable at the option of each Fund under certain
circumstances. Except for the conversion feature applicable to the Class B
shares, there are no conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights. In the
event of liquidation, each share of National Municipals Fund or a Series is
entitled to its portion of all of National Municipals Fund's or the Series,
assets after all debt and expenses of that Fund have been paid. Since Class A,
Class B and Class C shares bear distribution expenses, the liquidation proceeds
to shareholders of those classes are likely to be lower than to shareholders of
Class Z shares, which are not subject to any distribution fees. None of the
Funds' shares have cumulative voting rights for the election of
Directors/Trustees.
7
If a stock certificate is desired by a shareholder of National Municipals
Fund or a Series, it must be requested in writing for each purchase of shares.
Certificates are issued only for full shares. Shareholders who hold their shares
through Prudential Securities Incorporated (Prudential Securities) will not
receive stock certificates.
It is the present intent of the Directors of National Municipals Fund and
the Trustees of Series Fund and Municipal Bond Fund not to hold annual meetings
of shareholders unless the election of Directors/Trustees is required under the
Investment Company Act, nor to hold special meetings of shareholders unless
required by the Investment Company Act or state law.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
National Municipals Fund's investment objective is to seek a high level of
current income exempt from federal income taxes. There can be no assurance that
such investment objective will be achieved. National Municipals Fund seeks to
achieve its objective by investing primarily in long-term medium quality bonds
of municipalities possessing adequate but not outstanding capacities to service
their debt. While the investment adviser will not be limited by the ratings
assigned by the rating services, National Municipals Fund will be principally
invested in municipal bonds rated A and Baa by Moody's Investors Group (Moody's)
and A and BBB by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group (S&P). Unlike the Series,
preservation of capital is not an objective for National Municipals Fund. Under
normal circumstances, National Municipals Fund intends to invest substantially
all, and in any event at least 80%, of its total assets in municipal bonds and
municipal notes (E.G., tax revenue and bond anticipation notes). National
Municipals Fund may invest in variable rate securities and inverse floating rate
obligations and may engage in various hedging and return enhancing strategies,
including the purchase and sale of derivatives. These strategies include the
purchase of put options and the purchase and sale of financial futures contracts
and options thereon. See "Principal Risk Factors--Hedging and Return Enhancement
Strategies." National Municipals Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in
illiquid securities and may borrow an amount equal to no more than 33 1/3% of
the value of its total assets from banks for temporary, extraordinary or
emergency purposes or for the clearance of transactions.
The investment objective of each of Maryland and Michigan Series is to
provide the maximum amount of income that is exempt from, respectively, Maryland
and Michigan state tax and federal income taxes as is consistent with the
preservation of capital and, in conjunction therewith, the Maryland and Michigan
Series may each invest in debt securities with the potential for capital gain.
There can be no assurance that such investment objectives will be achieved. To
achieve these objectives, the Maryland and Michigan Series each seeks to invest
at least 70% of its total assets in debt obligations rated Baa or above by
Moody's or BBB or above by S&P and may invest up to 30% of its total assets in
debt obligations rated below Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P. The Maryland and
Michigan Series each invests primarily in municipal and local government
obligations of Maryland and Michigan, respectively, and obligations of other
qualifying issuers, such as issuers located in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands
and Guam, which pay income exempt, in the opinion of counsel, from the state
taxes of Michigan and Maryland, respectively, and federal income taxes.
Therefore, Maryland and Michigan Series investors who are residents of Maryland
or Michigan, respectively, receive income that is generally exempt from income
taxation by their state of residence.
Intermediate Series' investment objective is to provide the maximum amount
of income that is eligible for exclusion from federal income taxes consistent
with the preservation of capital. There can be no assurance that the investment
objective will be achieved. Intermediate Series invests all of its assets in
securities rated at least BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's and invests at least 60%
of its portfolio in securities rated A or better by Moody's or S&P.
8
Each Series may invest in floating rate and variable rate securities,
including participation interests therein and inverse floating rate obligations.
Each Series may purchase and sell options and futures contracts, however, the
Maryland and Michigan Series may only do so for hedging purposes. See "Principal
Risk Factors--Hedging and Return Enhancement Strategies" below. Each Series may
invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities and may borrow an
amount equal to no more than 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets from banks
for temporary, extraordinary or emergency purposes or for the clearance of
transactions.
The State Series will invest in long-term obligations and the
dollar-weighted average maturity of the State Series' portfolio will generally
range from ten to twenty years. The State Series may also invest in certain
short-term tax exempt notes such as Tax Anticipation Notes, Revenue Anticipation
Notes, Bond Anticipation Notes, Construction Loan Notes and variable and
floating rate demand notes. Intermediate Series invests in municipal obligations
with maturities of between 5 and 15 years and simultaneously hedges the price
volatility of such contracts through the sale of futures contracts. Rather than
hedging the municipal obligation entirely, Intermediate Series will sell futures
contracts in sufficient amounts so that the dollar-weighted average maturity of
Intermediate Series' portfolio will be more than three and less than ten years.
In this manner, the investment adviser creates a synthetic obligation through
the construction of a partially hedged longer-term obligation position. See
"Principal Risk Factors--Long Term Bonds."
FEES AND EXPENSES
MANAGEMENT FEES. PIFM, the Manager of each Fund and an indirect,
wholly-owned subsidiary of The Prudential Insurance Company of America
(Prudential), is compensated, pursuant to a management agreement with National
Municipals Fund, at an annual rate of .50 of 1% of the first $250 million of the
average daily net assets of National Municipals Fund, .475 of 1% of the next
$250 million of the average daily net assets of National Municipals Fund, .45 of
1% of the next $500 million of National Municipals Fund's average daily net
assets, .425 of 1% of the next $250 million of National Municipals Fund's
average daily net assets, .40 of 1% of the next $250 million of National
Municipals Fund's average daily net assets and .375 of 1% of the average daily
net assets of National Municipals Fund in excess of $1.5 billion. Pursuant to a
management agreement with Series Fund, PIFM is compensated at an annual rate of
.50 of 1% of the average daily net assets of each of Maryland and Michigan
Series. Pursuant to a management agreement with Municipal Bond Fund, PIFM is
compensated at an annual rate of .50 of 1% of the average daily net assets of
Intermediate Series up to $1 billion and .45 of 1% of the average daily net
assets of Intermediate Series in excess of $1 billion.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, National Municipals Fund paid
PIFM management fees of .48% of National Municipals Fund's average daily net
assets. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, Maryland and Michigan Series
paid PIFM management fees at an annual rate of .50 of 1% of its average daily
net assets. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998, Municipal Bond Fund paid
PIFM management fees of .48% of average daily net assets on behalf of
Intermediate Series. PIFM discontinued its management fee waiver of .05 of 1%
with respect to National Municipals Fund and each Series as of September 1,
1997.
Under subadvisory agreements between PIFM and The Prudential Investment
Corporation, (PIC or the Subadviser), the Subadviser provides investment
advisory services for the management of the respective Funds. Each subadvisory
agreement provides that PIFM will reimburse the Subadviser for its reasonable
costs and expenses in providing investment advisory services. PIFM continues to
have responsibility for all investment advisory services pursuant to the
management agreements for both Funds and supervises the Subadviser's performance
of its services on behalf of each Fund.
9
DISTRIBUTION FEES. Prudential Investment Management Series LLC (the
Distributor), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential and an affiliate of
Prudential Securities and Pruco Securities Corporation, serves as the
distributor of the Class A, Class B and Class C shares of each Fund and for
Class Z shares of National Municipals Fund and Intermediate Series for Municipal
Bond Fund.
Under separate Distribution and Service Plans adopted by each Fund (the
Class A Plan, Class B Plan and Class C Plan, collectively, the Distribution
Plans) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act, and approved by
the shareholders of the applicable class of National Municipals Fund and each
Series and under separate distribution agreements (the Distribution Agreements),
the Distributor incurs the expenses of distributing the Class A, Class B and
Class C shares of National Municipals Fund and each Series, respectively. The
Distributor incurs the expenses of distributing the Fund's Class Z shares under
Distribution Agreements with National Municipals Fund and Municipal Series Fund,
none of which are reimbursed. These expenses include (i) commissions and account
servicing fees, (ii) advertising expenses, (iii) the cost of printing and
mailing prospectuses, and (iv) indirect and overhead costs associated with the
sale of each of National Municipals Fund's and the Series' shares.
Under the Funds' Class A, Class B and Class C Plans, each Fund pays the
Distributor for distribution expenses at an annual rate of up to .30 of 1%, .50
of 1% and up to 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A, Class B and
Class C shares, respectively. Each Fund's Class B Plan provides for the payment
of an asset-based sales charge of up to .50 of 1% of the average daily net
assets of National Municipals Fund's and each Series' Class B shares and a
service fee of up to .25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of National
Municipals Fund's and each Series' Class B shares; provided that the total
distribution-related fee does not exceed .50 of 1%. National Municipals Fund's
and each Series' Class C Plan provides for the payment to the Distributor of an
asset-based sales charge of up to .75 of 1% of the average daily net assets of
the Class C shares and a service fee of up to .25 of 1% of the average daily net
assets of the Class C shares.
The Distributor has voluntarily limited its distribution-related fees
payable under National Municipals Fund's and each Series', Class A and Class C
Plans to .10 of 1% and .75 of 1% of the average daily net assets, respectively,
of the Class A and Class C shares.
For the most recently completed fiscal year ends, each Fund paid the
Distributor .10%, .50% and .75% of the average daily net assets of the Class A,
Class B and Class C shares, respectively.
Under each Plan, each Fund is obligated to pay distribution and/or service
fees to the Distributor as compensation for distribution and service activities,
not as reimbursement for specific expenses incurred. If the Distributor's
expenses exceed its distribution and service fees, that Fund will not be
obligated to pay any additional expenses. If the Distributor's expenses are less
than such distribution and service fees, it will retain its full fees and
realize a profit. The Class A Plan, Class B Plan and Class C Plan of National
Municipals Fund are substantially identical to the Class A Plan, Class B Plan
and Class C Plan, respectively, of Series Fund (State Series) and Municipal Bond
Fund (Intermediate Series).
OTHER EXPENSES. National Municipals Fund and each Series also pay certain
other expenses in connection with their operation, including accounting, legal,
audit and registration expenses. Although the basis for calculating these fees
and expenses is the same for National Municipals Fund and each Series, the per
share effect on shareholder returns is affected by their relative size.
Combining the National Municipals Fund with each Series will reduce certain
expenses. For example, only one annual audit of the combined Fund will be
required rather than separate audits of National Municipals Fund and each Series
as is currently required.
The following summaries of shareholder transaction expenses and annual
operating expenses are to assist investors in understanding the various costs
and expenses that an investor in each Series will bear directly or indirectly.
10
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES. The following table provides the fees
that an investor would be subject to in connection with a purchase or redemption
of Class A, Class B and Class C Shares of National Municipals Fund and the
Series and Class Z shares of National Municipals Fund and Intermediate Series.
However, if the Plans are implemented, Class A, Class B and Class C shareholders
of the State Series will receive Class A shares of National Municipals Fund,
regardless of the class of shares of the Series held prior to the
Reorganizations.
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION
EXPENSES+ CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES CLASS C SHARES CLASS Z SHARES
-------------- --------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on
Purchases (as a percentage of
offering price)............... 3% None None None
Maximum Deferred Sales Load (as
a percentage of original
purchase price or redemption
proceeds, whichever is
lower)........................ None 5% during the first year, 1% on redemptions None
decreasing by 1% annually made within one year
to 1% in the fifth and of purchase
sixth years and 0% the
seventh year*
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on
Reinvested Dividends.......... None None None None
Redemption Fees................ None None None None
Exchange Fees.................. None None None None
- ------------
+ Pursuant to rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.,
the aggregate initial sales charges, deferred sales charges and asset-based
sales charges on shares of National Municipals Fund and each Series may not
exceed 6.25% of total gross sales, subject to certain exclusions. This 6.25%
limitation is imposed on each class of each Fund/ Series rather than on a per
shareholder basis. Therefore, long-term shareholders of each Fund/Series may
pay more in total sales charges than the economic equivalent of 6.25% of such
shareholders' investment in such shares.
* Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares approximately seven
years after purchase.
EXPENSE RATIOS. For its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, total expenses
stated as a percentage of average net assets of National Municipals Fund were
0.70%, 1.10% and 1.35% for Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Absent the
management fee waiver, such ratio would have been 0.73%, 1.13% and 1.38% for
Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively. For the six-month period
ended June 30, 1998, total expenses (annualized and unaudited), stated as a
percentage of average net assets of National Municipals Fund were 0.73%, 1.13%
and 1.38% for Class A, Class B, and Class C shares, respectively. National
Municipals Fund commenced offering Class Z shares November 23, 1998. Total
expenses (unaudited) stated as a percentage of average net assets with respect
to Class Z shares are estimated to be 0.60% (after waiver) and 0.63% (absent the
management fee waiver) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 based on
expenses to have been incurred if Class Z shares had been in existence during
such fiscal year. Total expenses (annualized and unaudited) stated as a
percentage of average net assets with respect to Class Z shares are estimated to
be 0.63% for the six-month period ended June 30, 1998 based on expenses to have
been incurred if Class Z shares had been in existence during such period. For
the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, total expenses stated as a percentage of
average net assets of each of the State Series were 1.19%, 1.58% and 1.83% for
Maryland Series and 0.92%, 1.32% and 1.57% for Michigan Series for Class A,
Class B and Class C shares, respectively. For the fiscal year ended April 30,
1998, total expenses stated as a percentage of average net assets of
Intermediate Series were 1.31%, 1.71%, 1.96% and 1.21% for Class A, Class B,
Class C and Class Z shares, respectively. Absent the management fee waiver and
expense subsidy, such ratios would have been 1.33%, 1.73%, 1.98% and 1.23% for
the Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares, respectively.
11
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES. Following the Reorganizations, the actual
expense ratios of the combined fund are expected to be lower than those of the
State Series for the State Series' fiscal year ended August 31, 1998 and than
those of Intermediate Series for Intermediate Series' fiscal year ended April
30, 1998. Set forth below is a comparison of National Municipals Fund's and each
Series' anticipated operating expenses based on, in the case of National
Municipals Fund, the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, in the case of State
Series, the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998 and, in the case of Intermediate
Series, the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998, each before management fee waiver
and before consideration of expense subsidy. The ratios for National Municipals
Fund, Maryland and Michigan Series, and Intermediate Series are also shown on a
pro forma (estimated) combined basis, after giving effect to the
Reorganizations.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS Z
(AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Management Fees:
Maryland Series.......................................................... 0.50% 0.50% 0.50% --
Michigan Series.......................................................... 0.50% 0.50% 0.50% --
Intermediate Series...................................................... 0.50% 0.50% 0.50% 0.50%
National Municipals Fund................................................. 0.48% 0.48% 0.48% 0.48%
NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND (PRO FORMA COMBINED)............................ 0.47% 0.47% 0.47% 0.47%
12b-1 Fees (After Reduction):+
Maryland Series.......................................................... 0.10% 0.50% 0.75% --
Michigan Series.......................................................... 0.10% 0.50% 0.75% --
Intermediate Series...................................................... 0.10% 0.50% 0.75% None
National Municipals Fund................................................. 0.10% 0.50% 0.75% None
NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND (PRO FORMA COMBINED)............................ 0.10% 0.50% 0.75% None
Other Expenses:
Maryland Series.......................................................... 0.59% 0.58% 0.58% --
Michigan Series.......................................................... 0.32% 0.32% 0.33% --
Intermediate Series...................................................... 0.71% 0.71% 0.71% 0.73%
National Municipals Fund................................................. 0.15% 0.15% 0.15% 0.15%*
NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND (PRO FORMA COMBINED)............................ 0.15% 0.15% 0.15% 0.15%*
Total Fund Operating Expenses (After Reduction):+
Maryland Series.......................................................... 1.19% 1.58% 1.83% --
Michigan Series.......................................................... 0.92% 1.32% 1.57% --
Intermediate Series...................................................... 1.31% 1.71% 1.96% 1.21%
National Municipals Fund................................................. 0.73% 1.13% 1.38% 0.63%
NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND (PRO FORMA COMBINED)............................ 0.72% 1.12% 1.37% 0.62%
- ---------------
+ Although the Class A and Class C Distribution and Service Plans provide that
each Fund may pay a distribution fee of up to .30 of 1% and 1% per annum of
the average daily net assets of the Class A and Class C shares,
respectively, the Distributor has limited its distribution fees with respect
to the Class A and Class C shares of each Fund to no more than .10 of 1% and
.75 of 1% of the average daily net asset value of the Class A shares and
Class C shares, respectively. Total Fund Operating Expenses of the Class A
and Class C shares without such limitations would be 1.39% and 2.08%,
respectively, for Maryland Series, 1.12% and 1.82%, respectively, for
Michigan Series, 1.51% and 2.21%, respectively, for Intermediate Series,
0.93% and 1.63%, respectively, for National Municipals Fund, and 0.92% and
1.62%, for National Municipals Fund (pro forma combined), as of each Fund's
most recent fiscal year end.
* National Municipals Fund commenced offering Class Z shares November 23,
1998. "Other Expenses" ratios with respect to Class Z shares of National
Municipals Fund and National Municipals Fund (pro forma combined) are based
on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
12
The examples set forth below show the expenses that an investor in the
combined fund (assuming approval by shareholders of each Series) would pay on a
$1,000 investment, based upon the pro forma ratios set forth above.
EXAMPLE 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------- ------- --------
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment,
assuming (1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of
each time period
Maryland Series
Class A...................................................... $42 $67 $93 $170
Class B...................................................... $66 $80 $96 $173
Class C...................................................... $29 $58 $99 $215
Michigan Series
Class A...................................................... $39 $58 $79 $140
Class B...................................................... $63 $72 $82 $143
Class C...................................................... $26 $50 $86 $187
Intermediate Series
Class A...................................................... $43 $70 $100 $183
Class B...................................................... $67 $84 $103 $186
Class C...................................................... $30 $62 $106 $229
Class Z...................................................... $12 $38 $66 $147
National Municipals Fund
Class A...................................................... $37 $53 $69 $118
Class B...................................................... $62 $66 $72 $121
Class C...................................................... $24 $44 $76 $166
Class Z*..................................................... $ 6 $20 $35 $ 79
National Municipals Fund (pro forma combined)
Class A...................................................... $37 $52 $69 $117
Class B...................................................... $61 $66 $72 $120
Class C...................................................... $24 $43 $75 $165
Class Z*..................................................... $ 6 $20 $35 $ 77
THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
- ------------
* National Municipals Fund commenced offering Class Z shares November 23,
1998.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
Purchases of shares of each Series and National Municipals Fund are made
through the Distributor, through dealers, including Prudential Securities, Pruco
Securities Corporation (Prusec) or directly from the respective Fund, through
its transfer agent, Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS or the Transfer
Agent), at the net asset value per share next determined after receipt of a
purchase order by the Transfer Agent or plus a sales charge which may be imposed
either (i) at the time of purchase (Class A shares), (ii) on a deferred basis
(Class B shares) or (iii) both (Class C shares).
The minimum initial investment for Class A and Class B shares of each Fund
is $1,000 per class and $5,000 for Class C shares and the minimum subsequent
investment is $100 for all classes. Class A shares of each Fund are sold with an
initial sales charge of up to 3.00% of the offering price. Class B shares of
each
13
Fund are sold without an initial sales charge but are subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge (declining from 5% to zero of the lower of the amount
invested or the redemption proceeds) which will be imposed on certain
redemptions made within six years of purchase. Although Class B shares are
subject to higher ongoing distribution-related expenses than Class A shares,
Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares (which are subject
to lower ongoing distribution-related expenses) approximately seven years after
purchase. Class C shares of each Fund are sold with an initial sales charge of
1% and, for eighteen months after purchase, are subject to a 1% contingent
deferred sales charge on redemptions. Like Class B shares, Class C shares are
subject to higher ongoing distribution-related expenses than Class A shares but
do not convert to another class. Class Z shares of National Municipals Fund and
Intermediate Series are sold without either an initial sales charge or
contingent deferred sales charge to a limited group of investors. Class Z Shares
are not subject to any ongoing service or distribution expenses.
Shares of each Fund may be redeemed at any time at the net asset value next
determined after the Distributor or the Transfer Agent receives the sell order.
As indicated above, the proceeds of redemptions of Class B and Class C shares
may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. Class A, Class B and Class
C shareholders of the State Series will receive the number of full and
fractional Class A shares of National Municipals Fund equal to the net asset
value (rounded to the third decimal place) to such shareholders' Class A, Class
B, and Class C shares as of the closing date. The Class A, Class B, Class C and
Class Z shareholders of Intermediate Series will receive the number of full and
fractional Class A, Class B, Class C shares and Class Z of National Municipals
Fund equal to the net asset value (rounded to the third decimal place) to such
shareholders' shares as of the closing date. NO CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES
CHARGES WILL BE IMPOSED IN CONNECTION WITH THE REORGANIZATION. FOLLOWING THE
REORGANIZATION, SHAREHOLDERS HOLDING CLASS A AND CLASS Z SHARES OF NATIONAL
MUNICIPALS FUND LIKEWISE WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES
CHARGES.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES
The exchange privileges available to Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z
shareholders of National Municipals Fund are identical to the exchange
privileges of Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z (Intermediate Series only)
shareholders, respectively, of each Series. Shareholders of both National
Municipals Fund and each Series have an exchange privilege with certain other
Prudential Mutual Funds, including one or more specified money market funds,
subject to the minimum investment requirements of such funds. Class A, Class B,
Class C and Class Z shares of each Fund may be exchanged for Class A, Class B,
Class C and Class Z shares, respectively, of another fund on the basis of
relative net asset value. No sales charge will be imposed at the time of the
exchange. Any applicable contingent deferred sales charge payable upon the
redemption of shares exchanged will be calculated from the first day of the
month after the initial purchase excluding the time shares were held in a money
market fund. Class B and Class C shares of either Fund may not be exchanged into
money market funds other than Prudential Special Money Market Fund. For purposes
of calculating the holding period applicable to the Class B conversion feature,
the time period during which Class B shares were held in a money market fund
will be excluded. An exchange will be treated as a redemption and purchase for
tax purposes.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Each Fund expects to declare daily and to pay dividends of net investment
income, if any, monthly and make distributions at least annually of any net
capital gains. Shareholders of National Municipals Fund and each Series receive
dividends and other distributions in additional shares of National Municipals
Fund and
14
each Series, respectively, unless they elect to receive them in cash. Each
Series shareholder's election with respect to reinvestment of dividends and
distributions in each Series will be automatically applied with respect to the
National Municipals Fund shares he or she receives pursuant to the applicable
Plan.
FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PROPOSED REORGANIZATION
The Funds shall have received on the closing date opinions of Swidler Berlin
Shereff Friedman, LLP to the effect that each of the proposed Reorganizations
will constitute a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section
368(a)(1)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Internal
Revenue Code). Accordingly, no gain or loss will be recognized to National
Municipals Fund or any Series upon the transfer of assets solely in return for
shares of National Municipals Fund and National Municipals Fund's assumption of
liabilities, if any, or to shareholders of any Series upon their receipt of
shares of National Municipals Fund in return for their shares of the Series. The
tax basis for the shares of National Municipals Fund received by each Series'
shareholders will be the same as their tax basis for the shares of each
respective Series to be constructively surrendered in exchange therefor. In
addition, the holding period of the shares of National Municipals Fund to be
received pursuant to each Reorganization will include the period during which
the shares of each respective Series to be constructively surrendered in
exchange therefor were held, provided the latter shares were held as capital
assets by the shareholders on the date of the exchange. See "The Proposed
Transaction--Tax Considerations."
PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS
As the investment policies of Natural Municipals Fund and the Series are
similar, the risks associated with such investments also are similar. Below is a
summary of such risks. For a more complete discussion of the risks attendant to
an investment in National Municipals Fund, please see the National Municipals
Fund Prospectus, which accompanies this Prospectus and Proxy Statement.
RATINGS
While National Municipals Fund's investment adviser will not be limited by
the ratings assigned by the ratings services, the municipal bonds in which
National Municipals Fund's portfolio will be principally invested will be rated
A or Baa by Moody's and A or BBB by S&P, or, if not rated, will be, in the
judgment of the investment adviser, of substantially comparable quality. Bonds
rated Baa by Moody's lack outstanding investment characteristics and, in fact,
have speculative characteristics as well. In addition, National Municipals Fund
may acquire municipal bonds which have been rated below medium quality (below
BBB/ Baa) by the ratings services if, in the judgment of National Municipals
Fund's investment adviser, the bonds have the characteristics of medium quality
obligations.
Each of Maryland and Michigan Series invests at least 70% of its total
assets in securities which are rated BBB or above by S&P and Baa or above by
Moody's or comparably rated by another NRSRO and up to 30% of its total assets
in securities rated below BBB by S&P or below Baa by Moody's or comparably rated
by another NRSRO or, if unrated, will possess creditworthiness, in the opinion
of the investment adviser, comparable to such investment grade rated securities.
Such lower-rated high yield securities are commonly referred to as junk bonds.
Intermediate Series, under normal circumstances, invests all of its assets in
securities rated at least BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's and invests at least 60%
of its portfolio in securities rated A or better by Moody's or S&P.
Fixed-income securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to
meet principal and interest payments on the obligations (credit risk) and may
also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate
sensitivity, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general
market liquidity
15
(market risk). Municipal bonds of medium or lower-rated quality (I.E., high
yield or junk bonds) are subject to fluctuation in value as a result of changing
economic circumstances, as well as changes in interest rates. Thus, while medium
or lower-rated obligations generally provide a higher yield than high quality
municipal bonds of similar maturities, such obligations are subject to a greater
degree of market fluctuation with less certainty of the issuer's continuing
ability to meet the payments of principal and interest when due, and have
speculative characteristics not present in bonds of higher quality. Lower-rated
or unrated debt obligations also present the risk that, if an issuer calls the
obligation in for redemption, it may have to be replaced with a lower-yielding
security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. If a State Series
experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to sell its higher
quality securities, resulting in a decline in the overall credit quality of the
Series' portfolio and increasing the exposure of the Series to the risks of high
yield securities.
HEDGING AND RETURN ENHANCEMENT STRATEGIES
National Municipals Fund may also engage in various portfolio strategies,
including the purchase and sale of derivatives, to reduce certain risks of its
investments for bona fide hedging, risk management and return enhancement
purposes. These strategies include the purchase of put or tender options on
municipal bonds and notes and the purchase and sale of financial futures
contracts and options thereon and municipal bond index futures contracts.
National Municipals Fund's ability to use these strategies may be limited by
market conditions, regulatory limits and tax considerations, and there can be no
assurance that any of these strategies will succeed.
Participation in the options and futures markets involves investment risks
and transaction costs to which National Municipals Fund would not be subject
absent the use of these strategies. National Municipals Fund's successful use of
financial futures contracts and options on futures contracts depends upon the
ability of its investment adviser to accurately predict movements in the
direction of interest rates and other factors affecting markets for securities.
For example, if National Municipals Fund has hedged against the possibility of
an increase in interest rates which would adversely affect the price of
securities in its portfolio and prices of such securities increase instead,
National Municipals Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased
value of its securities because it will have offsetting losses in its futures
positions. In addition, in such situations, if National Municipals Fund has
insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it may have to
sell securities to meet such requirements. Such sales of securities may be, but
will not necessarily be, at increased prices which reflect the rising market.
National Municipals Fund may have to sell securities at a time when it is
disadvantageous to do so. Where futures are purchased to hedge against a
possible increase in the price of securities before National Municipals Fund is
able to invest its cash in an orderly fashion, it is possible that the market
may decline instead. If National Municipals Fund then concludes not to invest in
securities at that time because of concern as to possible future market decline
or for other reasons, the Fund will realize a loss on the futures contract that
is not offset by a reduction in the price of the securities purchased.
Each Series may also engage in various portfolio strategies, including the
purchase and sale of certain derivatives although the State Series may not do so
for return enhancement purposes. These strategies include the purchase of put
options and the purchase and sale of futures contracts and options thereon. Each
Series' participation in the options and futures markets subjects the Series to
similar types of hedging risks and, in the case of Intermediate Series, return
enhancement risks, as described above for National Municipals Fund. Subsequent
to the Reorganizations, shareholders of the State Series will be subject to the
additional risks associated with the use of derivatives for return enhancement.
16
LONG TERM BONDS
National Municipals Fund primarily invests in long-term municipal bonds,
including obligations with longer maturities (E.G., 20 years or more). The State
Series invest in long-term obligations, and the dollar-weighted average maturity
of the Series will generally range between 10 and 20 years. Intermediate Series
invests primarily in municipal obligations with maturities between 3 and 15
years and will have a dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of more than 3
and less than 10 years. Obligations with longer maturities generally offer both
higher yields and greater exposure to market fluctuation from changes in
interest rates than do those with shorter maturities.
TAX CONSIDERATIONS
National Municipals Fund may purchase municipal obligations of any state,
territory or possession of the United States, or any political subdivision
thereof. As a result, upon consummation of the Reorganizations, shareholders of
the Maryland or Michigan Series that are residents in Maryland or Michigan,
respectively, will be subject to certain state income taxes with respect to that
portion of National Municipals Fund's income not earned from municipal
obligations the income from which is exempt from Maryland or Michigan state
income taxes. Shareholders of each Series are advised to consult their own tax
advisers regarding specific questions as to federal, state or local taxes. Each
of the Series and National Municipals Fund has elected to qualify, and intends
to remain qualified, as a regulated investment company under the Internal
Revenue Code.
Interest on certain municipal bonds and municipal notes held by National
Municipals Fund may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. From time
to time, National Municipals Fund may purchase municipal bonds and municipal
notes that are "private activity bonds" (as defined in the Internal Revenue
Code), the interest on which is a tax preference subject to the alternative
minimum tax.
REALIGNMENT OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
The portfolio manager of National Municipals Fund anticipates selling
certain securities in the investment portfolio of the combined Fund following
the consummation of such transaction. The portfolio manager of National
Municipals Fund expects that the sale of assets acquired from each Series and
the purchase of other securities may affect the aggregate amount of taxable
gains and losses generated by National Municipals Fund.
THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION
AGREEMENTS AND PLANS OF REORGANIZATION
The terms and conditions under which the proposed transaction may be
consummated are set forth in the Plans. Significant provisions of the Plans are
summarized below; however, this summary is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the Plans, a copy of each of which is attached as Appendix B to
this Prospectus and Proxy Statement.
The State Series Plan contemplates (i) National Municipals Fund acquiring
all of the assets of each of Maryland and Michigan Series in exchange for shares
of National Municipals Fund and the assumption by National Municipals Fund of
Maryland and Michigan Series' liabilities, if any, as of the Closing Date
(December 18, 1998, or such later date as the parties may agree) and (ii) the
constructive distribution on the date of the exchange, expected to occur on or
about the Closing Date, of Class A shares of National Municipals Fund to the
Class A, Class B and Class C shareholders of Maryland and Michigan Series as
provided for by the State Series Plan.
17
The Intermediate Series Plan contemplates (i) National Municipals Fund
acquiring all of the assets of Intermediate Series in exchange for shares of
National Municipals Fund and the assumption by National Municipals Fund of
Intermediate Series' liabilities, if any, as of the Closing Date (December 18,
1998, or such later date as the parties may agree) and (ii) the constructive
distribution on the date of the exchange, expected to occur on or about the
Closing Date, of Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares of National
Municipals Fund to the Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shareholders of
Intermediate Series as provided for by the Intermediate Series Plan.
The assets of each Series to be acquired by National Municipals Fund shall
include, without limitation, all cash, cash equivalents, securities, receivables
(including interest and dividends receivable) and other property of any kind
owned by each Series and deferred or prepaid assets shown as assets on the books
of each Series. National Municipals Fund will assume from each Series all debts,
liabilities, obligations and duties of each Series of whatever kind or nature,
if any; provided, however, that each Series will utilize its best efforts, to
the extent practicable, to discharge all of its known debts, liabilities,
obligations and duties prior to the Closing Date. National Municipals Fund will
deliver to the State Series Class A shares of National Municipals Fund, which
the Maryland and Michigan Series will then distribute to their Class A, Class B
and Class C shareholders, respectively. National Municipals Fund will
simultaneously deliver to Intermediate Series Class A, Class B, Class C and
Class Z shares of National Municipals Fund which Intermediate Series will then
distribute to its Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shareholders,
respectively. Share certificates in National Municipals Fund will only be issued
upon written request to Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC. See "Shareholder
Guide" in National Municipals Fund's Prospectus.
The value of each Series' assets to be acquired and liabilities to be
assumed by National Municipals Fund and the net asset value of a share of
National Municipals Fund will be determined as of 4:15 P.M., New York time, on
the Closing Date in accordance with the valuation procedures of each respective
Fund's then current prospectus and statement of additional information.
As soon as practicable after the Closing Date, Series Fund and Municipal
Bond Fund will terminate the State Series and Intermediate Series, respectively,
and distribute PRO RATA to each respective Series' shareholders of record the
applicable shares of National Municipals Fund received by each Series in
exchange for the applicable shareholders' interests in the Series evidenced by
their shares of beneficial interest of the Series and each Fund will file with
the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts a Certificate of
Termination terminating each respective Series. Such distribution will be
accomplished by opening accounts on the books of National Municipals Fund in the
name of each Series' shareholders and by transferring thereto the shares of
National Municipals Fund previously credited to the account of each Series on
those books. Each shareholder account shall represent the respective PRO RATA
number of National Municipals Fund shares of common stock due to such Series
shareholder. Fractional shares of National Municipals Fund will be rounded to
the third decimal place.
Accordingly, each shareholder of Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the
State Series will own Class A shares of National Municipals Fund immediately
after the Reorganizations that, except for rounding, will be equal to the value
immediately prior to the Reorganizations of that shareholder's Class A, Class B
or Class C shares of Maryland and Michigan Series. Each Class A, Class B, Class
C and Class Z shareholder of the Intermediate Series will own Class A, Class B,
Class C and Class Z shares, respectively, of National Municipals Fund
immediately after the Reorganizations that, except for rounding, will be equal
to the value of that shareholder's Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares,
respectively, of Intermediate Series immediately prior to the Reorganizations.
Moreover, because shares of National Municipals Fund will be issued at net asset
value in exchange for net assets of each Series that, except for rounding, will
equal
18
the aggregate value of those shares, the net asset value per share of National
Municipals Fund will be unchanged. Thus the Reorganizations will not result in a
dilution of the value of any shareholder account. However, in general, the
Reorganizations will substantially reduce the percentage of ownership of each
shareholder of the Series below such shareholder's current percentage of
ownership in that Series because, while such shareholder will have the same
dollar amount invested initially in National Municipals Fund that he or she had
invested in the Series, his or her investment will represent a smaller
percentage of the combined net assets of National Municipals Fund and the
Series.
Any transfer taxes payable upon issuance of shares of National Municipals
Fund in a name other than that of the registered holder of the shares on the
books of each Series as of that time shall be paid by the person to whom such
shares are to be issued as a condition of such transfer. Any reporting
responsibility of each Series will continue to be the responsibility of each
Series up to and including the Closing Date and such later date on which each
Series is terminated.
On the effective date of the Reorganizations, the name of National
Municipals Fund will be unchanged.
The consummation of the proposed transactions is subject to a number of
conditions set forth in the Plans, some of which may be waived by the Directors
of National Municipals Fund and the Trustees of Series Fund and the Trustees of
Municipal Bond Fund. The Plans may be terminated and the proposed transactions
abandoned at any time with respect to one or more Series, before or after
approval by the shareholders of each Series, prior to the Closing Date. In
addition, the Plans may be amended with respect to each Series in any mutually
agreeable manner, except that no amendment may be made subsequent to the Meeting
of shareholders of each Series that would detrimentally affect the value of
National Municipals Fund shares to be distributed to each Series' shareholders.
REASONS FOR THE REORGANIZATIONS CONSIDERED BY THE TRUSTEES/DIRECTORS
The Trustees of Series Fund and the Trustees of Municipal Bond Fund,
including a majority of the Independent Trustees, have determined that the
interests of each Series' shareholders will not be diluted as a result of the
proposed transaction and that the proposed transaction is in the best interests
of the shareholders of the respective Series. In addition, the Directors of
National Municipals Fund, including a majority of the Independent Directors,
have determined that the interests of National Municipals Fund shareholders will
not be diluted as a result of the proposed transaction and that the proposed
transactions are in the best interests of the shareholders of National
Municipals Fund.
The reasons that the Reorganizations were proposed by PIFM are described
above under "Synopsis-- Reasons for the Reorganizations." The Trustees of Series
Fund and the Trustees of Municipal Bond Fund and the Directors of National
Municipals Fund based their decisions to approve the Plans on an inquiry into a
number of factors, including the following:
(1) The compatibility of the investment objectives, policies and
restrictions of National Municipals Fund and each respective Series, and the
fact that National Municipals Fund's portfolio is less susceptible to the
risks associated with investments concentrated in a single state;
(2) the relative past and current growth in assets, historical
investment performance and perceived future prospects of National Municipals
Fund and each of the Series;
(3) the effect of the proposed transactions on the expense ratios of
National Municipals Fund and each of the Series;
19
(4) the costs of the Reorganizations, which will be paid for by National
Municipals Fund and each of the Series in proportion to their respective
asset levels;
(5) the tax-free nature of the Reorganizations to National Municipals
Fund, each of the Series and their shareholders;
(6) with respect to the State Series Plan, if such Plan is approved,
former shareholders of Maryland and Michigan Series, who would have
otherwise received income generally exempt from Maryland or Michigan
taxation, respectively, from Maryland and Michigan Series, will be subject
to Maryland and Michigan state taxation on income derived from National
Municipals Fund following each Reorganization;
(7) the potential benefits to the shareholders of each of the Series and
National Municipals Fund; and
(8) other options to each Reorganization, including a continuance of a
Series in its present form, a change of manager or investment objective or a
termination of a Series with the distribution of the cash proceeds to the
Series shareholders.
If a Plan is not approved by shareholders of any of the Series, Series
Fund's Trustees and Municipal Bond Fund's Trustees may consider other
appropriate action, such as the termination of the applicable Series or a merger
or other business combination with an investment company other than National
Municipals Fund. The Shareholders of each Series vote separately on the
respective Plan and the Reorganization of any Series into National Municipals
Fund is not contingent on the Plan being approved by any other Series.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED
National Municipals Fund's shares represent shares of common stock with $.01
par value per share. Shares of National Municipals Fund will be issued to each
Series' shareholders on the Closing Date as considered in each Plan. Each share
represents an equal and proportionate interest in National Municipals Fund with
each other share of the same class. Shares entitle their holders to one vote per
full share and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Each share of
National Municipals Fund has equal voting, dividend and liquidation rights with
other shares, except that each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to
its distribution plan, as noted under "Synopsis--Structure of the Series and
National Municipals Fund" above. Dividends paid by National Municipals Fund with
respect to each class of shares, to the extent any are paid, will be calculated
in the same manner, at the same time, on the same day, and will be in the same
amount, except that each class will bear its own distribution expenses,
generally resulting in lower dividends for Class B and Class C shares.
TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The Fund will have received opinions on the Closing Date from Swidler Berlin
Shereff Friedman, LLP to the effect that (1) the proposed transactions described
above will constitute reorganizations within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(C)
of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) no gain or loss will be recognized by
shareholders of the Series upon liquidation of each Series and the distribution
of shares of National Municipals Fund constructively in exchange for their
shares of that Series (Internal Revenue Code Section 354(a)(1)); (3) no gain or
loss will be recognized by each Series upon the transfer of that Series' assets
to National Municipals Fund in exchange solely for shares of National Municipals
Fund and the assumption by National Municipals Fund of such Series' liabilities,
if any, and the subsequent distribution of those shares to that Series'
shareholders in liquidation thereof (Internal Revenue Code Sections 361(a) and
357(a)); (4) no
20
gain or loss will be recognized by National Municipals Fund upon the receipt of
such assets in exchange solely for National Municipals Fund's shares and its
assumption of the Series' liabilities, if any (Internal Revenue Code Section
1032(a)); (5) National Municipals Fund's basis for the assets received pursuant
to each Reorganization will be the same as the basis thereof in the hands of
each Series immediately before the Reorganization, and the holding period of
those assets in the hands of National Municipals Fund will include the holding
period thereof in each Series' hands (Internal Revenue Code Sections 362(b) and
1223(2)); (6) each Series' shareholders' basis for the shares of National
Municipals Fund to be received by them pursuant to each Reorganization will be
the same as their basis for the shares of each Series to be constructively
surrendered in exchange therefor (Internal Revenue Code Section 358(a)(1)); and
(7) the holding period of the shares of National Municipals Fund to be received
by the shareholders of each Series pursuant to each Reorganization will include
the period during which the shares of each Series to be constructively
surrendered in exchange therefor were held, provided the latter shares were held
as capital assets by the shareholders on the date of the exchange (Internal
Revenue Code Section 1223(1)). It should be noted that no rulings have been
sought by the IRS and that an opinion of counsel is not binding on the IRS or
any court. If the IRS were to successfully assert that the proposed transaction
is taxable, then the proposed transactions would be treated as taxable sales of
each Series' assets to National Municipals Fund followed by the taxable
liquidation of each Series, and shareholders of each Series would recognize gain
or loss as a result of such transaction.
CERTAIN OTHER COMPARATIVE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS
National Municipals Fund is a Maryland corporation and the rights of its
shareholders are governed by its Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and the
Maryland General Corporation Law. Series Fund and Municipal Bond Fund are each a
Massachusetts business trust and the rights of each Fund's shareholders are
governed by that Fund's Declaration of Trust, By-Laws and applicable
Massachusetts law. Certain relevant differences between the two forms of
organization are summarized below.
CAPITALIZATION. National Municipals Fund has issued shares of common stock,
par value $.01 per share. Its Articles of Incorporation authorize National
Municipals Fund to issue one billion shares of common stock divided into four
classes, consisting of 250 million authorized Class A shares, 250 million
authorized Class B shares, 250 million authorized Class C shares and 250 million
authorized Class Z shares. Series Fund and Municipal Bond Fund each has issued
shares of beneficial interest, par value $.01 per share, currently divided into
thirteen series and three series, respectively. Series Fund's Declaration of
Trust authorizes the State Series to issue an unlimited number of shares of
beneficial interest, divided into three classes, designated Class A, Class B and
Class C shares. Municipal Bond Fund's Declaration of Trust authorizes Municipal
Bond Fund to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, divided
into four classes, designated Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares.
National Municipals Fund and Intermediate Series currently offer Class A, Class
B, Class C and Class Z shares. The State Series currently offer Class A, Class B
and Class C shares. The Board of Directors of National Municipals Fund may
authorize an increase in the number of authorized shares and the Board of
Directors/Trustees of each Fund may reclassify unissued shares to authorize
additional classes of shares having terms and rights determined by its Board of
Directors/Trustees, all without shareholder approval.
SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS AND VOTING RIGHTS. Generally, none of the Funds is
required to hold annual meetings of its shareholders. Each Fund is required to
call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of
removal of a Director/Trustee or to transact any other business when requested
21
in writing to do so by the holders of at least 10% of the Fund's outstanding
shares. In addition, each Fund is required to call a meeting of shareholders for
the purpose of electing Directors/Trustees if, at any time, less than a majority
of the Directors/Trustees holding office at the time were elected by
shareholders.
Under each of the Declarations of Trust of Municipal Bond Fund and Series
Fund, shareholders are entitled to vote only with respect to the following
matters: (1) the election or removal of Trustees if a meeting is called for such
purpose; (2) the adoption of any contract for which shareholder approval is
required by the Investment Company Act; (3) any amendment of the Declaration of
Trust, other than amendments to change the Fund's name, authorize additional
series of shares, supply any omission or cure, correct or supplement any
ambiguity or defective or inconsistent provision contained therein; (4) any
termination or reorganization of the Fund to the extent and as provided in the
Declaration of Trust; (5) a determination as to whether a court action,
proceeding or claim should or should not be brought or maintained derivatively
or as a class action on behalf of the applicable Fund or its shareholders, to
the same extent as the shareholders of a Massachusetts business corporation
would be entitled to vote on such a determination; (6) with respect to any plan
of distribution adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act;
and (7) such additional matters relating to the applicable Fund as may be
required by law, the applicable Fund's Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, or any
registration of the applicable Fund with the Commission or any state securities
commission, or as the Trustees may consider necessary or desirable. Each Fund's
shareholders also vote upon changes in fundamental investment policies or
restrictions.
Each Declaration of Trust provides that a "Majority Shareholder Vote" of the
Fund is required to decide any question. "Majority Shareholder Vote" means the
vote of the holders of a majority of shares, which shall consist of: (i) a
majority of shares represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at a
meeting of shareholders at which a quorum, as determined in accordance with the
By-Laws, is present; (ii) a majority of shares issued and outstanding and
entitled to vote when action is taken by written consent of shareholders; or
(iii) a "majority of the outstanding voting securities," as that phrase is
defined in the Investment Company Act, when action is taken by shareholders with
respect to approval of an investment advisory or management contract or an
underwriting or distribution agreement or continuance thereof.
Shareholders in National Municipals Fund are entitled to one vote for each
share on all matters submitted to a vote of its shareholders under Maryland law.
Approval of certain matters, such as an amendment to the charter, a merger,
consolidation or transfer of all or substantially all assets, dissolution and
removal of a Director, requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes
entitled to be cast. A plurality of votes cast is required to elect Directors.
Other matters require the approval of the affirmative vote of a majority of the
votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present.
Series Fund's, Municipal Bond Fund's and National Municipals Fund's By-Laws
each provide that a majority of the outstanding shares shall constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business at a shareholders' meeting. Matters requiring a
larger vote by law or under the organization documents for any of the Funds are
not affected by such quorum requirements.
SHAREHOLDER LIABILITY. Under Maryland law, National Municipals Fund's
shareholders have no personal liability as such for National Municipals Fund's
acts or obligations.
Under Massachusetts law, Series Fund's and Municipal Bond Fund's
shareholders, under certain circumstances, could be held personally liable for
their respective Fund's obligations. However, each Declaration of Trust of
Series Fund and Municipal Bond Fund disclaims shareholder liability for acts or
obligations of each Fund and requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in
each note, bond, contract, order, agreement, obligation or instrument entered
into or executed by such Fund or its Trustees. Each
22
Fund's Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of such Fund's
property for all losses and expenses of any shareholder held personally liable
for such Fund's obligations solely by reason of his or her being or having been
a Fund shareholder and not because of his or her acts or omissions or some other
reason. Thus, each such Fund considers the risk of a shareholder incurring
financial loss on account of shareholder liability to be remote since it is
limited to circumstances in which a disclaimer is inoperative or the Fund itself
would be unable to meet its obligations.
LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES. Under Maryland
law, a Director or officer of National Municipals Fund is not liable to National
Municipals Fund or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
duty as a Director or officer except to the extent such exemption from liability
or limitation thereof is not permitted by law, including the Investment Company
Act. National Municipals Fund's By-Laws provide that its Directors and officers
will not be liable to National Municipals Fund, and may be indemnified for
liabilities, for any action or failure to act, except for bad faith, willful
misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties.
The Declaration of Trust of Series Fund and Municipal Bond Fund provides
that no Trustee or officer of such Fund shall be liable to the Trust or
shareholders for any action or failure to act, except for bad faith, willful
misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties. Under such Fund's
Declaration of Trust, a Trustee is entitled to indemnification against all
liability and expenses reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the
defense or disposition of any threatened or actual proceeding by reason of his
or her being or having been a Trustee provided, generally, such Trustee acted in
good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed
to the best interests of the Fund.
Under the Investment Company Act, a Director of National Municipals Fund and
a Trustee of Series Fund and Municipal Bond Fund may not be protected against
liability to National Municipals Fund, Series Fund or Municipal Bond Fund,
respectively, and their security holders to which he or she would otherwise be
subject as a result of his or her willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence in the performance of his or her duties, or by reason of reckless
disregard of his or her obligations and duties. The staff of the Commission
interprets the Investment Company Act to require additional limits on
indemnification of Directors, Trustees and officers.
23
PRO FORMA CAPITALIZATION
The following table shows the capitalization of National Municipals Fund and
each Series as of June 30, 1998 and the pro forma combined capitalization as if
the reorganization had occurred on that date.
NATIONAL
MUNICIPALS FUND MARYLAND SERIES MICHIGAN SERIES
-------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS Z CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
Net
Assets(1)..... $480,442,843 $128,212,019 $1,658,644 $0 $18,934,642 $11,894,140 $121,275 $30,555,911 $23,419,714 $437,827
Net Asset Value
per share..... $ 16.07 $ 16.11 $ 16.11 $0 $ 11.23 $ 11.25 $ 11.25 $ 12.26 $ 12.25 $ 12.25
Shares
Outstanding... 29,888,170 7,957,475 102,944 $0 1,685,367 1,057,361 10,781 2,492,518 1,911,495 35,735
INTERMEDIATE SERIES PRO FORMA COMBINED
---------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS Z CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS Z(2)
Net
Assets(1)..... $14,102,410 $22,709,950 $456,914 $1,354,859 $581,263,822 $150,921,969 $2,115,558 $1,354,859
Net Asset Value
per share..... $ 10.93 $ 10.93 $ 10.93 $ 10.93 $ 16.07 $ 16.11 $ 16.11 $
Shares
Outstanding... 1,290,031 2,076,916 41,787 123,929 36,162,033 9,367,155 131,306
- ------------------------
(1) Total net assets for pro forma combined Class A shares include net assets of
Class A shares of National Municipals Fund, net assets of Class A, Class B
and Class C shares of the State Series and net assets of Class A shares of
Intermediate Series. Total net assets for pro forma combined Class B shares
include net assets of Class B shares of National Municipals Fund and net
assets of Class B shares of Intermediate Series. Total net assets for pro
forma combined Class C shares include net assets of Class C shares of
National Municipals Fund and net assets of Class C shares of Intermediate
Series. Total net assets for pro forma combined Class Z shares include net
assets of Class Z shares of National Municipals Fund and net assets of Class
Z shares of Intermediate Series.
(2) National Municipals Fund commenced offering Class Z shares November 23,
1998. Net Asset Value per share with respect to Class Z shares, pro forma
combined, is estimated as if Class Z shares had been in existence on June
30, 1998.
24
INFORMATION ABOUT NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For additional condensed financial information for National Municipals Fund,
see "Financial Highlights" in the National Municipals Fund Prospectus, which
accompanies this Prospectus and Proxy Statement. The following financial
highlights contain selected data for a share of Class A, Class B and Class C
outstanding, total return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental
data for the periods presented. National Municipals Fund commenced offering
Class Z shares November 23, 1998.
SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED
JUNE 30, 1998 (c) YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
-------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
---------- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------- --------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year...... $ 16.12 $ 16.16 $16.16 $ 15.56 $ 15.60 $15.60
---------- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------- --------
---------- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------- --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income................... .40 .36 .34 .81(b) .75(b) .71(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investment transactions............. (.05) (.05) (.05) .67 .67 .67
---------- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------- --------
Total from investment operations.... .35 .31 .29 1.48 1.42 1.38
---------- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------- --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
Dividends from net investment income.... (.40) (.36) (.34) (.81) (.75) (.71)
Distributions in excess of net invest-
ment income............................ -- -- -- (.01) (.01) (.01)
Distributions from net realized gains... -- -- -- (.10) (.10) (.10)
---------- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------- --------
Total distributions................. (0.40) (0.36) (0.34) (.92) (.86) (.82)
---------- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------- --------
Net asset value, end of year............ $ 16.07 $ 16.11 $16.11 $ 16.12 $ 16.16 $16.16
---------- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------- --------
---------- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------- --------
TOTAL RETURN (a):....................... 2.21% 2.00% 1.88% 9.80% 9.35% 9.08%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)........... $480,443 $128,212 $1,659 $493,178 $141,528 $ 825
Average net assets (000)................ $485,960 $138,886 $1,168 $491,279 $151,938 $ 758
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution
fees................................. .73%(d) 1.13%(d) 1.38%(d) .70%(b) 1.10%(b) 1.35%(b)
Expenses, excluding distribution
fees................................. .63%(d) .63%(d) .63%(d) .60%(b) .60%(b) .60%(b)
Net investment income................. 4.96%(d) 4.56%(d) 4.31%(d) 5.15%(b) 4.75%(b) 4.50%(b)
Portfolio turnover...................... 14% 14% 14% 38% 38% 38%
- ------------
(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
distributions.
(b) Net of management fee waiver.
(c) Figures are unaudited.
(d) Figures are annualized.
25
GENERAL
For a discussion of the organization, classification and sub-classification
of National Municipals Fund, see "General Information" and "Fund Highlights" in
the National Municipals Fund Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
For a discussion of National Municipals Fund's investment objective and
policies and risk factors associated with an investment in National Municipals
Fund, see "How the Fund Invests" in the National Municipals Fund Prospectus.
DIRECTORS
For a discussion of the responsibilities of National Municipals Fund's Board
of Directors, see "How the Fund is Managed" in the National Municipals Fund
Prospectus.
MANAGER AND PORTFOLIO MANAGER
For a discussion of National Municipals Fund's Manager, Subadviser portfolio
manager and Distributor, see "How the Fund is Managed--Manager" in the National
Municipals Fund Prospectus.
PERFORMANCE
For a discussion of National Municipals Fund's performance during the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1997 and the six-month period ended June 30, 1998, see
Appendix A hereto.
NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND'S SHARES
For a discussion of National Municipals Fund's shares, including voting
rights and exchange rights, and how the shares may be purchased and redeemed,
see "Shareholder Guide" and "How the Fund is Managed" in the National Municipals
Fund Prospectus.
NET ASSET VALUE
For a discussion of how the offering price of National Municipals Fund's
shares is determined, see "How the Fund Values its Shares" in the National
Municipals Fund Prospectus.
TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
For a discussion of National Municipals Fund's policy with respect to
dividends and distributions and the tax consequences of an investment in the
Fund's shares, see "Taxes, Dividends and Distributions" in the National
Municipals Fund Prospectus.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
National Municipals Fund is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Investment Company Act and
in accordance therewith files reports and other information with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (Commission). Proxy material, reports and other
information filed by National Municipals Fund can be inspected and copied at the
public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the Commission's regional offices in
New York (7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048) and
Chicago (Citicorp Center, Suite 1400, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois
60661-2511). Copies of such material can be obtained at prescribed rates from
the Public Reference Branch, Office of Consumer Affairs and Information
Services, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549. Shareholder inquiries should be addressed to National
Municipals Fund at Gateway Center Three, Newark, New Jersey 07102, or by
telephone, at (800) 225-1852 (toll-free) or, from outside the U.S.A., at (908)
417-7555 (collect).
26
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERIES
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
For condensed financial information for each Series, see "Financial
Highlights" in each Series' Prospectus, the State Series' Annual Reports to
Shareholders for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, and Intermediate Series'
Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998, which
are available without charge upon oral or written request to Series Fund or
Municipal Bond Fund, as applicable. See "Additional Information" below.
GENERAL
For a discussion of the organization, classification and sub-classification
of each Series, see "General Information" and "Fund Highlights" in each Series'
Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
For a discussion of the Series' investment objective and policies and risk
factors associated with an investment in the Series, see "How the Fund Invests"
in each Series' Prospectus.
TRUSTEES
For a discussion of the responsibilities of Series Fund's or Municipal Bond
Fund's Board of Trustees, see "How the Fund is Managed" in each Series'
Prospectus.
MANAGER AND PORTFOLIO MANAGER
For a discussion of each Series' Manager and Subadviser and portfolio
manager, see "How the Fund is Managed--Manager" in each Series' Prospectus.
PERFORMANCE
For a discussion of each Series' performance during its fiscal year, see the
State Series Annual Reports to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended August 31,
1998, and the Intermediate Series' Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal
year ended April 30, 1998, which are available without charge upon oral or
written request to Series Fund or Municipal Bond Fund, respectively. See
"Additional Information" below.
SERIES FUND'S SHARES
For a discussion of each Series' shares, including voting rights and
exchange rights, and how the shares may be purchased and redeemed, see
"Shareholder Guide" and "How the Fund is Managed" in each Series' Prospectus.
NET ASSET VALUE
For a discussion of how the offering price of each Series' shares is
determined, see "How the Fund Values its Shares" in each Series' Prospectus.
TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
For a discussion of each Series' policy with respect to dividends and
distributions and the tax consequences of an investment in the Series' shares,
see "Taxes, Dividends and Distributions" in each Series' Prospectus.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information concerning Maryland and Michigan Series is
incorporated herein by reference from the current Prospectus of each Series
dated November 2, 1998. Additional copies of each State Series' Prospectus and
Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998 are
available without charge upon oral or written request to Series Fund. Additional
information concerning Intermediate Series is incorporated herein by reference
from Intermediate Series' current prospectus dated July 1, 1998
27
and supplements dated August 27, 1998, September 1, 1998 and October 21, 1998.
Additional copies of Intermediate Series' Prospectus and Supplements thereto and
Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998 are
available without charge upon oral or written request to Municipal Bond Fund. To
obtain an additional Maryland, Michigan or Intermediate Series Prospectus or
Annual Report, call (800) 225-1852 or write to Prudential Mutual Fund Services
LLC, Raritan Plaza One, Edison, New Jersey 08837. Shareholder inquiries should
be addressed to Series Fund at Gateway Center Three, Newark, New Jersey 07102,
or by telephone, at (800) 225-1852 (toll-free) or, from outside the U.S.A., at
(908) 417-7555 (collect).
Reports and other information filed by any of the Series can be inspected
and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at
Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the
Commission's regional offices in New York (7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New
York, New York 10048) and Chicago (Citicorp Center, Suite 1400, 500 West Madison
Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511). Copies of such material can also be
obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Branch, Office of
Consumer Affairs and Information Services, Securities and Exchange Commission,
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.
VOTING INFORMATION
If the accompanying form of Proxy is executed properly and returned, shares
represented by it will be voted at the Meeting in accordance with the
instructions on the Proxy. However, if no instructions are specified, shares
will be voted for the proposal. A Proxy may be revoked at any time prior to the
time it is voted by written notice to the Secretary of Series Fund or the
Secretary of Municipal Bond Fund, as applicable, or by attendance at the
Meeting. If sufficient votes to approve the proposal are not received, the
persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the Meeting to
permit further solicitation of Proxies. Any such adjournment will require the
affirmative vote of a majority of those shares present at the Meeting or
represented by proxy. Any questions as to an adjournment of the Meeting will be
voted on by the persons named in the enclosed Proxy in the same manner that the
Proxies are instructed to be voted. In the event that the Meeting is adjourned,
the same procedures will apply at a later Meeting date.
If a Proxy that is properly executed and returned is accompanied by
instructions to withhold authority to vote (an abstention) or represents a
broker "non-vote" (that is, a Proxy from a broker or nominee indicating that
such person has not received instructions from the beneficial owner or other
person entitled to vote shares on a particular matter with respect to which the
broker or nominee does not have discretionary power), the shares represented
thereby will be considered present for purposes of determining the existence of
a quorum for the transaction of business. Because approval of each proposed
Reorganization requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the total shares
outstanding of the respective Series, an abstention or broker non-vote will have
the effect of a vote against such proposed matters.
The close of business on November 20, 1998 has been fixed as the record date
for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the
Series' Meeting. On that date, Maryland Series had 1,573,704 Class A shares,
997,676 Class B shares and 10,799 Class C shares outstanding and entitled to
vote; Michigan Series had 2,429,718 Class A, 1,730,468 Class B and 42,385 Class
C shares outstanding and entitled to vote; and Intermediate Series had 1,256,177
Class A, 1,959,297 Class B, 42,438 Class C and 175,765 Class Z shares
outstanding and entitled to vote.
Each share of each Series will be entitled to one vote at the Series'
Meeting. It is expected that the Notice of Special Meeting, Prospectus and Proxy
Statement and form of Proxy will be mailed to the Series' shareholders on or
about November 27, 1998.
28
As of November 20, 1998, the following shareholders owned beneficially or of
record 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of Maryland Series:
NAME SHARES/CLASS % OWNERSHIP
- ---------------------------------------- -------------- -----------
Julien J LaVoie 782/C 7.2
Marjorie G LaVoie JT TEN
13405 Beall Creek CT
Potomac MD 20854-1
Henry Nathan II & 1,416C 13.1
Elaine T Nathan JT TEN
6222 Roblynn Road
Laurel MD 20707-2635
Mr Frederick O Mitchell 1,639/C 15.2
1642 Perryman Road
Box #36
Perryman MD 21130
Betty Greenberg 4,682/C 43.4
8200 Wisconsin Ave #1211
Bethesda MD 20814-3113
Erma N Ruble & 1,742/C 16.1
Mary D Grybos JT TEN
539 46th St
Baltimore MD 21224-3107
As of November 20, 1998, the Trustees and officers of Series Fund, as a
group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Maryland Series.
--------------
As of November 20, 1998, the following shareholders owned beneficially or of
record 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of Michigan series:
NAME SHARES/CLASS % OWNERSHIP
- ---------------------------------------- -------------- -----------
Dr Richard G Coleman TTE 3,387/C 8.0
Richard G Coleman Family Trust
UA DTD 04/14/98
PO Box 243
Glenn MI 49416-0243
Lorretta J Bonsall TTEE 5,247/C 12.4
Lorretta J Bonsall Trust
UA DTD 05/19/94
FBO Lorretta Bonsall
2280 Seminole Rd
Muskegon MI 49441-4229
29
NAME SHARES/CLASS % OWNERSHIP
- ---------------------------------------- -------------- -----------
Mr David K Bonsall 6,211/C 14.6
3741 S 220th Ave
Patterson Rd
Reed City MI 49677-9619
Lester L Fall Jr 2,480/C 5.8
Cynthia D Fall JT TEN
12460 Lincoln
Burt MI 48417-9
Rudolf K Breiling 6,215/C 14.7
Sharon A Breiling JT TEN
45260 Fairchild
Macomb MI 48042-5
Mrs Helen L Jamieson TTEE 8,247/C 19.5
Mrs Helen L Jamieson
Trust UA DTD 02/10/93
315 E Church Ave
Reed City MI 49677-9703
Helen L Jamieson 6,109/C 14.4
Karen Akom SUCC CO-TTEES
Bryce B Jamieson Trust
UA DTD 02/10/93
315 E Church Street
Reed City MI 49677-9703
As of November 20, 1998, the Trustees and officers of Series Fund, as a
group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Michigan Series.
--------------
As of November 20, 1998, the following shareholders owned beneficially or of
record 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of Intermediate Series:
NAME SHARES/CLASS % OWNERSHIP
- ---------------------------------------- -------------- -----------
Mr James R McCabe & 4,839/C 11.4
Mrs Irene G McCabe JT TEN
60 Loeffler Rd Apt P-210
Bloomfield CT 06002-4308
Lance E Radbill & 14,877/C 35.1
Ruth M Radbill JT TEN
444 Saint Annes Dr
Birmingham AL 35244-3267
Frank R Grabenhofer 3,913/C 9.2
Loretta M Grabenhofer JT TEN
15606 Plum Tree Dr
Orland Pk IL 60462-5
30
NAME SHARES/CLASS % OWNERSHIP
- ---------------------------------------- -------------- -----------
Mr Ben L Danna 2,505/C 5.9
6261 Inwood Dr
Houston TX 77057-3507
National Door Industries Inc 14,353/C 33.8
Bob R Barnard, Jim Lewis and
Mike Barnard TTEES
ATTN: Jim Lewis
6310 Airport FWY
Fort Worth TX 76117-5322
Denis N Maiorani & 59,525/Z 33.9
Lynn H Maiorani JT TEN
PO Box 648
Rye Beach NH 03871-0648
As of November 20, 1998, the Trustees and officers of Municipal Bond Fund,
as a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Intermediate Series.
As of November 20, 1998, the following shareholders owned beneficially or of
record 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of National Municipals
Funds:
NAME SHARES/CLASS % OWNERSHIP
- ---------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Mrs Christine Doyle 18,915/C 13.5
58 Remington Rd
Ridgefield CT 06877-4326
Mr Craig Morrison 30,251/C 21.6
Mrs Betsy Morrison JT TEN
2S716 Summerfield CT
Wheaton IL 60187-7924
Worldwide Fowarders Inc 33,742/C 24.1
Richard H Panadero
9706 SW 155 CT
Miami FL 33196
Huntington Newspapers Inc 8,787/C 6.3
ATTN: Larry Hensley
PO Box 860
Huntington IN 46750-0860
As of November 20, 1998, the Directors and officers of National Municipals
Fund, as a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each class of
such Fund.
The expenses of reorganization and solicitation will be borne by Series
Fund, Municipal Bond Fund and National Municipals Fund in proportion to their
respective assets and will include reimbursement to brokerage firms and others
for expenses in forwarding proxy solicitation material to shareholders. The
Trustees of Series Fund have retained Shareholder Communications Corporation, a
proxy solicitation firm, to assist in the solicitation of Proxies for the
Meeting. The fees and expenses of Shareholder Communications Corporation
31
are not expected to exceed $11,000, excluding mailing and printing costs. The
solicitation of Proxies will be largely by mail but may include telephonic,
telegraphic or oral communication by regular employees of Prudential Securities
and its affiliates, including PIFM. This cost, including specified expenses,
also will be borne by Series Fund, Municipal Bond Fund and National Municipals
Fund in proportion to their respective assets.
OTHER MATTERS
No business other than as set forth herein is expected to come before the
Meeting, but should any other matter requiring a vote of shareholders of each
Series arise, including any question as to an adjournment of the Meeting, the
persons named in the enclosed Proxy will vote thereon according to their best
judgment in the interests of each Series, taking into account all relevant
circumstances.
SHAREHOLDERS' PROPOSALS
A shareholder proposal intended to be presented at any subsequent meeting of
the shareholders of the State Series or Intermediate Series must be received by
Series Fund or Municipal Bond Fund, respectively, a reasonable time before the
Trustees' solicitation relating to such meeting is made in order to be included
in the Series' Proxy Statement and form of Proxy relating to that meeting. The
mere submission of a proposal by a shareholder does not guarantee that such
proposal will be included in the proxy statement because certain rules under the
federal securities laws must be complied with before inclusion of the proposal
is required. In the event that the Plans are approved at this Meeting with
respect to each Series, it is not expected that there will be any future
shareholder meetings of the Series.
It is the present intent of the Board of Directors of National Municipals
Fund and the Trustees of Series Fund and the Trustees of Municipal Bond Fund not
to hold annual meetings of shareholders unless the election of
Directors/Trustees is required under the Investment Company Act nor to hold
special meetings of shareholders unless required by the Investment Company Act
or state law.
DEBORAH A. DOCS
SECRETARY
Dated: November 25, 1998
32
Appendix A
Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc.
PERFORMANCE AT A GLANCE.
Long-term interest rates declined (and bond prices rose) in the U.S. as
inflation remained mild in 1997. Municipal bonds also indirectly benefited when
investors sought more dependable securities in the wake of an Asian economic
crisis. Your Prudential National Municipals Fund beat the Lipper Average by
investing in higher yielding bonds and non-callable bonds that gained sharply as
interest rates fell.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS(1) As of 12/31/97
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One Five Ten Since
Year Years Years Inception(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A 9.80% (9.73%) 39.44% (39.26%) N/A 83.23% (83.01%)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 9.35 (9.28) 36.76 (36.59) 109.77% (109.51%) 342.44 (341.89)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 9.08 (9.01) N/A N/A 25.92 (25.77)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lipper Gen.
Muni Avg(3) 9.11 39.28 121.06 ***
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS(1) As of 12/31/97
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One Five Ten Since
Year Years Years Inception(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A 6.50% (6.44%) 6.23% (6.20%) N/A 7.51% (7.50%)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 4.35 (4.28) 6.31 (6.28) 7.69% (7.68%) 8.77
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 8.08 (8.01) N/A N/A 6.98 (6.94)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taxable Equivalent Yield(4)
Total Distributions 30-Day At Tax Rates Of
Paid for 12 Mos. SEC Yield 36% 39.6%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS Class A $0.92 4.22% 6.59% 6.99%
& YIELDS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AS OF Class B $0.86 3.95 6.17 6.54
12/31/97 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C $0.82 3.70 5.78 6.13
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Principal and investment
return will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth
more or less than their original cost.
(1) Source: Prudential Investments Fund Management and Lipper Analytical
Services. The cumulative total returns do not take into account sales
charges. The average annual returns do take into account applicable sales
charges. The Fund charges a maximum front-end sales load of 3% for Class A
shares and a declining, six-year contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of
5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% and 1% for Class B shares. Class C shares have a 1% CDSC
for one year. Without waiver of management fees and/or expense subsidization,
the Fund's return would have been lower as indicated by the numbers in the ()
parentheses. Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares on a
quarterly basis, after approximately seven years.
(2) Inception dates: Class A, 1/22/90; Class B, 4/25/80; and Class C, 8/1/94.
(3) Lipper General Muni Fund Average is based on the average of all funds in
this category for one-, five- and 10-year periods.
(4) Some investors may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax and/or
state and local taxes. Taxable equivalent yields reflect federal taxes only.
***Lipper Since Inceptions returns were: Class A, 82.75%; Class B, 373.53; and
Class C, 27.95% for all funds in each Lipper share class.
HOW INVESTMENTS COMPARED.
(AS OF 12/31/97)
[GRAPH]
12 mos 20 yrs
-------- --------
US GROWTH FUNDS 25.18 15.73
GENERAL BOND FUNDS 9.91 9.93
GENERAL MUNI DEBT FUNDS 9.11 7.39
U.S. TAXABLE MONEY FUNDS 4.9 7.69
Source: Lipper Analytical Services. Financial markets change, so a mutual fund's
past performance should never be used to predict future results. The risks to
each of the investments listed above are different - we provide 12-month total
returns for several Lipper mutual fund categories to show you that reaching for
higher yields means tolerating more risk. The greater the risk, the larger the
potential reward or loss. In addition, we've included historical 20-year average
annual returns. These returns assume the reinvestment of dividends.
U.S. Growth Funds will fluctuate a great deal. Investors have received higher
historical total returns from stocks than from most other investments. Smaller
capitalization stocks offer greater potential for long-term growth but may be
more volatile than larger capitalization stocks.
General Bond Funds provide more income than stock funds, which can help smooth
out their total returns year by year. But their prices still fluctuate
(sometimes significantly) and their returns have been historically lower than
those of stock funds.
General Municipal Debt Funds invest in bonds issued by state governments,
state agencies and/or municipalities. This investment provides income that is
usually exempt from federal and state income taxes.
U.S. Taxable Money Funds attempt to preserve a constant share value; they
don't fluctuate much in price but, historically, their returns have been
generally among the lowest of the major investment categories.
A-1
Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc.
PERFORMANCE AT A GLANCE.
A bountiful supply of new municipal bonds were issued by state and local
governments to take advantage of low borrowing costs over the past six months.
Despite the large supply, we encountered difficulty finding attractively priced,
medium-quality bonds to enhance our return to you. Then too, portfolio duration
(a measure of sensitivity to changing interest rates) was not longer than the
average fund so the Prudential National Municipal Fund did not gain as rapidly
as it could have when bond prices rose. As a result, the Fund's Class A shares
returned 2.21% compared to 2.26% for the Lipper General Municipal Average.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS(1) As of 6/30/98
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six One Five Ten Since
Months Year Years Years Inception(2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A 2.21% 8.78% 32.17% (32.01) N/A 87.28% (87.04)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 2.00 8.34 29.64 (29.48) 102.59% (102.34) 351.30 (350.74)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 1.88 8.07 N/A N/A 28.28 (28.13)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lipper General
Muni Average(3) 2.26 8.39 32.41 115.27 ***
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS(1) As of 6/30/98
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One Five Ten Since
Year Years Years Inception(2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A 5.52% 5.10% (5.07) N/A 7.33% (7.32)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 3.34 5.17 (5.14) 7.32% (7.30) 8.64
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 7.07 N/A N/A 6.57 (6.54)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taxable Equivalent Yield(4)
Total Distributions 30-Day At Tax Rates Of
Paid for Six Mos. SEC Yield 36% 39.6%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS Class A $0.40 4.17% 6.52% 6.90%
& YIELDS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AS OF Class B $0.37 3.90 6.09 6.46
6/30/98 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C $0.35 3.65 5.70 6.04
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Principal and investment
return will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth
more or less than their original cost.
(1) Source: Prudential Investments Fund Management and Lipper Analytical
Services. The cumulative total returns do not take into account sales charges.
The average annual total returns do take into account applicable sales charges.
The Fund charges a maximum front-end sales load of 3% for Class A shares and a
declining contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% and 1%
for six years for Class B shares. Class B shares will automatically convert to
Class A shares, on a quarterly basis, approximately seven years after purchase.
Class C shares have a 1% CDSC for one year. Without waiver of management fees
and/or expense subsidization, the Fund's cumulative and average annual total
returns and yields would have been lower, as indicated in parentheses ( ).
(2) Inception dates: Class A, 1/22/90; Class B, 4/25/80; and Class C, 8/1/94.
(3) Lipper average returns are for all funds in each share class for the
six-month, one-, five-, and ten-year periods.
(4) Some investors may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax and/or
state and local taxes. Taxable equivalent yields reflect federal taxes only.
***Lipper Since Inception returns are 87.68% for Class A; 387.11% for Class B;
and 31.05% for Class C based on all funds in each share class.
HOW INVESTMENTS COMPARED.
(AS OF 6/30/98)
[GRAPH]
12 mos 20 yrs
-------- --------
US GROWTH FUNDS 25.39 16.13
GENERAL BOND FUNDS 9.76 10.18
GENERAL MUNI DEBT FUNDS 8.39 7.77
U.S. TAXABLE MONEY FUNDS 4.96 7.66
Source: Lipper Analytical Services. Financial markets change, so a mutual fund's
past performance should never be used to predict future results. The risks to
each of the investments listed above are different -- we provide 12-month total
returns for several Lipper mutual fund categories to show you that reaching for
higher returns means tolerating more risk. The greater the risk, the larger the
potential reward or loss. In addition, we've included historical 20-year average
annual returns. These returns assume the reinvestment of dividends.
U.S. Growth Funds will fluctuate a great deal. Investors have received higher
historical total returns from stocks than from most other investments. Smaller
capitalization stocks offer greater potential for long-term growth but may be
more volatile than larger capitalization stocks.
General Bond Funds provide more income than stock funds, which can help smooth
out their total returns year by year. But their prices still fluctuate
(sometimes significantly) and their returns have been historically lower than
those of stock funds.
General Municipal Debt Funds invest in bonds issued by state governments, state
agencies and/or municipalities. This investment provides income that is usually
exempt from federal and state income taxes.
U.S. Taxable Money Funds attempt to preserve a constant share value; they don't
fluctuate much in price but, historically, their returns have been generally
among the lowest of the major investment categories.
A-2
Appendix B
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (Agreement) made as of the 25th day of
November, 1998, by and between Prudential Municipal Bond Fund (Municipal Bond
Fund)--Intermediate Series and Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc.
(National Municipals Fund) (collectively, with Intermediate Series and Municipal
Bond Fund, the Funds and each individually, a Fund). Municipal Bond Fund is a
business trust organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and
the National Municipals Fund is a corporation organized under the laws of the
State of Maryland. Each Fund maintains its principal place of business at
Gateway Center Three, Newark, New Jersey 07102. Shares of National Municipals
Fund and Intermediate Series are divided into four classes, designated Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class Z. Municipal Bond Fund consists of three series, one
of which is Intermediate Series.
This Agreement is intended to be, and is adopted as, a plan of
reorganization pursuant to Section 368(a)(1)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (Internal Revenue Code). Upon receipt of such representations
from each of the Funds as Swidler Berlin Shereff Friedman, LLP may require,
Swidler Berlin Shereff Friedman, LLP will deliver the opinion referenced in
paragraph 8.6 herein. The reorganization will comprise the transfer of the
assets of Intermediate Series in exchange for shares of common stock of National
Municipals Fund, and National Municipals Fund's assumption of such Series'
liabilities, if any, and the constructive distribution, after the Closing Date
hereinafter referred to, of such shares of National Municipals Fund to the
shareholders of Intermediate Series, and the termination of Intermediate Series
as provided herein, all upon the terms and conditions as hereinafter set forth.
In consideration of the premises and of the covenants and agreements set
forth herein, the parties covenant and agree as follows:
1. TRANSFER OF ASSETS OF INTERMEDIATE SERIES IN EXCHANGE FOR SHARES OF NATIONAL
MUNICIPALS FUND AND ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES, IF ANY, AND TERMINATION OF
INTERMEDIATE SERIES
1.1 Subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth and on the basis of
the representations and warranties contained herein, Municipal Bond Fund on
behalf of Intermediate Series agrees to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the
assets of Intermediate Series, as set forth in paragraph 1.2, to National
Municipals Fund, and National Municipals Fund agrees (a) to issue and deliver to
Intermediate Series in exchange therefor the number of shares of Class A, Class
B, Class C and Class Z shares of Common Stock in National Municipals Fund
determined by dividing the net asset value of the Intermediate Series allocable
to Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares of beneficial interest (computed
in the manner and as of the time and date set forth in paragraph 2.1) by the net
asset value allocable to a share of National Municipals Fund Class A, Class B,
Class C and Class Z shares of Common Stock (computed in the manner and as of the
time and date set forth in paragraph 2.2); and (b) to assume all of Intermediate
Series' liabilities, if any, as set forth in paragraph 1.3. Such transactions
shall take place at the closing provided for in paragraph 3 (Closing).
1.2 The assets of Intermediate Series to be acquired by National Municipals
Fund shall include without limitation all cash, cash equivalents, securities,
receivables (including interest and dividends receivable) and other property of
any kind owned by such Series and any deferred or prepaid expenses shown as
assets on the
B-1(A)
books of such Series on the closing date provided in paragraph 3 (Closing Date).
National Municipals Fund has no plan or intent to sell or otherwise dispose of
any assets of Intermediate Series, other than in the ordinary course of
business.
1.3 Except as otherwise provided herein, National Municipals Fund will assume
all debts, liabilities, obligations and duties of Intermediate Series of
whatever kind or nature, whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise,
whether or not determinable as of the Closing Date and whether or not
specifically referred to in this Agreement; provided, however, that Intermediate
Series agrees to utilize its best efforts to cause such Series to discharge all
of the known debts, liabilities, obligations and duties of such Series prior to
the Closing Date.
1.4 On or immediately prior to the Closing Date, Intermediate Series will
declare and pay to its shareholders of record dividends and/or other
distributions so that it will have distributed substantially all (and in any
event not less than ninety-eight percent) of each of such Series' investment
company taxable income (computed without regard to any deduction for dividends
paid), net tax-exempt interest income, if any, and realized net capital gains,
if any, for all taxable years through its termination.
1.5 On a date (Termination Date), as soon after the Closing Date as is
conveniently practicable, but in any event within 30 days of the Closing Date,
Intermediate Series will distribute PRO RATA to its Class A, Class B, Class C
and Class Z shareholders of record, determined as of the close of business on
the Closing Date, the Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares of National
Municipals Fund received by Intermediate Series pursuant to paragraph 1.1 in
exchange for their interest in such Series, and Municipal Bond Fund will file
with the Secretary of State of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts a Certificate
of Termination terminating Intermediate Series. Such distribution will be
accomplished by opening accounts on the books of National Municipals Fund in the
names of Intermediate Series' shareholders and transferring thereto the shares
credited to the account of Intermediate Series on the books of National
Municipals Fund. Each account opened shall be credited with the respective PRO
RATA number of National Municipals Fund Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z
shares due such Series' Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shareholders,
respectively. Fractional shares of National Municipals Fund shall be rounded to
the third decimal place.
1.6 National Municipals Fund shall not issue certificates representing its
shares in connection with such exchange. With respect to any Intermediate Series
shareholder holding Intermediate Series receipts for shares of beneficial
interest as of the Closing Date, until National Municipals Fund is notified by
Municipal Bond Fund's transfer agent that such shareholder has surrendered his
or her outstanding Series receipts for shares of beneficial interest or, in the
event of lost, stolen or destroyed receipts for shares of beneficial interest,
posted adequate bond or submitted a lost certificate form, as the case may be,
National Municipals Fund will not permit such shareholder to (1) receive
dividends or other distributions on National Municipals Fund shares in cash
(although such dividends and distributions shall be credited to the account of
such shareholder established on National Municipals Fund's books pursuant to
paragraph 1.5, as provided in the next sentence), (2) exchange National
Municipals Fund shares credited to such shareholder's account for shares of
other Prudential Mutual Funds, or (3) pledge or redeem such shares. In the event
that a shareholder is not permitted to receive dividends or other distributions
on National Municipals Fund shares in cash as provided in the preceding
sentence, National Municipals Fund shall pay such dividends or other
distributions in additional National Municipals Fund shares, notwithstanding any
election such shareholder shall have made previously with respect to the payment
of dividends or other distributions on shares of Intermediate Series.
Intermediate Series will, at its expense, request its shareholders to surrender
their outstanding Intermediate Series receipts for shares of beneficial
interest, post adequate bond or submit a lost certificate form, as the case may
be.
B-2(A)
1.7 Ownership of National Municipals Fund shares will be shown on the books of
the National Municipals Fund's transfer agent. Shares of National Municipals
Fund will be issued in the manner described in National Municipals Fund's
then-current prospectus and statement of additional information.
1.8 Any transfer taxes payable upon issuance of shares of National Municipals
Fund in exchange for shares of Intermediate Series in a name other than that of
the registered holder of the shares being exchanged on the books of Intermediate
Series as of that time shall be paid by the person to whom such shares are to be
issued as a condition to the registration of such transfer.
1.9 Any reporting responsibility with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) or any state securities commission of Municipal Bond Fund with respect to
Intermediate Series is and shall remain the responsibility of Intermediate
Series up to and including the Termination Date.
1.10 All books and records of Intermediate Series, including all books and
records required to be maintained under the Investment Company Act of 1940
(Investment Company Act) and the rules and regulations thereunder, shall be
available to National Municipals Fund from and after the Closing Date and shall
be turned over to National Municipals Fund on or prior to the Termination Date.
2. VALUATION
2.1 The value of Intermediate Series' assets and liabilities to be acquired and
assumed, respectively, by National Municipals Fund shall be the net asset value
computed as of 4:15 p.m., New York time, on the Closing Date (such time and date
being hereinafter called the Valuation Time), using the valuation procedures set
forth in Intermediate Series' then-current prospectus and Municipal Bond Fund's
statement of additional information.
2.2 The net asset value of a share of National Municipals Fund shall be the net
asset value per such share computed on a class-by-class basis as of the
Valuation Time, using the valuation procedures set forth in National Municipals
Fund's then-current prospectus and statement of additional information.
2.3 The number of National Municipals Fund shares to be issued (including
fractional shares, if any) in exchange for Intermediate Series' net assets shall
be calculated as set forth in paragraph 1.1.
2.4 All computations of net asset value shall be made by or under the direction
of Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC (PIFM) in accordance with its
regular practice as manager of the Funds.
3. CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE
3.1 The Closing Date shall be December 18, 1998 or such later date as the
parties may agree in writing. All acts taking place at the Closing shall be
deemed to take place simultaneously as of the close of business on the Closing
Date unless otherwise provided. The Closing shall be at the office of National
Municipals Fund or at such other place as the parties may agree.
3.2 State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street), as custodian for
Intermediate Series, shall deliver to National Municipals Fund at the Closing a
certificate of an authorized officer of State Street stating that (a)
Intermediate Series' portfolio securities, cash and any other assets have been
transferred in proper form to National Municipals Fund on the Closing Date and
(b) all necessary taxes, if any, have been paid, or provision for payment has
been made, in conjunction with the transfer of portfolio securities.
3.3 In the event that immediately prior to the Valuation Time (a) the New York
Stock Exchange (NYSE) or other primary exchange is closed to trading or trading
thereon is restricted or (b) trading or the reporting of trading on the NYSE or
other primary exchange or elsewhere is disrupted so that accurate appraisal of
the
B-3(A)
value of the net assets of Intermediate Series and of the net asset value per
share of National Municipals Fund is impracticable, the Closing Date shall be
postponed until the first business day after the date when such trading shall
have been fully resumed and such reporting shall have been restored.
3.4 Municipal Bond Fund shall deliver to National Municipals Fund on or prior
to the Termination Date the names and addresses of each of the shareholders of
Intermediate Series and the number of outstanding shares owned by each such
shareholder, all as of the close of business on the Closing Date, certified by
the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of Municipal Bond Fund. National Municipals
Fund shall issue and deliver to Municipal Bond Fund at the Closing a
confirmation or other evidence satisfactory to Municipal Bond Fund that shares
of National Municipals Fund have been or will be credited to Intermediate
Series' account on the books of National Municipals Fund. At the Closing each
party shall deliver to the other such bills of sale, checks, assignments, share
certificates, receipts and other documents as such other party or its counsel
may reasonably request to effect the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
4.1 Municipal Bond Fund represents and warrants as follows:
4.1.1 Municipal Bond Fund is a business trust duly organized and validly
existing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and
Intermediate Series has been duly established in accordance with the terms
of Series Fund's Declaration of Trust as a separate series of Municipal Bond
Fund;
4.1.2 Municipal Bond Fund is an open-end, management investment company
duly registered under the Investment Company Act, and such registration is
in full force and effect;
4.1.3 Municipal Bond Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement will not, result in violation of any provision
of the Declaration of Trust or By-Laws of Municipal Bond Fund or of any
material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other
undertaking to which Intermediate Series is a party or by which Intermediate
Series is bound;
4.1.4 All material contracts or other commitments to which Intermediate
Series, or the properties or assets of Intermediate Series, is subject, or
by which Intermediate Series is bound except this Agreement will be
terminated on or prior to the Closing Date without Intermediate Series or
National Municipals Fund incurring any liability or penalty with respect
thereto;
4.1.5 No material litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation
of or before any court or governmental body is presently pending or to its
knowledge threatened against Series Fund or any of the properties or assets
of Intermediate Series. Municipal Bond Fund knows of no facts that might
form the basis for the institution of such proceedings, and, with respect to
Intermediate Series, Municipal Bond Fund is not a party to or subject to the
provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental
body that materially and adversely affects its business or its ability to
consummate the transactions herein contemplated;
4.1.6 The Portfolio of Investments, Statement of Assets and Liabilities,
Statement of Operations, Statement of Changes in Net Assets, and Financial
Highlights of Intermediate Series at April 30, 1998 and for the year then
ended (copies of which have been furnished to National Municipals Fund) have
been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Such financial
statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
condition,
B-4(A)
results of operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights of
Intermediate Series as of and for the period ended on such date, and there
are no material known liabilities of Intermediate Series (contingent or
otherwise) not disclosed therein;
4.1.7 Since April 30, 1998, there has not been any material adverse change
in Intermediate Series' financial condition, assets, liabilities or business
other than changes occurring in the ordinary course of business, or any
incurrence by Intermediate Series of indebtedness maturing more than one
year from the date such indebtedness was incurred, except as otherwise
disclosed to and accepted by National Municipals Fund. For the purposes of
this paragraph 4.1.7, a decline in net assets or change in the number of
shares outstanding shall not constitute a material adverse change;
4.1.8 At the date hereof and at the Closing Date, all federal and other tax
returns and reports of Intermediate Series required by law to have been
filed on or before such dates shall have been timely filed, and all federal
and other taxes shown as due on said returns and reports shall have been
paid insofar as due, or provision shall have been made for the payment
thereof, and, to the best of Municipal Bond Fund's knowledge, all federal or
other taxes required to be shown on any such return or report have been
shown on such return or report, no such return is currently under audit and
no assessment has been asserted with respect to such returns;
4.1.9 For each past taxable year since it commenced operations,
Intermediate Series has met the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal
Revenue Code for qualification and treatment as a regulated investment
company and Municipal Bond Fund intends to cause such Series to meet those
requirements for the current taxable year; and, for each past calendar year
since it commenced operations, Intermediate Series has made such
distributions as are necessary to avoid the imposition of federal excise tax
or has paid or provided for the payment of any excise tax imposed;
4.1.10 All issued and outstanding shares of Intermediate Series are, and at
the Closing Date will be, duly and validly authorized, issued and
outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable. All issued and outstanding
shares of Intermediate Series will, at the time of the Closing, be held in
the name of the persons and in the amounts set forth in the list of
shareholders submitted to National Municipals Fund in accordance with the
provisions of paragraph 3.4. Intermediate Series does not have outstanding
any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any
shares, nor is there outstanding any security convertible into any of its
shares of Intermediate Series, except for the Class B shares of Intermediate
Series which have the conversion feature described in Intermediate Series'
Prospectus dated July 1, 1998;
4.1.11 At the Closing Date, the Municipal Bond Fund will have good and
marketable title to the assets of Intermediate Series to be transferred to
National Municipals Fund pursuant to paragraph 1.1, and full right, power
and authority to sell, assign, transfer and deliver such assets hereunder
free of any liens, claims, charges or other encumbrances, and, upon delivery
and payment for such assets, National Municipals Fund will acquire good and
marketable title thereto;
4.1.12 The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement has been
duly authorized by the Trustees of the Municipal Bond Fund and by all
necessary action, other than shareholder approval, on the part of
Intermediate Series, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding
obligation of Municipal Bond Fund and, subject to shareholder approval, of
Intermediate Series;
4.1.13 The information furnished and to be furnished by Municipal Bond Fund
for use in applications for orders, registration statements, proxy materials
and other documents that may be necessary in
B-5(A)
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby is and shall be
accurate and complete in all material respects and is in compliance and
shall comply in all material respects with applicable federal securities and
other laws and regulations; and
4.1.14 On the effective date of the registration statement filed with the
SEC by National Municipals Fund on Form N-14 relating to the shares of
National Municipals Fund issuable hereunder, and any supplement or amendment
thereto (Registration Statement), at the time of the meeting of the
shareholders of Intermediate Series and on the Closing Date, the Proxy
Statement of Intermediate Series, the Prospectus of National Municipals
Fund, and the Statement of Additional Information of National Municipals
Fund to be included in the Registration Statement (collectively, Proxy
Statement) (i) will comply in all material respects with the provisions and
regulations of the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act), the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (1934 Act) and the Investment Company Act, and the
rules and regulations under such Acts and (ii) will not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be
stated therein in light of the circumstances under which they were made or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however,
that the representations and warranties in this paragraph 4.1.14 shall not
apply to statements in or omissions from the Proxy Statement and
Registration Statement made in reliance upon and in conformity with
information furnished by National Municipals Fund for use therein.
4.2 National Municipals Fund represents and warrants as follows:
4.2.1 National Municipals Fund is a corporation duly organized and validly
existing under the laws of the State of Maryland;
4.2.2 National Municipals Fund is an open-end, management investment
company duly registered under the Investment Company Act, and such
registration is in full force and effect;
4.2.3 National Municipals Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement will not result, in violation of any provision
of the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws of National Municipals Fund or
of any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other
undertaking to which National Municipals Fund is a party or by which
National Municipals Fund is bound;
4.2.4 No material litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation
of or before any court or governmental body is presently pending or
threatened against National Municipals Fund or any of its properties or
assets, except as previously disclosed in writing to the Municipal Bond
Fund. Except as previously disclosed in writing to Municipal Bond Fund,
National Municipals Fund knows of no facts that might form the basis for the
institution of such proceedings, and National Municipals Fund is not a party
to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any
court or governmental body that materially and adversely affects its
business or its ability to consummate the transactions herein contemplated;
4.2.5 The Portfolio of Investments, Statement of Assets and Liabilities,
Statement of Operations, Statement of Changes in Net Assets, and Financial
Highlights of National Municipals Fund at December 31, 1997 and for the
fiscal year then ended (copies of which have been furnished to Series Fund)
have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Such financial
statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
B-6(A)
condition, results of operations, changes in net assets and financial
highlights of National Municipals Fund as of and for the period ended on
such date, and there are no material known liabilities of National
Municipals Fund (contingent or otherwise) not disclosed therein;
4.2.6 Since December 31, 1997, there has not been any material adverse
change in National Municipals Fund's financial condition, assets,
liabilities or business other than changes occurring in the ordinary course
of business, or any incurrence by National Municipals Fund of indebtedness
maturing more than one year from the date such indebtedness was incurred,
except as otherwise disclosed to and accepted by Municipal Bond Fund. For
the purposes of this paragraph 4.2.6, a decline in net asset value per share
or a decrease in the number of shares outstanding shall not constitute a
material adverse change;
4.2.7 At the date hereof and at the Closing Date, all federal and other tax
returns and reports of National Municipals Fund required by law to have been
filed on or before such dates shall have been filed, and all federal and
other taxes shown as due on said returns and reports shall have been paid
insofar as due, or provision shall have been made for the payment thereof,
and, to the best of National Municipals Fund's knowledge, all federal or
other taxes required to be shown on any such return or report are shown on
such return or report, no such return is currently under audit and no
assessment has been asserted with respect to such returns;
4.2.8 For each past taxable year since it commenced operations, National
Municipals Fund has met the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal
Revenue Code for qualification and treatment as a regulated investment
company and intends to meet those requirements for the current taxable year;
and, for each past calendar year since it commenced operations, National
Municipals Fund has made such distributions as are necessary to avoid the
imposition of federal excise tax or has paid or provided for the payment of
any excise tax imposed;
4.2.9 All issued and outstanding shares of National Municipals Fund are,
and at the Closing Date will be, duly and validly authorized, issued and
outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable. Except as contemplated by this
Agreement, National Municipals Fund does not have outstanding any options,
warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any of its shares nor
is there outstanding any security convertible into any of its shares, except
for the Class B shares which have the conversion feature described in
National Municipals Fund's Prospectus dated November 23, 1998;
4.2.10 The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement has been
duly authorized by the Board of Directors of National Municipals Fund and by
all necessary corporate action on the part of National Municipals Fund, and
this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of National
Municipals Fund;
4.2.11 The shares of National Municipals Fund to be issued and delivered to
Municipal Bond Fund for and on behalf of Intermediate Series pursuant to
this Agreement will, at the Closing Date, have been duly authorized and,
when issued and delivered as provided in this Agreement, will be duly and
validly issued and outstanding shares of National Municipals Fund, fully
paid and non-assessable;
4.2.12 The information furnished and to be furnished by National Municipals
Fund for use in applications for orders, registration statements, proxy
materials and other documents which may be necessary in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby is and shall be accurate and complete in
all material respects and is and shall comply in all material respects with
applicable federal securities and other laws and regulations; and
B-7(A)
4.2.13 On the effective date of the Registration Statement, at the time of
the meeting of the shareholders of Intermediate Series and on the Closing
Date, the Proxy Statement and the Registration Statement (i) will comply in
all material respects with the provisions of the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and
the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations under such Acts,
(ii) will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading and (iii) with respect to the Registration
Statement, at the time it becomes effective, it will not contain an untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements therein in the light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that the representations
and warranties in this paragraph 4.2.13 shall not apply to statements in or
omissions from the Proxy Statement and the Registration Statement made in
reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished by Intermediate
Series for use therein.
5. COVENANTS OF NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND AND MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
5.1 Municipal Bond Fund, with respect to Intermediate Series, and National
Municipals Fund each covenants to operate its respective business in the
ordinary course between the date hereof and the Closing Date, it being
understood that the ordinary course of business will include declaring and
paying customary dividends and other distributions and such changes in
operations as are contemplated by the normal operations of the Funds, except as
may otherwise be required by paragraph 1.4 hereof.
5.2 Municipal Bond Fund covenants to call a meeting of the shareholders of
Intermediate Series to consider and act upon this Agreement and to take all
other action necessary to obtain approval of the transactions contemplated
hereby (including the determinations of its Trustees as set forth in Rule
17a-8(a) under the Investment Company Act).
5.3 Municipal Bond Fund covenants that National Municipals Fund shares to be
received for and on behalf of Intermediate Series in accordance herewith are not
being acquired for the purpose of making any distribution thereof other than in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
5.4 Municipal Bond Fund covenants that it will assist National Municipals Fund
in obtaining such information as National Municipals Fund reasonably requests
concerning the beneficial ownership of Intermediate Series' shares.
5.5 Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, each Fund will take, or cause
to be taken, all action, and will do, or cause to be done, all things,
reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.6 Municipal Bond Fund covenants to prepare the Proxy Statement in compliance
with the 1934 Act, the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations
under each Act.
5.7 Municipal Bond Fund covenants that it will, from time to time, as and when
requested by National Municipals Fund, execute and deliver or cause to be
executed and delivered all such assignments and other instruments, and will take
or cause to be taken such further action, as National Municipals Fund may deem
necessary or desirable in order to vest in and confirm to National Municipals
Fund title to and possession of all the assets of Intermediate Series to be
sold, assigned, transferred and delivered hereunder and otherwise to carry out
the intent and purpose of this Agreement.
B-8(A)
5.8 National Municipals Fund covenants to use all reasonable efforts to obtain
the approvals and authorizations required by the 1933 Act, the Investment
Company Act (including the determinations of its Board of Directors as set forth
in Rule 17a-8(a) thereunder) and such of the state Blue Sky or securities laws
as it may deem appropriate in order to continue its operations after the Closing
Date.
5.9 National Municipals Fund covenants that it will, from time to time, as and
when requested by Municipal Bond Fund, execute and deliver or cause to be
executed and delivered all such assignments and other instruments, and will take
and cause to be taken such further action, as Municipal Series Fund may deem
necessary or desirable in order to (i) vest in and confirm to the Municipal Bond
Fund title to and possession of all the shares of National Municipals Fund to be
transferred to the shareholders of Intermediate Series pursuant to this
Agreement and (ii) assume all of the liabilities of Intermediate Series in
accordance with this Agreement.
6. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
The obligations of Municipal Bond Fund to consummate the transactions
provided for herein shall be subject to the performance by National Municipals
Fund of all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder on or before the
Closing Date and the following further conditions:
6.1 All representations and warranties of National Municipals Fund contained in
this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date
hereof and, except as they may be affected by the transaction contemplated by
this Agreement, as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made
on and as of the Closing Date.
6.2 National Municipals Fund shall have delivered to Municipal Bond Fund on the
Closing Date a certificate executed in its name by the President or a Vice
President of National Municipals Fund, in form and substance satisfactory to
Municipal Bond Fund and dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that the
representations and warranties of National Municipals Fund in this Agreement are
true and correct at and as of the Closing Date, except as they may be affected
by the transaction contemplated by this Agreement, and as to such other matters
as Municipal Bond Fund shall reasonably request.
6.3 Municipal Bond Fund shall have received on the Closing Date a favorable
opinion from Swidler Berlin Shereff Friedman, LLP, counsel to National
Municipals Fund, dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that:
6.3.1 National Municipals Fund is a corporation duly organized and validly
existing under the laws of the State of Maryland with power under its
Articles of Incorporation to own all of its properties and assets and, to
the knowledge of such counsel, to carry on its business as presently
conducted;
6.3.2 This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by
National Municipals Fund and, assuming due authorization, execution and
delivery of the Agreement by Municipal Bond Fund on behalf of Intermediate
Series, is a valid and binding obligation of National Municipals Fund
enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency,
fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general
applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general
equity principles;
6.3.3 The shares of National Municipals Fund to be distributed to the
shareholders of Intermediate Series under this Agreement, assuming their due
authorization, execution and delivery as contemplated
B-9(A)
by this Agreement, will be validly issued and outstanding and fully paid and
non-assessable, and no shareholder of National Municipals Fund has any
pre-emptive right to subscribe therefor or purchase such shares;
6.3.4 The execution and delivery of this Agreement did not, and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, (i) conflict
with National Municipals Fund's Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws or (ii)
result in a default or a breach of (a) the Management Agreement dated May 2,
1988 between National Municipals Fund and Prudential Investments Fund
Management LLC, as successor to Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc., (b)
the Custodian Contract dated July 26, 1990 between National Municipals Fund
and State Street Bank and Trust Company, (c) the Distribution Agreement
dated November 9, 1998 between National Municipals Fund and Prudential
Investment Management Services LLC and (d) the Transfer Agency and Service
Agreement dated January 1, 1988 between National Municipals Fund and
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, as successor to Prudential Mutual Fund
Services, Inc.; provided, however, that such counsel may state that they
express no opinion as to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer,
reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability
relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles;
6.3.5 To the knowledge of such counsel, no consent, approval,
authorization, filing or order of any court or governmental authority is
required for the consummation by National Municipals Fund of the
transactions contemplated herein, except such as have been obtained under
the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and the Investment Company Act and such as may be
required under state Blue Sky or securities laws;
6.3.6 National Municipals Fund has been registered with the SEC as an
investment company, and, to the knowledge of such counsel, no order has been
issued or proceeding instituted to suspend such registration; and
6.3.7 Such counsel knows of no litigation or government proceeding
instituted or threatened against National Municipals Fund that could be
required to be disclosed in its registration statement on Form N-1A and is
not so disclosed.
Such opinion may rely on an opinion of Maryland Counsel to the extent it
addresses Maryland law.
7. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND
The obligations of National Municipals Fund to complete the transactions
provided for herein shall be subject to the performance by Municipal Bond Fund
of all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder on or before the Closing
Date and the following further conditions:
7.1 All representations and warranties of Municipal Bond Fund contained in this
Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date
hereof and, except as they may be affected by the transaction contemplated by
this Agreement, as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made
on and as of the Closing Date.
7.2 Series Fund shall have delivered to National Municipals Fund on the Closing
Date a statement of the assets and liabilities of Intermediate Series, which
shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied, together with a list of the portfolio securities of
Intermediate Series showing the adjusted tax base of such securities by lot, as
of the Closing Date, certified by the Treasurer of Municipal Bond Fund.
7.3 Municipal Bond Fund shall have delivered to National Municipals Fund on the
Closing Date a certificate executed in its name by its President or one of its
Vice Presidents, in form and substance
B-10(A)
satisfactory to National Municipals Fund and dated as of the Closing Date, to
the effect that the representations and warranties of Municipal Bond Fund made
in this Agreement are true and correct at and as of the Closing Date except as
they may be affected by the transaction contemplated by this Agreement, and as
to such other matters as National Municipals Fund shall reasonably request.
7.4 On or immediately prior to the Closing Date, Municipal Bond Fund shall have
declared and paid to the shareholders of record of Intermediate Series one or
more dividends and/or other distributions so that it will have distributed
substantially all (and in any event not less than ninety-eight percent) of such
Series' investment company taxable income (computed without regard to any
deduction for dividends paid), net tax-exempt interest income, if any, and
realized net capital gain, if any, of Intermediate Series for all completed
taxable years from the inception of such Series through April 30, 1998, and for
the period from and after April 30, 1998 through the Closing Date.
7.5 National Municipals Fund shall have received on the Closing Date a
favorable opinion from Swidler Berlin Shereff Friedman, LLP, special counsel to
Series Fund, dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that:
7.5.1 Municipal Bond Fund is duly organized and validly existing under the
laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with power under its Declaration
of Trust to own all of its properties and assets and, to the knowledge of
such counsel, to carry on its business as presently conducted and
Intermediate Series has been duly established in accordance with the terms
of the Municipal Bond Fund's Declaration of Trust as a separate series of
Municipal Bond Fund;
7.5.2 This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by
Municipal Bond Fund and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation
of Municipal Bond Fund enforceable against the assets of Intermediate Series
in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent
transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general
applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general
equity principles;
7.5.3 The execution and delivery of the Agreement did not, and the
performance by Municipal Bond Fund of its obligations hereunder will not,
(i) violate Municipal Bond Fund's Declaration of Trust or By-Laws or (ii)
result in a default or a breach of (a) the Management Agreement, dated June
1, 1995, between Municipal Bond Fund and Prudential Investments Fund
Management LLC, as successor to Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc., (b)
the Custodian Contract, dated August 25, 1987, between Municipal Bond Fund
and State Street Bank and Trust Company, (c) the Distribution Agreement
dated June 1, 1998, between Municipal Bond Fund and Prudential Investment
Management Services LLC and the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated
January 1, 1988, between Municipal Bond Fund and Prudential Mutual Fund
Services LLC, as successor to Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc.;
provided, however, that such counsel may state that insofar as performance
by Municipal Bond Fund of its obligations under this Agreement is concerned
they express no opinion as to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer,
reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability
relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles;
7.5.4 All regulatory consents, authorizations and approvals required to be
obtained by Municipal Bond Fund under the federal laws of the United States
and the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been obtained;
B-11(A)
7.5.5 Such counsel knows of no litigation or any governmental proceeding
instituted or threatened against Series Fund, involving Intermediate Series,
that would be required to be disclosed in its Registration Statement on Form
N-1A and is not so disclosed; and
7.5.6 Municipal Bond Fund has been registered with the SEC as an investment
company, and, to the knowledge of such counsel, no order has been issued or
proceeding instituted to suspend such registration.
Such opinion may rely on an opinion of Massachusetts counsel to the extent
it addresses Massachusetts law, and may assume for purposes of the opinion given
pursuant to paragraph 7.5.2 that New York law is the same as Illinois law.
8. FURTHER CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND AND
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
The obligations of National Municipals Fund and Municipal Bond Fund
hereunder are subject to the further conditions that on or before the Closing
Date:
8.1 This Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein shall have been
approved by the requisite vote of (a) the Trustees of Municipal Bond Fund and
the Board of Directors of National Municipals Fund, as to the determinations set
forth in Rule 17a-8(a) under the Investment Company Act, (b) the Board of
Directors of National Municipals Fund as to the assumption by the National
Municipals Fund of the liabilities of Intermediate Series and (c) the holders of
the outstanding shares of Intermediate Series in accordance with the provisions
of the Municipal Bond Fund's Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, and certified
copies of the resolutions evidencing such approvals shall have been delivered to
National Municipals Fund.
8.2 Any proposed change to National Municipals Fund's operations that may be
approved by the Board of Directors of National Municipals Fund subsequent to the
date of this Agreement but in connection with and as a condition to implementing
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, for which the approval of
National Municipals Fund shareholders is required pursuant to the Investment
Company Act or otherwise, shall have been approved by the requisite vote of the
holders of the outstanding shares of National Municipals Fund in accordance with
the Investment Company Act and the provisions of the General Corporation Law of
the State of Maryland, and certified copies of the resolution evidencing such
approval shall have been delivered to Municipal Bond Fund.
8.3 On the Closing Date no action, suit or other proceeding shall be pending
before any court or governmental agency in which it is sought to restrain or
prohibit, or obtain damages or other relief in connection with, this Agreement
or the transactions contemplated herein.
8.4 All consents of other parties and all consents, orders and permits of
federal, state and local regulatory authorities (including those of the SEC and
of state Blue Sky or securities authorities, including "no-action" positions of
such authorities) deemed necessary by National Municipals Fund or Municipal Bond
Fund to permit consummation, in all material respects, of the transactions
contemplated hereby shall have been obtained, except where failure to obtain any
such consent, order or permit would not involve a risk of a material adverse
effect on the assets or properties of National Municipals Fund or Intermediate
Series, provided, that either party hereto may for itself waive any part of this
condition.
B-12(A)
8.5 The Registration Statement shall have become effective under the 1933 Act,
and no stop orders suspending the effectiveness thereof shall have been issued,
and to the best knowledge of the parties hereto, no investigation or proceeding
under the 1933 Act for that purpose shall have been instituted or be pending,
threatened or contemplated.
8.6 The Funds shall have received on or before the Closing Date opinions of
Swidler Berlin Shereff Friedman, LLP or a ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service with respect to Intermediate Series satisfactory to each of them,
substantially to the effect that for federal income tax purposes:
8.6.1 The acquisition by National Municipals Fund of the assets of
Intermediate Series solely in exchange for voting shares of National
Municipals Fund and the assumption by National Municipals Fund of
Intermediate Series' liabilities, if any, followed by the distribution of
National Municipals Fund's voting shares pro rata to Intermediate Series'
shareholders, pursuant to its termination and constructively in exchange for
Intermediate Series' shares, will constitute a reorganization within the
meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code, and each Fund
will be "a party to a reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(b)
of the Internal Revenue Code;
8.6.2 Intermediate Series' shareholders will recognize no gain or loss upon
the constructive exchange of all of their shares of Intermediate Series
solely for shares of National Municipals Fund in complete termination of
such Series;
8.6.3 No gain or loss will be recognized to Intermediate Series upon the
transfer of its assets to National Municipals Fund solely in exchange for
shares of National Municipals Fund and the assumption by National Municipals
Fund of Intermediate Series' liabilities, if any, and the subsequent
distribution of those shares to Intermediate Series' shareholders in
complete termination of Intermediate Series;
8.6.4 No gain or loss will be recognized to National Municipals Fund upon
the acquisition of Intermediate Series' assets solely in exchange for shares
of National Municipals Fund and the assumption of Intermediate Series'
liabilities, if any;
8.6.5 National Municipals Fund's basis for the assets of Intermediate
Series acquired in the Reorganization will be the same as the basis thereof
when held by Intermediate Series immediately before the transfer, and the
holding period of such assets acquired by National Municipals Fund will
include the holding period thereof when held by Intermediate Series;
8.6.6 Intermediate Series shareholders' basis for the shares of National
Municipals Fund to be received by them pursuant to the reorganization will
be the same as their basis for the shares of Intermediate Series to be
constructively surrendered in exchange therefor; and
8.6.7 The holding period of National Municipals Fund shares to be received
by Intermediate Series' shareholders will include the period during which
the shares of Intermediate Series to be constructively surrendered in
exchange therefor were held; provided that the Intermediate Series shares
surrendered were held as capital assets by those shareholders on the date of
the exchange.
9. FINDER'S FEES AND EXPENSES
9.1 Each Fund represents and warrants to the other that there are no finder's
fees payable in connection with the transactions provided for herein.
B-13(A)
9.2 The expenses incurred in connection with the entering into and carrying out
of the provisions of this Agreement shall be allocated to National Municipals
Fund and Intermediate Series pro rata in a fair and equitable manner in
proportion to its assets.
10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES
10.1 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Funds.
10.2 The representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Agreement
or in any document delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith shall
survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder.
11. TERMINATION
National Municipals Fund or Municipal Bond Fund as to Intermediate Series
may at its option terminate this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date
because of:
11.1 A material breach by the other of any representation, warranty or covenant
contained herein to be performed at or prior to the Closing Date; or
11.2 A condition herein expressed to be precedent to the obligations of either
party not having been met and it reasonably appearing that it will not or cannot
be met; or
11.3 A mutual written agreement of Municipal Bond Fund and National Municipals
Fund.
In the event of any such termination, there shall be no liability for
damages on the part of either Fund (other than the liability of the Funds to pay
their allocated expenses pursuant to paragraph 9.2) or any Director or officer
of National Municipals Fund or any Trustee or officer of Municipal Bond Fund.
12. AMENDMENT
This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented only in writing by
the parties; provided, however, that following the shareholders' meeting called
by Municipal Bond Fund pursuant to paragraph 5.2, no such amendment may have the
effect of changing the provisions for determining the number of shares of
National Municipals Fund to be distributed to Intermediate Series' shareholders
under this Agreement to the detriment of such shareholders without their further
approval.
13. NOTICES
Any notice, report, demand or other communication required or permitted by
any provision of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by hand
delivery, or prepaid certified mail or overnight service addressed to Prudential
Investments Fund Management LLC, Gateway Center Three, Newark, New Jersey 07102,
Attention: S. Jane Rose.
14. HEADINGS; COUNTERPARTS; GOVERNING LAW; ASSIGNMENT
14.1 The paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference
purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of
this Agreement.
14.2 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which will be deemed an original.
14.3 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of New York.
B-14(A)
14.4 This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties and
their respective successors and assigns, and no assignment or transfer hereof or
of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by either party without the
written consent of the other party. Nothing herein expressed or implied is
intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, firm or
corporation other than the parties and their respective successors and assigns
any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
15. NO LIABILITY OF SHAREHOLDERS OR TRUSTEES OF MUNICIPAL BOND FUND; AGREEMENT
AN OBLIGATION ONLY OF INTERMEDIATE SERIES, AND ENFORCEABLE ONLY AGAINST ASSETS
OF INTERMEDIATE SERIES.
The name "Prudential Municipal Bond Fund" is the designation of the Trustees
from time to time acting under an Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust
dated August 17, 1994, as the same may be from time to time amended, and the
name "Intermediate Series" is the designation of a portfolio of the assets of
Municipal Bond Fund. National Municipals Fund acknowledges that it must look,
and agrees that it shall look, solely to the assets of Intermediate Series for
the enforcement of any claims arising out of or based on the obligations of
Municipal Bond Fund hereunder, and with respect to obligations relating to
Intermediate Series, only to the assets of Intermediate Series, and in
particular that (i) neither the Trustees, officers, agents or shareholders of
Series Fund assume or shall have any personal liability for obligations of
Municipal Bond Fund hereunder, and (ii) none of the assets of Municipal Bond
Fund other than the portfolio assets of Intermediate Series may be resorted to
for the enforcement of any claim based on the obligations of Municipal Bond Fund
hereunder.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be
executed by the President or Vice President of each Fund.
Prudential Municipal Bond Fund
By /s/ Brian M. Storms
----------------------
PRESIDENT
Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc.
By /s/ Brian M. Storms
----------------------
PRESIDENT
B-15(A)
Appendix B
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATIONS
Agreement and Plan of Reorganizations (Agreement) made as of the 25th day of
November, 1998, by and between Prudential Municipal Series Fund (Series
Fund)--Maryland Series and Michigan Series and Prudential National Municipals
Fund, Inc. (National Municipals Fund and, collectively with Series Fund, the
Funds and each individually, a Fund). The Series Fund is a business trust
organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the National
Municipals Fund is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of
Maryland. Each Fund maintains its principal place of business at Gateway Center
Three, Newark, New Jersey 07102. Shares of National Municipals Fund are divided
into four classes, designated Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z. Shares of
Maryland Series and Michigan Series are divided into three classes, designated
Class A, Class B and Class C. Series Fund consists of thirteen series, two of
which are the Maryland Series and Michigan Series (collectively, the Series and
each individually, a Series).
This Agreement is intended to be, and is adopted as, a plan of
reorganizations pursuant to Section 368(a)(1)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (Internal Revenue Code). The reorganizations will comprise the
transfer of the assets of the Maryland Series and Michigan Series, respectively,
in exchange for shares of common stock of National Municipals Fund, and National
Municipals Fund's assumption of such Series' liabilities, if any, and the
constructive distribution, after the Closing Date hereinafter referred to, of
such shares of National Municipals Fund to the shareholders of the respective
Series, and the termination of the Series as provided herein, all upon the terms
and conditions as hereinafter set forth.
In consideration of the premises and of the covenants and agreements set
forth herein, the parties covenant and agree as follows:
1. TRANSFER OF ASSETS OF THE SERIES IN EXCHANGE FOR SHARES OF NATIONAL
MUNICIPALS FUND AND ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES, IF ANY, AND TERMINATION OF
THE SERIES
1.1 Subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth and on the basis of
the representations and warranties contained herein, Series Fund on behalf of
Maryland and Michigan Series agrees to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the
assets of each Series, as set forth in paragraph 1.2, to National Municipals
Fund, and National Municipals Fund agrees (a) to issue and deliver to each
Series in exchange therefor the number of shares of Class A Common Stock in
National Municipals Fund determined by dividing the net asset value of the
respective Series allocable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares of beneficial
interest (computed in the manner and as of the time and date set forth in
paragraph 2.1) by the net asset value allocable to a share of National
Municipals Fund Class A Common Stock (computed in the manner and as of the time
and date set forth in paragraph 2.2) and (b) to assume all of each Series'
liabilities, if any, as set forth in paragraph 1.3. Such transactions shall take
place at the closing provided for in paragraph 3 (Closing).
1.2 The assets of each Series to be acquired by National Municipals Fund shall
include without limitation all cash, cash equivalents, securities, receivables
(including interest and dividends receivable) and other property of any kind
owned by such Series and any deferred or prepaid expenses shown as assets on the
books of such Series on the closing date provided in paragraph 3 (Closing Date).
National Municipals Fund has no plan or intent to sell or otherwise dispose of
any assets of the Series, other than in the ordinary course of business.
B-1(B)
1.3 Except as otherwise provided herein, National Municipals Fund will assume
all debts, liabilities, obligations and duties of each Series of whatever kind
or nature, whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise, whether or not
determinable as of the Closing Date and whether or not specifically referred to
in this Agreement; provided, however, that each Series agrees to utilize its
best efforts to cause such Series to discharge all of the known debts,
liabilities, obligations and duties of such Series prior to the Closing Date.
1.4 On or immediately prior to the Closing Date, each Series will declare and
pay to its shareholders of record dividends and/or other distributions so that
it will have distributed substantially all (and in any event not less than
ninety-eight percent) of each of such Series' investment company taxable income
(computed without regard to any deduction for dividends paid), net tax-exempt
interest income, if any, and realized net capital gains, if any, for all taxable
years through its termination.
1.5 On a date (Termination Date), as soon after the Closing Date as is
conveniently practicable, but in any event within 30 days of the Closing Date,
each Series will distribute PRO RATA to its Class A, Class B and Class C
shareholders of record, determined as of the close of business on the Closing
Date, the Class A shares of National Municipals Fund received by the Series
pursuant to paragraph 1.1 in exchange for their interest in such Series, and
Municipal Series Fund will file with the Secretary of State of The Commonwealth
of Massachusetts a Certificate of Termination terminating each Series. Such
distribution will be accomplished by opening accounts on the books of National
Municipals Fund in the names of each Series' shareholders and transferring
thereto the shares credited to the account of the respective Series on the books
of National Municipals Fund. Each account opened shall be credited with the
respective PRO RATA number of National Municipals Fund Class A shares due such
Series' Class A, Class B and Class C shareholders, respectively. Fractional
shares of National Municipals Fund shall be rounded to the third decimal place.
1.6 National Municipals Fund shall not issue certificates representing its
shares in connection with such exchange. With respect to any Series shareholder
holding Series receipts for shares of beneficial interest as of the Closing
Date, until National Municipals Fund is notified by Series Fund's transfer agent
that such shareholder has surrendered his or her outstanding Series receipts for
shares of beneficial interest or, in the event of lost, stolen or destroyed
receipts for shares of beneficial interest, posted adequate bond or submitted a
lost certificate form, as the case may be, National Municipals Fund will not
permit such shareholder to (1) receive dividends or other distributions on
National Municipals Fund shares in cash (although such dividends and
distributions shall be credited to the account of such shareholder established
on National Municipals Fund's books pursuant to paragraph 1.5, as provided in
the next sentence), (2) exchange National Municipals Fund shares credited to
such shareholder's account for shares of other Prudential Mutual Funds, or (3)
pledge or redeem such shares. In the event that a shareholder is not permitted
to receive dividends or other distributions on National Municipals Fund shares
in cash as provided in the preceding sentence, National Municipals Fund shall
pay such dividends or other distributions in additional National Municipals Fund
shares, notwithstanding any election such shareholder shall have made previously
with respect to the payment of dividends or other distributions on shares of the
Series. Each Series will, at its expense, request its shareholders to surrender
their outstanding Series receipts for shares of beneficial interest, post
adequate bond or submit a lost certificate form, as the case may be.
1.7 Ownership of National Municipals Fund shares will be shown on the books of
the National Municipals Fund's transfer agent. Shares of National Municipals
Fund will be issued in the manner described in National Municipals Fund's
then-current prospectus and statement of additional information.
B-2(B)
1.8 Any transfer taxes payable upon issuance of shares of National Municipals
Fund in exchange for shares of the Series in a name other than that of the
registered holder of the shares being exchanged on the books of that Series as
of that time shall be paid by the person to whom such shares are to be issued as
a condition to the registration of such transfer.
1.9 Any reporting responsibility with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) or any state securities commission of Series Fund with respect to a Series
is and shall remain the responsibility of the Series up to and including the
Termination Date.
1.10 All books and records of Series Fund, including all books and records
required to be maintained under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(Investment Company Act) and the rules and regulations thereunder, shall be
available to National Municipals Fund from and after the Closing Date and shall
be turned over to National Municipals Fund on or prior to the Termination Date.
2. VALUATION
2.1 The value of each Series' assets and liabilities to be acquired and
assumed, respectively, by National Municipals Fund shall be the net asset value
computed as of 4:15 p.m., New York time, on the Closing Date (such time and date
being hereinafter called the Valuation Time), using the valuation procedures set
forth in such Series' then-current prospectus and Series Fund's statement of
additional information.
2.2 The net asset value of a share of National Municipals Fund shall be the net
asset value per such share computed on a class-by-class basis as of the
Valuation Time, using the valuation procedures set forth in National Municipals
Fund's then-current prospectus and statement of additional information.
2.3 The number of National Municipals Fund shares to be issued (including
fractional shares, if any) in exchange for the Series' net assets shall be
calculated as set forth in paragraph 1.1.
2.4 All computations of net asset value shall be made by or under the direction
of Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC (PIFM) in accordance with its
regular practice as manager of the Funds.
3. CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE
3.1 The Closing Date shall be December 18, 1998 or such later date as the
parties may agree in writing. All acts taking place at the Closing shall be
deemed to take place simultaneously as of the close of business on the Closing
Date unless otherwise provided. The Closing shall be at the office of National
Municipals Fund or at such other place as the parties may agree.
3.2 State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street), as custodian for each
Series, shall deliver to National Municipals Fund at the Closing a certificate
of an authorized officer of State Street stating that (a) the applicable Series'
portfolio securities, cash and any other assets have been transferred in proper
form to National Municipals Fund on the Closing Date and (b) all necessary
taxes, if any, have been paid, or provision for payment has been made, in
conjunction with the transfer of portfolio securities.
3.3 In the event that immediately prior to the Valuation Time (a) the New York
Stock Exchange (NYSE) or other primary exchange is closed to trading or trading
thereon is restricted or (b) trading or the reporting of trading on the NYSE or
other primary exchange or elsewhere is disrupted so that accurate appraisal of
the value of the net assets of the Series and of the net asset value per share
of National Municipals Fund is impracticable, the Closing Date shall be
postponed until the first business day after the date when such trading shall
have been fully resumed and such reporting shall have been restored.
B-3(B)
3.4 Series Fund shall deliver to National Municipals Fund on or prior to the
Termination Date the names and addresses of each of the shareholders of each
Series and the number of outstanding shares owned by each such shareholder, all
as of the close of business on the Closing Date, certified by the Secretary or
Assistant Secretary of Series Fund. National Municipals Fund shall issue and
deliver to Series Fund at the Closing a confirmation or other evidence
satisfactory to Series Fund that shares of National Municipals Fund have been or
will be credited to each Series' account on the books of National Municipals
Fund. At the Closing each party shall deliver to the other such bills of sale,
checks, assignments, share certificates, receipts and other documents as such
other party or its counsel may reasonably request to effect the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
4.1 Series Fund represents and warrants as follows:
4.1.1 Series Fund is a business trust duly organized and validly existing under
the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and each of the Series has been
duly established in accordance with the terms of Series Fund's Declaration of
Trust as a separate series of Series Fund;
4.1.2 Series Fund is an open-end, management investment company duly registered
under the Investment Company Act, and such registration is in full force and
effect;
4.1.3 Series Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement will not, result in violation of any provision of the Declaration of
Trust or By-Laws of Series Fund or of any material agreement, indenture,
instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which any Series is a party
or by which any Series is bound;
4.1.4 All material contracts or other commitments to which any Series, or the
properties or assets of any Series, is subject, or by which any Series is bound
except this Agreement will be terminated on or prior to the Closing Date without
such Series or National Municipals Fund incurring any liability or penalty with
respect thereto;
4.1.5 No material litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation of
or before any court or governmental body is presently pending or to its
knowledge threatened against Series Fund or any of the properties or assets of
any Series. Series Fund knows of no facts that might form the basis for the
institution of such proceedings, and, with respect to each Series, Series Fund
is not a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment
of any court or governmental body that materially and adversely affects its
business or its ability to consummate the transactions herein contemplated;
4.1.6 The Portfolio of Investments, Statement of Assets and Liabilities,
Statement of Operations, Statement of Changes in Net Assets, and Financial
Highlights of each Series at August 31, 1998 and for the year then ended (copies
of which have been furnished to National Municipals Fund) have been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards. Such financial statements are prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations, changes
in net assets and financial highlights of such Series as of and for the period
ended on such date, and there are no material known liabilities of each such
Series (contingent or otherwise) not disclosed therein;
4.1.7 Since August 31, 1998, there has not been any material adverse change in
any Series' financial condition, assets, liabilities or business other than
changes occurring in the ordinary course of business, or any incurrence by any
Series of indebtedness maturing more than one year from the date such
indebtedness
B-4(B)
was incurred, except as otherwise disclosed to and accepted by National
Municipals Fund. For the purposes of this paragraph 4.1.7, a decline in net
assets or change in the number of shares outstanding shall not constitute a
material adverse change;
4.1.8 At the date hereof and at the Closing Date, all federal and other tax
returns and reports of each Series required by law to have been filed on or
before such dates shall have been timely filed, and all federal and other taxes
shown as due on said returns and reports shall have been paid insofar as due, or
provision shall have been made for the payment thereof, and, to the best of
Series Fund's knowledge, all federal or other taxes required to be shown on any
such return or report have been shown on such return or report, no such return
is currently under audit and no assessment has been asserted with respect to
such returns;
4.1.9 For each past taxable year since it commenced operations, each Series has
met the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code for
qualification and treatment as a regulated investment company and Series Fund
intends to cause such Series to meet those requirements for the current taxable
year; and, for each past calendar year since it commenced operations, each
Series has made such distributions as are necessary to avoid the imposition of
federal excise tax or has paid or provided for the payment of any excise tax
imposed;
4.1.10 All issued and outstanding shares of the Series are, and at the Closing
Date will be, duly and validly authorized, issued and outstanding, fully paid
and non-assessable. All issued and outstanding shares of each Series will, at
the time of the Closing, be held in the name of the persons and in the amounts
set forth in the list of shareholders submitted to National Municipals Fund in
accordance with the provisions of paragraph 3.4. No Series has outstanding any
options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any shares, nor
is there outstanding any security convertible into any of its shares of Series
Fund, except for the Class B shares of each Series which have the conversion
feature described in Series Fund's Prospectuses dated November 2, 1998;
4.1.11 At the Closing Date, the Series Fund will have good and marketable title
to the assets of each Series to be transferred to National Municipals Fund
pursuant to paragraph 1.1, and full right, power and authority to sell, assign,
transfer and deliver such assets hereunder free of any liens, claims, charges or
other encumbrances, and, upon delivery and payment for such assets, National
Municipals Fund will acquire good and marketable title thereto;
4.1.12 The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement has been duly
authorized by the Trustees of the Series Fund and by all necessary action, other
than shareholder approval, on the part of each Series, and this Agreement
constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Series Fund and, subject to
shareholder approval, of each Series;
4.1.13 The information furnished and to be furnished by Series Fund for use in
applications for orders, registration statements, proxy materials and other
documents that may be necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby is and shall be accurate and complete in all material respects and is in
compliance and shall comply in all material respects with applicable federal
securities and other laws and regulations; and
4.1.14 On the effective date of the registration statement filed with the SEC
by National Municipals Fund on Form N-14 relating to the shares of National
Municipals Fund issuable hereunder, and any supplement or amendment thereto
(Registration Statement), at the time of the meeting of the shareholders of such
Series and on the Closing Date, the Proxy Statement of such Series, the
Prospectus of National Municipals Fund, and the Statement of Additional
Information of National Municipals Fund to be included in the Registration
B-5(B)
Statement (collectively, Proxy Statement) (i) will comply in all material
respects with the provisions and regulations of the Securities Act of 1933 (1933
Act), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (1934 Act) and the Investment Company
Act, and the rules and regulations under such Acts and (ii) will not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to
be stated therein in light of the circumstances under which they were made or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that
the representations and warranties in this paragraph 4.1.14 shall not apply to
statements in or omissions from the Proxy Statement and Registration Statement
made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished by National
Municipals Fund for use therein.
4.2 National Municipals Fund represents and warrants as follows:
4.2.1 National Municipals Fund is a corporation duly organized and validly
existing under the laws of the State of Maryland;
4.2.2 National Municipals Fund is an open-end, management investment company
duly registered under the Investment Company Act, and such registration is in
full force and effect;
4.2.3 National Municipals Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement will not result, in violation of any provision of
the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws of National Municipals Fund or of any
material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking
to which National Municipals Fund is a party or by which National Municipals
Fund is bound;
4.2.4 No material litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation of
or before any court or governmental body is presently pending or threatened
against National Municipals Fund or any of its properties or assets, except as
previously disclosed in writing to the Series Fund. Except as previously
disclosed in writing to Series Fund, National Municipals Fund knows of no facts
that might form the basis for the institution of such proceedings, and National
Municipals Fund is not a party to or subject to the provisions of any order,
decree or judgment of any court or governmental body that materially and
adversely affects its business or its ability to consummate the transactions
herein contemplated;
4.2.5 The Portfolio of Investments, Statement of Assets and Liabilities,
Statement of Operations, Statement of Changes in Net Assets, and Financial
Highlights of National Municipals Fund at December 31, 1997 and for the fiscal
year then ended (copies of which have been furnished to Series Fund) have been
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards. Such financial statements are
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of
operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights of National
Municipals Fund as of and for the period ended on such date, and there are no
material known liabilities of National Municipals Fund (contingent or otherwise)
not disclosed therein;
4.2.6 Since December 31, 1997, there has not been any material adverse change
in National Municipal Fund's financial condition, assets, liabilities or
business other than changes occurring in the ordinary course of business, or any
incurrence by National Municipals Fund of indebtedness maturing more than one
year from the date such indebtedness was incurred, except as otherwise disclosed
to and accepted by Series Fund. For the purposes of this paragraph 4.2.6, a
decline in net asset value per share or a decrease in the number of shares
outstanding shall not constitute a material adverse change;
4.2.7 At the date hereof and at the Closing Date, all federal and other tax
returns and reports of National Municipals Fund required by law to have been
filed on or before such dates shall have been filed, and all federal and other
taxes shown as due on said returns and reports shall have been paid insofar as
due, or
B-6(B)
provision shall have been made for the payment thereof, and, to the best of
National Municipals Fund's knowledge, all federal or other taxes required to be
shown on any such return or report are shown on such return or report, no such
return is currently under audit and no assessment has been asserted with respect
to such returns;
4.2.8 For each past taxable year since it commenced operations, National
Municipals Fund has met the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue
Code for qualification and treatment as a regulated investment company and
intends to meet those requirements for the current taxable year; and, for each
past calendar year since it commenced operations, National Municipals Fund has
made such distributions as are necessary to avoid the imposition of federal
excise tax or has paid or provided for the payment of any excise tax imposed;
4.2.9 All issued and outstanding shares of National Municipals Fund are, and at
the Closing Date will be, duly and validly authorized, issued and outstanding,
fully paid and non-assessable. Except as contemplated by this Agreement,
National Municipals Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or
other rights to subscribe for or purchase any of its shares nor is there
outstanding any security convertible into any of its shares, except for the
Class B shares which have the conversion feature described in National
Municipals Fund's Prospectus dated November 23, 1998;
4.2.10 The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement has been duly
authorized by the Board of Directors of National Municipals Fund and by all
necessary corporate action on the part of National Municipals Fund, and this
Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of National Municipals
Fund;
4.2.11 The shares of National Municipals Fund to be issued and delivered to
Series Fund for and on behalf of each Series pursuant to this Agreement will, at
the Closing Date, have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered as
provided in this Agreement, will be duly and validly issued and outstanding
shares of National Municipals Fund, fully paid and non-assessable;
4.2.12 The information furnished and to be furnished by National Municipals
Fund for use in applications for orders, registration statements, proxy
materials and other documents which may be necessary in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby is and shall be accurate and complete in all
material respects and is and shall comply in all material respects with
applicable federal securities and other laws and regulations; and
4.2.13 On the effective date of the Registration Statement, at the time of the
meeting of the shareholders of each Series and on the Closing Date, the Proxy
Statement and the Registration Statement (i) will comply in all material
respects with the provisions of the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and the Investment
Company Act and the rules and regulations under such Acts, (ii) will not contain
any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading and (iii) with respect to the Registration Statement, at the time it
becomes effective, it will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein in the
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided,
however, that the representations and warranties in this paragraph 4.2.13 shall
not apply to statements in or omissions from the Proxy Statement and the
Registration Statement made in reliance upon and in conformity with information
furnished by the Series for use therein.
B-7(B)
5. COVENANTS OF NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND AND MUNICIPAL SERIES FUND
5.1 Series Fund, with respect to each Series, and National Municipals Fund each
covenants to operate its respective business in the ordinary course between the
date hereof and the Closing Date, it being understood that the ordinary course
of business will include declaring and paying customary dividends and other
distributions and such changes in operations as are contemplated by the normal
operations of the Funds, except as may otherwise be required by paragraph 1.4
hereof.
5.2 Series Fund covenants to call a meeting of the shareholders of each Series
to consider and act upon this Agreement and to take all other action necessary
to obtain approval of the transactions contemplated hereby (including the
determinations of its Trustees as set forth in Rule 17a-8(a) under the
Investment Company Act).
5.3 Series Fund covenants that National Municipals Fund shares to be received
for and on behalf of each Series in accordance herewith are not being acquired
for the purpose of making any distribution thereof other than in accordance with
the terms of this Agreement.
5.4 Series Fund covenants that it will assist National Municipals Fund in
obtaining such information as National Municipals Fund reasonably requests
concerning the beneficial ownership of each Series' shares.
5.5 Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, each Fund will take, or cause
to be taken, all action, and will do, or cause to be done, all things,
reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.6 Series Fund covenants to prepare the Proxy Statement in compliance with the
1934 Act, the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations under each
Act.
5.7 Series Fund covenants that it will, from time to time, as and when
requested by National Municipals Fund, execute and deliver or cause to be
executed and delivered all such assignments and other instruments, and will take
or cause to be taken such further action, as National Municipals Fund may deem
necessary or desirable in order to vest in and confirm to National Municipals
Fund title to and possession of all the assets of each Series to be sold,
assigned, transferred and delivered hereunder and otherwise to carry out the
intent and purpose of this Agreement.
5.8 National Municipals Fund covenants to use all reasonable efforts to obtain
the approvals and authorizations required by the 1933 Act, the Investment
Company Act (including the determinations of its Board of Directors as set forth
in Rule 17a-8(a) thereunder) and such of the state Blue Sky or securities laws
as it may deem appropriate in order to continue its operations after the Closing
Date.
5.9 National Municipals Fund covenants that it will, from time to time, as and
when requested by Series Fund, execute and deliver or cause to be executed and
delivered all such assignments and other instruments, and will take and cause to
be taken such further action, as Municipal Series Fund may deem necessary or
desirable in order to (i) vest in and confirm to the Series Fund title to and
possession of all the shares of National Municipals Fund to be transferred to
the shareholders of each Series pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) assume all
of the liabilities of each Series in accordance with this Agreement.
6. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF SERIES FUND
The obligations of Series Fund to consummate the transactions provided for
herein shall be subject to the performance by National Municipals Fund of all
the obligations to be performed by it hereunder on or before the Closing Date
and the following further conditions:
B-8(B)
6.1 All representations and warranties of National Municipals Fund contained in
this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date
hereof and, except as they may be affected by the transaction contemplated by
this Agreement, as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made
on and as of the Closing Date.
6.2 National Municipals Fund shall have delivered to Series Fund on the Closing
Date a certificate executed in its name by the President or a Vice President of
National Municipals Fund, in form and substance satisfactory to Series Fund and
dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that the representations and
warranties of National Municipals Fund in this Agreement are true and correct at
and as of the Closing Date, except as they may be affected by the transaction
contemplated by this Agreement, and as to such other matters as Series Fund
shall reasonably request.
6.3 Series Fund shall have received on the Closing Date a favorable opinion
from Swidler Berlin Shereff Friedman, LLP, counsel to National Municipals Fund,
dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that:
6.3.1 National Municipals Fund is a corporation duly organized and validly
existing under the laws of the State of Maryland with power under its
Articles of Incorporation to own all of its properties and assets and, to
the knowledge of such counsel, to carry on its business as presently
conducted;
6.3.2 This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by
National Municipals Fund and, assuming due authorization, execution and
delivery of the Agreement by Municipal Series Fund on behalf of each Series,
is a valid and binding obligation of National Municipals Fund enforceable in
accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent
transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general
applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general
equity principles;
6.3.3 The shares of National Municipals Fund to be distributed to the
shareholders of each Series under this Agreement, assuming their due
authorization, execution and delivery as contemplated by this Agreement,
will be validly issued and outstanding and fully paid and non-assessable,
and no shareholder of National Municipals Fund has any pre-emptive right to
subscribe therefor or purchase such shares;
6.3.4 The execution and delivery of this Agreement did not, and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, (i) conflict
with National Municipals Fund's Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws or (ii)
result in a default or a breach of (a) the Management Agreement dated
January 22, 1990 between National Municipals Fund and Prudential Investments
Fund Management LLC, as successor to Prudential Mutual Fund Management,
Inc., (b) the Custodian Contract dated July 26, 1990 between National
Municipals Fund and State Street Bank and Trust Company, (c) the
Distribution Agreement dated November 9, 1998 between National Municipals
Fund and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC and (d) the Transfer
Agency and Service Agreement dated January 1, 1990 between National
Municipals Fund and Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, as successor to
Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc.; provided, however, that such counsel
may state that they express no opinion as to bankruptcy, insolvency,
fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general
applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general
equity principles;
6.3.5 To the knowledge of such counsel, no consent, approval,
authorization, filing or order of any court or governmental authority is
required for the consummation by National Municipals Fund of the
transactions contemplated herein, except such as have been obtained under
the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and the Investment Company Act and such as may be
required under state Blue Sky or securities laws;
B-9(B)
6.3.6 National Municipals Fund has been registered with the SEC as an
investment company, and, to the knowledge of such counsel, no order has been
issued or proceeding instituted to suspend such registration; and
6.3.7 Such counsel knows of no litigation or government proceeding
instituted or threatened against National Municipals Fund that could be
required to be disclosed in its registration statement on Form N-1A and is
not so disclosed.
Such opinion may rely on an opinion of Maryland Counsel to the extent it
addresses Maryland law.
7. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND
The obligations of National Municipals Fund to complete the transactions
provided for herein shall be subject to the performance by Series Fund of all
the obligations to be performed by it hereunder on or before the Closing Date
and the following further conditions:
7.1 All representations and warranties of Series Fund contained in this
Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date
hereof and, except as they may be affected by the transaction contemplated by
this Agreement, as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made
on and as of the Closing Date.
7.2 Series Fund shall have delivered to National Municipals Fund on the Closing
Date a statement of the assets and liabilities of each Series, which shall be
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied, together with a list of the portfolio securities of each
Series showing the adjusted tax base of such securities by lot, as of the
Closing Date, certified by the Treasurer of Series Fund.
7.3 Series Fund shall have delivered to National Municipals Fund on the Closing
Date a certificate executed in its name by its President or one of its Vice
Presidents, in form and substance satisfactory to National Municipals Fund and
dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that the representations and
warranties of Series Fund made in this Agreement are true and correct at and as
of the Closing Date except as they may be affected by the transaction
contemplated by this Agreement, and as to such other matters as National
Municipals Fund shall reasonably request.
7.4 On or immediately prior to the Closing Date, Series Fund shall have
declared and paid to the shareholders of record of each Series one or more
dividends and/or other distributions so that it will have distributed
substantially all (and in any event not less than ninety-eight percent) of such
Series' investment company taxable income (computed without regard to any
deduction for dividends paid), net tax-exempt interest income, if any, and
realized net capital gain, if any, of such Series for all completed taxable
years from the inception of such Series through August 31, 1998, and for the
period from and after August 31, 1998 through the Closing Date.
7.5 National Municipals Fund shall have received on the Closing Date a
favorable opinion from Swidler Berlin Shereff Friedman, LLP, special counsel to
Series Fund, dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that:
7.5.1 Series Fund is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with power under its Declaration of Trust
to own all of its properties and assets and, to the knowledge of such
counsel, to carry on its business as presently conducted and each Series has
been duly established in accordance with the terms of the Series Fund's
Declaration of Trust as a separate series of Series Fund;
B-10(B)
7.5.2 This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by
Series Fund and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of Series
Fund enforceable against the assets of each Series in accordance with its
terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer,
reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability
relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles;
7.5.3 The execution and delivery of the Agreement did not, and the
performance by Series Fund of its obligations hereunder will not, (i)
violate Series Fund's Declaration of Trust or By-Laws or (ii) result in a
default or a breach of (a) the Management Agreement, dated December 30,
1988, between Series Fund and Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC, as
successor to Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc., (b) the Custodian
Contract, dated August 1, 1990, between Series Fund and State Street Bank
and Trust Company, (c) the Distribution Agreement dated June 1, 1998,
between Series Fund and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC and
the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated January 1, 1988, between
Series Fund and Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, as successor to
Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc.; provided, however, that such counsel
may state that insofar as performance by Series Fund of its obligations
under this Agreement is concerned they express no opinion as to bankruptcy,
insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws
of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to
general equity principles;
7.5.4 All regulatory consents, authorizations and approvals required to be
obtained by Series Fund under the federal laws of the United States and the
laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been obtained;
7.5.5 Such counsel knows of no litigation or any governmental proceeding
instituted or threatened against Series Fund, involving any Series, that
would be required to be disclosed in its Registration Statement on Form N-1A
and is not so disclosed; and
7.5.6 Series Fund has been registered with the SEC as an investment
company, and, to the knowledge of such counsel, no order has been issued or
proceeding instituted to suspend such registration.
Such opinion may rely on an opinion of Massachusetts counsel to the extent
it addresses Massachusetts law, and may assume for purposes of the opinion given
pursuant to paragraph 7.5.2 that New York law is the same as Illinois law.
8. FURTHER CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND AND
SERIES FUND
The obligations of National Municipals Fund and Series Fund hereunder are
subject to the further conditions that on or before the Closing Date:
8.1 This Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein shall have been
approved by the requisite vote of (a) the Trustees of Series Fund and the Board
of Directors of National Municipals Fund, as to the determinations set forth in
Rule 17a-8(a) under the Investment Company Act, (b) the Board of Directors of
National Municipals Fund as to the assumption by the National Municipals Fund of
the liabilities of each Series and (c) the holders of the outstanding shares of
each Series in accordance with the provisions of the Series Fund's Declaration
of Trust and By-Laws, and certified copies of the resolutions evidencing such
approvals shall have been delivered to National Municipals Fund.
8.2 Any proposed change to National Municipals Fund's operations that may be
approved by the Board of Directors of National Municipals Fund subsequent to the
date of this Agreement but in connection with and as a condition to implementing
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, for which the approval of
B-11(B)
National Municipals Fund shareholders is required pursuant to the Investment
Company Act or otherwise, shall have been approved by the requisite vote of the
holders of the outstanding shares of National Municipals Fund in accordance with
the Investment Company Act and the provisions of the General Corporation Law of
the State of Maryland, and certified copies of the resolution evidencing such
approval shall have been delivered to Series Fund.
8.3 On the Closing Date no action, suit or other proceeding shall be pending
before any court or governmental agency in which it is sought to restrain or
prohibit, or obtain damages or other relief in connection with, this Agreement
or the transactions contemplated herein.
8.4 All consents of other parties and all consents, orders and permits of
federal, state and local regulatory authorities (including those of the SEC and
of state Blue Sky or securities authorities, including "no-action" positions of
such authorities) deemed necessary by National Municipals Fund or Series Fund to
permit consummation, in all material respects, of the transactions contemplated
hereby shall have been obtained, except where failure to obtain any such
consent, order or permit would not involve a risk of a material adverse effect
on the assets or properties of National Municipals Fund or any Series, provided,
that either party hereto may for itself waive any part of this condition.
8.5 The Registration Statement shall have become effective under the 1933 Act,
and no stop orders suspending the effectiveness thereof shall have been issued,
and to the best knowledge of the parties hereto, no investigation or proceeding
under the 1933 Act for that purpose shall have been instituted or be pending,
threatened or contemplated.
8.6 The Funds shall have received on or before the Closing Date opinions of
Swidler Berlin Shereff Friedman, LLP or a ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service with respect to each Series satisfactory to each of them, substantially
to the effect that for federal income tax purposes:
8.6.1 The acquisition by National Municipals Fund of the assets of a Series
solely in exchange for voting shares of National Municipals Fund and the
assumption by National Municipals Fund of such Series' liabilities, if any,
followed by the distribution of National Municipals Fund's voting shares pro
rata to such Series' shareholders, pursuant to its termination and
constructively in exchange for such Series' shares, will constitute a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(C) of the Internal
Revenue Code, and each Fund will be "a party to a reorganization" within the
meaning of Section 368(b) of the Internal Revenue Code;
8.6.2 Each Series' shareholders will recognize no gain or loss upon the
constructive exchange of all of their shares of such Series solely for
shares of National Municipals Fund in complete termination of such Series;
8.6.3 No gain or loss will be recognized to any Series upon the transfer of
its assets to National Municipals Fund solely in exchange for shares of
National Municipals Fund and the assumption by National Municipals Fund of
such Series' liabilities, if any, and the subsequent distribution of those
shares to such Series' shareholders in complete termination of such Series;
8.6.4 No gain or loss will be recognized to National Municipals Fund upon
the acquisition of any Series' assets solely in exchange for shares of
National Municipals Fund and the assumption of such Series' liabilities, if
any;
B-12(B)
8.6.5 National Municipals Fund's basis for the assets of each Series
acquired in the reorganizations will be the same as the basis thereof when
held by the respective Series immediately before the transfer, and the
holding period of such assets acquired by National Municipals Fund will
include the holding period thereof when held by such Series;
8.6.6 The Series shareholders' bases for the shares of National Municipals
Fund to be received by them pursuant to the reorganizations will be the same
as their basis for the shares of the respective Series to be constructively
surrendered in exchange therefor; and
8.6.7 The holding period of National Municipals Fund shares to be received
by each Series' shareholders will include the period during which the shares
of such Series to be constructively surrendered in exchange therefor were
held; provided that such Series' shares surrendered were held as capital
assets by those shareholders on the date of the exchange.
9. FINDER'S FEES AND EXPENSES
9.1 Each Fund represents and warrants to the other that there are no finder's
fees payable in connection with the transactions provided for herein.
9.2 The expenses incurred in connection with the entering into and carrying out
of the provisions of this Agreement shall be allocated to National Municipals
Fund and each Series pro rata in a fair and equitable manner in proportion to
its assets.
10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES
10.1 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Funds.
10.2 The representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Agreement
or in any document delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith shall
survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder.
11. TERMINATION
National Municipals Fund or Series Fund as to any Series may at its option
terminate this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date because of:
11.1 A material breach by the other of any representation, warranty or covenant
contained herein to be performed at or prior to the Closing Date; or
11.2 A condition herein expressed to be precedent to the obligations of either
party not having been met and it reasonably appearing that it will not or cannot
be met; or
11.3 A mutual written agreement of Series Fund and National Municipals Fund.
In the event of any such termination, there shall be no liability for
damages on the part of either Fund (other than the liability of the Funds to pay
their allocated expenses pursuant to paragraph 9.2) or any Director or officer
of National Municipals Fund or any Trustee or officer of Series Fund.
12. AMENDMENT
This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented only in writing by
the parties; provided, however, that following the shareholders' meeting called
by Series Fund pursuant to paragraph 5.2, no such amendment may have the effect
of changing the provisions for determining the number of shares of National
Municipals Fund to be distributed to any Series' shareholders under this
Agreement to the detriment of such shareholders without their further approval.
B-13(B)
13. NOTICES
Any notice, report, demand or other communication required or permitted by
any provision of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by hand
delivery, or prepaid certified mail or overnight service addressed to Prudential
Investments Fund Management LLC, Gateway Center Three, Newark, New Jersey 07102,
Attention: S. Jane Rose.
14. HEADINGS; COUNTERPARTS; GOVERNING LAW; ASSIGNMENT
14.1 The paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference
purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of
this Agreement.
14.2 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which will be deemed an original.
14.3 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of New York.
14.4 This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties and
their respective successors and assigns, and no assignment or transfer hereof or
of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by either party without the
written consent of the other party. Nothing herein expressed or implied is
intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, firm or
corporation other than the parties and their respective successors and assigns
any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
14.5 The terms of this Agreement shall apply separately with respect to each of
Maryland and Michigan Series. Nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or
shall be construed to imply that the approval or implementation of the
reorganization with respect to either Series is subject to or contingent upon
approval or implementation of the reorganization with respect to the other
Series.
15. NO LIABILITY OF SHAREHOLDERS OR TRUSTEES OF MUNICIPAL SERIES FUND;
AGREEMENT AN OBLIGATION ONLY OF THE RESPECTIVE SERIES, AND ENFORCEABLE ONLY
AGAINST ASSETS OF THE RESPECTIVE SERIES.
The name "Prudential Municipal Series Fund" is the designation of the
Trustees from time to time acting under an Amended and Restated Declaration of
Trust dated August 17, 1994, as the same may be from time to time amended, and
the name "Maryland Series" and "Michigan Series" is the designation of a
portfolio of the assets of Series Fund. National Municipals Fund acknowledges
that it must look, and agrees that it shall look, solely to the assets of each
Series for the enforcement of any claims arising out of or based on the
obligations of Series Fund hereunder, and with respect to obligations relating
to any Series, only to the assets of such Series, and in particular that (i)
neither the Trustees, officers, agents or shareholders of Series Fund assume or
shall have any personal liability for obligations of Series Fund hereunder, and
(ii) none of the assets of Series Fund other than the portfolio assets of the
Series may be resorted to for the enforcement of any claim based on the
obligations of Series Fund hereunder.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be
executed by the President of each Fund.
Prudential Municipal Bond Fund
By /s/ Brian M. Storms
----------------------
PRESIDENT
Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc.
By /s/ Brian M. Storms
----------------------
PRESIDENT
B-14(B)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
SYNOPSIS................................................................................................ 2
General............................................................................................. 2
The Proposed Reorganizations........................................................................ 2
Reasons for the Reorganizations..................................................................... 3
Structure of the Series and National Municipals Fund................................................ 7
Investment Objectives and Policies.................................................................. 8
Fees and Expenses................................................................................... 9
Management Fees................................................................................. 9
Distribution Fees............................................................................... 10
Other Expenses.................................................................................. 10
Shareholder Transaction Expenses................................................................ 11
Expense Ratios.................................................................................. 11
Annual Fund Operating Expenses.................................................................. 12
Purchases and Redemptions........................................................................... 13
Exchange Privileges................................................................................. 14
Dividends and Distributions......................................................................... 14
Federal Tax Consequences of Proposed Reorganization................................................. 15
PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS.................................................................................. 15
Ratings............................................................................................. 15
Hedging and Return Enhancement Strategies........................................................... 16
Long Term Bonds..................................................................................... 17
Tax Considerations.................................................................................. 17
Realignment of Investment Portfolio................................................................. 17
THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION................................................................................ 17
Agreements and Plans of Reorganization.............................................................. 17
Reasons for the Reorganizations Considered by the Trustees/Directors................................ 19
Description of Securities to be Issued.............................................................. 20
Tax Considerations.................................................................................. 20
Certain Other Comparative Information About the Funds............................................... 21
Capitalization.................................................................................. 21
Shareholder Meetings and Voting Rights.......................................................... 21
Shareholder Liability........................................................................... 22
Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Trustees......................................... 23
Pro Forma Capitalization............................................................................ 24
INFORMATION ABOUT NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND.............................................................. 25
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERIES............................................................................ 27
VOTING INFORMATION...................................................................................... 28
OTHER MATTERS........................................................................................... 32
SHAREHOLDERS' PROPOSALS................................................................................. 32
APPENDIX A--Performance Overview........................................................................ A-1
APPENDIX B--Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (Intermediate Series).................................. B-1(A)
Agreement and Plan of Reorganizations (State Series)...................................... B-1(B)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ENCLOSURES
Prospectuses of Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc., dated November 23, 1998, and, for
shareholders invested in each Fund, as applicable, Prudential Municipal Series Fund (Maryland or
Michigan Series), each dated November 2, 1998 or Prudential Municipal Bond Fund, dated July 1,
1998, as supplemented August 27, 1998, September 1, 1998 and October 21, 1998.
PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DATED NOVEMBER 25, 1998
ACQUISITION OF ASSETS OF
MARYLAND AND MICHIGAN SERIES
OF PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL SERIES FUND
AND INTERMEDIATE SERIES OF
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
GATEWAY CENTER THREE
100 MULBERRY ST
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102-9077
(800) 225-1852
------------------------
BY AND IN EXCHANGE FOR THE SHARES OF
PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
GATEWAY CENTER THREE
100 MULBERRY ST
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102-4077
(800) 225-1852
This Statement of Additional Information, relating specifically to the
proposed transfer of all the assets and the assumption of all of the
liabilities, if any, of the Maryland and Michigan Series of Prudential Municipal
Series Fund and Intermediate Series of Municipal Bond Fund (collectively, the
Acquired Series) by Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc. (the Acquiring
Fund) consists of this cover page and the following described documents, each of
which is attached hereto and incorporated by reference.
1. The Statement of Additional Information of the Acquiring Fund dated
November 23, 1998.
2. The Annual Report to Shareholders of the Acquiring Fund for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
3. The Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders of the Acquiring Fund for the
six-months ended June 30, 1998.
4. The Annual Reports to Shareholders of the Maryland Series for the
fiscal year ended August 31, 1998.
5. The Annual Report to Shareholders of the Michigan Series for the
fiscal year ended August 31, 1998.
6. The Annual Report to Shareholders of the Intermediate Series for the
fiscal year ended April 30, 1998.
The Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. A Prospectus and
Proxy Statement dated November 25, 1998 relating to the above referenced matter
may be obtained from the Acquiring Fund without charge by writing or calling
Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc. at the address or telephone number
listed above. This Statement of Additional Information relates to, and should be
read in conjunction with, the Prospectus and Proxy Statement.
PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
Statement of Additional Information
March 4, 1998
Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc. (the Fund), is an open-end,
diversified management investment company whose investment objective is to seek
a high level of current income exempt from federal income taxes. In attempting
to achieve this objective, the Fund intends to invest substantially all of its
total assets in carefully selected long-term Municipal Bonds of medium quality,
i.e., obligations of issuers possessing adequate but not outstanding capacities
to service their debt. Subject to the limits described herein, the Fund may
also buy and sell financial futures for the purpose of hedging its securities
portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objective will
be achieved. See "Investment Objective and Policies."
The Fund's address is Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New
Jersey 07102-4077, and its telephone number is (800)225-1852.
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus and should be
read in conjunction with the Fund's Prospectus, dated March 4, 1998, a copy of
which may be obtained from the Fund upon request at the address or telephone
noted above.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cross-reference
to page in
Page Prospectus
----- ---------------
General Information............................................................... B-2 25
Investment Objective and Policies................................................. B-2 8
Investment Restrictions........................................................... B-5 18
Directors and Officers............................................................ B-7 18
Manager........................................................................... B-10 18
Distributor....................................................................... B-12 19
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage.............................................. B-14 21
Purchase and Redemption of Fund Shares............................................ B-15 26
Shareholder Investment Account.................................................... B-17 26
Net Asset Value................................................................... B-20 22
Taxes, Dividends and Distributions................................................ B-21 23
Performance Information........................................................... B-23 22
Custodian and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent and Independent Accountants.. B-25 21
Financial Statements.............................................................. B-26 -
Report of Independent Accountants................................................. B-45 -
Appendix I-Description of Tax-Exempt Security Ratings............................. I-1 -
Appendix II-General Investment Information........................................ II-1 -
Appendix III-Historical Performance Data.......................................... III-1 -
Appendix IV-Information Relating to Prudential.................................... IV-1 -
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MF104B
GENERAL INFORMATION
At a special meeting held on July 19, 1994, shareholders approved an
amendment to the Fund's Articles of Incorporation to change the Fund's name
from Prudential-Bache National Municipals Fund, Inc. to Prudential National
Municipals Fund, Inc.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek a high level of current
income exempt from federal income taxes. In attempting to achieve this
objective, the Fund intends to invest substantially all, and in any event at
least 80%, of its total assets in Municipal Bonds and Municipal Notes, except
in certain circumstances. From time to time the Fund may invest in Municipal
Bonds and Municipal Notes that are "private activity bonds" (as defined in the
Internal Revenue Code), the interest on which is a tax preference subject to
the alternative minimum tax. See "Taxes, Dividends and Distributions" in the
Prospectus. There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objective will
be achieved. For a further description of the Fund's investment objective and
policies see "How the Fund Invests-Investment Objective and Policies" in the
Prospectus.
Municipal Notes
For liquidity purposes, pending investment in Municipal Bonds, or on a
temporary or defensive basis due to market conditions, the Fund may invest in
tax-exempt short-term debt obligations (maturing in one year or less). These
obligations, known as "Municipal Notes," include tax, revenue and bond
anticipation notes which are issued to obtain funds for various public
purposes. The interest from these Notes is exempt from federal income taxes.
The Fund will limit its investments in Municipal Notes to (1) those which are
rated, at the time of purchase, within the three highest grades assigned by
Moody's Investors Service (Moody's) or the two highest grades assigned by
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group (S&P) or comparably rated by any other
Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO); (2) those of
issuers having, at the time of purchase, an issue of outstanding Municipal
Bonds rated within the four highest grades of Moody's or S&P or comparably
rated by any other NRSRO; or (3) those which are guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agents or instrumentalities.
Municipal Bonds
Municipal Bonds include debt obligations of a state, a territory, or a
possession of the United States, or any political subdivision thereof (e.g.,
counties, cities, towns, villages, districts, authorities) or the District of
Columbia issued to obtain funds for various purposes, including the
construction of a wide range of public facilities such as airports, bridges,
highways, housing, hospitals, mass transportation, schools, streets and water
and sewer works. Other public purposes for which Municipal Bonds may be issued
include the refunding of outstanding obligations, obtaining funds for general
operating expenses and the obtaining of funds to loan to public or private
institutions for the construction of facilities such as education, hospital and
housing facilities. In addition, certain types of private activity bonds may be
issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide
privately-operated housing facilities, sports facilities, convention or trade
show facilities, airport, mass transit, port or parking facilities, air or
water pollution control facilities and certain local facilities for water
supply, gas, electricity or sewage or solid waste disposal. Such obligations
are included within the term Municipal Bonds if the interest paid thereon is at
the time of issuance, in the opinion of the issuer's bond counsel, exempt from
federal income tax. The current federal tax laws, however, substantially limit
the amount of such obligations that can be issued in each state. See "Taxes,
Dividends and Distributions."
The two principal classifications of Municipal Bonds are "general obligation"
and limited obligation or "revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are secured
by the issuer's pledge of its faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of
principal and interest, whereas revenue bonds are payable only from the
revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some
cases, from the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source.
Private activity bonds that are Municipal Bonds are in most cases revenue bonds
and do not generally constitute the pledge of the credit of the issuer of such
bonds. The credit quality of private activity revenue bonds is usually directly
related to the credit standing of the industrial user involved. There are, in
addition, a variety of hybrid and special types of municipal obligations as
well as numerous differences in the security of Municipal Bonds, both within
and between the two principal classifications described above.
The interest rates payable on certain Municipal Bonds and Municipal Notes are
not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. Municipal Bonds
and Notes of this type are called "variable rate" obligations. The interest
rate payable on a variable rate obligation is adjusted either at predesignated
intervals or whenever there is a change in the market rate of interest on which
the interest rate payable is based. Other features may include the right
whereby the Fund may demand prepayment of the principal amount of the
obligation prior to its stated maturity (a demand feature) and the right of the
issuer to prepay the principal
B-2
amount prior to maturity. The principal benefit of a variable rate obligation
is that the interest rate adjustment minimizes changes in the market value of
the obligation. As a result, the purchase of variable rate obligations should
enhance the ability of the Fund to maintain a stable NAV per share and to sell
an obligation prior to maturity at a price approximating the full principal
amount of the obligation. The payment of principal and interest by issuers of
certain Municipal Bonds and Notes purchased by the Fund may be guaranteed by
letters of credit or other credit facilities offered by banks or other
financial institutions. Such guarantees will be considered in determining
whether a Municipal Bond or Note meets the Fund's investment quality
requirements.
The Fund will treat an investment in a municipal security refunded with
escrowed U.S. Government securities as U.S. Government securities for purposes
of the Investment Company Act's diversification requirements provided: (i) the
escrowed securities are "government securities" as defined in the Investment
Company Act, (ii) the escrowed securities are irrevocably pledged only to
payment of debt service on the refunded securities, except to the extent there
are amounts in excess of funds necessary for such debt service, (iii) principal
and interest on the escrowed securities will be sufficient to satisfy all
scheduled principal, interest and any premiums on the refunded securities and a
verification report prepared by a party acceptable to a nationally recognized
statistical rating agency, or counsel to the holders of the refunded
securities, so verifies, (iv) the escrow agreement provides that the issuer of
the refunded securities grants and assigns to the escrow agent, for the equal
and ratable benefit of the holders of the refunded securities, an express first
lien on, pledge of and perfected security interest in the escrowed securities
and the interest income thereon, (v) the escrow agent had no lien of any type
with respect to the escrowed securities for payment of its fees or expenses
except to the extent there are excess securities, as described in (ii) above.
The Fund will not, however, invest more than 25% of its total assets in
pre-refunded bonds of the same municipal issuer.
Purchase And Exercise of Puts
Puts give the Fund the right to sell securities held in the Fund's portfolio
at a specified exercise price on a specified date. Puts or tender options may
be acquired to reduce the volatility of the market value of securities subject
to puts or tender options compared to the volatility of similar securities not
subject to puts or tender options. The acquisition of a put or tender option
may involve an additional cost to the Fund, compared to the cost of securities
with similar credit ratings, stated maturities and interest coupons but without
applicable puts or tender options. Such increased cost may be paid either by
way of an initial or periodic premium for the put or tender option or by way of
a higher purchase price for securities to which the put or tender option is
attached. In addition, there is a credit risk associated with the purchase of
puts or tender options in that the issuer of the put or tender option may be
unable to meet its obligation to purchase the underlying security. Accordingly,
the Fund will acquire puts or tender options under the following circumstances:
(1) the put or tender option is written by the issuer of the underlying
security and such security is rated within the four highest quality grades as
determined by Moody's or S&P or other NRSRO; (2) the put or tender option is
written by a person other than the issuer of the underlying security and such
person has securities outstanding which are rated within such four highest
quality grades; or (3) the put or tender option is backed by a letter of credit
or similar financial guarantee issued by a person having securities outstanding
which are rated within the two highest quality grades of such rating services.
Portfolio Turnover
Although the Fund does not intend to engage in substantial short-term
trading, it may sell portfolio securities without regard to the length of time
that they have been held in order to take advantage of new investment
opportunities or yield differentials or because the Fund desires to preserve
gains or limit losses due to changing economic conditions or the financial
condition of the issuer. In order to seek a high level of current income, the
investment adviser intends to change the composition of the Fund's portfolio,
adjusting maturities and the quality and type of issue. Accordingly, it is
possible that the Fund's portfolio turnover rate may reach, or even exceed,
150%. A portfolio turnover rate of 150% may exceed that of other investment
companies with similar objectives. The portfolio turnover rate is computed by
dividing the lesser of the amount of the securities purchased or securities
sold (excluding all securities whose maturities at acquisition were one year or
less) by the average monthly value of such securities owned during the year. A
100% turnover rate would occur, for example, if all of the securities held in
the Fund's portfolio were sold and replaced within one year. However, when
portfolio changes are deemed appropriate due to market or other conditions,
such turnover rate may be greater than anticipated. A higher rate of turnover
results in increased transaction costs to the Fund. For the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1997 the Fund's portfolio turnover rates were 46% and
38%, respectively.
Financial Futures Contracts
The Fund will engage in transactions in financial futures contracts for
return enhancement and risk management purposes as well as to hedge against
interest rate related fluctuations in the value of securities which are held in
the Fund's portfolio or which the Fund intends to purchase. The Fund will
engage in such transactions consistent with the Fund's investment objective. A
clearing
B-3
corporation associated with the commodities exchange on which a futures
contract trades assumes responsibility for the completion of transactions and
guarantees that open futures contracts will be performed. Although interest
rate futures contracts call for actual delivery or acceptance of debt
securities, in most cases the contracts are closed out before the settlement
date without the making or taking of delivery.
Options on Financial Futures. The Fund may enter into options on future
contracts for certain bona fide hedging, risk management and return enhancement
purposes. This includes the ability to purchase put and call options and write
(i.e. sell) "covered" put and call options on futures contracts that are traded
on commodity and futures exchanges.
Limitations on Purchase and Sale. Under regulations of the Commodity Exchange
Act, investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended (the Investment Company Act) are exempt from the definition of
"commodity pool operator," subject to compliance with certain conditions. The
Fund will only engage in futures transactions for bona fide hedging, risk
management and return enhancement purposes in accordance with the rules of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission and not for speculation. With respect to
long positions assumed by the Fund, the Fund will segregate an amount of cash
or other liquid assets so that the amount so segregated plus the amount of
initial and variation margin held in the account of its broker equals the
market value of the futures contracts, and thereby insure that the use of
futures contracts is unleveraged. The Fund will continue to invest at least 80%
of its total assets in Municipal Bonds and Municipal Notes except in certain
circumstances, as described in the Prospectus under "How the Fund
Invests-Investment Objective and Policies." The Fund may not enter into futures
contracts if, immediately thereafter, the sum of the amount of initial and net
cumulative variation margin on outstanding futures contracts, together with
premiums paid on options thereon, would exceed 20% of the total assets of the
Fund.
Risks of Financial Futures Transactions. In addition to the risk associated
with predicting movements in the direction of interest rates, discussed in "How
the Fund Invests-Investment Objective and Policies" in the Prospectus, there
are a number of other risks associated with the use of financial futures for
hedging purposes.
Hedging involves the risk of imperfect correlation because changes in the
price of futures contracts only generally parallel but do not necessarily equal
changes in the prices of the securities being hedged. The risk of imperfect
correlation increases as the composition of the Fund's securities portfolio
diverges from the securities that are the subject of the futures contract, for
example, those included in the municipal index. Because the change in price of
the futures contract may be more or less than the change in prices of the
underlying securities, even a correct forecast of interest rate changes may not
result in a successful hedging transaction.
The Fund intends to purchase and sell futures contracts only on exchanges
where there appears to be a market in such futures sufficiently active to
accommodate the volume of its trading activity. There can be no assurance that
a liquid market will always exist for any particular contract at any particular
time. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that it will always be possible to
close a futures position when such closing is desired; and in the event of
adverse price movements, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily
cash payments of variation margin. However, in the event futures contracts have
been sold to hedge portfolio securities, such securities will not be sold until
the offsetting futures contracts can be executed. Similarly, in the event
futures have been bought to hedge anticipated securities purchases, such
purchases will not be executed until the offsetting futures contracts can be
sold.
The hours of trading of interest rate futures contracts may not conform to
the hours during which the Fund may trade Municipal Bonds. To the extent that
the futures markets close before the municipal bond market, significant price
and rate movements can take place that cannot be reflected in the futures
markets on a day-to-day basis.
Risks of Transactions in Options on Financial Futures. In addition to the
risks which apply to all options transactions, there are several special risks
relating to options on futures. The ability to establish and close out
positions on such options will be subject to the maintenance of a liquid
secondary market. Compared to the sale of financial futures, the purchase of
put options on financial futures involves less potential risk to the Fund
because the maximum amount at risk is the premium paid for the options (plus
transaction costs). However, there may be circumstances when the purchase of a
put option on a financial future would result in a loss to the Fund when the
sale of a financial future would not, such as when there is no movement in the
price of debt securities.
An option position may be closed out only on an exchange which provides a
secondary market for an option of the same series. Although the Fund generally
will purchase only those options for which there appears to be an active
secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an
exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time, and
for some options, no secondary market on an exchange may exist. In such event,
it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in
B-4
particular options, with the result that the Fund would have to exercise its
options in order to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon
the sale of underlying securities pursuant to the exercise of put options.
Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include
the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain
options; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening
transactions or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions
or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or
series of options or underlying securities; (iv) unusual or unforeseen
circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the
facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all
times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one or more
exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some
future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or
series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in
that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding
options on that exchange that had been issued by the Options Clearing
Corporation as a result of trades on that exchange could continue to be
exercisable in accordance with their terms.
There is no assurance that higher than anticipated trading activity or other
unforeseen events might not, at times, render certain of the facilities of the
Options Clearing Corporation inadequate, and thereby result in the institution
by an exchange of special procedures which may interfere with the timely
execution of customers' orders.
Illiquid Securities
The Fund may not hold more than 15% of its net assets in repurchase
agreements which have a maturity of longer than seven days or in other illiquid
securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of
a readily available market or contractual restrictions on resale. Repurchase
agreements subject to demand are deemed to have a maturity equal to the notice
period. Mutual funds do not typically hold a significant amount of illiquid
securities because of the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in
valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the
marketability of portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be unable to
dispose of illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might
thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days.
Municipal lease obligations will not be considered illiquid for purposes of
the Fund's 15% limitation on illiquid securities provided the investment
adviser determines that there is a readily available market for such
securities. In reaching liquidity decisions, the investment adviser will
consider, inter alia, the following factors: (1) the frequency of trades and
quotes for the security; (2) the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell
the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (3) dealer
undertakings to make a market in the security; and (4) the nature of the
security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to
dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of
the transfer). With respect to municipal lease obligations, the investment
adviser also considers: (1) the willingness of the municipality to continue,
annually or biannually, to appropriate funds for payment of the lease; (2) the
general credit quality of the municipality and the essentiality to the
municipality of the property covered by the lease; (3) in the case of unrated
municipal lease obligations, an analysis of factors similar to that performed
by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations in evaluating the
credit quality of a municipal lease obligation, including (i) whether the lease
can be cancelled; (ii) if applicable, what assurance there is that the assets
represented by the lease can be sold; (iii) the strength of the lessee's
general credit (e.g., its debt, administrative, economic and financial
characteristics); (iv) the likelihood that the municipality will discontinue
appropriating funding for the leased property because the property is no longer
deemed essential to the operations of the municipality (e.g., the potential for
an event of nonappropriation); (v) the legal recourse in the event of failure
to appropriate; and (4) any other factors unique to municipal lease obligations
as determined by the investment adviser.
Segregated Accounts
When the Fund is required to segregate assets in connection with certain
hedging transactions, it will maintain cash or liquid assets in a segregated
account. "Liquid assets" means cash, U.S. Government securities, equity
securities (including foreign securities), debt obligations or other liquid,
unencumbered assets, marked-to-market daily.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The following restrictions are fundamental policies. Fundamental policies are
those which cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority
of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. A "majority of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities," when used in this Statement of Additional
Information, means the lesser of (i) 67% of the voting shares represented at a
meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding voting shares are present in
person or represented by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding voting
shares.
B-5
The Fund may not:
(1) With respect to 75% of its total assets, invest more than 5% of the
market or other fair value of its total assets in the securities of any one
issuer (other than obligations of, or guaranteed by, the U.S. Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities). It is the current policy (but not a fundamental
policy) of the Fund not to invest more than 5% of the market or other fair
value of its total assets in the securities of any one issuer.
(2) Make short sales of securities.
(3) Purchase securities on margin, except for such short-term credits as are
necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities and
margin payments in connection with transactions in financial futures contracts.
(4) Issue senior securities, borrow money or pledge its assets, except that
the Fund may borrow up to 331/3% of the value of its total assets (calculated
when the loan is made) for temporary, extraordinary or emergency purposes or
for the clearance of transactions. The Fund may pledge up to 331/3% of the
value of its total assets to secure such borrowings. Secured borrowings may
take the form of reverse repurchase agreements, pursuant to which the Fund
would sell portfolio securities for cash and simultaneously agree to repurchase
them at a specified date for the same amount of cash plus an interest
component. The Fund would maintain, in a segregated account with its Custodian,
liquid assets equal in value to the amount owed. For purposes of this
restriction, obligations of the Fund to Directors pursuant to deferred
compensation arrangements, the purchase and sale of securities on a when-issued
or delayed delivery basis, the purchase and sale of financial futures contracts
and options and collateral arrangements with respect to margins for financial
futures contracts and with respect to options are not deemed to be the issuance
of a senior security or a pledge of assets.
(5) Engage in the underwriting of securities or purchase any securities as to
which registration under the Securities Act of 1933 would be required for
resale of such securities to the public.
(6) Purchase or sell real estate or real estate mortgage loans, although it
may purchase Municipal Bonds or Notes secured by interests in real estate.
(7) Make loans of money or securities except through the purchase of debt
obligations or repurchase agreements.
(8) Purchase securities of other investment companies, except in the open
market involving any customary brokerage commissions and as a result of which
not more than 10% of its total assets (determined at the time of investment)
would be invested in such securities or except in connection with a merger,
consolidation, reorganization or acquisition of assets.
(9) Invest for the purpose of exercising control or management of another
company.
(10) Purchase industrial revenue bonds if, as a result of such purchase, more
than 5% of total Fund assets would be invested in industrial revenue bonds
where payment of principal and interest are the responsibility of companies
with less than three years of operating history.
(11) Purchase or sell commodities or commodities futures contracts except
financial futures contracts and options thereon.
(12) Invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in securities
whose issuers are located in any one state.
Whenever any fundamental investment policy or investment restriction states a
maximum percentage of the Fund's assets, it is intended that if the percentage
limitation is met at the time the investment is made, a later change in
percentage resulting from changing total or net asset values will not be
considered a violation of such policy. However, in the event that the Fund's
asset coverage for borrowings falls below 300%, the Fund will take prompt
action to reduce its borrowings, as required by applicable law.
B-6
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Position With Principal Occupations
Name, Address and Age(1) Fund During Past 5 Years
- -------------------------- -------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
President and Director of BMC Fund, Inc., a closed-end investment
company, formerly, Vice Chairman of Broyhill Furniture Industries, Inc.;
Certified Public Accountant; Secretary and Treasurer of Broyhill Family
Foundation, Inc.; Member of the Board of Trustees of Mars Hill College;
Edward D. Beach (73) Director Director of The High Yield Income Fund, Inc.
Retired President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of the Gannett Foun-
dation (now Freedom Forum); former Publisher of four Gannett newspa-
pers and Vice President of Gannett Company; past Chairman of Indepen-
dent Sector (national coalition of philanthropic organizations); former
Chairman of the American Council for the Arts; Director of the Advisory
Board of Chase Manhattan Bank of Rochester, The High Yield Income
Eugene C. Dorsey (71) Director Fund, Inc.; and First Financial Fund, Inc.
Marketing and Management Consultant; Director of The High Yield Income
Delayne Dedrick Gold (59) Director Fund, Inc.
Vice President (since September 1997), Prudential Investments; Executive
Vice President and Treasurer (since December 1996); Prudential Invest-
ments Fund Management LLC (PIFM); Senior Vice President (since
March 1987) of Prudential Securities Incorporated (Prudential Securi-
ties); formerly Chief Administrative Officer (July 1990-September 1996),
Director (January 1989-September 1996), Executive Vice President,
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (June 1987-September 1996) of
Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc.; Vice President and Director
Director and of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (since May 1989); Director of The High
*Robert F. Gunia (51) Vice President Yield Income Fund, Inc.
Senior Director (since January 1986) of Prudential Securities; formerly In-
terim Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Mutual Fund
Management, Inc. (June-September 1993); formerly Chairman of the
Board of Prudential Securities (1982-1985) and Chairman of the Board
*Harry A. Jacobs, Jr. (76) and Chief Executive Officer of Bache Group Inc. (1977-1982); Director of
1 Seaport Plaza The First Australia Fund, Inc., The First Australia Prime Income Fund,
New York, NY Director Inc. and The High Yield Income Fund, Inc.
Chief Investment Officer (since October 1996) of Prudential Mutual Funds;
formerly Chief Financial Officer (November 1995-September 1996) of
Prudential Investments, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Offi-
cer (April 1993-November 1995) of Prudential Preferred Financial Servic-
es, Managing Director (April 1991-April 1993) of Prudential Investment
*Mendel A. Melzer CFA (37) Advisors and Senior Vice President (July 1989-April 1991) of Prudential
751 Broad Street Capital Corporation; Chairman and Director of Prudential Series Fund,
Newark, NJ Director Inc., Director of The High Yield Income Fund, Inc.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* "Interested" Director, as defined in the Investment Company Act, by reason of
his affiliation with The Prudential Insurance Company of America (Prudential)
or Prudential Securities.
B-7
Principal Occupations
Name, Address and Age(1) Position with Fund During Past 5 Years
- ------------------------ ----------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
President of the Greater Rochester Metro Chamber of Commerce; former
Rochester City Manager; Trustee of Center for Governmental Research,
Inc.; Director of Blue Cross of Rochester, The Business Council of New
York State, Monroe County Water Authority, Rochester Jobs, Inc.,
Executive Service Corps of Rochester, Monroe County Industrial
Development Corporation, Northeast Midwest Institute and The High
Yield Income Fund, Inc.; President, Director and Treasurer of First
Thomas T. Mooney (56) Director Financial Fund, Inc. and The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc.
President of O'Brien Associates (Financial and Management Consultants)
(since April 1984); formerly President of Jamaica Water Securities
Corp. (holding company) (February 1989-August 1990); Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer (September 1987-February 1989) of
Jamaica Water Supply Company and Director (September 1987-April
1991); Director and President of Winthrop Regional Health Systems,
and United Presbyterian Homes; Director of Ridgewood Savings Bank;
Trustee of Hofstra University; Director of The High Yield Income
Thomas H. O'Brien (73) Director Fund, Inc.
Employee of Prudential Investments; formerly President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director (October 1993-September 1996) of Prudential
Mutual Fund Management, Inc.; Executive Vice President, Director and
Member of the Operating Committee (October 1993-September 1996) of
Prudential Securities; Director (since October 1993-September 1996) of
Prudential Securities Group, Inc.; Executive Vice President, The
Prudential Investment Corporation (January 1994-September 1996);
Director (January 1994-September 1996) of Prudential Mutual Fund
Distributors, Inc., and Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc. and Senior
*Richard A. Redeker (55) Executive Vice President and Director of Kemper Financial Services, Inc.
751 Broad Street (September 1978-September 1993); President and Director of The High
Newark, NJ President and Director Yield Income Fund, Inc.
Economist, formerly Vice President and Chief Economist (March 1986-June
1990) of International Business Machines Corporation; Member of the
Board of Governors of the Horace Rockham School of Graduate Studies
of the University of Michigan; Director of Inland Steel Industries (since
Nancy H. Teeters (67) Director July 1991) and The High Yield Income Fund, Inc.
Publisher and Chief Executive Officer (since January 1996) and Director
(since September 1991) of Central Newspapers, Inc.; Chairman of the
Board (since January 1996), Publisher and Chief Executive Officer
(August 1991-December 1995) of Phoenix Newspapers, Inc.; formerly,
Publisher of Time Magazine (May 1989-March 1991), President,
Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit News (February
1986-August 1989), and member of the Advisory Board, Chase
Manhattan Bank-Westchester; Director of The High Yield Income Fund,
Louis A. Weil, III (56) Director Inc.
Senior Vice President (since December 1996) of PIFM; Senior Vice Presi-
dent and Senior Counsel (since July 1992) of Prudential Securities; for-
merly Senior Vice President (January 1991-September 1996) and Senior
Counsel (June 1987-September 1996) of Prudential Mutual Fund man-
S. Jane Rose (52) Secretary agement, Inc.
First Vice President (since December 1996) of PIFM; First Vice President
(since March 1994) of Prudential Securities; formerly First Vice President
Treasurer and Principal (March 1994-September 1996) of Prudential Mutual Fund Management,
Financial and Inc. and Vice President (July 1989-March 1994) of Bankers Trust Corpo-
Grace C. Torres (38) Accounting Officer ration.
B-8
Principal Occupations
Name, Address and Age(1) Position with Fund During Past 5 Years
- ------------------------ ------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tax Director (since March 1996) of Prudential Investments and the Private
Asset Group of The Prudential Insurance Company of America (Pruden-
tial); formerly First Vice President of Prudential Mutual Fund Manage-
ment, Inc. (February 1993-September 1996) and Senior Tax Manager of
Stephen M. Ungerman (44) Assistant Treasurer Price Waterhouse (1981-January 1993).
Vice President (since December 1996) of PIFM; formerly Vice President
and Associate General Counsel (June 1991-September 1996) of PIFM;
Deborah A. Docs (40) Assistant Secretary Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Prudential Securities.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* "Interested" Director, as defined in the Investment Company Act, by reason of
his affiliation with Prudential or Prudential Securities or PIFM.
(1) Unless otherwise noted the address for each of the above persons is c/o:
Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC, Gateway Center Three, 100
Mulberry Street, 9th Floor, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077.
Directors and officers of the Fund are also trustees, Directors and officers
of some or all of the other investment companies distributed by Prudential
Securities Incorporated.
The officers conduct and supervise the daily business operations of the Fund,
while the directors, in addition to their functions set forth under "Manager"
and "Distributor," review such actions and decide on general policy.
The Fund pays each of its Directors who is not an affiliated person of PIFM
or Prudential Investments annual compensation of $4,500, in addition to certain
out-of-pocket expenses. The amount of annual compensation paid to each Director
may change as a result of the introduction of additional funds on whose Boards
the Director may be asked to serve.
Directors may receive their Director's fee pursuant to a deferred fee
agreement with the Fund. Under the terms of the agreement, the Fund accrues
daily the amount of such Director's fee which accrue interest at a rate
equivalent to the prevailing rate applicable to 90-day U.S. Treasury Bills at
the beginning of each calendar quarter or, pursuant to an exemptive order of
the Commission, at the daily rate of return of the Fund. Payment of the
interest so accrued is also deferred and accruals become payable at the option
of the Director. The Fund's obligation to make payments of deferred Directors'
fees, together with interest thereon, is a general obligation of the Fund.
The Directors have adopted a retirement policy which calls for the retirement
of Directors on December 31 of the year in which they reach the age of 72,
except that retirement is being phased in for Directors who were age 68 or
older as of December 31, 1993. Under this phase-in provision, Mr. Jacobs is
scheduled to retire on December 31, 1998, and Messrs. Beach and O'Brien are
scheduled to retire on December 31, 1999.
Pursuant to the Management Agreement with the Fund, the Manager pays all
compensation of officers and employees of the Fund as well as the fees and
expenses of all Directors of the Fund who are affiliated persons of the
Manager.
The following table sets forth the aggregate compensation paid by the Fund to
the Directors who are not affiliated with the Manager for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1997 and the aggregate compensation paid to such Directors for
service on the Fund's board and that of all other investment companies
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 managed by PIFM (Fund
Complex) for the calendar year ended December 31, 1997.
B-9
Compensation Table
Total 1996
Pension or Compensation
Retirement Estimated From Fund
Aggregate Benefits Accrued Annual and Fund
Compensation As Part of Fund Benefits Upon Complex Paid
Name and Position From Fund Expenses Retirement to Directors
- ------------------------------------------------ ------------ ---------------- ------------- ----------------
Edward D. Beach -Director....................... $4,500 None N/A $135,000(38/63)*
Eugene C. Dorsey-Director**..................... $4,500 None N/A $70,000(16/43)*
Delayne Dedrick Gold-Director................... $4,500 None N/A $135,000(38/63)*
Robert F. Gunia-Director and Vice President(1).. - - - -
Harry A. Jacobs, Jr.-Director(1)................ - - - -
Donald D. Lennox-Retired Director............... $4,500 None N/A $90,000(26/50)*
Mendel A. Melzer-Director(1).................... - - - -
Thomas T. Mooney-Director**..................... $4,500 None N/A $115,000(31/64)*
Thomas H. O'Brien-Director...................... $4,500 None N/A $ 45,000(11/29)*
Richard A. Redeker-Director and President(1).... - None N/A -
Nancy H. Teeters-Director....................... $4,500 None N/A $90,000(23/42)*
Louis A. Weil, III-Director..................... $4,500 - - $90,000(26/50)*
- -------
* Indicates number of funds/portfolios in Fund Complex (including the Fund) to
which aggregate compensation relates.
(1) Directors who are "interested" do not receive compensation from the Fund
complex (including the Fund).
** Total compensation from all of the funds in the Fund complex for the
calendar year ended December 31, 1997, includes amounts deferred at the
election of Directors under the Fund's deferred compensation plans.
Including accrued interest, total compensation amounted to $87,401 and
$143,909 for Messrs. Dorsey and Mooney, respectively.
As of February 6, 1998, the Directors and officers of the Fund, as a group,
owned less than 1% of the outstanding common stock of the Fund.
As of February 6, 1998, the beneficial owners, directly or indirectly, of
more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any class of beneficial interest
were: Christine V. Doyle, 58 Remington Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877-4326 who held
20,960 Class C Shares (42%); Huntington Newspapers Inc., Attn: Larry Hensley,
P.O. Box 860, Huntington, IN 46750-0860 which held 8,787 Class C shares
(76.9%); and Mrs. Eloyse Ewell TTEE, C.L. Ewell Family Trust, 180 Forest Ridge
Way, Honolulu, HI 96822-5002, who had 3,329 Class C Shares of the Fund (6.4%).
As of February 6, 1998, Prudential Securities was the record holder for other
beneficial owners of 10,359,069 Class A shares (or 34% of the outstanding Class
A shares), 3,274,184 Class B shares (or 37% of the outstanding Class B shares),
and 42,339 Class C shares (or 81% of the outstanding Class C shares) of the
Fund. In the event of any meeting of shareholders, Prudential Securities will
forward, or cause the forwarding of, proxy materials to the beneficial owners
for which it is the record holder.
MANAGER
The manager of the Fund is Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC (PIFM
or the Manager), Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey
07102-4077. PIFM serves as manager to substantially all of the other investment
companies that, together with the Fund, comprise the "Prudential Mutual Funds."
See "How the Fund is Managed" in the Prospectus. As of January 31, 1998, PIFM
managed and/or administered open-end and closed-end management investment
companies with assets of approximately $63 billion. According to the Investment
Company Institute, as of October 31, 1997, the Prudential Mutual Funds were the
17th largest family of mutual funds in the United States.
PIFM is a subsidiary of Prudential Securities Incorporated and Prudential.
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS or the Transfer Agent), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of PIFM, serves as the transfer agent for the
Prudential Mutual Funds and, in addition, provides customer service, record
keeping and management and administration services to qualified plans.
B-10
Pursuant to the Management Agreement with the Fund (the Management
Agreement), PIFM, subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors
and in conformity with the stated policies of the Fund, manages both the
investment operations of the Fund and the composition of the Fund's portfolio,
including the purchase, retention, disposition and loan of securities. In
connection therewith, PIFM is obligated to keep certain books and records of
the Fund. PIFM also administers the Fund's corporate affairs and, in connection
therewith, furnishes the Fund with office facilities, together with those
ordinary clerical and bookkeeping services which are not being furnished by
State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Fund's Custodian, and Prudential
Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS or the Transfer Agent), the Fund's transfer and
dividend disbursing agent. The management services of PMF for the Fund are not
exclusive under the terms of the Management Agreement and PIFM is free to, and
does, render management services to others.
For its services, PIFM receives, pursuant to the Management Agreement, a fee
at an annual rate of .50 of 1% of the Fund's average daily net assets up to and
including $250 million, .475 of 1% of the next $250 million, .45 of 1% of the
next $500 million, .425 of 1% of the next $250 million, .40 of 1% of the next
$250 million and .375 of 1% of the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of
$1.5 billion. The fee is computed daily and payable monthly. The Management
Agreement also provides that, in the event the expenses of the Fund (including
the fees of PIFM, but excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions,
distribution fees and litigation and indemnification expenses and other
extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's
business) for any fiscal year exceed the lowest applicable annual expense
limitation established and enforced pursuant to the statutes or regulations of
any jurisdiction in which the Fund's shares are qualified for offer and sale,
the compensation due to PIFM will be reduced by the amount of such excess.
Reductions in excess of the total compensation payable to PIFM will be paid by
PIFM to the Fund. No such reductions were required during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1997. No jurisdiction currently limits the Fund's expenses.
In connection with its management of the corporate affairs of the Fund, PIFM
bears the following expenses:
(a) the salaries and expenses of all of its and the Fund's personnel except
the fees and expenses of Directors who are not affiliated persons of PIFM or
the Fund's investment adviser;
(b) all expenses incurred by PIFM or by the Fund in connection with managing
the ordinary course of the Fund's business, other than those assumed by the
Fund as described below; and
(c) the costs and expenses payable to The Prudential Investment Corporation,
doing business as Prudential Investments (PI the Subadviser or the investment
adviser), pursuant to the subadvisory agreement between PIFM and PI (the
Subadvisory Agreement).
Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Fund is responsible for the
payment of the following expenses: (a) the fees payable to the Manager, (b) the
fees and expenses of Directors who are not affiliated persons of the Manager or
the Fund's investment adviser, (c) the fees and certain expenses of the
Custodian and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent, including the cost of
providing records to the Manager in connection with its obligation of
maintaining required records of the Fund and of pricing the Fund's shares, (d)
the charges and expenses of legal counsel and independent accountants for the
Fund, (e) brokerage commissions and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable to
the Fund in connection with its securities transactions, (f) all taxes and
corporate fees payable by the Fund to governmental agencies, (g) the fees of
any trade associations of which the Fund may be a member, (h) the cost of stock
certificates representing shares of the Fund, (i) the cost of fidelity and
liability insurance, (j) the fees and expenses involved in registering and
maintaining registration of the Fund and of its shares with the Commission, and
paying the fees and expenses of notice filings made in accordance with state
securities laws, including the preparation and printing of the Fund's
registration statements and prospectuses for such purposes, (k) allocable
communications expenses with respect to investor services and all expenses of
shareholders' and Directors' meetings and of preparing, printing and mailing
reports, proxy statements and prospectuses to shareholders in the amount
necessary for distribution to the shareholders, (l) litigation and
indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the
ordinary course of the Fund's business and (m) distribution fees.
The Management Agreement provides that PIFM will not be liable for any error
of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the matters
to which the Management Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duty. The
Management Agreement provides that it will terminate automatically if assigned,
and that it may be terminated without penalty by either party upon not more
than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice. The Management Agreement
will continue in effect for a period of more than two years from the date of
execution only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least
annually in conformity with the Investment Company Act. The Management
Agreement was last approved by the Board of Directors of the Fund, including a
majority of the Directors who are not parties to the contract or interested
persons of any such party as defined in the Investment Company Act on May 22,
1997 and by shareholders of the Fund on April 28, 1988.
B-11
For the fiscal years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Fund paid
PIFM management fees of $2,869,410 (net of waiver of $215,979), $2,996,081 (net
of waiver of $351,073) and $2,983,142 (net of waiver of $349,455),
respectively.
PIFM has entered into the Subadvisory Agreement with PI (the Subadviser), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential. The Subadvisory Agreement provides that
the Subadviser will furnish investment advisory services in connection with the
management of the Fund. In connection therewith, the Subadviser is obligated to
keep certain books and records of the Fund. PIFM continues to have
responsibility for all investment advisory services pursuant to the Management
Agreement and supervises the Subadviser's performance of such services. The
Subadviser is reimbursed by PIFM for the reasonable costs and expenses incurred
by the Subadviser in furnishing those services. Investment advisory services
are provided to the Fund by a unit of the Subadviser, known as Prudential
Mutual Fund Investment Management.
The Subadvisory Agreement was last approved by the Board of Directors,
including a majority of the Directors who are not parties to such contracts or
interested persons of such parties as defined in the Investment Company Act, on
May 22, 1997, and by shareholders of the Fund on April 28, 1988.
The Subadvisory Agreement provides that it will terminate in the event of its
assignment (as defined in the Investment Company Act) or upon the termination
of the Management Agreement. The Subadvisory Agreement may be terminated by the
Fund, PIFM or the Subadviser upon not more than 60 days', nor less than 30
days', written notice. The Subadvisory Agreement provides that it will continue
in effect for a period of more than two years from its execution only so long
as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in accordance
with the requirements of the Investment Company Act.
DISTRIBUTOR
Prudential Securities Incorporated (Prudential Securities or the
Distributor), One Seaport Plaza, New York, New York 10292, acts as the
distributor of the shares of the Fund.
Pursuant to separate Distribution and Service Plans (the Class A Plan, the
Class B Plan and the Class C Plan, each a Plan and collectively the Plans)
adopted by the Fund under Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act and a
distribution agreement (the Distribution Agreement), the Distributor incurs the
expenses of distributing the Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares. See
"How the Fund is Managed-Distributor" in the Prospectus.
Prior to January 22, 1990, the Fund offered only one class of shares (the
then existing Class B shares). On October 6, 1989, the Board of Directors,
including a majority of the Directors who are not interested persons of the
Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of
the Class A or Class B Plan or in any agreement related to either Plan (the
Rule 12b-1 Directors), at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on each
Plan, adopted a new plan of distribution for the Class A shares of the Fund
(the Class A Plan) and approved an amended and restated plan of distribution
with respect to the Class B shares of the Fund (the Class B Plan). On February
8, 1993, the Board of Directors, including a majority of the Rule 12b-1
Directors, at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on each Plan, approved
modifications to the Fund's Class A and Class B Plans and Distribution
Agreements to conform them to recent amendments to the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD) maximum sales charge rule described below. As
so modified, the Class A Plan provides that (i) up to .25 of 1% of the average
daily net assets of the Class A shares may be used to pay for personal service
and the maintenance of shareholder accounts (service fee) and (ii) total
distribution fees (including the service fee of .25 of 1%) may not exceed .30
of 1%. As so modified, the Class B Plan provides that (i) up to .25 of 1% of
the average daily net assets of the Class B shares may be paid as a service fee
and (ii) up to .50 of 1% (including the service fee) of the average daily net
assets of the Class B shares (asset-based sales charge) may be used as
reimbursement for distribution-related expenses with respect to the Class B
shares. On May 3, 1993, the Board of Directors, including a majority of the
Rule 12b-1 Directors, at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on each
Plan, adopted a plan of distribution for the Class C shares of the Fund and
approved further amendments to the plans of distribution for the Fund's Class A
and Class B shares changing them from reimbursement type plans to compensation
type plans. The Class C plan provides that (i) up to .25 of 1% of the average
daily net assets of the Class C shares may be paid for providing personal
service and/or maintaining shareholder accounts, and (ii) up to .75 of 1% of
the average daily net assets of the Class C shares may be paid for
distribution-related expenses with respect to the Class C shares. The Plans
were last approved by the Board of Directors, including a majority of the Rule
12b-1 Directors, on May 22, 1997. The Class A Plan, as amended, was approved by
the Class A and Class B shareholders and the Class B Plan, as amended, was
approved by Class B shareholders on July 19, 1994. The Class C Plan was
approved by the sole shareholder of Class C shares on August 1, 1994.
B-12
Class A Plan. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the Distributor
received $491,279 under the Class A Plan. This amount was primarily expended on
commission credits to the Distributor and Prusec for payment of account
servicing fees to financial advisers and other persons who sell Class A shares.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the Distributor also received
approximately $52,100 in initial sales charges.
Class B Plan. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the Distributor
received $759,692 from the Fund under the Class B Plan. It is estimated that
the Distributor spent approximately $456,200 in distributing the Fund's Class B
shares, on behalf of the Fund during the year ended December 31, 1997. It is
estimated that of this amount approximately $6,600 (1.5%) was spent on printing
and mailing of prospectuses to other than current shareholders; $112,200
(24.6%) on compensation to Prusec, an affiliated broker-dealer, for commissions
to its representatives and other expenses, including an allocation of overhead
and other branch office distribution-related expenses, incurred by it for
distribution of Fund shares; and $337,400 (73.9%) on the aggregate of (i)
payments of commissions to financial advisers ($246,400 or 54.0%) and (ii) an
allocation on account of overhead and other branch office distribution-related
expenses ($91,000 or 19.9%). The term "overhead and other branch office
distribution-related expenses" represents (a) the expenses of operating the
Distributor's branch offices in connection with the sale of Fund shares,
including lease costs, the salaries and employee benefits of operations and
sales support personnel, utility costs, communications costs and the costs of
stationery and supplies, (b) the costs of client sales seminars, (c) expenses
of mutual fund sales coordinators to promote the sale of Fund shares and (d)
other incidental expenses relating to branch promotion of Fund sales.
The Distributor also receives the proceeds of contingent deferred sales
charges paid by holders of Class B shares upon certain redemptions of Class B
shares. See "Shareholder Guide-How to Sell Your Shares-Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge " in the Prospectus. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997,
the Distributor received approximately $393,600 in contingent deferred sales
charges with respect to Class B shares.
Class C Plan. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 the Distributor
received $5,686 under the Class C Plan and spent approximately $5,000 in
distributing Class C shares. The Distributor also receives the proceeds of
contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors upon certain redemptions of
Class C shares. See "Shareholder Guide-How to Sell Your Shares-Contingent
Deferred Sales Charges" in the Prospectus. For the fiscal year ended December
31, 1997, the Distributor received approximately $3,900 in contingent deferred
sales charges with respect to Class C shares.
The Class A, Class B and Class C Plans continue in effect from year to year,
provided that each such continuance is approved at least annually by a vote of
the Board of Directors, including a majority vote of the Rule 12b-1 Directors,
cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
continuance. The Plans may each be terminated at any time, without penalty, by
the vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors or by the vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the applicable class on not
more than 60 days' written notice to any other party to the Plans. None of the
Plans may be amended to increase materially the amounts to be spent for the
services described therein without approval by the shareholders of the
applicable class (by both Class A and Class B shareholders, voting separately,
in the case of material amendments to the Class A Plan), and all material
amendments are required to be approved by the Board of Directors in the manner
described above. Each Plan will automatically terminate in the event of its
assignment. The Fund will not be contractually obligated to pay expenses
incurred under any Plan if it is terminated or not continued.
Pursuant to each Plan, the Board of Directors will review at least quarterly
a written report of the distribution expenses incurred on behalf of each class
of shares of the Fund by the Distributor. The report will include an
itemization of the distribution expenses and the purposes of such expenditures.
In addition, as long as the Plans remain in effect, the selection and
nomination of the Rule 12b-1 Directors shall be committed to the Rule 12b-1
Directors.
Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Fund has agreed to indemnify the
Distributor to the extent permitted by applicable law against certain
liabilities under federal securities law. A restated Distribution Agreement was
last approved by the Board of Directors, including a majority of the Rule 12b-1
Directors, on May 22, 1997.
NASD Maximum Sales Charge Rule. Pursuant to rules of the NASD, the
Distributor is required to limit aggregate initial sales charges, deferred
sales charges and asset-based sales charges to 6.25% of total gross sales of
each class of shares. Interest charges on unreimbursed distribution expenses
equal to the prime rate plus one percent per annum may be added to the 6.25%
limitation. Sales from the reinvestment of dividends and distributions are not
included in the calculation of the 6.25% limitation. The annual asset-based
sales charge on shares of the Fund may not exceed .75 of 1% per class. The
6.25% limitation applies to the Fund rather than on a per shareholder basis. If
aggregate sales charges were to exceed 6.25% of total gross sales of any class,
all sales charges on shares of that class would be suspended.
B-13
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
The Manager is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities and
futures contracts for the Fund, the selection of brokers, dealers and futures
commission merchants to effect the transactions and the negotiation of
brokerage commissions, if any. The term "Manager" as used in this section
includes the "Subadviser." Fixed-income 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. The Fund will not deal
with Prudential Securities in any transaction in which Prudential Securities
acts as principal. Purchases and sales of securities on a securities exchange,
while infrequent, and purchases and sales of futures on a commodities exchange
or board of trade will be effected through brokers who charge a commission for
their services. Orders may be directed to any broker including, to the extent
and in the manner permitted by applicable law, Prudential Securities and its
affiliates.
In placing orders for portfolio securities of the Fund, the Manager is
required to give primary consideration to obtaining the most favorable price
and efficient execution. This means that the Manager will seek to execute each
transaction at a price and commission, if any, which provide the most favorable
total cost or proceeds reasonably attainable in the circumstances. While the
Manager generally seeks reasonably competitive spreads or commissions, the Fund
will not necessarily be paying the lowest spread or commission available.
Within the framework of the policy of obtaining most favorable price and
efficient execution, the Manager will consider research and investment services
provided by brokers or dealers who effect or are parties to portfolio
transactions of the Fund, the Manager or the Manager's other clients. Such
research and investment services are those which brokerage houses customarily
provide to institutional investors and include statistical and economic data
and research reports on particular companies and industries. Such services are
used by the Manager in connection with all of its investment activities, and
some of such services obtained in connection with the execution of transactions
for the Fund may be used in managing other investment accounts. Conversely,
brokers furnishing such services may be selected for the execution of
transactions of such other accounts, whose aggregate assets are larger than the
Fund, and the services furnished by such brokers may be used by the Manager in
providing investment management for the Fund. Commission rates are established
pursuant to negotiations with the broker based on the quality and quantity of
execution services provided by the broker in light of generally prevailing
rates. The Manager's policy is to pay higher commissions to brokers, other than
Prudential Securities, for particular transactions than might be charged if a
different broker had been selected, on occasions when, in the Manager's
opinion, this policy furthers the objective of obtaining best price and
execution. In addition, the Manager is authorized to pay higher commissions on
brokerage transactions for the Fund to brokers other than Prudential Securities
in order to secure research and investment services described above, subject to
the primary consideration of obtaining the most favorable price and efficient
execution in the circumstances and subject to review by the Fund's Board of
Directors from time to time as to the extent and continuation of this practice.
The allocation of orders among brokers and the commission rates paid are
reviewed periodically by the Board of Directors. Portfolio securities may not
be purchased from any underwriting or selling syndicate of which Prudential
Securities (or any affiliate), during the existence of the syndicate, is a
principal underwriter (as defined in the Investment Company Act), except in
accordance with rules of the Commission. This limitation, in the opinion of the
Fund, will not significantly affect the Fund's ability to pursue its present
investment objective. However, in the future in other circumstances, the Fund
may be at a disadvantage because of this limitation in comparison to other
funds with similar objectives but not subject to such limitations.
Subject to the above considerations, the Manager may use Prudential
Securities as a broker or futures commission merchant for the Fund. In order
for Prudential Securities (or any affiliate) to effect any portfolio
transactions for the Fund on an exchange or board of trade, the commissions,
fees or other remuneration received by Prudential Securities (or any affiliate)
must be reasonable and fair compared to the commissions, fees or other
remuneration paid to other brokers or futures commission merchants in
connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities or futures
contracts being purchased or sold on a securities exchange or board of trade
during a comparable period of time. This standard would allow Prudential
Securities (or any affiliate) to receive no more than the remuneration which
would be expected to be received by an unaffiliated broker or futures
commission merchant in a commensurate arm's-length transaction. Furthermore,
the Board of Directors of the Fund, including a majority of the noninterested
Directors has adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to provide that
any commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to Prudential Securities (or
any affiliate) are consistent with the foregoing standard. In accordance with
Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Prudential
Securities may not retain compensation for effecting transactions on a national
securities exchange for the Fund unless the Fund has expressly authorized the
retention of such compensation. Prudential Securities must furnish to the Fund
at least annually a statement setting forth the total amount of all
compensation retained by Prudential Securities from transactions effected for
the Fund during the applicable period. Brokerage transactions with Prudential
Securities (or any affiliate) are also subject to such fiduciary standards as
may be imposed upon Prudential Securities (or such affiliate) by applicable
law.
B-14
The Fund paid no brokerage commissions to Prudential Securities for the
fiscal years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES
Shares of the Fund may be purchased at a price equal to the next determined
net asset value (NAV) per share plus a sales charge which, at the election of
the investor, may be imposed either (i) at the time of purchase (Class A
shares) or (ii) on a deferred basis (Class B or Class C shares). See
"Shareholder Guide" in the Prospectus.
Each class of shares represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund
and is identical in all respects except that (i) each class is subject to
different sales charges and distribution and/or service fees, which may affect
performance, (ii) each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to any
matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its arrangement and has
separate voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the
interests of one class differ from the interests of any other class (except
that the Fund has agreed with the Commission in connection with the offering of
a conversion feature on Class B shares to submit any amendment of the Class A
distribution and service plan to both Class A and Class B shareholders), and
(iii) each class has a different exchange privilege and (iv) only Class B
shares have a conversion feature. See "Distributor" and "Shareholder Investment
Account-Exchange Privilege."
Issuance of Fund Shares for Securities
Transactions involving the issuance of Fund shares for securities (rather
than cash) will be limited to (i) reorganizations, (ii) statutory mergers, or
(iii) other acquisitions of portfolio securities that: (a) meet the investment
objective and policies of the Fund, (b) are liquid and not subject to
restrictions on resale, and (c) have a value that is readily ascertainable via
listing on or trading in a recognized United States or international exchange
market, and (d) are approved by the Fund's investment advisor.
Specimen Price Make-up
Under the current distribution arrangements between the Fund and the
Distributor, Class A shares of the Fund are sold at a maximum sales charge of
3% and Class B*, and Class C* shares of the Fund are sold at NAV. Using the
Fund's NAV at December 31, 1997, the maximum offering price of the Fund's
shares is as follows:
Class A
NAV and redemption price per Class A share................... $16.12
Maximum sales charge (3% of offering price).................. .50
------
Offering price to public..................................... $16.62
======
Class B
NAV, offering price and redemption price per Class B share*.. $16.16
======
Class C
NAV, offering price and redemption price per Class C share*.. $16.16
======
- -------
*Class B and Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
on certain redemptions. See "Shareholder Guide-How to Sell Your
Shares-Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" in the Prospectus.
Reduction and Waiver of Initial Sales Charges-Class A Shares
Combined Purchase and Cumulative Purchase Privilege. If an investor or
eligible group of related investors purchases Class A shares of the Fund
concurrently with Class A shares of other Prudential Mutual Funds, the
purchases may be combined to take advantage of the reduced sales charges
applicable to larger purchases. See the table of breakpoints under "Shareholder
Guide-Alternative Purchase Plan" in the Prospectus.
An eligible group of related Fund investors includes any combination of the
following:
(a) an individual;
(b) the individual's spouse, their children and their parents;
(c) the individual's and spouse's Individual Retirement Account (IRA);
(d) any company controlled by the individual (a person, entity or group that
holds 25% or more of the outstanding voting securities of a company will
be deemed to control the company, and a partnership will be deemed to be
controlled by each of its general partners);
B-15
(e) a trust created by the individual, the beneficiaries of which are the
individual, his or her spouse, parents or children;
(f) a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act/Uniform Transfers to Minors Act account
created by the individual or the individual's spouse; and
(g) one or more employee benefit plans of a company controlled by an
individual.
An eligible group of related Fund investors may include an employer (or group
of related employers) and one or more qualified retirement plans of such
employer or employers (an employer controlling, controlled by or under common
control with another employer is deemed related to that employer).
In addition, an eligible group of related Fund investors may include (i) a
client of a Prudential Securities financial adviser who gives such financial
adviser discretion to purchase the Prudential Mutual Funds for his or her
account only in connection with participation in a market timing program and
for which program Prudential Securities receives a separate advisory fee or
(ii) a client of an unaffiliated registered investment adviser which is a
client of a Prudential Securities financial adviser, if such unaffiliated
adviser has discretion to purchase the Prudential Mutual Funds for the accounts
of his or her customers but only if the client of such unaffiliated adviser
participates in a market timing program conducted by such unaffiliated adviser;
provided such accounts in the aggregate have assets of at least $15 million
invested in the Prudential Mutual Funds.
The Distributor must be notified at the time of purchase that the investor is
entitled to a reduced sales charge. The reduced sales charges will be granted
subject to confirmation of the investor's holdings. The Combined Purchase and
Cumulative Purchase Privilege does not apply to individual participants in any
retirement or group plans.
Rights of Accumulation. Reduced sales charges are also available through
Rights of Accumulation, under which an investor or an eligible group of related
investors, as described above under "Combined Purchase and Cumulative Purchase
Privilege," may aggregate the value of their existing holdings of the Class A
shares of the Fund and Class A shares of other Prudential Mutual Funds
(excluding money market funds other than those acquired pursuant to the
exchange privilege) to determine the reduced sales charge. However, the value
of shares held directly with the Transfer Agent and through Prudential
Securities will not be aggregated to determine the reduced sales charge. All
shares must be held either directly with the Transfer Agent or through
Prudential Securities. The value of existing holdings for purposes of
determining the reduced sales charge is calculated using the maximum offering
price (NAV plus maximum sales charge) as of the previous business day. See "How
the Fund Values its Shares" in the Prospectus. The Distributor must be notified
at the time of purchase that the investor is entitled to a reduced sales
charge. The reduced sales charges will be granted subject to confirmation of
the investor's holdings. Rights of Accumulation are not available to individual
participants in any retirement or group plans.
Letters of Intent. Reduced sales charges are also available to investors (or
an eligible group of related investors) who enter into a written Letter of
Intent providing for the purchase, within a thirteen-month period, of shares of
the Fund and shares of other Prudential Mutual Funds. All shares of the Fund
and shares of other Prudential Mutual Funds (excluding money market funds other
than those acquired pursuant to the exchange privilege) which were previously
purchased and are still owned are also included in determining the applicable
reduction. However, the value of shares held directly with the Transfer Agent
and through Prudential Securities will not be aggregated to determine the
reduced sales charge. All shares must be held either directly with the Transfer
Agent or through Prudential Securities. The Distributor must be notified at the
time of purchase that the investor is entitled to a reduced sales charge. The
reduced sales charges will be granted subject to confirmation of the investor's
holdings. Letters of Intent are not available to individual participants in any
retirement or group plans.
A Letter of Intent permits a purchaser to establish a total investment goal
to be achieved by any number of investments over a thirteen-month period. Each
investment made during the period will receive the reduced sales charge
applicable to the amount represented by the goal, as if it were a single
investment. Escrowed Class A shares totaling 5% of the dollar amount of the
Letter of Intent will be held by the Transfer Agent in the name of the
purchaser. The effective date of a Letter of Intent may be back-dated up to 90
days, in order that any investments made during this 90-day period, valued at
the purchaser's cost, can be applied to the fulfillment of the Letter of Intent
goal.
The Letter of Intent does not obligate the investor to purchase, nor the Fund
to sell, the indicated amount. In the event the Letter of Intent goal is not
achieved within the thirteen-month period, the purchaser is required to pay the
difference between the sales charge otherwise applicable to the purchases made
during this period and sales charges actually paid. Such payment may be made
directly to the Distributor or, if not paid, the Distributor will liquidate
sufficient escrowed shares to obtain such difference. Investors electing to
purchase Class A shares of the Fund pursuant to a Letter of Intent should
carefully read such Letter of Intent.
B-16
Waiver of the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge-Class B Shares
The contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) is waived under circumstances
described in the Prospectus. See "Shareholder Guide-How to Sell Your
Shares-Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charges-Class B Shares" in the
Prospectus. In connection with these waivers, the Transfer Agent will require
you to submit the supporting documentation set forth below.
Category of Waiver Required Documentation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
A copy of the shareholder's death certificate or, in the
case of a trust, a copy of the grantor's death certificate,
Death plus a copy of the trust agreement identifying the grantor.
Disability-An individual will be considered disabled if he or she is A copy of the Social Security Administration award letter
unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any or a letter from a physician on the physician's letterhead
medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be stating that the shareholder (or, in the case of a trust, the
expected to result in death or to be of long-continued and indefinite grantor) is permanently disabled. The letter must also in-
duration. dicate the date of disability.
The Transfer Agent reserves the right to request such additional documents as
it may deem appropriate.
Quantity Discount-Class B Shares Purchased Prior to August 1, 1994
The CDSC is reduced on redemptions of Class B shares of the Fund purchased
prior to August 1, 1994 if immediately after a purchase of such shares, the
aggregate cost of all Class B shares of the Fund owned by you in a single
account exceeded $500,000. For example, if you purchased $100,000 of Class B
shares of the Fund and the following year purchase an additional $450,000 of
Class B shares with the result that the aggregate cost of your Class B shares
of the Fund following the second purchase was $550,000, the quantity discount
would be available for the second purchase of $450,000 but not for the first
purchase of $100,000. The quantity discount will be imposed at the following
rates depending on whether the aggregate value exceeded $500,000 or $1 million:
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
as a Percentage of Dollars Invested
or Redemption Process
--------------------------------------
Year since Purchase
Payment Made $500,001 to $1 million Over $1 million
- ----------------------- ---------------------- ---------------
First.................. 3.0% 2.0%
Second................. 2.0% 1.0%
Third.................. 1.0% 0%
Fourth and thereafter.. 0% 0%
You must notify the Fund's Transfer Agent either directly or through
Prudential Securities or Prusec, at the time of redemption, that you are
entitled to the reduced CDSC. The reduced CDSC will be granted subject to
confirmation of your holdings.
SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT ACCOUNT
Upon the initial purchase of Fund shares, a Shareholder Investment Account is
established for each investor under which a record of the shares held is
maintained by the Transfer Agent. If a share certificate is desired, it must be
requested in writing for each transaction. Certificates are issued only for
full shares and may be redeposited in the Account at any time. There is no
charge to the investor for issuance of a certificate. The Fund makes available
to the shareholders the following privileges and plans.
Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends and/or Distributions
For the convenience of investors, all dividends and distributions are
automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares of the Fund at net asset
value per share. An investor may direct the Transfer Agent in writing not less
than five full business days prior to the record date to have subsequent
dividends and/or distributions sent to him or her in cash rather than
reinvested. In the case of recently purchased shares for which registration
instructions have not been received on the record date, cash payment will be
made directly to the dealer. Any shareholder who receives a cash payment
representing a dividend or distribution may reinvest such distribution at NAV
by returning the check or the proceeds to the Transfer Agent within 30 days
after the payment date. Such investment will be made at the NAV per share next
determined after receipt of the check or proceeds by the Transfer Agent. Such
shareholder will receive credit for any CDSC paid in connection with the amount
of proceeds being reinvested.
B-17
Exchange Privilege
The Fund makes available to its shareholders the privilege of exchanging
their shares of the Fund for shares of certain other Prudential Mutual Funds,
including one or more specified money market funds, subject in each case to the
minimum investment requirements of such funds. Shares of such other Prudential
Mutual Funds may also be exchanged for shares, respectively, of the Fund. All
exchanges are made on the basis of the relative NAV next determined after
receipt of an order in proper form. An exchange will be treated as a redemption
and purchase for tax purposes. Shares may be exchanged for shares of another
fund only if shares of such fund may legally be sold under applicable state
laws.
It is contemplated that the exchange privilege may be applicable to new
mutual funds whose shares may be distributed by the Distributor.
Class A. Shareholders of the Fund may exchange their Class A shares for Class
A shares of certain other Prudential Mutual Funds, shares of Prudential
Structured Maturity Fund and Prudential Government Securities Trust
(Short-Intermediate Term Series) and shares of the money market funds specified
below. No fee or sales load will be imposed upon the exchange. Shareholders of
money market funds who acquired such shares upon exchange of Class A shares may
use the Exchange Privilege only to acquire Class A shares of the Prudential
Mutual Funds participating in the Exchange Privilege.
The following money market funds participate in the Class A Exchange
Privilege:
Prudential California Municipal Fund
(California Money Market Series)
Prudential Government Securities Trust
(Money Market Series) (Class A shares)
(U.S. Treasury Money Market Series) (Class A shares)
Prudential Municipal Series Fund
(Connecticut Money Market Series)
(Massachusetts Money Market Series)
(New Jersey Money Market Series)
(New York Money Market Series)
Prudential MoneyMart Assets, Inc. (Class A shares)
Prudential Tax-Free Money Fund, Inc.
Class B and Class C. Shareholders of the Fund may exchange their Class B and
Class C shares for Class B and Class C shares, respectively, of certain other
Prudential Mutual Funds and shares of Prudential Special Money Market Fund. No
CDSC will be payable upon such exchange of Class B and Class C shares, but a
CDSC will be payable upon the redemption of Class B shares acquired as a result
of the exchange. The applicable sales charge will be that imposed by the fund
in which shares were initially purchased and the purchase date will be deemed
to be the first day of the month after the initial purchase, rather than the
date of the exchange.
Class B and Class C shares of the Fund may also be exchanged for shares of
Prudential Special Money Market Fund without imposition of any CDSC at the time
of exchange. Upon subsequent redemption from such money market fund or after
re-exchange into the Fund, such shares may be subject to the CDSC calculated by
excluding the time such shares were held in the money market fund. In order to
minimize the period of time in which shares are subject to a CDSC, shares
exchanged out of the money market fund will be exchanged on the basis of their
remaining holding periods, with the longest remaining holding periods being
transferred first. In measuring the time period shares are held in a money
market fund and "tolled" for purposes of calculating the CDSC holding period,
exchanges are deemed to have been made on the last day of the month. Thus, if
shares are exchanged into the Fund from a money market fund during the month
(and are held in the Fund at the end of the month), the entire month will be
included in the CDSC holding period. Conversely, if shares are exchanged into a
money market fund prior to the last day of the month (and are held in the money
market fund on the last day of the month), the entire month will be excluded
from the CDSC holding period. For purposes of calculating the seven year
holding period applicable to the Class B conversion feature, the time period
during which Class B shares were held in a money market account will be
excluded.
At any time after acquiring shares of other funds participating in the Class
B or Class C exchange privilege the shareholder may again exchange those shares
(and any reinvested dividends and distributions) for Class B or Class C shares
of the Fund without subjecting such shares to any CDSC. Shares of any fund
participating in the Class B or Class C exchange privilege that were acquired
through reinvestment of dividends or distributions may be exchanged for Class B
or Class C shares of other funds, respectively, without being subject to any
CDSC.
B-18
Additional details about the Exchange Privilege and prospectuses for each of
the Prudential Mutual Funds are available from the Transfer Agent, Prudential
Securities or Prusec. The Exchange Privilege may be modified, terminated or
suspended on sixty days' notice, and any fund, including the Fund, or the
Distributor, has the right to reject any exchange application relating to such
fund's shares.
Dollar Cost Averaging
Dollar cost averaging is a method of accumulating shares by investing a fixed
amount of dollars in shares at set intervals. An investor buys more shares when
the price is low and fewer shares when the price is high. The average cost per
share is lower than it would be if a constant number of shares were bought at
set intervals.
Dollar cost averaging may be used, for example, to plan for retirement, to
save for a major expenditure, such as the purchase of a home, or to finance a
college education. The cost of a year's education at a four-year college today
averages around $14,000 at a private college and around $6,000 at a public
university. Assuming these costs increase at a rate of 7% a year, as has been
projected, for the freshman class of 2011, the cost of four years at a private
college could reach $210,000 and over $90,000 at a public university.1
The following chart shows how much you would need in monthly investments to
achieve specified lump sums to finance your investment goals2.
Period of Monthly Investments: $100,000 $150,000 $200,000 $250,000
- ------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------
25 Years...................... $110 $165 $220 $275
20 Years...................... 176 264 352 440
15 Years...................... 296 444 592 740
10 Years...................... 555 833 1,110 1,388
5 Years...................... 1,371 2,057 2,742 3,428
See "Automatic Savings Accumulation Plan (ASAP)."
- -------
1Source information concerning the costs of education at public and private
universities is available from The College Board Annual Survey of
Colleges, 1993. Average costs for private institutions include
tuition, fees, room and board.
2The chart assumes an effective rate of return of 8% (assuming monthly
compounding). This example is for illustrative purposes only and is not
intended to reflect the performance of an investment in shares of the
Fund. The investment return and principal value of an investment will
fluctuate so that an investor's shares when redeemed may be worth more
or less than their original cost.
Automatic Savings Accumulation Plan (ASAP)
Under ASAP, an investor may arrange to have a fixed amount automatically
invested in shares of the Fund monthly by authorizing his or her bank account
or Prudential Securities account (including a Command Account) to be debited to
invest specified dollar amounts in shares of the Fund. The investor's bank must
be a member of the Automatic Clearing House System. Share certificates are not
issued to ASAP participants.
Further information about this program and an application form can be
obtained from the Transfer Agent, Prudential Securities or Prusec.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan
A systematic withdrawal plan is available to shareholders having shares of
the Fund held through Prudential Securities or the Transfer Agent. Such
withdrawal plan provides for monthly or quarterly checks in any amount, except
as provided below, up to the value of the shares in the shareholder's account.
Withdrawals of Class B or Class C shares may be subject to a CDSC. See
"Shareholder Guide-How to Sell Your Shares-Contingent Deferred Sales Charges"
in the Prospectus.
In the case of shares held through the Transfer Agent (i) a $10,000 minimum
account value applies, (ii) withdrawals may not be for less than $100 and (iii)
the shareholder must elect to have all dividends and/or distributions
automatically reinvested in additional full and fractional shares at net asset
value on shares held under this plan. See "Shareholder Investment
Account-Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends and/or Distributions."
B-19
Prudential Securities and the Transfer Agent act as agents for the
shareholder in redeeming sufficient full and fractional shares to provide the
amount of the periodic withdrawal payment. The systematic withdrawal plan may
be terminated at any time, and the Distributor reserves the right to initiate a
fee of up to $5 per withdrawal, upon 30 days' written notice to the
shareholder.
Withdrawal payments should not be considered as dividends, yield, or income.
If periodic withdrawals continuously exceed reinvested dividends and
distributions, the shareholder's original investment will be correspondingly
reduced and ultimately exhausted.
Furthermore, each withdrawal constitutes a redemption of shares, and any gain
or loss realized generally must be recognized for federal income tax purposes.
In addition, withdrawals made concurrently with purchases of additional shares
are inadvisable because of the sales charge applicable to (i) the purchase of
Class A shares and (ii) the withdrawal of Class B and Class C shares. Each
shareholder should consult his or her own tax adviser with regard to the tax
consequences of the systematic withdrawal plan.
Mutual Fund Programs
From time to time, the Fund may be included in a mutual fund program with
other Prudential Mutual Funds. Under such a program, a group of portfolios will
be selected and thereafter marketed collectively. Typically, these programs are
created with an investment theme, e.g., to seek greater diversification,
protection from interest rate movements or access to different management
styles. In the event such a program is instituted, there may be a minimum
investment requirement for the program as a whole. The Fund may waive or reduce
the minimum initial investment requirements in connection with such a program.
The mutual funds in the program may be purchased individually or as part of
the program. Since the allocation of portfolios included in the program may not
be appropriate for all investors, individuals should consult their Prudential
Securities Financial Advisor or Prudential/Pruco Securities Representative
concerning the appropriate blend of portfolios for them. If investors elect to
purchase the individual mutual funds that constitute the program in an
investment ratio different from that offered by the program, the standard
minimum investment requirements for the individual mutual funds will apply.
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value (NAV) per share is the net worth of the Fund (assets,
including securities at value, minus liabilities) divided by the number of
shares outstanding. NAV is calculated separately for each class. The Fund will
compute its NAV once daily at 4:15 P.M., New York time, on each day the New
York Stock Exchange is open for trading except on days on which no orders to
purchase, sell or redeem Fund shares have been received or days on which
changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities do not affect the NAV.
The New York Stock Exchange is closed on the following holidays: New Year's
Day, Washington's Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. In the event the New York Stock
Exchange closes early on any business day, the NAV of the Fund's shares shall
be determined at a time between such closing and 4:15 P.M., New York time. The
New York Stock Exchange is closed on the following holidays: New Years Day,
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Portfolio securities for which reliable market quotations are 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 Subadvisor, are valued by the Valuation
Committee or Board of Directors in coordination with the Manager or Subadvisor.
When market quotations are not readily available, such securities and other
assets are valued at fair value in accordance with procedures adopted by the
Board of Directors. Under these procedures, the Fund values municipal
securities on the basis of valuations provided by a pricing service which uses
information with respect to transactions in bonds, quotations from bond
dealers, market transactions in comparable securities and various relationships
between securities in determining value. This service is expected to be
furnished by J. J. Kenny Information Systems Inc. Short-term securities
maturing within 60 days of the valuation date are valued at amortized cost, if
their original maturity was 60 days or less, or by amortizing their value on
the 61st day prior to maturity, if their original term to maturity exceeded 60
days, unless such valuation is determined not to represent fair value by the
Board of Directors.
NAV is calculated separately for each class. The NAV of Class B and Class C
shares will generally be lower than the NAV of Class A shares as a result of
the larger distribution-related fee to which Class B and Class C shares are
subject. It is expected, that the NAV of the three classes will tend to
converge immediately after the recording of dividends, if any, which will
differ by approximately the amount of the distribution and/or service fee
expense accrual differential among the classes.
B-20
TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund will declare a dividend immediately prior to 4:15 P.M. on each day
that net asset value per share of the Fund is determined of all of the daily
net income of the Fund to shareholders of record of the Fund as of 4:15 P.M.,
New York time, of the preceding business day. The amount of the dividend may
fluctuate from day to day. Unless otherwise requested by the shareholder,
dividends are automatically reinvested monthly in additional full or fractional
shares of the Fund at net asset value per share. The dividend payment date is
on or about the 25th day of each month, although the Fund reserves the right to
change this date without further notice to shareholders. Shareholders may
receive cash payments from the Fund equal to the dividends earned during the
month by completing the appropriate section on the Application Form or by
notifying Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS), the Fund's Transfer and
Dividend Disbursing Agent, at least five business days prior to the payable
date. Cash distributions are paid by check within five business days after the
dividend payment date.
The Fund intends to distribute to shareholders of record monthly dividends
consisting of all of the net investment income of the Fund. Net capital gains
of the Fund will be distributed at least annually.
The per share dividends on Class B and Class C shares will be lower than the
per share dividends on Class A shares as a result of the higher
distribution-related fee to which Class B and Class C shares are subject. The
per share distributions of net capital gains, if any, will be paid in the same
amount for Class A, Class B and Class C shares. See "Net Asset Value."
The Fund is qualified and intends to remain qualified as a regulated
investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (Internal Revenue Code). Under the Internal Revenue Code, the Fund is
not subject to federal income taxes on the taxable income that it distributes
to shareholders, provided that at least 90% of its net taxable investment
income and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital
losses and 90% of its net tax-exempt interest income in each taxable year is so
distributed. Qualification as a regulated investment company under the Internal
Revenue Code requires, among other things, that the Fund (a) derive at least
90% of its annual gross income (without offset for losses from the sale or
other disposition of securities or foreign currencies) from dividends,
interest, payments with respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or
other disposition of securities or foreign currencies and certain financial
futures, options and forward contracts; (b) derive less than 30% of its gross
income from gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or options
thereon held for less than three months; and (c) diversify its holdings so
that, at the end of each quarter of the taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the
market value of the Fund's assets is represented by cash, U.S. Government
securities and other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to an
amount not greater than 5% of the market value of the Fund's assets and 10% of
the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of
the value of its assets is invested in the securities of any one issuer (other
than U.S. Government securities). The Fund intends to comply with the
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that require at least 50% of the value
of its total assets at the close of each quarter of its taxable year to consist
of obligations the interest on which is exempt from federal income tax in order
to pass through tax-exempt income to its shareholders.
The Fund generally will be subject to a nondeductible excise tax of 4% to the
extent that it does not meet certain minimum distribution requirements as of
the end of each calendar year. The Fund intends to make timely distributions of
the Fund's income in compliance with these requirements. As a result, it is
anticipated that the Fund will not be subject to the excise tax.
Gains or losses on sales of securities by the Fund will be treated as capital
gains or losses the character of which will depend upon the Fund's holding
period in the securities. The acquisition of a put by the Fund may affect the
holding period of securities held by the Fund. Certain financial futures
contracts held by the Fund will be required to be "marked to market" for
federal income tax purposes, that is, treated as having been sold at their fair
market value on the last day of the Fund's taxable year. Any gain or loss
recognized on actual or deemed sales of these financial futures contracts will
be treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital
gain or loss. The Fund may be required to defer the recognition of losses on
financial futures contracts to the extent of any unrecognized gains on related
positions held by the Fund.
The Fund's gains and losses on the sale, lapse, or other termination of call
options it holds on financial futures contracts will generally be treated as
gains and losses from the sale of financial futures contracts. If call options
written by the Fund expire unexercised, the premiums received by the Fund give
rise to short-term capital gains at the time of expiration. The Fund may also
have short-term gains and losses associated with closing transactions with
respect to call options written by the Fund. If call options written by the
Fund are exercised, the selling price of the financial futures contract is
increased by the amount of the premium received by the Fund, and the character
of the capital gain or loss on the sale of the futures contract depending on
the contract's holding period.
B-21
Upon the exercise of a put held by the Fund, the premium initially paid for
the put is offset against the amount received for the futures contract, bond or
note sold pursuant to the put thereby decreasing any gain (or increasing any
loss) realized on the sale. Generally, such gain or loss is capital gain or
loss, the character of which depends on the holding period of the futures
contract, bond or note. However, in certain cases in which the put is not
acquired on the same day as the underlying securities identified to be used in
the put's exercise, gain on the exercise, sale or disposition of the put is
short-term capital gain. If a put is sold prior to exercise, any gain or loss
recognized by the Fund would be capital gain or loss, depending on the holding
period of the put. If a put expires unexercised, the Fund would realize
short-term or long-term capital loss, the character of which depends on the
holding period of the put, in an amount equal to the premium paid for the put.
In certain cases in which the put and securities identified to be used in its
exercise are acquired on the same day, however, the premium paid for the
unexercised put is added to the basis of the identified securities.
Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a shareholder, whether a
corporation or an individual, to purchase or carry shares of the Fund is not
deductible to the extent that distributions from the Fund are exempt from
Federal income tax. The Treasury has the authority to issue regulations which
would disallow the interest deduction if incurred to purchase or carry shares
of the Fund owned by the taxpayer's spouse, minor child or an entity controlled
by the taxpayer. Shareholders who have held their shares for six months or less
may be subject to a disallowance of losses from the sale or exchange of those
shares to the extent of any dividends received by the shareholders on such
shares and, if such losses are not disallowed, they will be treated as
long-term capital losses to the extent of any distribution of long-term capital
gains received by the shareholders with respect to such shares. Entities or
persons who are "substantial users" (or related persons) of facilities financed
by private activity bonds should consult their tax advisers before purchasing
shares of the Fund.
Any loss realized on a sale, redemption or exchange of shares of the Fund by
a shareholder will be disallowed to the extent the shares are replaced within a
61-day period (beginning 30 days before the disposition of shares). Shares
purchased pursuant to the reinvestment of a dividend will constitute a
replacement of shares. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be
adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
A shareholder who acquires shares of the Fund and sells or otherwise disposes
of such shares within 90 days of acquisition may not be allowed to include
certain sales charges incurred in acquiring such shares for purposes of
calculating gain or loss realized upon a sale or exchange of shares of the
Fund.
Exempt-interest dividends attributable to interest on certain "private
activity" tax-exempt obligations is a preference item for purposes of computing
the alternative minimum tax for both individuals and corporations. Moreover,
exempt-interest dividends, whether or not on private activity bonds, that are
held by corporations will be taken into account (i) in determining the
alternative minimum tax imposed on 75% of the excess of adjusted current
earnings over alternative minimum taxable income, (ii) in calculating the
environmental tax equal to 0.12 percent of a corporation's modified alternative
minimum taxable income in excess of $2 million, and (iii) in determining the
foreign branch profits tax imposed on the effectively connected earnings and
profits (with adjustments) of United States branches of foreign corporations.
The Fund plans to avoid to the extent possible investing in private activity
tax-exempt obligations.
The Fund may be subject to state or local tax in certain other states where
it is deemed to be doing business. Further, in those states which have income
tax laws, the tax treatment of the Fund and of shareholders of the Fund with
respect to distributions by the Fund may differ from federal tax treatment. The
exemption of interest income for federal income tax purposes may not result in
similar exemption under the laws of a particular state or local taxing
authority. The Fund will report annually to its shareholders the percentage and
source, on a state-by-state basis, of interest income on Municipal Bonds
received by the Fund during the preceding year and on other aspects of the
federal income tax status of distributions made by the Fund. Shareholders are
urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding specific questions as to
federal, state or local taxes.
B-22
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Yield. The Fund may from time to time advertise its yield as calculated over
a 30-day period. Yield is determined separately for Class A, Class B and Class
C shares. The yield will be computed by dividing the Fund's net investment
income per share earned during this 30-day period by the net asset value per
share on the last day of this period.
Yield is calculated according to the following formula:
YIELD = 2 [ ( a - b +1)6-1]
cd
Where: a = dividends and interest earned during the period.
b = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements).
c = the average daily number of shares outstanding during the period that were
entitled to receive dividends.
d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period.
The yield for the 30-day period ended December 31, 1997 for the Fund's Class
A, Class B and Class C shares was 4.22%, 3.95% and 3.70%, respectively.
Yield fluctuates and an annualized yield quotation is not a representation by
the Fund as to what an investment in the Fund will actually yield for any given
period. Yield for the Fund will vary based on a number of factors including
change in NAV, market conditions, the level of interest rates and the level of
Fund income and expenses.
Tax Equivalent Yield. The Fund may also calculate the tax equivalent yield
over a 30-day period. The tax equivalent yield is determined separately for
Class A, Class B and Class C shares. The tax equivalent yield will be
determined by first computing the yield as discussed above. The Fund will then
determine what portion of the yield is attributable to securities, the income
of which is exempt for federal income tax purposes. This portion of the yield
will then be divided by one minus 39.6% (the assumed maximum tax rate for
individual taxpayers not subject to Alternative Minimum Tax) and then added to
the portion of the yield that is attributable to other securities.
Tax equivalent yield is calculated according to the following formula:
TAX EQUIVALENT YIELD = Yield
- -----
1-.396
The tax equivalent yield for the 30-day period ended December 31, 1997 for
the Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares was 6.99%, 6.54% and 6.13%,
respectively.
Average Annual Total Return. The Fund may also from time to time advertise
its average annual total return. Average annual total return is determined
separately for Class A, Class B and Class C shares. See "How the Fund
Calculates Performance" in the Prospectus.
Average annual total return is computed according to the following formula:
P(1+T)n=ERV
Where: P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1000.
T = average annual total return.
n = number of years.
ERV = Ending Redeemable Value at the end of the 1, 5 or 10 year periods (or
fractional portion thereof) of a hypothetical $1000 payment made at the
beginning of the 1, 5 or 10 year periods.
Average annual total return takes into account any applicable initial or
contingent deferred sales charges but does not take into account any federal or
state income taxes that may be payable upon redemption.
The average annual total return (adjusted for management fee waiver) with
respect to the Class A shares for the one year, five year and since inception
(January 22, 1990) periods ended December 31, 1997 was 6.50%, 6.23% and 7.51%,
respectively. The average annual total return (adjusted for management fee
waiver) with respect to the Class B shares of the Fund for the one, five, and
ten year periods ended on December 31, 1997 was 4.35%, 6.31% and 7.69%,
respectively. The average annual total return (adjusted for management fee
waiver) for Class C shares for the one year and since inception (August 1,
1994) periods ended December 31, 1997 was 8.08% and 6.98%, respectively.
B-23
The average annual total return (before management fee waiver) with respect
to the Class A shares for the one year, five year and since inception (January
22, 1990) periods ended December 31, 1997 was 6.44%, 6.20% and 7.50%,
respectively. The average annual total return (before management fee waiver)
with respect to the Class B shares of the Fund for the one, five and ten-year
periods ended on December 31, 1997 was 4.28%, 6.28% and 7.68%, respectively.
The average annual total return (before management fee waiver) for Class C
shares for the one year and since inception (August 1, 1994) periods ended
December 31, 1997 was 8.01% and 6.94%, respectively.
(PIFM eliminated its management fee waiver of .05 of 1%, effective September
1, 1997. See "Fee Waivers" in the Prospectus.)
Aggregate Total Return. The Fund may from time to time advertise its
aggregate total return. Aggregate total return is determined separately for
Class A, Class B and Class C shares. See "How the Fund Calculates Performance"
in the Prospectus.
Aggregate total return represents the cumulative change in the value of an
investment in the Fund and is computed by the following formula:
ERV - P
P
Where:
P =
a hypothetical initial payment of $1000.
ERV =
Ending Redeemable Value at the end of the 1, 5, or 10 year periods (or
fractional portion thereof) of a
hypothetical $1000 investment made at the beginning of the 1, 5 or 10 year
periods.
Aggregate total return does not take into account any federal or state income
taxes that may be payable upon redemption or any applicable initial or
contingent deferred sales charges.
The aggregate total return (after management fee waiver) with respect to the
Class A shares for the one year, five year and since inception (January 22,
1990) periods ended December 31, 1997 was 9.80%, 39.44% and 83.23%,
respectively. The aggregate total return (after management fee waiver) with
respect to the Class B shares of the Fund for the one, five and ten-year
periods ended on December 31, 1997 was 9.35%, 36.76% and 109.77%, respectively.
The aggregate total return (after management fee waiver) for Class C shares for
the one year and since inception (August 1, 1994) periods ended December 31,
1997 was 9.08% and 25.92%, respectively.
The aggregate total return (before management fee waiver) with respect to the
Class A shares for the one year, five year and since inception (January 22,
1990) periods ended December 31, 1997 was 9.73%, 39.26% and 83.01%,
respectively. The aggregate total return (before management fee waiver) with
respect to the Class B shares of the Fund for the one, five and ten-year
periods ended on December 31, 1997 was 9.28%, 36.59% and 109.51%, respectively.
The aggregate total return (before management fee waiver) for Class C shares
for the one year and since inception (August 1, 1994) periods ended December
31, 1997 was 9.01% and 25.77%, respectively.
From time to time, the performance of the Fund may be measured against
various indices. Set forth below is a chart which compares the performance of
different types of investments over the long-term and the rate of inflation.1
[CHART]
- -------
1Source: Ibbotson Associates, Stocks, Bonds, Bills and Inflation-1997
Yearbook (annually updates the work of Roger G. Ibbotson and Rex A.
Sinquefield). Used with permission. All rights reserved. Common
stock returns are based on the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, a
market-weighted, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks in a variety
of industry sectors. It is a commonly used indicator of broad stock
price movements. This chart is for illustrative purposes only and is
not intended to represent the performance of any particular
investment or fund. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
B-24
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND
DISBURSING AGENT AND INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Heritage Drive, North Quincy,
Massachusetts 02171, serves as Custodian for the Fund's portfolio securities
and cash and, in that capacity, maintains certain financial and accounting
books and records pursuant to an agreement with the Fund.
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS), Raritan Plaza One, Edison, New
Jersey 08837, serves as the Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent of the Fund.
It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PIFM. PMFS provides customary transfer
agency services to the Fund, including the handling of shareholder
communications, the processing of shareholder transactions, the maintenance of
shareholder account records, payment of dividends and distributions, and
related functions. For these services, PMFS receives an annual fee of $13 per
shareholder account, a new account set-up fee of $2.00 for each
manually-established account and a monthly inactive zero balance account fee of
$.20 per shareholder account. PMFS is also reimbursed for its out-of-pocket
expenses, including but not limited to postage, stationery, printing, allocable
communications expenses and other costs. For the fiscal year ended December 31,
1997, the Fund incurred fees of $413,100 for the services of PMFS.
Price Waterhouse LLP, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036,
serves as the Fund's independent accountants and, in that capacity, audits the
Fund's annual financial statements.
B-25
APPENDIX I
DESCRIPTION OF TAX-EXEMPT SECURITY RATINGS
Corporate and Tax-Exempt Bond Ratings
The four highest ratings of Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") for
tax-exempt and corporate bonds are Aaa, Aa, A and Baa. Bonds rated Aaa are
judged to be of the "best quality." The rating of Aa is assigned to bonds which
are of "high quality by all standards," but as to which margins of protection
or other elements make long-term risks appear somewhat larger than Aaa rated
bonds. The Aaa and Aa rated bonds comprise what are generally known as "high
grade bonds." Bonds which are rated A by Moody's possess many favorable
investment attributes and are considered "upper medium grade obligations."
Factors giving security to principal and interest of A rated bonds are
considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility
to impairment sometime in the future. Bonds rated Baa are considered as "medium
grade" obligations. They are neither highly protected nor poorly secured.
Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but
certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding
investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as
well. Moody's applies numerical modifiers "1", "2", and "3" in each generic
rating classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond rating system.
The modifier "1" indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its
generic rating category; the modifier "2" indicates a mid-range ranking; and
the modifier "3" indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic
rating category. The forgoing ratings for tax-exempt bonds are sometimes
presented in parentheses preceded with a "con" indicating the bonds are rated
conditionally. Bonds for which the security depends upon the completion of some
act or the fulfillment of some condition are rated conditionally. These are
bonds secured by (a) earnings of projects under construction, (b) earnings of
projects unseasoned in operation experience, (c) rentals which begin when
facilities are completed or (d) payments to which some other limiting condition
attaches. Such parenthetical rating denotes the probable credit stature upon
completion of construction or elimination of the basis of the condition.
The four highest ratings of Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("Standard &
Poor's") for tax-exempt and corporate bonds are AAA, AA, A and BBB. Bonds rated
AAA bear the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's to a debt obligation
and indicate an extremely strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Bonds
rated AA also qualify as high-quality debt obligations. Capacity to pay
principal and interest is very strong, and in the majority of instances they
differ from AAA issues only in small degree. Bonds rated A have a strong
capacity to pay principal and interest, although they are somewhat more
susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic
conditions. The BBB rating, which is the lowest "investment grade" security
rating by Standard & Poor's, indicates an adequate capacity to pay principal
and interest. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection parameters,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead
to a weakened capacity to pay principal and interest for bonds in this category
than for bonds in the A category. The foregoing ratings are sometimes followed
by a "p" indicating that the rating is provisional. A provisional rating
assumes the successful completion of the project being financed by the bonds
being rated and indicates that payment of debt service requirements is largely
and entirely dependent upon the successful and timely completion of the
project. This rating, however, while addressing credit quality subsequent to
completion of the project, makes no comment on the likelihood of, or the risk
of default upon failure of, such completion.
Tax-Exempt Note Ratings
The ratings of Moody's for tax-exempt notes are MIG 1, MIG 2, MIG 3 and MIG
4. Notes bearing the designation MIG 1 are judged to be of the best quality,
enjoying strong protection from established cash flows of funds for their
servicing or from established and broad-based access to the market for
refinancing, or both. Notes bearing the designation MIG 2 are judged to be of
high quality, with margins of protection ample although not so large as in the
preceding group. Notes bearing the designation MIG 3 are judged to be of
favorable quality, with all security elements accounted for but lacking the
undeniable strength of the preceding grades. Market access for refinancing, in
particular, is likely to be less well established. Notes bearing the
designation MIG 4 are judged to be of adequate quality, carrying specific risk
but having protection commonly regarded as required of an investment security
and not distinctly or predominantly speculative.
The ratings of Standard & Poor's for municipal notes issued on or after July
29, 1984 are "SP-1" "SP-2" and "SP-3". Prior to July 29, 1984, municipal notes
carried the same symbols as municipal bonds. The designation "SP-1" indicates a
very strong capacity to pay principal and interest. A "+" is added for those
issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics. An "SP-2"
designation indicates a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest
while an "SP-3" designation indicates speculative capacity to pay principal and
interest.
I-1
Corporate and Tax-Exempt Commercial Paper Ratings
Moody's and Standard & Poor's rating grades for commercial paper, set forth
below, are applied to Municipal Commercial Paper as well as taxable commercial
paper.
Moody's Commercial Paper ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to
repay punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in
excess of nine months. Moody's employs the following three designations, all
judged to be investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment capacity of
rate issuers: Prime-1, superior capacity; Prime-2, strong capacity; and
Prime-3, acceptable capacity.
Standard & Poor's commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the
likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more
than 365 days. Ratings are graded into four categories, ranging from "A" for
the highest quality obligations to "D" for the lowest. Issues assigned A
ratings are regarded as having the greatest capacity for timely payment. Issues
in this category are further refined with the designation 1, 2 and 3 to
indicate the relative degree of safety. The "A-1" designation indicates the
degree of safety regarding timely payment is very strong. A "+" designation is
applied to those issues rated "A-1" which possess an overwhelming degree of
safety. The "A-2" designation indicates that capacity for timely payment is
strong. However, the relative degree of safety is not as overwhelming as for
issues designated "A-1." The "A-3" designation indicates that the capacity for
timely payment is satisfactory. Such issues, however, are somewhat more
vulnerable to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances than obligations
carrying the higher designations. Issues rated "B" are regarded as having only
an adequate capacity for timely payment and such capacity may be impaired by
changing conditions or short-term adversities.
I-2
APPENDIX II
GENERAL INVESTMENT INFORMATION
The following terms are used in mutual fund investing.
Asset Allocation
Asset allocation is a technique for reducing risk, providing balance. Asset
allocation among different types of securities within an overall investment
portfolio helps to reduce risk and to potentially provide stable returns, while
enabling investors to work toward their financial goal(s). Asset allocation is
also a strategy to gain exposure to better performing asset classes while
maintaining investment in other asset classes.
Diversification
Diversification is a time-honored technique for reducing risk, providing
"balance" to an overall portfolio and potentially achieving more stable
returns. Owning a portfolio of securities mitigates the individual risks (and
returns) of any one security. Additionally, diversification among types of
securities reduces the risks and (general returns) of any one type of security.
Duration
Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to interest rates. As
interest rates fluctuate, the value of a bond (or a bond portfolio) will
increase or decrease. Longer term bonds are generally more sensitive to changes
in interest rates. When interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise.
Conversely, when interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
Duration is an approximation of the price sensitivity of a bond (or a bond
portfolio) to interest rate changes. It measures the weighted average maturity
of a bond's (or a bond portfolio's) cash flows, i.e., principal and interest
rate payments. Duration is expressed as a measure of time in years-the longer
the duration of a bond (or a bond portfolio), the greater the impact of
interest rate changes on the bond's (or the bond portfolio's) price. Duration
differs from effective maturity in that duration takes into account call
provisions, coupon rates and other factors. Duration measures interest rate
risk only and not other risks, such as credit risk and, in the case of non-U.S.
dollar denominated securities, currency risk. Effective maturity measures the
final maturity dates of a bond (or a bond portfolio).
Market Timing
Market timing-buying securities when prices are low and selling them when
prices are relatively higher-may not work for many investors because it is
impossible to predict with certainty how the price of a security will
fluctuate. However, owning a security for a long period of time may help
investors offset short-term price volatility and realize positive returns.
Power of Compounding
Over time, the compounding of returns can significantly impact investment
returns. Compounding is the effect of continuous investment on long-term
investment results, by which the proceeds of capital appreciation (and income
distributions, if elected) are reinvested to contribute to the overall growth
of assets. The long-term investment results of compounding may be greater than
that of an equivalent initial investment in which the proceeds of capital
appreciation and income distributions are taken in cash.
Standard Deviation
Standard deviation is an absolute (non-relative) measure of volatility which,
for a mutual fund, depicts how widely the returns varied over a certain period
of time. When a fund has a high standard deviation, its range of performance
has been very wide, implying greater volatility potential. Standard deviation
is only one of several measures of a fund's volatility.
II-1
APPENDIX III
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE DATA
The historical performance data contained in this Appendix relies on data
obtained from statistical services, reports and other services believed by the
Manager to be reliable. The information has not been independently verified by
the Manager.
This chart shows the long-term performance of various asset classes and the
rate of inflation.
Source: Stocks, Bonds, Bills, and Inflation 1997 Yearbook, Ibbotson Associates,
Chicago (annually updates work by Roger G. Ibbotson and Rex A. Sinquefield).
Used with permission. All rights reserved. This chart is for illustrative
purposes only and is not indicative of the past, present, or future performance
of any asset class or any Prudential Mutual Fund.
Generally, stock returns are attributable to capital appreciation and the
reinvestment of distributions. Bond returns are attributable mainly to the
reinvestment of distributions. Also, stock prices are usually more volatile
than bond prices over the long-term.
Small stock returns for 1926-1989 are those of stocks comprising the 5th
quintile of the New York Stock Exchange. Thereafter, returns are those of the
Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) Small Company Fund. Common stock returns are
based on the S&P Composite Index, a market-weighted, unmanaged index of 500
stocks (currently) in a variety of industries. It is often used as a broad
measure of stock market performance.
Long-term government bond returns are represented by a portfolio that contains
only one bond with a maturity of roughly 20 years. At the beginning of each
year a new bond with a then-current coupon replaces the old bond. Treasury bill
returns are for a one-month bill. Treasuries are guaranteed by the government
as to the timely payment of principal and interest; equities are not. Inflation
is measured by the consumer price index (CPI).
Impact of Inflation. The "real" rate of investment return is that which exceeds
the rate of inflation, the percentage change in the value of consumer goods and
the general cost of living. A common goal of long-term investors is to outpace
the erosive impact of inflation on investment returns.
III-1
Set forth below is historical performance data relating to various sectors of
the fixed-income securities markets. The chart shows the historical total
returns of U.S. Treasury bonds, U.S. mortgage securities, U.S. corporate bonds,
U.S. high yield bonds and world government bonds on an annual basis from 1987
to September 1996. The total returns of the indices include accrued interest,
plus the price changes (gains or losses) of the underlying securities during
the period mentioned. The data is provided to illustrate the varying historical
total returns and investors should not consider this performance data as an
indication of the future performance of the Fund or of any sector in which the
Fund invests.
All information relies on data obtained from statistical services, reports
and other services believed by the Manager to be reliable. Such information has
not been verified. The figures do not reflect the operating expenses and fees
of a mutual fund. See "Fund Expenses" in the prospectus. The net effect of the
deduction of the operating expenses of a mutual fund on these historical total
returns, including the compounded effect over time, could be substantial.
1Lehman Brothers Treasury Bond Index is an unmanaged index made up of over 150
public issues of the U.S. Treasury having maturities of at least one year.
2Lehman Brothers Mortgage-Backed Securities Index is an unmanaged index that
includes over 600 15- and 30-year fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities of the
Governmental National Mortgage Association (GNMA), Federal National Mortgage
Association (FNMA), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC).
3Lehman Brothers Corporate Bond Index includes over 3,000 public fixed-rate,
nonconvertible investment-grade bonds. All bonds are U.S. dollar-denominated
issues and include debt issued or guaranteed by foreign sovereign governments,
municipalities, governmental agencies or international agencies. All bonds in
the index have maturities of at least one year.
4Lehman Brothers High Yield Bond Index is an unmanaged index comprising over
750 public, fixed-rate, nonconvertible bonds that are rated Ba1 or lower by
Moody's Investors Service (or rated BB+ or lower by Standard & Poor's or Fitch
Investors Service). All bonds in the index have maturities of at least one
year.
5Salomon Brothers World Government Index (Non U.S.) Includes over 800 bonds
issued by various foreign governments or agencies, excluding those in the U.S.,
but including those in Japan, Germany, France, the U.K., Canada, Italy,
Australia, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Austria. All
bonds in the index have maturities of at least one year.
III-2
This chart below shows the historical volatility of general interest rates as
measured by the long U.S. Treasury Bond.
Source: Stocks, Bonds, Bills, and Inflation 1997 Yearbook, Ibbotson Associates,
Chicago (annually updates work by Roger G. Ibbotson and Rex A. Sinquefield).
Used with permission. All rights reserved. The chart illustrates the historical
yield of the long-term U.S. Treasury Bond from 1926-1994. Yields represent that
of an annual renewed one-bond portfolio with a remaining maturity of
approximately 20 years. This chart is for illustrative purposes and should not
be construed to represent the yields of any Prudential Mutual Fund.
III-3
APPENDIX IV
INFORMATION RELATING TO PRUDENTIAL
Set forth below is information relating to The Prudential Insurance Company
of America (Prudential) and its subsidiaries as well as information relating to
the Prudential Mutual Funds. See "How the Fund is Managed-Manager" in the
Prospectus. The data will be used in sales materials relating to the Prudential
Mutual Funds. Unless otherwise indicated, the information is as of December 31,
1996 and is subject to change thereafter. All information relies on data
provided by The Prudential Investment Corporation (PIC) or from other sources
believed by the Manager to be reliable. Such information has not been verified
by the Fund.
Information about Prudential
The Manager and PIC1 are subsidiaries of Prudential, which is one of the
largest diversified financial services institutions in the world and, based on
total assets, the largest insurance company in North America as of December 31,
1996. Principal products and services include life and health insurance, other
health care products, property and casualty insurance securities, brokerage,
asset management, investment advisory services and real estate brokerage.
Prudential (together with its subsidiaries) employs more than 81,000 persons
worldwide, and maintains a sales force of approximately 11,500 agents and 6,400
financial advisors. Prudential is a major issuer of annuities, including
variable annuities. Prudential seeks to develop innovative products and
services to meet consumer needs in each of its business areas. Prudential uses
the Rock of Gibraltar as its symbol. The Prudential rock is a recognized brand
name throughout the world.
Insurance. Prudential has been engaged in the insurance business since 1875.
It insures or provides financial services to nearly 50 million people
worldwide-one of every five people in the United States. Long one of the
largest issuers of individual life insurance, the Prudential has 22 million
life insurance policies in force today with a face value of $1 trillion.
Prudential has the largest capital base ($12.1 billion) of any life insurance
company in the United States. The Prudential provides auto insurance for
approximately 1.6 million cars and insures approximately 1.2 million homes.
Money Management. The Prudential is one of the largest pension fund managers
in the country, providing pension services to 1 in 3 Fortune 500 firms. It
manages $36 billion of individual retirement plan assets, such as 401(k) plans.
As of December 31, 1996, Prudential had more than $314 billion in assets under
management. Prudential's Investments, a business group of Prudential (of which
Prudential Mutual Funds is a key part) manages over $190 billion in assets of
institutions and individuals. In Pensions and Investments, May 12, 1996,
Prudential was ranked third in terms of total assets under management.
Real Estate. The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, the fourth largest real
estate brokerage network in the United States, has more than 37,500 brokers and
agents across the United States.2
Healthcare. Over two decades ago, the Prudential introduced the first
federally-funded, for-profit HMO in the country. Today, approximately 4.6
million Americans receive healthcare from a Prudential managed care membership.
Financial Services. The Prudential Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Prudential, has nearly $1 billion in assets and serves nearly 1.5 million
customers across 50 states.
Information about the Prudential Mutual Funds
As of October 31, 1997 Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC was the
17th largest mutual fund company in the country, with over 2.5 million
shareholders invested in more than 50 mutual fund portfolios and variable
annuities with more than 3.7 million shareholder accounts.
The Prudential Mutual Funds have over 30 portfolio managers who manage over
$55 billion in mutual fund and variable annuity assets. Some of Prudential's
portfolio managers have over 20 years of experience managing investment
portfolios.
- -------
1 Prudential Investments Fund Investment Management serves as the Subadviser to
substantially all of the Prudential Mutual Funds. Wellington Management
Company serves as the subadviser to Global Utility Fund, Inc.,
Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management as subadviser to Nicholas-Applegate
Fund, Inc., Jennison Associates Capital Corp. as the subadviser to Prudential
Jennison Series Fund, Inc. and Mercater Asset Management, L.P., as subadviser
to International Stock Series, a portfolio of Prudential World Fund, Inc.
There are multiple subadvisers for The Target Portfolio Trust.
2 As of December 31, 1996.
IV-1
From time to time, there may be media coverage of portfolio managers and
other investment professionals associated with the Manager and the Subadviser
in national and regional publications, on television and in other media.
Additionally, individual mutual fund portfolios are frequently cited in surveys
conducted by national and regional publications and media organizations such as
The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Barron's and USA Today.
Equity Funds. Forbes magazine listed Prudential Equity Fund among twenty
mutual funds on its Honor Roll in its mutual fund issue of August 28, 1995.
Honorees are chosen annually among mutual funds (excluding sector funds) which
are open to new investors and have had the same management for at least five
years. Forbes considers, among other criteria, the total return of a mutual
fund in both bull and bear markets as well as a fund's risk profile. Prudential
Equity Fund is managed with a "value" investment style by PIC. In 1995,
Prudential Securities introduced Prudential Jennison Fund, a growth-style
equity fund managed by Jennison Associates Capital Corp., a premier
institutional equity manager and a subsidiary of Prudential.
High Yield Funds. Investing in high yield bonds is a complex and research
intensive pursuit. A separate team of high yield bond analysts monitor
approximately 200 issues held in the Prudential High Yield Fund (currently the
largest fund of its kind in the country) along with 100 or so other high yield
bonds, which may be considered for purchase.3 Non-investment grade bonds, also
known as junk bonds or high yield bonds, are subject to a greater risk of loss
of principal and interest including default risk than higher-rated bonds.
Prudential high yield portfolio managers and analysts meet face-to-face with
almost every bond issuer in the High Yield Fund's portfolio annually, and have
additional telephone contact throughout the year.
Prudential's portfolio managers are supported by a large and sophisticated
research organization. Fourteen investment grade bond analysts monitor the
financial viability of approximately 1,750 different bond issuers in the
investment grade corporate and municipal bond markets-from IBM to small
municipalities, such as Rockaway Township, New Jersey. These analysts consider
among other things sinking fund provisions and interest coverage ratios.
Prudential's portfolio managers and analysts receive research services from
almost 200 brokers and market service vendors. They also receive nearly 100
trade publications and newspapers-from Pulp and Paper Forecaster to Women's
Wear Daily-to keep them informed of the industries they follow.
Prudential Mutual Funds' traders scan over 100 computer monitors to collect
detailed information on which to trade. From natural gas prices in the Rocky
Mountains to the results of local municipal elections, a Prudential portfolio
manager or trader is able to monitor it if it's important to a Prudential
mutual fund.
Prudential Mutual Funds trade approximately $31 billion in U.S. and foreign
government securities a year. PIC seeks information from government policy
makers. In 1995, Prudential's portfolio managers met with several senior U.S.
and foreign government officials, on issues ranging from economic conditions in
foreign countries to the viability of index-linked securities in the United
States.
Prudential Mutual Funds' portfolio managers and analysts met with over 1,200
companies in 1995, often with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief
Financial Officer (CFO). They also attended over 250 industry conferences.
Prudential Mutual Fund global equity managers conducted many of their visits
overseas, often holding private meetings with a company in a foreign language
(our global equity managers speak 7 different languages, including Mandarin
Chinese).
Trading Data.4 On an average day, Prudential Mutual Funds' U.S. and foreign
equity trading desks traded $77 million in securities representing over 3.8
million shares with nearly 200 different firms. Prudential Mutual Funds' bond
trading desks traded $157 million in government and corporate bonds on an
average day. That represents more in daily trading than most bond funds tracked
by Lipper even have in assets.5 Prudential Mutual Funds' money market desk
traded $3.2 billion in money market securities on an average day, or over $800
billion a year. They made a trade every 3 minutes of every trading day. In
1994, the Prudential Mutual Funds effected more than 40,000 trades in money
market securities and held on average $20 billion of money market securities.6
- -------
3 As of December 31, 1995. The number of bonds and the size of the Fund are
subject to change.
4 Trading data represents average daily transactions for portfolios of the
Prudential Mutual Funds for which PIC serves as the subadviser, portfolios of
the Prudential Series Fund and institutional and non-US accounts managed by
Prudential Mutual Fund Investment Management, a division of PIC, for the year
ended December 31, 1995.
5 Based on 669 funds in Lipper Analytical Services categories of Short U.S.
Treasury, Short U.S. Government, Intermediate U.S. Treasury, Intermediate
U.S. Government, Short Investment Grade Debt, Intermediate Investment Grade
Debt, General U.S. Treasury, General U.S. Government and Mortgage funds.
6 As of December 31, 1994.
IV-2
Based on complex-wide data, on an average day, over 7,250 shareholders
telephoned Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc., the Transfer Agent of the
Prudential Mutual Funds, on the Prudential Mutual Funds' toll-free number. On
an annual basis, that represents approximately 1.8 million telephone calls
answered.
Information about Prudential Securities
Prudential Securities is the fifth largest retail brokerage firm in the
United States with approximately 5,600 financial advisors. It offers to its
clients a wide range of products, including Prudential Mutual Funds and
annuities. As of December 31, 1995, assets held by Prudential Securities for
its clients approximated $168 billion. During 1994, over 28,000 new customer
accounts were opened each month at Prudential Securities.7
Prudential Securities has a two-year Financial Advisor training program plus
advanced education programs, including Prudential Securities "university,"
which provides advanced education in a wide array of investment areas.
Prudential Securities is the only Wall Street firm to have its own in-house
Certified Financial Planner (CFP) program. In the December 1995 issue of
Registered Rep, an industry publication, Prudential Securities' Financial
Advisor training programs received a grade of A(compared to an industry average
of B+) .
In 1995, Prudential Securities' equity research team ranked 8th in
Institutional Investor magazine's 1995 "All America Research Team" survey. Five
Prudential Securities' analysts were ranked as first-team finishers.8
In addition to training, Prudential Securities provides its financial
advisors with access to firm economists and market analysts. It has also
developed proprietary tools for use by financial advisors, including the
Financial ArchitectSM, a state-of-the-art asset allocation software program
which helps Financial Advisors to evaluate a client's objectives and overall
financial plan, and a comprehensive mutual fund information and analysis system
that compares different mutual funds.
For more complete information about any of the Prudential Mutual Funds,
including charges and expenses, call your Prudential Securities financial
adviser or Pruco/Prudential representative for a free prospectus. Read it
carefully before you invest or send money.
- -------
7 As of December 31, 1994.
8 On an annual basis, Institutional Investor magazine surveys more than 700
institutional money managers, chief investment officers and research
directors, asking them to evaluate analysts in 76 industry sectors. Scores
are produced by taking the number of votes awarded to an individual analyst
and weighting them based on the size of the voting institution. In total, the
magazine sends its survey to approximately 2,000 institutions and a group of
European and Asian institutions.
IV-3
PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
SUPPLEMENT DATED NOVEMBER 23, 1998 TO
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DATED MARCH 4, 1998
The following information should be added to the cover page of the Statement
of Additional Information:
The date of the Statement of Additional Information is hereby changed to
November 23, 1998.
The following information supplements "Directors and Officers" in the
Statement of Additional Information:
As of November 13, 1998, the Directors and officers of the Fund, as a group,
owned less than 1% of each class of the outstanding common stock of the Fund.
As of November 13, 1998, the beneficial owners, directly or indirectly, of
more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any class of beneficial interest were:
Christine V. Doyle, 58 Remington Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877-4326 who held 21,396
Class C Shares (15.1%); Huntington Newspapers Inc., Attn: Larry Hensley, P.O.
Box 860, Huntington, IN 46750-0860 which held 8,787 Class C shares (6.2%); Craig
Morrison & Betsy Morrison J TEN, 25716 Summerfield CT, Wheaton, IL 60187-7924
who held 30,251 Class C shares (or 21.4% of the outstanding Class C shares); and
Worldwide Forwarders Inc., Richard H. Panadero, 9706 SW 155 CT, Miami, FL 33196
who held 33,742 Class C shares (or 23.9% of the outstanding Class C shares).
As of November 13, 1998, Prudential Securities was the record holder for other
beneficial owners of 10,220,357 Class A shares (or 34% of the outstanding Class
A Shares), 2,940,083 Class B shares (or 38% of the outstanding Class B shares)
and 98,952 Class C shares (or 70% of the outstanding Class C shares ) of the
Fund. In the event of any meeting of shareholders, Prudential Securities will
forward, or cause the forwarding of, proxy materials to the beneficial owners
for which it is the record holder.
The following information supplements "Distributor" in the Statement of
Additional Information:
Effective July 1, 1998, Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (PIMS),
Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077, was
appointed the exclusive Distributor of Fund shares. Shares continue to be
offered through Prudential Securities Incorporated, Pruco Securities Corporation
and other brokers and dealers. PIMS is a wholly owned subsidiary of The
Prudential Insurance Company of America and an affiliate of Prudential
Securities Incorporated and Pruco Securities Corporation. All other arrangements
with respect to the distribution of Fund shares described in the Prospectus
remain unchanged.
PIMS serves as the Distributor of Class Z shares and incurs the expenses of
distributing the Fund's Class Z shares under a Distribution Agreement with the
Fund, none of which are reimbursed by or paid for by the Fund.
The following information supplements "Purchase and Redemption of Fund Shares"
in the Statement of Additional Information:
Shares of the Fund may be purchased at a price equal to the next determined
net asset value per share plus a sales charge which, at the election of the
investor, may be imposed at the time of purchase, on a deferred basis or both.
Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge. Class B shares are
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. Class C shares are sold with a
low front-end sales charge, but are also subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge. Class Z shares are offered to a limited group of investors at NAV
without any sales charges. See "Shareholder Guide--How to Buy Shares of the
Fund" in the Prospectus.
Each class represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund and is
identical in all respects except that (i) each class is subject to different
sales charges and distribution and/or service expenses (except for Class Z
shares, which are not subject to any sales charges or distribution and/or
service fees) which may affect performance, (ii) each class has exclusive voting
rights on any matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its
arrangement and has separate voting rights on any matter submitted to
shareholders in which the interest of one class differ from the interests of any
other class, (iii) each class has a different exchange privilege, (iv) only
Class B shares have a conversion feature and (v) Class Z shares are offered
exclusively for sale to a limited group of investors. See "Distributor" and
"Shareholder Investment Account--Exchange Privilege."
SPECIMEN PRICE MAKE-UP
Under the current distribution arrangements between the Fund and the
Distributor, Class A shares of the Fund are sold at a maximum sales charge of
3%, Class C* shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of 1%, and Class B*
and Class Z** shares of the Fund are sold at NAV. Using the Fund's NAV at
December 31, 1997, the maximum offering price of the Fund's shares would be as
follows:
CLASS A
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAV and redemption price per Class A share................................................. $ 16.12
Maximum sales charge (3% of offering price)................................................ .50
---------
Offering price to public................................................................... $ 16.62
---------
---------
CLASS B
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAV, offering price and redemption price per Class B share*................................ $ 16.16
---------
---------
CLASS C
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAV, offering price and redemption price per Class C share*................................ $ 16.16
Maximum sales charge (1% of offering price)***............................................. .16
---------
Offering price to public................................................................... $ 16.32
---------
---------
CLASS Z
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAV, offering price and redemption price per Class Z share................................. $ 16.12
---------
---------
- ------------------------
* Class B and Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
on certain redemptions. See "Shareholder Guide-- How to Sell Your
Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" in the Prospectus.
** Class Z shares did not exist at December 31, 1997.
*** Prior to November 2, 1998, Class C shares were sold without an initial sales
charge.
The following information supplements "Shareholder Investment
Account--Exchange Privilege" in the Statement of Additional Information:
Class Z. Class Z shares may be exchanged for Class Z shares of other
Prudential Mutual Funds.
The following information supplements "Financial Statements" in the Statement
of Additional Information:
The unaudited financial statements of the Fund for the six-month period ended
June 30, 1998 are incorporated by reference from the Fund's semi-annual report
to shareholders for the period then ended. The Fund will furnish a copy of such
report upon written request to the Fund at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry
Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077, or by calling the Fund at (800) 225-1852.
The unaudited financial statements reflect any adjustments which are, in the
opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of the results for the
period presented.
Portfolio of Investments as
of December 31, 1997 PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description(a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS--97.7%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alaska--1.7%
Anchorage Alaska Elec. Utility Rev.,
M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.50% 12/01/12 $ 3,400 (h) $ 4,014,516
M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.50 12/01/13 2,500 (h) 2,956,775
M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.50 12/01/14 3,455 4,089,960
------------
11,061,251
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona--4.0%
Arizona St. Mun. Fin. Proj., Cert. of Part., Ser. 25,
B.I.G. Aaa 7.875 8/01/14 2,250 3,019,275
Maricopa Cnty. Sch. Dist., A.M.B.A.C.,
No. 3 Tempe Elem. Aaa Zero 7/01/09 1,500 872,280
No. 3 Tempe Elem. Aaa Zero 7/01/14 1,500 651,360
Maricopa Cnty. Unified Sch. Dist.,
No. 80 Chandler, F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 7/01/09 1,330 773,422
No. 80 Chandler, M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 7/01/10 1,050 575,410
No. 80 Chandler, M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 7/01/11 1,200 618,516
No. 80 Chandler, F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.25 7/01/11 1,000 1,156,910
Phoenix St. & Hwy. User Rev., Ser. A, F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 7/01/12 3,000 1,461,840
Pima Cnty. Ind. Dev. Auth. Rev., F.S.A. Aaa 7.25 7/15/10 2,095 2,345,625
Pima Cnty. Unified Sch. Dist., Gen. Oblig., F.G.I.C.
No. 1, Tuscan Aaa 7.50 7/01/10 3,000 (f) 3,830,040
No. 16, Catalina Foothills Aaa Zero 7/01/09 3,455 2,009,152
Tucson Gen. Oblig.,
Ser. A Aa3 7.375 7/01/11 1,000 1,259,410
Ser. A Aa3 7.375 7/01/12 1,100 1,392,138
Ser. A Aa3 7.375 7/01/13 4,500 5,722,425
------------
25,687,803
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California--9.1%
Anaheim Pub. Fin. Auth. Lease Rev., F.S.A.,
Sr. Pub. Impvts. Proj., Ser. A Aaa 6.00 9/01/24 5,500 6,334,240
Sub. Pub. Impvts. Proj., Ser. C Aaa 6.00 9/01/16 6,690 7,565,253
Encinitas Union Cap. Sch. Dist., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 8/01/21 3,810 1,121,626
Kern California High Sch. Dist., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.30 2/01/10 2,490 2,891,487
Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific Rev., Ser. A, A.M.T. BBB(d) 6.125 7/01/23 6,000 6,229,620
Long Beach Harbor Rev., F.G.I.C., A.M.T. Aaa 6.00 5/15/18 4,000 (g) 4,419,320
Los Angeles Unified Sch. Dist., F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.00 7/01/15 1,000 1,130,800
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 3
Portfolio of Investments as
of December 31, 1997 PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description(a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California (cont.d.)
Orange Cnty. Local Transp. Auth. Rev., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 5.70% 2/15/11 $ 4,000 $ 4,404,720
San Jose Redev. Proj., Agcy. Tax Alloc., M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.00 8/01/11 5,000 5,668,500
Santa Cruz Cnty. Pub. Fin. Auth. Rev., A-(d) 6.20 9/01/23 2,000 2,122,740
Santa Margarita/Dana Point Auth., M.B.I.A.,
Impvt. Dists. 3-3A-484A Aaa 7.25 8/01/10 2,450 3,078,327
Impvt. Dists. 3-3A-484A, Ser. B Aaa 7.25 8/01/09 2,000 2,498,360
Impvt. Dists. 3-3A-484A, Ser. B Aaa 7.25 8/01/14 2,000 2,547,820
So. California Pub. Pwr. Auth. Transmission Proj. Rev.,
Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.00 7/01/22 4,000 3,884,480
So. Orange Cnty. Pub. Fin. Auth. Rev., Foothill Area
Proj., F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.50 8/15/10 2,000 2,371,240
West Contra Costa Sch. Dist., Cert. of Part. Baa3 7.125 1/01/24 1,600 1,749,184
------------
58,017,717
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado--4.8%
Arapahoe Cnty. Cap. Impvt. Trust Fund,
Pub. Hwy. Rev., Ser. E-470 Aaa 7.00 8/31/26 3,000 3,583,080
Colorado Hsg. Fin. Auth.,
Singl. Fam. Proj., A.M.T. Aa2 8.00 6/01/25 4,100 4,599,216
Singl. Fam. Proj., Ser. A-2, A.M.T. Aa2 7.25 5/01/27 2,000 2,255,000
Singl. Fam. Proj., Ser. B-1, A.M.T. Aa2 7.90 12/01/25 2,540 2,859,938
Singl. Fam. Proj., Ser. C-1, M.B.I.A., A.M.T. Aaa 7.65 12/01/25 5,290 5,996,903
Singl. Fam. Proj., Ser. C-2, A.M.T. Aa2 6.875 11/01/28 2,000 2,213,140
Colorado Springs Arpt. Rev., Ser. A., A.M.T. BBB+(d) 7.00 1/01/22 7,960 8,718,031
------------
30,225,308
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connecticut--2.7%
Connecticut St. Hlth. & Edu. Facs. Auth. Rev.,
Hosp. for Special Care Baa2 5.50 7/01/27 2,500 2,478,375
St. Mary's Hosp. Issue, Ser. E A3 5.50 7/01/20 5,650 5,707,573
St. Mary's Hosp. Issue, Ser. E A3 5.875 7/01/22 1,750 1,810,358
Univ. of Hartford Ba2 6.75 7/01/12 5,475 5,852,994
Connecticut St. Spec. Tax Oblig. Rev., Trans.
Infrastructure, Ser. A A1 7.125 6/01/10 1,000 1,220,800
------------
17,070,100
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 4
Portfolio of Investments as
of December 31, 1997 PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description(a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Florida--2.7%
Broward Cnty. Res. Rec. Rev., Broward Co. L.P. South Proj. A 7.95% 12/01/08 $ 8,300 $ 9,048,411
Florida St. Brd. of Ed.,
Admin. Cap. Outlay, Aa2 9.125 6/01/14 1,260 1,819,289
Admin. Cap. Outlay, E.T.M. Aaa 9.125 6/01/14 195 277,278
Hillsborough Cnty. Ind. Dev. Auth. Poll. Ctrl. Rev., Tampa
Elec. Proj., Ser. 92 Ser. 9 Aa3 8.00 5/01/22 5,000 5,813,900
------------
16,958,878
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Georgia--4.1%
Atlanta Urban Res. Fin. Auth., Clark Atlanta Univ. Dorm.
Fac. Rev. NR 9.25 6/01/10 5,160 (b) 5,821,099
Burke Cnty. Dev. Auth., M.B.I.A.,
Georgia Pwr. Plant Co., Vogtle Proj., Ser. 7 Aaa 6.625 10/01/24 500 528,635
Oglethorpe Pwr. Corp. Aaa 8.00 1/01/22 5,000 5,965,700
Forsyth Cnty. Sch. Dist. Dev. Rev., Ser. A Aa3 6.75 7/01/16 500 607,550
Fulton Cnty. Sch. Dist. Rev., Lindbrook Square Fndtn. AA 6.375 5/01/17 750 881,955
Georgia Mun. Elec. Auth. Pwr. Rev. Ref.,
Ser. B A 6.25 1/01/17 475 534,751
Ser. B, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.375 1/01/16 5,000 5,859,550
Ser. Z, M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.50 1/01/20 5,000 5,359,100
Green Cnty. Dev. Auth. Indl. Park Rev. NR 6.875 2/01/04 525 568,055
------------
26,126,395
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hawaii--1.4%
Hawaii St. Arpt. Sys. Rev.,
2nd Ser. 90, F.G.I.C., A.M.T. Aaa 7.50 7/01/20 500 543,420
2nd Ser., A.M.T. A 7.00 7/01/18 365 397,638
Hawaii St. Dept. Budget & Fin.,
Hawaiian Elec. Co., Ser. A, M.B.I.A., A.M.T. Aaa 5.65 10/01/27 5,000 5,182,150
Hawaiian Elec. Co., Ser. C, M.B.I.A., A.M.T. Aaa 7.375 12/01/20 500 546,920
Kapiolani Hlth. Care Sys. A 6.30 7/01/08 500 541,560
Kapiolani Hosp. A 6.00 7/01/11 250 267,070
Hawaii St. Gen. Oblig., Ser. CJ Aaa 6.25 1/01/15 650 (b) 724,256
Hawaii St. Harbor Cap. Impvt. Rev.,
F.G.I.C., A.M.T. Aaa 6.25 7/01/10 250 274,005
F.G.I.C., A.M.T. Aaa 6.25 7/01/15 500 545,075
------------
9,022,094
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 5
Portfolio of Investments as
of December 31, 1997 PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description(a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illinois--4.7%
Cook and Du Page Cntys. Cap. Apprec., High Sch. Dist. No.
210, F.S.A. Aaa Zero 12/01/11 $ 3,035 $ 1,512,007
Illinois Dev. Fin. Auth. Rev., Cmnty. Rehab. Providers-A BBB(d) 6.00% 7/01/15 2,000 2,101,840
Illinois Hlth. Facs. Auth. Rev., M.B.I.A.,
Loyola Univ. Hlth. Sys., Ser. A Aaa 6.00 7/01/13 1,500 1,670,790
Loyola Univ. Hlth. Sys., Ser. A Aaa 6.00 7/01/14 3,500 3,894,310
Kane & De Kalb Cntys. Cmnty. United Sch. Dist., No. 301,
A.M.B.A.C. Aaa Zero 12/01/10 3,055 1,620,403
Metropolitan Pier & Expo. Auth Hosp. Fac. Rev., McCormick
Place Convention BBB-(d) 7.00 7/01/26 12,910 15,831,920
Regional Transp. Auth. Rev., F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.00 6/01/15 2,750 3,091,165
------------
29,722,435
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kentucky--2.0%
Henderson Cnty. Solid Waste Disp. Rev., Macmillan Bloedel
Proj., A.M.T. Baa2 7.00 3/01/25 6,000 6,672,120
Jefferson Cnty. Poll. Ctrl. Rev., Louisville Gas & Elec.,
Ser. A, A.M.T. Aa2 7.75 2/01/19 5,700 5,832,240
------------
12,504,360
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisiana--4.8%
New Orleans, Gen. Oblig., Cap. Apprec., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa Zero 9/01/09 13,500 7,833,645
Orleans Parish Sch. Brd., E.T.M., M.B.I.A. Aaa 8.90 2/01/07 5,780 7,664,338
St. Charles Parish, Environ. Impt. Rev., Louisiana Pwr. &
Lt. Co., Ser. A, A.M.T. Baa2 6.875 7/01/24 5,000 5,500,900
St. Charles Parish, Lousiana Poll. Ctrl. Rev.,
Lousiana Pwr. & Lt. Co. Baa3 8.25 6/01/14 4,000 4,309,160
Lousiana Pwr. & Lt. Co., Ser. 1989 Baa3 8.00 12/01/14 5,000 5,445,000
------------
30,753,043
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maryland--0.6%
Northeast Waste Disp. Auth., Baltimore City Sludge Proj. NR 7.25 7/01/07 3,629 4,003,368
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massachusetts--2.1%
Mass. St. Wtr. Res. Auth. Rev.,
Ser. B, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.25 12/01/11 6,720 7,774,838
Ser. B, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.25 12/01/12 5,000 5,783,150
------------
13,557,988
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 6
Portfolio of Investments as
of December 31, 1997 PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description(a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michigan--1.2%
Michigan St. Hsg. Dev. Auth. Rev.,
Rental Hsg. Rev., Ser. B AA-(d) 7.55% 4/01/23 $ 1,000 $ 1,072,870
Sngl. Fam. Mtge., Ser. A AA+(d) 7.50 6/01/15 5,185 5,437,250
Okemos Pub. Sch. Dist., M.B.I.A.,
Cnty. of Ingham Aaa Zero 5/01/12 1,100 544,247
Cnty. of Ingham Aaa Zero 5/01/13 1,000 467,560
------------
7,521,927
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minnesota--0.7%
Anoka Hennepin Indpt. Sch. Dist., No. 11, Ser. C, F.S.A. Aaa Zero 2/01/12 1,575 788,886
Minneapolis St. Paul Hsg. Fin. Brd. Rev., Sngl. Fam.
Mtge., G.N.M.A., A.M.T. AAA(d) 7.30 8/01/31 830 877,974
Minneapolis St. Paul Met. Arpts. Comm., Ser. 7, A.M.T. Aaa 7.80 1/01/14 1,000 1,057,230
St. Paul Science Museum, Cert. of Part., E.T.M. AAA(d) 7.50 12/15/01 769 832,316
Univ. of Minnesota, Ser. A, E.T.M. Aa3 6.00 2/01/11 1,000 1,041,600
------------
4,598,006
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mississippi--0.4%
Mississippi Hosp. Equip. & Facs, Auth. Rev.,
Rush Med. Fndtn. Proj., Ser. B Baa3 6.00 1/01/16 1,480 1,540,473
Rush Med. Fndtn. Proj., Ser. B Baa3 6.00 1/01/22 1,000 1,036,680
------------
2,577,153
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Missouri--1.4%
Missouri St. Hsg. Dev. Comn. Mtge Rev., Single Family
Homeowner Loan, Ser. A, G.N.M.A., A.M.T. AAA(d) 7.20 9/01/26 4,920 5,547,202
Sikeston Missouri Elec. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.00 6/01/16 3,175 3,574,637
------------
9,121,839
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nevada--2.3%
Clark Cnty. Indl. Dev. Rev., Southwest Gas Corp., Ser. A,
A.M.T. Baa2 6.50 12/01/33 10,000 10,716,100
Nevada Hsg. Div. Multi Unit Hsg., Arville Et Cetera Proj.,
F.N.M.A., A.M.T. AAA(d) 6.60 10/01/23 3,475 3,706,539
------------
14,422,639
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 7
Portfolio of Investments as
of December 31, 1997 PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description(a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Hampshire--0.3%
New Hampshire Higher Ed. & Hlth. Facs. Auth. Rev.,
New Hampshire College BBB-(d) 6.30% 1/01/16 $ 500 $ 531,415
New Hampshire College BBB-(d) 6.375 1/01/27 1,000 1,062,170
------------
1,593,585
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey--2.4%
New Jersey St. Hsg. & Mtge. Fin. Agcy., Ser. D, M.B.I.A.,
A.M.T. Aaa 7.70 10/01/29 2,090 2,193,434
New Jersey St. Tpke. Auth. Rev., Ser. C, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.50 1/01/16 11,000 13,052,490
------------
15,245,924
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Mexico--0.8%
New Mexico Mtge. Fin. Auth., Singl. Fam. Mtge., A.M.T. AAA(d) 6.30 7/01/28 5,000 5,302,550
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York--14.2%
Greece Central Sch. Dist.
F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.00 6/15/16 950 1,074,716
F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.00 6/15/17 950 1,077,509
F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.00 6/15/18 950 1,078,697
Metropolitan Trans. Auth., Trans. Facs. Rev., Ser. A,
F.S.A. Aaa 6.00 7/01/16 2,500 2,735,275
New York City Ind. Dev. Agcy.,
Brooklyn Navy Yard Cogen Partners, A.M.T. Baa3 5.65 10/01/28 7,000 7,073,570
Brooklyn Navy Yard Cogen Partners, A.M.T. Baa3 5.75 10/01/36 5,000 5,060,850
Spec. Fac. Rev., Terminal One Group Assoc. Proj.,
A.M.T. A 6.00 1/01/19 2,500 2,621,200
New York City Mun. Wtr. Fin. Auth.
F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.75 6/15/16 6,000 (b) 6,566,580
F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.75 6/15/16 10,565 11,468,202
New York City, Gen. Oblig.,
Ser. A Baa1 7.75 8/15/04 1,555 (b) 1,762,033
Ser. A Baa1 7.75 8/15/04 445 495,645
Ser. B Baa1 8.25 6/01/06 1,500 1,847,985
Ser. B Baa1 7.25 8/15/07 3,500 4,133,605
Ser. D Baa1 8.00 8/01/03 2,020 2,277,146
Ser. D Aaa 8.00 8/01/04 1,005 (b) 1,148,454
Ser. D Baa1 8.00 8/01/04 165 186,004
Ser. D Aaa 7.65 2/01/07 4,605 (b) 5,269,041
Ser. D Baa1 7.65 2/01/07 395 443,498
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 8
Portfolio of Investments as
of December 31, 1997 PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description(a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York (cont'd.)
Ser. F BBB+(d) 8.25% 11/15/02 $ 800 (b) $ 926,704
Ser. F Baa1 8.25 11/15/02 4,200 (b) 4,809,084
New York St. Local Gov't. Assist. Corp., Ser. E A3 6.00 4/01/14 10,000 11,245,800
New York St. Urban Dev. Corp. Rev. Ref., F.S.A.,
Correctional Facs. Aaa 6.50 1/01/09 3,000 3,513,240
Correctional Facs., Ser. A Aaa 5.50 1/01/14 3,000 3,215,280
Triborough Bridge & Tunl. Auth., Ser. X, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.625 1/01/12 8,500 10,125,965
------------
90,156,083
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Carolina--0.5%
North Carolina Eastern Mun. Pwr. Agcy., Pwr. Sys. Rev.,
M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.375 1/01/24 3,000 3,043,770
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Dakota--1.7%
Mercer Cnty., Antelope Valley Station, A.M.B.A.C Aaa 7.20 6/30/13 9,000 10,986,210
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio--2.4%
Ohio St. Wtr. Dev. Auth. Poll. Ctrl. Facs. Rev., Buckeye
Pwr. Inc. Proj., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 7.80 11/01/14 12,585 15,049,269
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oklahoma--5.1%
McGee Creek Auth. Wtr. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.00 1/01/23 7,000 7,981,750
Oklahoma St. Inds. Auth. Rev., Deaconess Hlth. Care, Ser.
A Baa2 5.75 10/01/17 3,770 3,821,083
Tulsa Mun. Arpt. Trust Rev., American Airlines, Inc.,
A.M.T. Baa2 7.375 12/01/20 19,000 20,733,750
------------
32,536,583
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania--1.0%
Delaware Cnty. Ind. Dev. Auth. Rev., Res. Rec. Fac., Ser.
A Baa1 6.20 7/01/19 3,000 3,209,940
Philadelphia Wtr. & Waste Auth. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.25 8/01/11 2,500 2,866,675
------------
6,076,615
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico--5.6%
Puerto Rico Comnwlth., Gen. Oblig. M.B.I.A. Baa1 6.50 7/01/13 3,000 3,509,850
Puerto Rico Comnwlth., Hwy. & Trans. Auth., Hwy. Rev.,
Ser. V Baa1 6.625 7/01/12 4,000 4,402,200
Ser. W Baa1 5.50 7/01/15 2,500 2,626,725
Ser. Z, F.S.A. Aaa 6.00 7/01/18 5,000 5,667,900
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 9
Portfolio of Investments as
of December 31, 1997 PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description(a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico (cont'd.)
Puerto Rico Elec. Pwr. Auth. Rev., Ser. O Baa1 5.00% 7/01/12 $ 600 $ 598,164
Puerto Rico Hwy. & Trans. Auth. Rev., Ser. V Baa1 6.375 7/01/08 500 540,335
Puerto Rico Ind., Tourist Ed. Med. & Env. Ctrl. Facs.,
Doctor Pila Hosp. Proj., F.H.A. AAA(d) 6.125 8/01/25 500 547,240
Hosp. Auxilio Mutuo Oblig. Grp. Proj., M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.25 7/01/16 500 551,735
Puerto Rico Mun. Fin. Agcy., Ser. A, F.S.A. Aaa 6.00 7/01/14 250 270,575
Puerto Rico Public Bldgs. Auth. Rev., Ser. L, F.S.A. Aaa 5.75 7/01/10 5,065 5,624,277
Puerto Rico Tel. Auth. Rev.,
Ser. I, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.424(c) 1/25/07 4,100 4,499,750
Ser. I, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.915(c) 1/16/15 6,150 6,457,500
------------
35,296,251
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Carolina--1.6%
Charleston Wtrwks. & Swr. Rev., E.T.M. Aaa 10.375 1/01/10 7,415 10,358,458
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tennessee--1.8%
Bristol Hlth. & Edl. Fac. Rev., Bristol Memorial Hosp.,
F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.75 9/01/10 5,000 6,017,550
McMinn Cnty. Ind. Dev. Brd. Solid Waste Rev., Calhoun
Nwsprnt. Recycling Fac., A.M.T. Baa1 7.40 12/01/22 5,000 5,599,000
------------
11,616,550
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas--4.6%
Bexar Cnty. Hlth. Facs. Dev. Corp. Rev., Baptist Hlth.
Sys., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.00 11/15/14 5,695 6,401,180
Dallas Ft. Worth, Regl. Arpt. Rev., F.G.I.C.,
Ser. A Aaa 7.375 11/01/08 3,500 4,115,930
Ser. A Aaa 7.375 11/01/09 3,500 4,093,215
Keller Independent Sch. Dist. Rev. Aaa 6.00 8/15/23 3,970 4,508,451
New Braunfels Indpt. Sch. Dist.,
Cap. Apprec. Aaa Zero 2/01/10 2,335 1,297,840
Cap. Apprec. Aaa Zero 2/01/11 2,365 1,236,280
Port Corpus Christi Auth. Rev., A2 7.50 8/01/12 2,000 2,203,260
San Antonio Elec. & Gas Rev., Ser. B, F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 2/01/09 5,000 2,949,250
Univ. Texas Univ. Rev., Fen. Sys., Ser. B Aa1 6.75 8/15/13 2,035 2,235,346
------------
29,040,752
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 10
Portfolio of Investments as
of December 31, 1997 PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description(a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U. S. Virgin Islands--0.1%
Virgin Islands Pub. Fin. Auth. Rev.,
Gov't. Dev. Proj., Ser. B, A.M.T. BBB-(d) 7.375% 10/01/10 $ 300 $ 337,116
Matching Loan Notes, Ser. A NR 7.25 10/01/18 250 280,500
------------
617,616
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington--4.5%
Chelan Cnty. Pub. Util., Dist. No. 1, Columbia River Rock
Hydro Elec. Sys. Rev., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 6/01/15 15,000 6,113,850
Pierce Cnty. Washington Sch. Dist. No. 1, F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.00 12/01/10 1,000 1,133,070
Washington St. Pub. Pwr. Supply Sys. Rev.,
Nuclear Proj. No. 1, Ser. A, F.S.A. Aaa 7.00 7/01/08 4,000 4,764,760
Nuclear Proj. No. 1, Ser. B, F.S.A. Aaa 7.25 7/01/09 5,000 6,080,450
Nuclear Proj. No. 2, F.S.A. Aaa 5.40 7/01/12 5,400 5,604,552
Nuclear Proj. No. 3, Ser. B, F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 7/01/06 3,000 2,019,600
Washington St. Rev., Ser. R-97A Aa1 Zero 7/01/16 8,000 3,034,080
------------
28,750,362
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wisconsin--0.4%
Wisconsin Hsg. & Econ. Dev. Auth. Home Ownership Rev.,
A.M.T. Aa 6.20 3/01/27 2,100 2,205,126
------------
Total long-term investments (cost $569,621,190) 620,828,008
------------
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS--1.5%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Carolina--0.7%
North Carolina Med. Care Comm. Hlth. Care Fac. Rev., Ser.
97, F.R.D.D. VMIG1 5.00 1/02/98 2,500 2,500,000
North Carolina Med. Care Comm. Hosp. Rev., Ser. 96A,
F.R.D.D. VMIG1 5.00 1/02/98 1,900 1,900,000
------------
4,400,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas--0.4%
Southwest Higher Ed. Auth. Inc. Rev., Ser. 85, F.R.D.D. VMIG1 5.00 1/02/98 600 600,000
Trinity River Auth. Poll. Coll. Util., Texas Elec. Util.
Co., Ser. 96A F.R.D.D. VMIG1 5.10 1/02/98 2,000 2,000,000
------------
2,600,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 11
Portfolio of Investments as
of December 31, 1997 PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description(a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Virginia--0.4%
Campbell Cnty. Ind. Dev. Auth. Rev., Ser. 90A, F.R.D.D. Aa2 5.30% 1/02/98 $ 2,900 $ 2,900,000
------------
Total short-term investments (cost $9,900,000) 9,900,000
------------
Total Investments--99.2%
(cost $579,521,190) 630,728,008
Other assets in excess of liabilities--0.8% 4,803,231
------------
Net Assets--100% $635,531,239
------------
------------
- ---------------
(a) The following abbreviations are used in portfolio descriptions:
A.M.B.A.C.--American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation
A.M.T.--Alternative Minimum Tax
B.I.G.--Bond Investors Guaranty Insurance Company
E.T.M.--Escrowed to Maturity
F.G.I.C.--Financial Guaranty Insurance Company
F.H.A.--Federal Housing Authority
F.N.M.A.--Federal National Mortgage Association
F.R.D.D.--Floating Rate Daily Demand Note(e)
F.S.A.--Financial Security Assurance
G.N.M.A.--Government National Mortgage Association
M.B.I.A.--Municipal Bond Insurance Association
(b) Prerefunded issues are secured by escrowed cash and direct U.S. guaranteed
obligations.
(c) Inverse floating rate bond. The coupon is inversely indexed to a floating
interest rate. The rate shown is the rate at year-end.
(d) Standard and Poor's Rating.
(e) For purposes of amortized cost valuation, the maturity date of Floating Rate
Demand Notes is considered to be the later of the next date on which the
security can be redeemed at par or the next date on which the rate of
interest is adjusted.
(f) Pledged as initial margin on financial futures contracts.
(g) Represents when-issued or extended settlement security.
(h) Pledged as collateral for when-issued or extended settlement security.
NR--Not Rated by Moody's or Standard & Poor's.
The Fund's current Statement of Additional Information contains a description of
Moody's and Standard & Poor's ratings.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 12
Statement of Assets and Liabilities PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets December 31, 1997
Investments, at value (cost $579,521,190)............................................................... $ 630,728,008
Cash.................................................................................................... 116,854
Interest receivable..................................................................................... 10,666,603
Receivable for investments sold......................................................................... 321,781
Receivable for Fund shares sold......................................................................... 164,434
Prepaid expenses and other assets....................................................................... 16,268
-----------------
Total assets......................................................................................... 642,013,948
-----------------
Liabilities
Payable for investments purchased....................................................................... 4,339,707
Payable for Fund shares reacquired...................................................................... 914,698
Dividends payable....................................................................................... 655,765
Management fee payable.................................................................................. 242,634
Accrued expenses........................................................................................ 214,733
Distribution fee payable................................................................................ 102,672
Due to broker - variation margin........................................................................ 12,500
-----------------
Total liabilities.................................................................................... 6,482,709
-----------------
Net Assets.............................................................................................. $ 635,531,239
-----------------
-----------------
Net assets were comprised of:
Common stock, at par................................................................................. $ 393,965
Paid-in capital in excess of par..................................................................... 583,000,111
-----------------
583,394,076
Accumulated net realized gain on investments......................................................... 1,042,845
Net unrealized appreciation on investments........................................................... 51,094,318
-----------------
Net assets, December 31, 1997........................................................................... $ 635,531,239
-----------------
-----------------
Class A:
Net asset value and redemption price per share
($493,177,888 / 30,588,012 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)......................... $16.12
Maximum sales charge (3% of offering price).......................................................... .50
-----------------
Maximum offering price to public..................................................................... $16.62
-----------------
-----------------
Class B:
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($141,527,978 / 8,757,460 shares of common stock issued and outstanding).......................... $16.16
-----------------
Class C:
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($825,373 / 51,073 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)................................. $16.16
-----------------
-----------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 13
PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
Statement of Operations
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
Net Investment Income December 31, 1997
Income
Interest.............................. $37,659,685
-----------------
Expenses
Management fee........................ 3,085,389
Distribution fee--Class A............. 491,279
Distribution fee--Class B............. 759,692
Distribution fee--Class C............. 5,686
Transfer agent's fees and expense..... 544,000
Custodian's fees and expenses......... 123,000
Reports to shareholders............... 128,000
Legal fees and expenses............... 73,000
Registration fees..................... 50,000
Audit fees and expenses............... 39,000
Directors' fees and expenses.......... 28,000
Insurance expense..................... 11,700
Miscellaneous......................... 2,119
-----------------
Total expenses..................... 5,340,865
Less: Management fee waiver........... (215,979)
Custodian fee credit............... (14,132)
-----------------
Net expenses....................... 5,110,754
-----------------
Net investment income.................... 32,548,931
-----------------
Realized and Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Investment transactions............... 9,597,743
Financial futures contracts........... (1,286,578)
Written options....................... 18,260
-----------------
8,329,425
-----------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) of:
Investments........................... 19,425,487
Futures............................... (112,500)
-----------------
19,312,987
-----------------
Net gain on investment transactions...... 27,642,412
-----------------
Net Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations................ $60,191,343
-----------------
-----------------
PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) Year Ended December 31,
in Net Assets 1997 1996
Operations
Net investment income........ $ 32,548,931 $ 36,516,570
Net realized gain on
investment transactions... 8,329,425 6,573,149
Net change in unrealized
appreciation of
investments............... 19,312,987 (26,789,525)
------------- -------------
Net increase in net assets
resulting from
operations................ 60,191,343 16,300,194
------------- -------------
Dividends and distributions
(Note 1)
Dividends from net investment
income
Class A................... (25,293,360) (26,993,477)
Class B................... (7,221,480) (9,491,599)
Class C................... (34,091) (31,494)
------------- -------------
(32,548,931) (36,516,570)
------------- -------------
Distributions in excess of
net investment income
Class A................... (152,363) (129,414)
Class B................... (43,542) (43,154)
Class C................... (256) (196)
------------- -------------
(196,161) (172,764)
------------- -------------
Distributions paid from
capital gains
Class A................... (3,169,156) --
Class B................... (905,674) --
Class C................... (5,317) --
------------- -------------
(4,080,147) --
------------- -------------
Fund share transactions (net of
share conversions) (Note 5 &
6):
Net proceeds from shares
sold...................... 143,282,681 132,494,761
Net asset value of shares
issued in reinvestment of
dividends and
distributions............. 22,849,312 22,304,782
Cost of shares reacquired.... (225,662,512) (224,127,599)
------------- -------------
Net decrease in net assets
from Fund share
transactions.............. (59,530,519) (69,328,056)
------------- -------------
Total decrease.................. (36,164,415) (89,717,196)
Net Assets
Beginning of year............... 671,695,654 761,412,850
------------- -------------
End of year..................... $ 635,531,239 $ 671,695,654
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 14
Notes to Financial Statements PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc. (the 'Fund') is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end management investment
company. The investment objective of the Fund is to seek a high level of current
income exempt from federal income taxes by investing substantially all of its
total assets in carefully selected long-term municipal bonds of medium quality.
The ability of the issuers of debt securities held by the Fund to meet their
obligations may be affected by economic or political developments in a specific
state, industry or region.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1. Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the
Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
Securities Valuations: The Fund values municipal securities (including
commitments to purchase such securities on a 'when-issued' basis) on the basis
of prices provided by a pricing service which uses information with respect to
transactions in bonds, quotations from bond dealers, market transactions in
comparable securities and various relationships between securities in
determining values. If market quotations are not readily available from such
pricing service, a security is valued at its fair value as determined under
procedures established by the Board of Directors.
Short-term securities which mature in more than 60 days are valued at current
market quotations. Short-term securities which mature in 60 days or less are
valued at amortized cost.
Options: The Fund may either purchase or write options in order to hedge against
adverse market movements or fluctuations in value caused by changes in
prevailing interest rates with respect to securities which the Fund currently
owns or intends to purchase. The Fund's principal reason for writing options is
to realize, through receipt of premiums, a greater current return than would be
realized on the underlying security alone. When the Fund purchases an option, it
pays a premium and an amount equal to that premium is recorded as an investment.
When the Fund writes an option, it receives a premium and an amount equal to
that premium is recorded as a liability. The investment or liability is adjusted
daily to reflect the current market value of the option. If an option expires
unexercised, the Fund realizes a gain or loss to the extent of the premium
received or paid. If an option is exercised, the premium received or paid is an
adjustment to the proceeds from the sale or the cost of the purchase in
determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. The difference between
the premium and the amount received or paid on effecting a closing purchase or
sale transaction is also treated as a realized gain or loss. Gain or loss on
purchased options is included in net realized gain (loss) on investment
transactions. Gain or loss on written options is presented separately as net
realized gain (loss) on written option transactions.
The Fund, as writer of an option, may have no control over whether the
underlying securities may be sold (called) or purchased (put). As a result, the
Fund bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security
underlying the written option. The Fund, as purchaser of an option, bears the
risk of the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their
contracts.
Financial Futures Contracts: A financial futures contract is an agreement to
purchase (long) or sell (short) an agreed amount of securities at a set price
for delivery on a future date. Upon entering into a financial futures contract,
the Fund is required to pledge to the broker an amount of cash and/or other
assets equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. This amount is
known as the 'initial margin.' Subsequent payments, known as 'variation margin,'
are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations
in the value of the underlying security. Such variation margin is recorded for
financial statement purposes on a daily basis as unrealized gain or loss. When
the contract expires or is closed, the gain or loss is realized and is presented
in the statement of operations as net realized gain(loss) on financial futures
contracts.
The Fund invests in financial futures contracts in order to hedge its existing
portfolio securities, or securities the Fund intends to purchase, against
fluctuations in value caused by changes in prevailing interest rates. Should
interest rates move unexpectedly, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated
benefits of the financial futures contracts and may realize a loss. The use of
futures transactions involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in
the price of futures contracts, interest rates and the underlying hedged assets.
Securities Transactions and Net Investment Income: Securities transactions are
recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on sales of portfolio
securities are calculated on an identified cost basis. Interest income is
recorded on an accrual basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes original
issue discount on portfolio securities as adjustments to interest income.
Expenses are recorded on the accrual basis which may require the use of certain
estimates by management.
Net investment income (other than distribution fees) and unrealized and realized
gains or losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the
relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15
Notes to Financial Statements PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reclassification of Capital Accounts: The Fund accounts and reports for
distributions to shareholders in accordance with Statement of Position 93-2:
Determination, Disclosure and Financial Statement Presentation of Income,
Capital Gain and Return of Capital Distributions by Investment Companies. The
effect of applying this statement was to increase undistributed net investment
income and decrease accumulated realized gain on investment by $196,161. The
current year effect of applying the Statement of Position was due to the sale of
securities purchased with market discount. Net investment income, net realized
gains and net assets were not affected by this change.
Federal Income Taxes: It is the intent of the Fund to continue to meet the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment
companies and to distribute all of its net income to its shareholders. For this
reason, no federal income tax provision is required.
Dividends and Distributions: Dividends from net investment income are declared
daily and paid monthly. The Fund will distribute at least annually any net
capital gains. Dividends and distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance
with income tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting
principles.
Custody Fee Credits: The Fund has an arrangement with its custodian bank,
whereby uninvested monies earn credits which reduce the fees charged by the
custodian.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Note 2. Agreements
The Fund has a management agreement with Prudential Investments Fund Management
LLC ('PIFM'). Pursuant to this agreement, PIFM has responsibility for all
investment advisory services and supervises the subadviser's performance of such
services. PIFM has entered into a subadvisory agreement with The Prudential
Investment Corporation ('PIC'); PIC furnishes investment advisory services in
connection with the management of the Fund. PIFM pays for the cost of the
subadviser's services, the compensation of officers of the Fund, occupancy and
certain clerical and bookkeeping costs of the Fund. The Fund bears all other
costs and expenses.
The management fee paid PIFM is computed daily and payable monthly at an annual
rate of .50% of the Fund's average daily net assets up to and including $250
million, .475% of the next $250 million, .45% of the next $500 million, .425% of
the next $250 million, .40% of the next $250 million and .375% of the Fund's
average daily net assets in excess of $1.5 billion. Prior to September 1, 1997,
PIFM had agreed to waive a portion (.05 of 1% of the Fund's average daily net
assets) of its management fee which amounted to $215,979 ($.005 per share for
Class A, B and C shares). The Fund is not required to reimburse PIFM for such
waiver. Effective September 1, 1997, PIFM eliminated its management fee waiver.
The Fund has a distribution agreement with Prudential Securities Incorporated
('PSI'), which acts as the distributor of the Class A, Class B and Class C
shares of the Fund. The Fund compensates PSI for distributing and servicing the
Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares, pursuant to plans of distribution
(the 'Class A, B and C Plans'), regardless of expenses actually incurred by
them. The distribution fees are accrued daily and payable monthly.
Pursuant to the Class A, B and C Plans, the Fund compensates PSI with respect to
Class A, B and C shares, for distribution-related activities at an annual rate
of up to .30 of 1%, .50 of 1% and 1%, of the average daily net assets of the
Class A, B and C shares, respectively. Such expenses under the Plans were .10 of
1%, .50 of 1% and .75 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A, B
and C shares, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1997.
PSI has advised the Fund that it received approximately $52,100 in front-end
sales charges resulting from sales of Class A shares during the year ended
December 31, 1997. From these fees, PSI paid such sales charges to dealers,
which in turn paid commissions to salespersons and incurred other distribution
costs.
PSI has advised the Fund that for the year ended December 31, 1997, it received
approximately $274,100 and $200 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed
upon certain redemptions by Class B and Class C shareholders, respectively.
PSI, PIFM and PIC are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of The Prudential
Insurance Company of America.
The Fund, along with other affiliated registered investment companies (the
'Funds'), has a credit agreement (the 'Agreement') with an unaffiliated lender.
The maximum commitment under the Agreement is $200,000,000. Interest on any such
borrowings outstanding will be at market rates. The purpose of the Agreement is
to serve as an alternative source of funding for capital share redemptions. The
Fund did not borrow any amounts pursuant to the Agreement during the year ended
December 31, 1997. The Funds pay a commitment fee at an annual rate of .055 of
1% on the unused portion of the credit facility. The commitment fee is
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16
Notes to Financial Statements PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
accrued and paid quarterly on a pro rata basis by the Funds. The Agreement
expired on December 30, 1997 and has been extended through December 29, 1998
under the same terms.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Note 3. Other Transactions with Affiliates
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC ('PMFS'), a wholly owned subsidiary of PIFM,
serves as the Fund's transfer agent and during the year ended December 31, 1997,
the Fund incurred fees of approximately $413,100 for the services of PMFS. As of
December 31, 1997, $33,200 of such fees were due to PMFS. Transfer agent fees
and expenses in the Statement of Operations include certain out-of-pocket
expenses paid to non affiliates.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Note 4. Portfolio Securities
Purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments,
for the year ended December 31, 1997, were $237,337,219 and $315,859,062,
respectively.
The federal income tax basis of the Fund's investments at December 31, 1997 was
substantially the same as for financial reporting purposes and, accordingly, net
and gross unrealized appreciation for federal income tax purposes was
$51,206,818.
The Fund utilized its capital loss carryforward of approximately $3,010,300 to
offset net taxable gains recognized during the year ended December 31, 1997.
During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Fund entered into financial futures
contracts. Details of open contracts at December 31, 1997 are as follows:
Value at
Value at December Unrealized
Number of Expiration Trade 31, Appreciation
Contracts Type Date Date 1997 (Depreciation)
- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------
Short
Position:
U.S.
Treasury
100 Index Mar. 1998 $11,825,000 $12,046,875 $ (221,875)
Long
Position:
U.S.
Treasury
100 Index Mar. 1998 12,203,125 12,312,500 109,375
--------------
$ (112,500)
--------------
--------------
Transactions in written options during the year ended December 31, 1997 were as
follows:
Number of Premiums
Contracts Received
----------- ----------
Options written................... 200 $ 92,000
Options terminated in closing
purchase transactions........... (200) (92,000)
--- ----------
Options outstanding at December
31, 1997........................ 0 $ 0
--- ----------
--- ----------
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Note 5. Capital
The Fund offers Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Class A shares are sold
with a front-end sales charge of up to 3%. Class B shares are sold with a
contingent deferred sales charge which declines from 5% to zero depending on the
period of time the shares are held. Class C shares are sold with a contingent
deferred sales charge of 1% during the first year. Class B shares will
automatically convert to Class A shares on a quarterly basis approximately seven
years after purchase. A special exchange privilege is also available for
shareholders who qualify to purchase Class A shares at net asset value.
There are 750 million shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share,
authorized divided into three classes, designated Class A, Class B and Class C
common stock, each of which consists of 250 million authorized shares.
Transactions in shares of common stock were as follows:
Class A Shares Amount
- --------------------------------- ----------- -------------
Year ended December 31, 1997:
Shares sold...................... 7,770,406 $ 121,265,504
Shares issued in connection with
the acquisition of Prudential
Municipal Series Fund-Hawaii
Income Series (Note 6)......... 896,395 14,045,247
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 1,127,948 17,779,927
Shares reacquired................ (12,541,415) (197,015,549)
----------- -------------
Net decrease in shares
outstanding before
conversion..................... (2,746,666) (43,924,871)
Shares issued upon conversion
from Class B................... 1,028,246 16,211,378
----------- -------------
Net decrease in shares
outstanding.................... (1,718,420) $ (27,713,493)
----------- -------------
----------- -------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17
Notes to Financial Statements PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares Amount
- --------------------------------- ----------- -------------
Year ended December 31, 1996:
Shares sold...................... 7,874,132 $ 121,137,131
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 1,069,965 16,527,402
Shares reacquired................ (12,415,345) (191,331,476)
----------- -------------
Net decrease in shares
outstanding before
conversion..................... (3,471,248) (53,666,943)
Shares issued upon conversion
from Class B................... 2,099,600 32,135,995
----------- -------------
Net decrease in shares
outstanding.................... (1,371,648) $ (21,530,948)
----------- -------------
----------- -------------
Class B
- ---------------------------------
Year ended December 31, 1997:
Shares sold...................... 493,868 $ 7,772,752
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 319,319 5,042,204
Shares reacquired................ (1,812,567) (28,445,531)
----------- -------------
Net decrease in shares
outstanding before
conversion..................... (999,380) (15,630,575)
Shares reacquired upon conversion
into Class A................... (1,025,835) (16,211,378)
----------- -------------
Net decrease in shares
outstanding.................... (2,025,215) $ (31,841,953)
----------- -------------
----------- -------------
Year ended December 31, 1996:
Shares sold...................... 698,535 $ 10,812,210
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 371,613 5,754,354
Shares reacquired................ (2,107,215) (32,615,599)
----------- -------------
Net decrease in shares
outstanding before
conversion..................... (1,037,067) (16,049,035)
Shares reacquired upon conversion
into Class A................... (2,095,072) (32,135,995)
----------- -------------
Net decrease in shares
outstanding.................... (3,132,139) $ (48,185,030)
----------- -------------
----------- -------------
Class C Shares Amount
- --------------------------------- ----------- -------------
Year ended December 31, 1997:
Shares sold...................... 12,662 $ 199,178
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 1,717 27,181
Shares reacquired................ (12,783) (201,432)
----------- -------------
Net increase in shares
outstanding.................... 1,596 $ 24,927
----------- -------------
----------- -------------
Year ended December 31, 1996:
Shares sold...................... 34,623 $ 545,420
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 1,490 23,026
Shares reacquired................ (11,778) (180,524)
----------- -------------
Net increase in shares
outstanding.................... 24,335 $ 387,922
----------- -------------
----------- -------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Note 6. Acquisition of Prudential Municipal Series Fund--Hawaii Income Series
On June 27, 1997, the Fund acquired all the net assets of Prudential Municipal
Series Fund--Hawaii Income Series ('Hawaii') pursuant to a plan of
reorganization approved by Hawaii shareholders on June 16, 1997. The acquisition
was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of 896,395 Class A shares of the Fund
(valued at $14,045,247 in the aggregate) for the Class A, B and C shares of
Hawaii outstanding on June 27, 1997. Hawaii net assets at that date
($14,045,247), including $731,983 of unrealized appreciation, were combined with
those of the Fund. The aggregate net assets of the Fund and Hawaii immediately
before the acquisition were $635,872,295 and $14,045,247, respectively.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18
Financial Highlights PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A
----------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year.................... $ 15.56 $ 15.98 $ 14.42 $ 16.30 $ 15.94
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Income from investment operations
Net investment income................................. .81(b) .82(b) .81(b) .81 .90
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment
transactions....................................... .67 (.42) 1.57 (1.78) 1.05
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations................... 1.48 .40 2.38 (.97) 1.95
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment income.................. (.81) (.82) (.81) (.81) (.90)
Distributions in excess of net investment income...... (.01) -- (c) (.01) -- --
Distributions from net realized gains................. (.10) -- -- (.10) (.69)
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Total distributions................................ (.92) (.82) (.82) (.91) (1.59)
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of year.......................... $ 16.12 $ 15.56 $ 15.98 $ 14.42 $ 16.30
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
TOTAL RETURN(a):...................................... 9.80% 2.66% 16.91% (6.04)% 12.60%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)......................... $493,178 $502,739 $538,145 $12,721 $14,167
Average net assets (000).............................. $491,279 $508,159 $446,350 $14,116 $11,786
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees.............. .70%(b) .68%(b) .75%(b) .77% .69%
Expenses, excluding distribution fees.............. .60%(b) .58%(b) .65%(b) .67% .59%
Net investment income.............................. 5.15%(b) 5.31%(b) 5.34%(b) 5.38% 5.49%
For Class A, B and C shares:
Portfolio turnover rate............................ 38% 46% 98% 120% 82%
- ---------------
(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
distributions.
(b) Net of management fee waiver.
(c) Less than $.005 per share.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 19
Financial Highlights PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B
------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year.................... $ 15.60 $ 16.02 $ 14.45 $ 16.33 $ 15.97
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income from investment operations
Net investment income................................. .75(b) .76(b) .76(b) .75 .84
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment
transactions....................................... .67 (.42) 1.58 (1.78) 1.05
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations................... 1.42 .34 2.34 (1.03) 1.89
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment income.................. (.75) (.76) (.76) (.75) (.84)
Distributions in excess of net investment income...... (.01) -- (c) (.01) -- --
Distributions from net realized gains................. (.10) -- -- (.10) (.69)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total distributions................................ (.86) (.76) (.77) (.85) (1.53)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of year.......................... $ 16.16 $ 15.60 $ 16.02 $ 14.45 $ 16.33
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
TOTAL RETURN(a):...................................... 9.35% 2.26% 16.49% (6.39)% 12.15%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)......................... $141,528 $168,185 $222,865 $672,272 $848,299
Average net assets (000).............................. $151,938 $193,312 $252,313 $751,623 $854,919
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees.............. 1.10%(b) 1.08%(b) 1.15%(b) 1.17% 1.09%
Expenses, excluding distribution fees.............. .60%(b) .58%(b) .65%(b) .67% .59%
Net investment income.............................. 4.75%(b) 4.91%(b) 4.96%(b) 4.96% 5.09%
- ---------------
(a)Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
distributions.
(b) Net of management fee waiver.
(c) Less than $.005 per share.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 20
Financial Highlights PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C
----------------------------------------------------
August 1,
1994(e)
Year Ended December 31, through
----------------------------------- December 31,
1997 1996 1995 1994
------- ------ ------------ ------------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period.................. $ 15.60 $16.02 $14.44 $15.13
------- ------ ----- -----
Income from investment operations
Net investment income................................. .71(b) .72(b) .72(b) .29
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment
transactions....................................... .67 (.42) 1.59 (.69)
------- ------ ----- -----
Total from investment operations................... 1.38 .30 2.31 (.40)
------- ------ ----- -----
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment income.................. (.71) (.72) (.72) (.29)
Distributions in excess of net investment income...... (.01) -- (c) (.01) --
Distributions from net realized gains................. (.10) -- -- --
------- ------ ----- -----
Total distributions................................ (.82) (.72) (.73) (.29)
------- ------ ----- -----
Net asset value, end of period........................ $ 16.16 $15.60 $16.02 $14.44
------- ------ ----- -----
------- ------ ----- -----
TOTAL RETURN(a):...................................... 9.08% 2.01% 16.22% (2.63)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000)....................... $825 $772 $403 $141
Average net assets (000).............................. $758 $674 $247 $103
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees.............. 1.35%(b) 1.33%(b) 1.40%(b) 1.51%(d)
Expenses, excluding distribution fees.............. .60%(b) .58%(b) .65%(b) .76%(d)
Net investment income.............................. 4.50%(b) 4.67%(b) 4.66%(b) 4.84%(d)
- ---------------
(a)Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
distributions. Total returns for periods of less than a full year are not
annualized.
(b) Net of management fee waiver.
(c) Less than $.005 per share.
(d) Annualized.
(e) Commencement of offering of Class C shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 21
Report of Independent Accountants PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc.
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the portfolio of investments, and the related statements of operations and of
changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Prudential National Municipals
Fund, Inc. (the 'Fund') at December 31, 1997, the results of its operations for
the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in
the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the periods
presented, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These
financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as
'financial statements') are the responsibility of the Fund's management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at
December 31, 1997 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers and the
application of alternative auditing procedures where confirmations from brokers
were not received, provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York
February 13, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22
Tax Information PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are required by the Internal Revenue Code to advise you within 60 days of the
Fund's fiscal year end (December 31, 1997) as to the federal tax status of
dividends paid by the Fund during such fiscal year. Accordingly, we are advising
you that in the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, dividends paid from net
investment income totalling $.81 per Class A share, $.75 per Class B share and
$.71 per Class C shares were all federally tax-exempt interest dividends. In
addition, the Fund paid an ordinary distribution of $.005 per share (taxable as
ordinary income) and a long-term capital gain distribution of $.104 of which
$.063 is taxable at 28% and $.041 is taxable at 20%.
The portion of your dividends which may be subject to the Alternative Minimum
Tax (AMT) as well as information with respect to the state taxability of your
investment in the Fund was sent to you under separate cover.
For the purpose of preparing your annual federal income tax return, however, you
should report the amounts as reflected on the appropriate Form 1099-DIV or
substitute 1099-DIV.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23
Portfolio of Investments
as of June 30, 1998 (Unaudited) PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Moody's Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description(a) Rating Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS--97.0%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alaska--1.8%
Anchorage Elec. Utility Rev.,
M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.50% 12/01/12 $ 3,400 (h) $ 4,011,966
M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.50 12/01/13 2,500 (h) 2,959,200
M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.50 12/01/14 3,455 (h) 4,095,073
------------
11,066,239
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona--4.2%
Arizona St. Mun. Fin. Proj., Cert. of Part., Ser. 25, B.I.G. Aaa 7.875 8/01/14 2,250 (h) 3,000,960
Maricopa Cnty. Sch. Dist., A.M.B.A.C.,
No. 3 Tempe Elem., Aaa Zero 7/01/09 1,500 896,820
No. 3 Tempe Elem., Aaa Zero 7/01/14 1,500 671,070
Maricopa Cnty. Unified Sch. Dist.,
No. 80 Chandler, F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 7/01/09 1,330 795,180
No. 80 Chandler, M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 7/01/10 1,050 594,899
No. 80 Chandler, M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 7/01/11 1,200 640,272
No. 80 Chandler, F.G.I.C. NR 6.25 7/01/11 1,000 1,155,605
Phoenix St. & Hwy. User Rev., Ser. A, F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 7/01/12 2,500 1,253,725
Pima Cnty. Ind. Dev. Auth. Rev., F.S.A. Aaa 7.25 7/15/10 2,095 (h) 2,335,087
Pima Cnty. Unified Sch. Dist., Gen. Oblig., F.G.I.C.,
No. 1, Tuscan Aaa 7.50 7/01/10 3,000 (f) 3,795,600
No. 16, Catalina Foothills Aaa Zero 7/01/09 3,455 2,065,675
Tucson, Gen. Oblig.,
Ser. A Aa3 7.375 7/01/11 1,000 1,261,420
Ser. A Aa3 7.375 7/01/12 1,100 1,390,268
Ser. A Aa3 7.375 7/01/13 4,500 5,706,810
------------
25,563,391
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California--8.5%
Abag Fin. Auth. for Nonprofit Corps. Ref., Amer. Baptist
Homes., Ser. A BBB(d) 6.20 10/01/27 2,200 2,337,214
Anaheim Pub. Fin. Auth. Lease Rev., F.S.A.,
Sr. Pub. Impvts. Proj., Ser. A Aaa 6.00 9/01/24 5,500 6,306,300
Sub. Pub. Impvts. Proj., Ser. C Aaa 6.00 9/01/16 6,690 7,542,105
Encinitas Union Cap. Sch. Dist., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 8/01/21 3,810 1,153,516
Kern High Sch. Dist., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.30 2/01/10 2,490 2,869,202
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 3
Portfolio of Investments as of June 30, 1998 (Unaudited) PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL
MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Moody's Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description(a) Rating Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California (cont'd.)
Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific Rev., Ser. A, A.M.T. BBB(d) 6.125% 7/01/23 $ 6,000 $ 6,289,500
Long Beach Harbor Rev., F.G.I.C., A.M.T. Aaa 6.00 5/15/18 4,000 4,467,560
Los Angeles Unified Sch. Distr., Ser. A, F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.00 7/01/15 1,000 1,128,400
San Jose Redev. Proj., Agcy. Tax Alloc., M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.00 8/01/11 5,000 5,655,950
Santa Cruz Cnty. Pub. Fin. Auth. Rev., Ser. A A-(d) 6.20 9/01/23 2,000 2,119,200
Santa Margarita/Dana Point Auth., M.B.I.A.,
Impvt. Dists. 3-3A-484A, Ser. B Aaa 7.25 8/01/09 2,000 2,469,920
Impvt. Dists. 3-3A-484A, Ser. B Aaa 7.25 8/01/10 2,450 3,044,100
Impvt. Dists. 3-3A-484A, Ser. B Aaa 7.25 8/01/14 2,000 2,531,720
So. Orange Cnty. Pub. Fin. Auth. Rev., Foothill Area Proj.,
Ser. C, F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.50 8/15/10 2,000 2,352,060
West Contra Costa Sch. Dist., Cert. of Part., Ref. Baa3 7.125 1/01/24 1,600 1,752,784
------------
52,019,531
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado--4.7%
Arapahoe Cnty. Cap. Impvt. Trust Fund, Pub. Hwy. Rev., Ser.
E-470 Aaa 7.00 8/31/26 3,000(b) 3,565,260
Colorado Hsg. Fin. Auth., A.M.T.
Singl. Fam. Proj., Ser. A-2 Aa2 7.25 5/01/27 2,000 2,255,260
Singl. Fam. Proj., Ser. B-1 Aa2 7.90 12/01/25 2,290 2,536,885
Singl. Fam. Proj., Ser. C-1, M.B.I.A. Aaa 7.65 12/01/25 4,920 5,532,147
Singl. Fam. Proj., Ser. C-2 Aa2 6.875 11/01/28 2,000 2,233,540
Singl. Fam. Proj. Aa2 8.00 6/01/25 3,610 3,999,230
Colorado Springs Arpt. Rev., Ser. A., A.M.T. BBB+(d) 7.00 1/01/22 5,000(f) 5,500,100
Colorado Springs Arpt. Rev., Ser. A., A.M.T. BBB+(d) 7.00 1/01/22 2,960 3,256,059
------------
28,878,481
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connecticut--2.9%
Connecticut St. Hlth. & Edu. Facs. Auth. Rev.,
St. Mary's Hosp. Issue, Ser. E A3 5.50 7/01/20 5,650 5,729,156
St. Mary's Hosp. Issue, Ser. E A3 5.875 7/01/22 1,750 1,815,048
The Griffin Hosp., Ser. A Baa2 5.75 7/01/23 3,280 3,298,368
Univ. of Hartford Ba2 6.75 7/01/12 5,475 5,810,070
Connecticut St. Spec. Tax Oblig. Rev., Trans. Infrastructure,
Ser. A A1 7.125 6/01/10 1,000 1,227,570
------------
17,880,212
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
District of Columbia--1.8%
Dist. of Columbia, Gen. Oblig. Ref., Ser. B, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.00 6/01/21 10,075 11,291,859
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 4
Portfolio of Investments
as of June 30, 1998 (Unaudited) PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Moody's Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description(a) Rating Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Florida--2.7%
Broward Cnty. Res. Rec. Rev., Broward Co. L.P. South Proj. A-(d) 7.95% 12/01/08 $ 8,300 $ 8,922,334
Florida St. Brd. of Ed., Admin. Cap. Outlay Aa2 9.125 6/01/14 1,260 (h) 1,806,512
Hillsborough Cnty. Ind. Dev. Auth., Poll. Ctrl. Rev., Tampa
Elec. Proj., Ser. 92 Ser. 9 Aa3 8.00 5/01/22 5,000 5,767,050
------------
16,495,896
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Georgia--2.4%
Burke Cnty. Dev. Auth., M.B.I.A.,
Georgia Pwr. Plant Co., Vogtle Proj., Ser. 7 Aaa 6.625 10/01/24 500 (h) 524,130
Oglethorpe Pwr. Corp. Aaa 8.00 1/01/22 5,000 (b)(h) 5,903,350
Forsyth Cnty. Sch. Dist. Dev. Rev., Ser. A Aa3 6.75 7/01/16 500 603,065
Fulton Cnty. Sch. Dist. Rev., Lindbrook Square Fndtn. Aa2 6.375 5/01/17 750 (h) 876,848
Georgia Mun. Elec. Auth. Pwr. Rev. Ref.,
Ser. B A 6.25 1/01/17 475 536,246
Ser. B, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.375 1/01/16 5,000 5,818,750
Green Cnty. Dev. Auth. Indl. Park Rev. NR 6.875 2/01/04 460 496,220
------------
14,758,609
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hawaii--1.5%
Hawaii St. Arpt. Sys. Rev.,
2nd Ser. 90, F.G.I.C., A.M.T. Aaa 7.50 7/01/20 500 538,370
2nd Ser., A.M.T. A 7.00 7/01/18 365 394,711
Hawaii St. Dept. of Budget & Fin.,
Hawaiian Elec. Co., Ser. A, M.B.I.A., A.M.T. Aaa 5.65 10/01/27 5,000 5,197,000
Hawaiian Elec. Co., Ser. C, M.B.I.A., A.M.T. Aaa 7.375 12/01/20 500 542,885
Kapiolani Hlth. Care Sys. A 6.30 7/01/08 500 545,095
Kapiolani Hosp. A 6.00 7/01/11 250 270,513
Hawaii St. Gen., Oblig., Ser. CJ Aaa 6.25 1/01/15 650 (b) 721,630
Hawaii St. Harbor Cap. Impvt. Rev.,
F.G.I.C., A.M.T. Aaa 6.25 7/01/10 250 272,885
F.G.I.C., A.M.T. Aaa 6.25 7/01/15 500 542,215
------------
9,025,304
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illinois--4.8%
Cook and Du Page Cntys., Cap. Apprec., High Sch. Dist. No.
210, F.S.A. Aaa Zero 12/01/11 3,035 1,578,777
Illinois Dev. Fin. Auth. Rev.,
Cmnty. Rehab. Providers-A BBB(d) 6.00 7/01/15 2,000 2,083,400
Cmnty. Rehab. Providers-A BBB(d) 5.70 7/01/19 1,600 1,614,960
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 5
Portfolio of Investments
as of June 30, 1998 (Unaudited) PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Moody's Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description(a) Rating Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illinois (cont'd.)
Illinois Educ. Facs. Auth. Rev., Univ. of Chicago, Ser. A Aa1 5.125% 7/01/25 $ 4,000 $ 3,933,920
Illinois Hlth. Facs. Auth. Rev., Loyola Univ. Hlth. Sys., Ser.
A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.00 7/01/14 3,500 3,911,180
Metropolitan Pier & Expo. Auth., Hosp. Fac. Rev., McCormick
Place Convention BBB-(d) 7.00 7/01/26 12,910 16,283,641
------------
29,405,878
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kentucky--1.1%
Henderson Cnty. Solid Waste Disp. Rev., Macmillan Bloedel
Proj., A.M.T. Baa2 7.00 3/01/25 6,000 6,549,120
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisiana--5.0%
New Orleans, Gen. Oblig., Cap. Apprec., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa Zero 9/01/09 13,500 7,870,095
Orleans Parish Sch. Brd., E.T.M., M.B.I.A. Aaa 8.90 2/01/07 5,780 (h) 7,614,052
St. Charles Parish, Environ. Impt. Rev., Louisiana Pwr. & Lt.
Co., Ser. A, A.M.T. Baa2 6.875 7/01/24 5,000 5,536,100
St. Charles Parish, Lousiana Poll. Ctrl. Rev.,
Lousiana Pwr. & Lt. Co. Baa3 8.25 6/01/14 4,000 4,248,760
Lousiana Pwr. & Lt. Co., Ser. 1989 Baa3 8.00 12/01/14 5,000 5,379,850
------------
30,648,857
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maryland--0.6%
Northeast Waste Disp. Auth., Baltimore City Sludge Proj. NR 7.25 7/01/07 3,370 3,728,871
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massachusetts--2.5%
Mass. St. Hlth. & Edl. Facs. Auth. Rev., Mass. Inst. of Tech.
Ser. I-1 Aaa 5.20 1/01/28 1,500 1,550,745
Mass. St. Wtr. Res. Auth. Rev.,
Ser. B, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.25 12/01/11 6,720 7,776,854
Ser. B, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.25 12/01/12 5,000 5,776,300
------------
15,103,899
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michigan--3.2%
Dexter Cmnty. Schs., F.G.I.C. Aaa 5.10 5/01/28 8,000 8,122,800
Michigan St. Hosp. Fin. Auth. Rev., Genesys Regl. Hosp., Ser.
A Baa2 5.50 10/01/27 3,000 2,969,580
Michigan St. Hsg. Dev. Auth. Rev.,
Rental Hsg. Rev., Ser. B AA-(d) 7.55 4/01/23 1,000 1,069,870
Sngl. Fam. Mtge., Ser. A AA+(d) 7.50 6/01/15 5,185 5,412,414
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 6
Portfolio of Investments
as of June 30, 1998 (Unaudited) PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Moody's Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description(a) Rating Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michigan (cont'd)
Okemos Pub. Sch. Dist., M.B.I.A.,
Cnty. of Ingham Aaa Zero 5/01/12 $ 1,100 $ 559,966
Cnty. of Ingham Aaa Zero 5/01/13 1,000 481,310
St. John's Public Schs. Ref., F.G.I.C. Aaa 5.10% 5/01/25 1,000 1,010,180
------------
19,626,120
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minnesota--0.7%
Anoka Hennepin Indpt. Sch. Dist., No. 11, Ser. C, F.S.A. Aaa Zero 2/01/12 1,575 (h) 817,000
Minneapolis St. Paul Hsg. Fin. Brd. Rev., Sngl. Fam. Mtge.,
G.N.M.A., A.M.T. AAA(d) 7.30 8/01/31 775 816,757
Minneapolis St. Paul Met. Arpts. Comm., Ser. 7, A.M.T. Aaa 7.80 1/01/14 1,000 (h) 1,039,720
St. Paul Science Museum, Cert. of Part., E.T.M. AAA(d) 7.50 12/15/01 685 (h) 723,116
Univ. of Minnesota, Ser. A, E.T.M. Aa3 6.00 2/01/11 1,000 987,080
------------
4,383,673
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mississipi--0.4%
Mississippi Hosp. Equip. & Facs, Auth. Rev.,
Rush Med. Fndtn. Proj., Ser. B Baa3 6.00 1/01/16 1,480 1,530,083
Rush Med. Fndtn. Proj., Ser. B Baa3 6.00 1/01/22 1,000 1,029,840
------------
2,559,923
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Missouri--0.9%
Missouri St. Hsg. Dev. Comn. Mtge Rev., Sngl. Fam. Homeowner
Ln., Ser. A, G.N.M.A., A.M.T. AAA(d) 7.20 9/01/26 4,920 5,531,015
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nevada--2.4%
Clark Cnty. Indl. Dev. Rev., Southwest Gas Corp., Ser. A,
A.M.T. Baa2 6.50 12/01/33 10,000 10,728,600
Nevada Hsg. Div., Multi Unit Hsg., Arville Et Cetera Proj.,
F.N.M.A., A.M.T. AAA(d) 6.60 10/01/23 3,475 3,730,343
------------
14,458,943
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Hampshire--0.3%
New Hampshire Higher Ed. & Hlth. Facs. Auth. Rev.,
New Hampshire College BBB-(d) 6.30 1/01/16 500 534,885
New Hampshire College BBB-(d) 6.375 1/01/27 1,000 1,069,110
------------
1,603,995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 7
Portfolio of Investments
as of June 30, 1998 (Unaudited) PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Moody's Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description(a) Rating Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey--2.5%
New Jersey St. Hsg. & Mtge. Fin. Agcy., Ser. D, M.B.I.A.,
A.M.T. Aaa 7.70% 10/01/29 $ 2,035 $ 2,119,941
New Jersey St. Tpke. Auth. Rev., Ser. C, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.50 1/01/16 11,000 13,002,220
------------
15,122,161
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Mexico--0.9%
New Mexico Mtge. Fin. Auth., Sngl. Fam. Mtge., A.M.T. AAA(d) 6.30 7/01/28 5,000 5,297,250
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York--13.9%
Greece Central Sch. Dist.,
F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.00 6/15/16 950 1,070,175
F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.00 6/15/17 950 1,071,743
F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.00 6/15/18 950 1,072,949
Metropolitan Trans. Auth., Trans. Facs. Rev., Ser. A, F.S.A. Aaa 6.00 7/01/16 2,500 2,721,150
New York City Ind. Dev. Agcy.,
Brooklyn Navy Yard Cogen Partners, A.M.T. Baa3 5.65 10/01/28 3,000 3,026,670
Brooklyn Navy Yard Cogen Partners, A.M.T. Baa3 5.75 10/01/36 5,000 5,094,250
Spec. Fac. Rev., Terminal One Group Assoc. Proj., A.M.T. A1 6.00 1/01/19 2,500 2,643,600
New York City Mun. Wtr. Fin. Auth.,
F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.75 6/15/16 6,000 (b) 6,518,400
F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.75 6/15/16 10,565 (f) 11,381,991
New York City, Gen. Oblig.,
Ser. A A-(d) 7.75 8/15/04 1,875 (b) 2,101,988
Ser. A A3 7.75 8/15/04 125 138,246
Ser. B A3 8.25 6/01/06 1,500 1,851,795
Ser. B A3 7.25 8/15/07 3,500 4,148,690
Ser. D Aaa 8.00 8/01/03 1,635 (b) 1,846,242
Ser. D A3 8.00 8/01/03 385 430,923
Ser. D Aaa 8.00 8/01/04 1,005 (b) 1,134,846
Ser. D A3 8.00 8/01/04 165 184,681
Ser. D Aaa 7.65 2/01/07 4,605 (b) 5,214,932
Ser. D A3 7.65 2/01/07 395 442,250
Ser. F A-(d) 8.25 11/15/02 4,185 (b) 4,790,234
Ser. F A3 8.25 11/15/02 815 924,748
New York St. Dorm. Auth. Rev., Mem. Sloan Kettering Cancer
Ctr., M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.75 7/01/20 4,000 4,386,280
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 8
Portfolio of Investments
as of June 30, 1998 (Unaudited) PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Moody's Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description(a) Rating Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York (cont'd.)
New York St. Local Gov't. Assist. Corp., Ref., Ser. E A3 6.00% 4/01/14 $ 5,000 $ 5,627,850
New York St. Urban Dev. Corp., Rev., Ref., F.S.A.,
Correctional Facs. Aaa 6.50 1/01/09 3,000 3,476,010
Correctional Facs., Ser. A Aaa 5.50 1/01/14 3,000 3,210,780
Triborough Bridge & Tunl. Auth., Ser. X, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.625 1/01/12 8,500 (h) 10,070,545
------------
84,581,968
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Dakota--1.8%
Mercer Cnty., Antelope Valley Station, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 7.20 6/30/13 9,000 11,082,870
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio--2.4%
Ohio St. Wtr. Dev. Auth., Poll. Ctrl. Facs. Rev., Buckeye Pwr.
Inc. Proj., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 7.80 11/01/14 12,585 14,933,613
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oklahoma--4.6%
McGee Creek Auth. Wtr. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.00 1/01/23 7,000 7,950,250
Tulsa Mun. Arpt. Trust Rev., American Airlines, Inc., A.M.T. Baa2 7.375 12/01/20 19,000 20,436,020
------------
28,386,270
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania--1.0%
Delaware Cnty. Ind. Dev. Auth. Rev., Res. Rec. Fac., Ser. A Baa1 6.20 7/01/19 3,000 3,246,450
Philadelphia Wtr. & Waste Auth. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.25 8/01/11 2,500 2,864,875
------------
6,111,325
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico--3.4%
Puerto Rico Comnwlth., Gen. Oblig., M.B.I.A. Baa1 6.50 7/01/13 3,000 3,502,260
Puerto Rico Comnwlth., Hwy. & Trans. Auth., Hwy. Rev.,
Ser. V Baa1 6.625 7/01/12 4,000 4,392,360
Ser. V Baa1 6.375 7/01/08 500 540,840
Puerto Rico Ind., Tourist Ed. Med. & Env. Ctrl. Facs.,
Doctor Pila Hosp. Proj., F.H.A. AAA(d) 6.125 8/01/25 500 550,755
Hosp. Auxilio Mutuo Oblig. Grp. Proj., M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.25 7/01/16 500 555,145
Puerto Rico Mun. Fin. Agcy., Ser. A, F.S.A. Aaa 6.00 7/01/14 250 272,268
Puerto Rico Tel. Auth. Rev.,
Ser. I, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.667(c) 1/25/07 4,100 4,504,875
Ser. I, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.996(c) 1/16/15 6,150 6,557,437
------------
20,875,940
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 9
Portfolio of Investments
as of June 30, 1998 (Unaudited) PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Moody's Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description(a) Rating Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Carolina--1.7%
Charleston Wtrwks. & Swr. Rev., E.T.M. Aaa 10.375% 1/01/10 $ 7,415(h) $ 10,319,159
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tennessee--1.9%
Bristol Hlth. & Edl. Fac. Rev., Bristol Memorial Hosp.,
F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.75 9/01/10 5,000(f) 5,982,500
McMinn Cnty. Ind. Dev. Brd. Solid Waste Rev., Calhoun Nwsprnt.
Recycling Fac., A.M.T. Baa1 7.40 12/01/22 5,000 5,580,250
------------
11,562,750
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas--4.8%
Bexar Cnty. Hlth. Facs. Dev. Corp. Rev., Baptist Hlth. Sys.,
Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.00 11/15/14 5,695 6,367,010
Dallas Ft. Worth, Regl. Arpt. Rev., F.G.I.C.,
Ser. A Aaa 7.375 11/01/08 3,500 4,094,720
Ser. A Aaa 7.375 11/01/09 3,500 4,094,720
Keller Indpt. Sch. Dist. Rev. Aaa 6.00 8/15/23 3,970 4,534,137
New Braunfels Indpt. Sch. Dist.,
Cap. Apprec. Aaa Zero 2/01/10 2,335 1,344,727
Cap. Apprec. Aaa Zero 2/01/11 2,365 1,282,776
Port Corpus Christi Auth. Rev., A2 7.50 8/01/12 2,000 2,174,460
San Antonio Elec. & Gas Rev., Ser. B, F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 2/01/09 5,000 3,038,750
Univ. of Texas Rev., Fen. Sys., Ser. B Aa1 6.75 8/15/13 2,035 2,217,336
------------
29,148,636
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Virgin Islands--0.1%
Virgin Islands Pub. Fin. Auth. Rev.,
Gov't. Dev. Proj., Ser. B, A.M.T. NR 7.375 10/01/10 300 353,409
Matching Loan Notes, Ser. A NR 7.25 10/01/18 250 (b) 284,738
------------
638,147
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Virginia--0.4%
Pocahontas Parkway Assoc. Toll Road, Variable Ref., Kinder
Care Ctrs., Ser. B. Baa3 Zero 8/15/16 7,000 (g) 2,500,960
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington--4.8%
Chelan Cnty. Pub. Util., Dist. No. 1, Columbia River Rock
Hydro Elec. Sys. Rev., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 6/01/15 15,000 6,314,100
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 10
Portfolio of Investments
as of June 30, 1998 (Unaudited) PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Moody's Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description(a) Rating Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington (cont'd.)
Pierce Cnty. Sch. Dist. No. 1, F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.00% 12/01/10 $ 1,000 $ 1,129,270
Washington St. Pub. Pwr. Supply Sys. Rev.,
Nuclear Proj. No. 1, Ser. A, F.S.A. Aaa 7.00 7/01/08 4,000 4,734,560
Nuclear Proj. No. 1, Ser. B, F.S.A. Aaa 7.25 7/01/09 5,000 6,037,700
Nuclear Proj. No. 2, F.S.A. Aaa 5.40 7/01/12 5,400 5,627,340
Nuclear Proj. No. 3, Ser. B, F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 7/01/06 3,000 2,068,530
Washington St. Rev., Ser. R-97A Aa1 Zero 7/01/16 8,000 3,180,400
------------
29,091,900
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wisconsin--0.4%
Wisconsin Hsg. & Econ. Dev. Auth., Home Ownership Rev., A.M.T. Aa 6.20 3/01/27 2,100 2,206,470
------------
Total long-term investments (cost $545,571,656) 592,439,235
------------
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS--2.4%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
District of Columbia--0.7%
Dist. of Columbia, Gen. Oblig. Ref., Ser. 92A-4, F.R.D.D. VMIG1 4.00 7/01/98 4,300 4,300,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisiana--1.6%
Calcasieu Parish Inc. Ind. Dev. Brd. Environ. Rev., F.R.D.D.,
A.M.T. VMIG1 4.00 7/01/98 500 500,000
Plaquemines Parish Environ. Rev., A.M.T.,
British Petroleum Co., Expl. & Oil Proj., F.R.D.D., Ser. 94 P1 3.95 7/01/98 100 100,000
British Petroleum Co., Expl. & Oil Proj., F.R.D.D., Ser. 95 P1 3.95 7/01/98 300 300,000
West Baton Rouge Parish Ind. Dist. No. 3 Rev., Dow Chemical
Co. Proj., Ser. 93, F.R.D.D., A.M.T. P1 4.05 7/01/98 8,600 8,600,000
------------
9,500,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Virginia--0.1%
Hopewell Ind. Dev. Auth. Rev., Hadson Pwr. Prog. 13, Ser. 90A,
F.R.D.D., A.M.T. P1 4.05 7/01/98 600 600,000
King George Cnty. Ind. Dev. Auth., Birchwood Pwr. Proj., Ser.
94A, F.R.D.D., A.M.T. A1+(d) 4.10 7/01/98 100 100,000
------------
700,000
------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 11
Portfolio of Investments
as of June 30, 1998 (Unaudited) PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Value
Description(a) Contracts (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALL OPTIONS PURCHASED--0.1%
United States Treasury Bond Future, expiring 11/20/98 @$125. 300 $ 496,875
------------
Total short-term investments (cost $14,891,687) 14,996,875
------------
Total Investments--99.5%
(cost $560,463,343) 607,436,110
Other assets in excess of liabilities--0.5% 2,877,396
------------
Net Assets--100% $610,313,506
------------
------------
- ---------------
(a) The following abbreviations are used in portfolio descriptions:
A.M.B.A.C.--American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation
A.M.T.--Alternative Minimum Tax
B.I.G.--Bond Investors Guaranty Insurance Company
E.T.M.--Escrowed to Maturity
F.G.I.C.--Financial Guaranty Insurance Company
F.H.A.--Federal Housing Authority
F.N.M.A.--Federal National Mortgage Association
F.R.D.D.--Floating Rate Daily Demand Note(e)
F.S.A.--Financial Security Assurance
G.N.M.A.--Government National Mortgage Association
M.B.I.A.--Municipal Bond Insurance Association
(b) Prerefunded issues are secured by escrowed cash and direct U.S. guaranteed
obligations.
(c) Inverse floating rate bond. The coupon is inversely indexed to a floating
interest rate. The rate shown is the rate at year-end.
(d) Standard and Poor's Rating.
(e) For purposes of amortized cost valuation, the maturity date of Floating Rate
Demand Notes is considered to be the later of the next date on which the
security can be redeemed at par or the next date on which the rate of
interest is adjusted.
(f) Pledged as initial margin on financial futures contracts.
(g) Represents when-issued or extended settlement security.
(h) Pledged as collateral for when-issued or extended settlement security.
NR--Not Rated by Moody's or Standard & Poor's.
The Fund's current Statement of Additional Information contains a description of
Moody's and Standard & Poor's ratings.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 12
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
(Unaudited) PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets June 30, 1998
Investments, at value (cost $560,463,343)................................................................... $607,436,110
Cash........................................................................................................ 421,300
Interest receivable......................................................................................... 9,841,509
Receivable for investments sold............................................................................. 555,924
Receivable for Fund shares sold............................................................................. 229,100
Due from broker--variation margin........................................................................... 56,250
Deferred expenses and other assets.......................................................................... 10,648
-------------
Total assets............................................................................................. 618,550,841
-------------
Liabilities
Payable for investments purchased........................................................................... 6,442,790
Payable for Fund shares reacquired.......................................................................... 801,123
Dividends payable........................................................................................... 408,837
Accrued expenses............................................................................................ 258,571
Management fee payable...................................................................................... 226,301
Distribution fee payable.................................................................................... 94,295
Deferred director's fee..................................................................................... 5,418
-------------
Total liabilities........................................................................................ 8,237,335
-------------
Net Assets.................................................................................................. $610,313,506
-------------
-------------
Net assets were comprised of:
Common stock, at par..................................................................................... $ 379,486
Paid-in capital in excess of par......................................................................... 559,713,928
-------------
560,093,414
Accumulated net realized gain on investments............................................................. 3,131,700
Net unrealized appreciation on investments............................................................... 47,088,392
-------------
Net assets, June 30, 1998................................................................................... $610,313,506
-------------
-------------
Class A:
Net asset value and redemption price per share
($480,442,843 / 29,888,170 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)............................. $16.07
Maximum sales charge (3% of offering price).............................................................. .50
-------------
Maximum offering price to public......................................................................... $16.57
-------------
-------------
Class B:
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($128,212,019 / 7,957,475 shares of common stock issued and outstanding).............................. $16.11
-------------
Class C:
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($1,658,644 / 102,944 shares of common stock issued and outstanding).................................. $16.11
-------------
-------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 13
PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
Statement of Operations (Unaudited)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months
Ended
Net Investment Income June 30, 1998
Income
Interest................................... $17,592,359
-------------
Expenses
Management fee............................. 1,485,469
Distribution fee--Class A.................. 240,983
Distribution fee--Class B.................. 339,402
Distribution fee--Class C.................. 4,343
Transfer agent's fees and expense.......... 268,000
Custodian's fees and expenses.............. 71,000
Reports to shareholders.................... 45,000
Registration fees.......................... 25,000
Audit fees and expenses.................... 17,000
Legal fees and expenses.................... 16,000
Directors' fees and expenses............... 14,000
Insurance expense.......................... 4,000
Miscellaneous.............................. 3,548
-------------
Total expenses.......................... 2,533,745
Less: Custodian fee credit................. (2,205)
-------------
Net expenses............................ 2,531,540
-------------
Net investment income......................... 15,060,819
-------------
Realized and Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Investment transactions.................... 3,469,738
Financial futures contracts................ (1,380,883)
-------------
2,088,855
-------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) of:
Investments................................ (4,234,051)
Futures.................................... 228,125
-------------
(4,005,926)
-------------
Net loss on investment transactions........... (1,917,071)
-------------
Net Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations..................... $13,143,748
-------------
-------------
PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
Statement of Changes in Net Assets (Unaudited)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months
Ended Year Ended
Increase (Decrease) June 30, December 31,
in Net Assets 1998 1997
Operations
Net investment income........ $ 15,060,819 $ 32,548,931
Net realized gain on
investment transactions... 2,088,855 8,329,425
Net change in unrealized
appreciation
(depreciation) of
investments............... (4,005,926) 19,312,987
------------- -------------
Net increase in net assets
resulting from
operations................ 13,143,748 60,191,343
------------- -------------
Dividends and distributions
(Note 1)
Dividends from net investment
income
Class A................... (11,943,682) (25,293,360)
Class B................... (3,092,086) (7,221,480)
Class C................... (25,051) (34,091)
------------- -------------
(15,060,819) (32,548,931)
------------- -------------
Distributions paid from
capital gains
Class A................... -- (3,169,156)
Class B................... -- (905,674)
Class C................... -- (5,317)
------------- -------------
-- (4,080,147)
------------- -------------
Distributions in excess of
net investment income
Class A................... -- (152,363)
Class B................... -- (43,542)
Class C................... -- (256)
------------- -------------
-- (196,161)
------------- -------------
Fund share transactions (net of
share conversions) (Note 5):
Net proceeds from shares
sold...................... 14,267,923 143,282,681
Net asset value of shares
issued in reinvestment of
dividends and
distributions............. 9,285,437 22,849,312
Cost of shares reacquired.... (46,854,022) (225,662,512)
------------- -------------
Net decrease in net assets
from Fund share
transactions.............. (23,300,662) (59,530,519)
------------- -------------
Total decrease.................. (25,217,733) (36,164,415)
Net Assets
Beginning of period............. 635,531,239 671,695,654
------------- -------------
End of period................... $ 610,313,506 $ 635,531,239
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 14
Notes to Financial Statements
(Unaudited) PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end management investment
company. The investment objective of the Fund is to seek a high level of current
income exempt from federal income taxes by investing substantially all of its
total assets in carefully selected long-term municipal bonds of medium quality.
The ability of the issuers of debt securities held by the Fund to meet their
obligations may be affected by economic or political developments in a specific
state, industry or region.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1. Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the
Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
Securities Valuations: The Fund values municipal securities (including
commitments to purchase such securities on a "when-issued" basis) on the basis
of prices provided by a pricing service which uses information with respect to
transactions in bonds, quotations from bond dealers, market transactions in
comparable securities and various relationships between securities in
determining values. If market quotations are not readily available from such
pricing service, a security is valued at its fair value as determined under
procedures established by the Board of Directors. All Securities are valued as
of 4:15 p.m., New York time.
Short-term securities which mature in more than 60 days are valued at current
market quotations. Short-term securities which mature in 60 days or less are
valued at amortized cost.
Options: The Fund may either purchase or write options in order to hedge against
adverse market movements or fluctuations in value caused by changes in
prevailing interest rates with respect to securities which the Fund currently
owns or intends to purchase. The Fund's principal reason for writing options is
to realize, through receipt of premiums, a greater current return than would be
realized on the underlying security alone. When the Fund purchases an option, it
pays a premium and an amount equal to that premium is recorded as an investment.
When the Fund writes an option, it receives a premium and an amount equal to
that premium is recorded as a liability. The investment or liability is adjusted
daily to reflect the current market value of the option. If an option expires
unexercised, the Fund realizes a gain or loss to the extent of the premium
received or paid. If an option is exercised, the premium received or paid is an
adjustment to the proceeds from the sale or the cost of the purchase in
determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. The difference between
the premium and the amount received or paid on effecting a closing purchase or
sale transaction is also treated as a realized gain or loss. Gain or loss on
purchased options is included in net realized gain (loss) on investment
transactions. Gain or loss on written options is presented separately as net
realized gain (loss) on written option transactions.
The Fund, as writer of an option, may have no control over whether the
underlying securities may be sold (called) or purchased (put). As a result, the
Fund bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security
underlying the written option. The Fund, as purchaser of an option, bears the
risk of the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their
contracts.
Financial Futures Contracts: A financial futures contract is an agreement to
purchase (long) or sell (short) an agreed amount of securities at a set price
for delivery on a future date. Upon entering into a financial futures contract,
the Fund is required to pledge to the broker an amount of cash and/or other
assets equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. This amount is
known as the 'initial margin.' Subsequent payments, known as 'variation margin,'
are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations
in the value of the underlying security. Such variation margin is recorded for
financial statement purposes on a daily basis as unrealized gain or loss. When
the contract expires or is closed, the gain or loss is realized and is presented
in the statement of operations as net realized gain(loss) on financial futures
contracts.
The Fund invests in financial futures contracts in order to hedge its existing
portfolio securities, or securities the Fund intends to purchase, against
fluctuations in value caused by changes in prevailing interest rates. Should
interest rates move unexpectedly, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated
benefits of the financial futures contracts and may realize a loss. The use of
futures transactions involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in
the price of futures contracts, interest rates and the underlying hedged assets.
Securities Transactions and Net Investment Income: Securities transactions are
recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on sales of portfolio
securities are calculated on an identified cost basis. Interest income is
recorded on an accrual basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes original
issue discount on portfolio securities as adjustments to interest income.
Expenses are recorded on the accrual basis which may require the use of certain
estimates by management.
Net investment income (other than distribution fees) and unrealized and realized
gains or losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the
relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15
Notes to Financial Statements
(Unaudited) PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Income Taxes: It is the intent of the Fund to continue to meet the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment
companies and to distribute all of its net income to its shareholders. For this
reason, no federal income tax provision is required.
Dividends and Distributions: Dividends from net investment income are declared
daily and paid monthly. The Fund will distribute at least annually any net
capital gains. Dividends and distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance
with income tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting
principles.
Custody Fee Credits: The Fund has an arrangement with its custodian bank,
whereby uninvested monies earn credits which reduce the fees charged by the
custodian.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Note 2. Agreements
The Fund has a management agreement with Prudential Investments Fund Management
LLC ("PIFM"). Pursuant to this agreement, PIFM has responsibility for all
investment advisory services and supervises the subadviser's performance of such
services. PIFM has entered into a subadvisory agreement with The Prudential
Investment Corporation ("PIC"); PIC furnishes investment advisory services in
connection with the management of the Fund. PIFM pays for the cost of the
subadviser's services, the compensation of officers of the Fund, occupancy and
certain clerical and bookkeeping costs of the Fund. The Fund bears all other
costs and expenses.
The management fee paid PIFM is computed daily and payable monthly at an annual
rate of .50% of the Fund's average daily net assets up to and including $250
million, .475% of the next $250 million, .45% of the next $500 million, .425% of
the next $250 million, .40% of the next $250 million and .375% of the Fund's
average daily net assets in excess of $1.5 billion.
The Fund had a distribution agreement with Prudential Securities Incorporated
("PSI"), which acted as the distributor of the Class A, Class B and Class C
shares of the Fund. The Fund compensated PSI for distributing and servicing the
Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares, pursuant to plans of distribution
(the "Class A, B and C Plans"), regardless of expenses actually incurred by
them. The distribution fees were accrued daily and payable monthly. Effective
July 1, 1998, Prudential Investment Management Services LLC ("PIMS") became the
distributor of the Fund and is serving the Fund under the same terms and
conditions as under the arrangment with PSI.
Pursuant to the Class A, B and C Plans, the Fund compensated PSI with respect to
Class A, B and C shares, for distribution-related activities at an annual rate
of up to .30 of 1%, .50 of 1% and 1%, of the average daily net assets of the
Class A, B and C shares, respectively. Such expenses under the Plans were .10 of
1%, .50 of 1% and .75 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A, B
and C shares, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 1998.
PSI has advised the Fund that it received approximately $39,700 in front-end
sales charges resulting from sales of Class A shares during the six months ended
June 30, 1998. From these fees, PSI paid such sales charges to dealers, which in
turn paid commissions to salespersons and incurred other distribution costs.
PSI has advised the Fund that for the six months ended June 30, 1998, it
received approximately $71,500 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon
certain redemptions by Class B and Class C shareholders.
PSI, PIFM, PIC and PIMS are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of The
Prudential Insurance Company of America.
The Fund, along with other affiliated registered investment companies (the
"Funds"), has a credit agreement (the "Agreement") with an unaffiliated lender.
The maximum commitment under the Agreement is $200,000,000. Interest on any such
borrowings outstanding will be at market rates. The purpose of the Agreement is
to serve as an alternative source of funding for capital share redemptions. The
Fund did not borrow any amounts pursuant to the Agreement during the six months
ended June 30, 1998. The Funds pay a commitment fee at an annual rate of .055 of
1% on the unused portion of the credit facility. The commitment fee is accrued
and paid quarterly on a pro rata basis by the Funds. The Agreement expires on
December 29, 1998.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Note 3. Other Transactions with Affiliates
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC ("PMFS"), a wholly owned subsidiary of PIFM,
serves as the Fund's transfer agent and during the six months ended June 30,
1998, the Fund incurred fees of approximately $196,200 for the services of PMFS.
As of June 30, 1998, $32,400 of such fees were due to PMFS. Transfer agent fees
and expenses in the Statement of Operations include certain out-of-pocket
expenses paid to nonaffiliates.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16
Notes to Financial Statements
(Unaudited) PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 4. Portfolio Securities
Purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments,
for the six months ended June 30, 1998, were $86,131,037 and $113,863,128,
respectively.
The federal income tax basis of the Fund's investments at June 30, 1998 was
substantially the same as for financial reporting purposes and, accordingly, net
unrealized appreciation for federal income tax purposes was $46,972,767 (gross
unrealized appreciation--$47,016,655; gross unrealized depreciation--$43,888).
During the six months ended June 30, 1998, the Fund entered into financial
futures contracts. Details of open contracts at June 30, 1998 are as follows:
Value at Value at Unrealized
Number of Expiration Trade June 30, Appreciation
Contracts Type Date Date 1998 (Depreciation)
- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------
Long
Position:
U.S.
Treasury
200 Index Sep. 1998 $24,603,125 $24,718,750 $ 115,625
--------------
--------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Note 5. Capital
The Fund offers Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Class A shares are sold
with a front-end sales charge of up to 3%. Class B shares are sold with a
contingent deferred sales charge which declines from 5% to zero depending on the
period of time the shares are held. Class C shares are sold with a contingent
deferred sales charge of 1% during the first year. Class B shares will
automatically convert to Class A shares on a quarterly basis approximately seven
years after purchase. A special exchange privilege is also available for
shareholders who qualify to purchase Class A shares at net asset value.
There are 750 million shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share,
authorized divided into three classes, designated Class A, Class B and Class C
common stock, each of which consists of 250 million authorized shares.
Transactions in shares of common stock were as follows:
Class A Shares Amount
- --------------------------------- ----------- -------------
Six months ended June 30, 1998:
Shares sold...................... 479,047 $ 7,720,930
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 460,284 7,397,481
Shares reaquired................. (1,968,482) (31,655,706)
----------- -------------
Net decrease in shares
outstanding before
conversion..................... (1,029,151) (16,537,295)
Shares issued upon conversion
and/or exchange from Class B... 329,309 5,300,294
----------- -------------
Net decrease in shares
outstanding.................... (699,842) $ (11,237,001)
----------- -------------
----------- -------------
Shares Amount
----------- -------------
Year ended December 31, 1997:
Shares sold...................... 7,770,406 $ 121,265,504
Shares issued in connection with
the acquisition of Prudential
Municipal Series Fund-Hawaii
Income Series (Note 6)......... 896,395 14,045,247
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 1,127,948 17,779,927
Shares reacquired................ (12,541,415) (197,015,549)
----------- -------------
Net decrease in shares
outstanding before
conversion..................... (2,746,666) (43,924,871)
Shares issued upon conversion
from Class B................... 1,028,246 16,211,378
----------- -------------
Net decrease in shares
outstanding.................... (1,718,420) $ (27,713,493)
----------- -------------
----------- -------------
Class B
- ---------------------------------
Six months ended June 30, 1998:
Shares sold...................... 353,556 $ 5,705,840
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 115,968 1,868,184
Shares reaquired................. (941,016) (15,171,468)
----------- -------------
Net decrease in shares
outstanding before
conversion..................... (471,492) (7,597,444)
Shares reacquired upon conversion
and/or exchange from Class A... (328,493) (5,300,294)
----------- -------------
Net decrease in shares
outstanding.................... (799,985) $ (12,897,738)
----------- -------------
----------- -------------
Year ended December 31, 1997:
Shares sold...................... 493,868 $ 7,772,752
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 319,319 5,042,204
Shares reaquired................. (1,812,567) (28,445,531)
----------- -------------
Net decrease in shares
outstanding before
conversion..................... (999,380) (15,630,575)
Shares issued upon conversion
and/or exchange from Class A... (1,025,835) (16,211,378)
----------- -------------
Net decrease in shares
outstanding.................... (2,025,215) $ (31,641,953)
----------- -------------
----------- -------------
Class C
- ---------------------------------
Six months ended June 30, 1998:
Shares sold...................... 52,310 $ 841,153
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 1,229 19,772
Shares reacquired................ (1,668) (26,848)
----------- -------------
Net increase in shares
outstanding.................... 51,871 $ 834,077
----------- -------------
----------- -------------
Year ended December 31, 1997:
Shares sold...................... 12,662 $ 199,178
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 1,717 27,181
Shares reacquired................ (12,783) (201,432)
----------- -------------
Net increase in shares
outstanding.................... 1,596 $ 24,927
----------- -------------
----------- -------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17
Financial Highlights (Unaudited) PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months
Ended Year Ended December 31,
June 30, ----------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period................ $ 16.12 $ 15.56 $ 15.98 $ 14.42 $ 16.30 $ 15.94
---------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Income from investment operations
Net investment income............................... .40 .81(b) .82(b) .81(b) .81 .90
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions.......................... (.05) .67 (.42) 1.57 (1.78) 1.05
---------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations................. .35 1.48 .40 2.38 (.97) 1.95
---------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment income................ (.40) (.81) (.82) (.81) (.81) (.90)
Distributions in excess of net investment income.... -- (.01) -- (c) (.01) -- --
Distributions from net realized gains............... -- (.10) -- -- (.10) (.69)
---------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Total distributions.............................. (.40) (.92) (.82) (.82) (.91) (1.59)
---------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of period...................... $ 16.07 $ 16.12 $ 15.56 $ 15.98 $ 14.42 $ 16.30
---------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------
---------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------
TOTAL RETURN(a):.................................... 2.21% 9.80% 2.66% 16.91% (6.04)% 12.60%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000)..................... $ 480,443 $493,178 $502,739 $538,145 $12,721 $14,167
Average net assets (000)............................ $ 485,960 $491,279 $508,159 $446,350 $14,116 $11,786
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees............ .73%(d) .70%(b) .68%(b) .75%(b) .77% .69%
Expenses, excluding distribution fees............ .63%(d) .60%(b) .58%(b) .65%(b) .67% .59%
Net investment income............................ 4.96%(d) 5.15%(b) 5.31%(b) 5.34%(b) 5.38% 5.49%
For Class A, B and C shares:
Portfolio turnover rate.......................... 14% 38% 46% 98% 120% 82%
- ---------------
(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
distributions. Total returns for periods of less than a full year are not
annualized.
(b) Net of management fee waiver.
(c) Less than $.005 per share.
(d) Annualized.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 18
Financial Highlights (Unaudited) PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months
Ended Year Ended December 31,
June 30, ------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period................ $ 16.16 $ 15.60 $ 16.02 $ 14.45 $ 16.33 $ 15.97
---------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income from investment operations
Net investment income............................... .36 .75(b) .76(b) .76(b) .75 .84
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions.......................... (.05) .67 (.42) 1.58 (1.78) 1.05
---------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations................. .31 1.42 .34 2.34 (1.03) 1.89
---------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment income................ (.36) (.75) (.76) (.76) (.75) (.84)
Distributions in excess of net investment income.... -- (.01) -- (c) (.01) -- --
Distributions from net realized gains............... -- (.10) -- -- (.10) (.69)
---------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total distributions.............................. (.36) (.86) (.76) (.77) (.85) (1.53)
---------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period...................... $ 16.11 $ 16.16 $ 15.60 $ 16.02 $ 14.45 $ 16.33
---------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
---------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
TOTAL RETURN(a):.................................... 2.00% 9.35% 2.26% 16.49% (6.39)% 12.15%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000)..................... $128,212 $141,528 $168,185 $222,865 $672,272 $848,299
Average net assets (000)............................ $138,886 $151,938 $193,312 $252,313 $751,623 $854,919
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees............ 1.13%(d) 1.10%(b) 1.08%(b) 1.15%(b) 1.17% 1.09%
Expenses, excluding distribution fees............ .63%(d) .60%(b) .58%(b) .65%(b) .67% .59%
Net investment income............................ 4.56%(d) 4.75%(b) 4.91%(b) 4.96%(b) 4.96% 5.09%
- ---------------
(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
distributions. Total returns for periods of less than a full year are not
annualized.
(b) Net of management fee waiver.
(c) Less than $.005 per share.
(d) Annualized.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 19
Financial Highlights (Unaudited) PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months
Ended Year Ended December 31,
June 30, --------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
---------- ------- ------- ------ ------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period................ $ 16.16 $ 15.60 $ 16.02 $14.44 $15.13
---------- ------- ------- ------ ------
Income from investment operations
Net investment income............................... .34 .71(b) .72(b) .72(b) .29
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions.......................... (.05) .67 (.42) 1.59 (.69)
---------- ------- ------- ------ ------
Total from investment operations................. .29 1.38 .30 2.31 (.40)
---------- ------- ------- ------ ------
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment income................ (.34) (.71) (.72) (.72) (.29)
Distributions in excess of net investment income.... -- (.01) -- (c) (.01) --
Distributions from net realized gains............... -- (.10) -- -- --
---------- ------- ------- ------ ------
Total distributions.............................. (.34) (.82) (.72) (.73) (.29)
---------- ------- ------- ------ ------
Net asset value, end of period...................... $ 16.11 $ 16.16 $ 15.60 $16.02 $14.44
---------- ------- ------- ------ ------
---------- ------- ------- ------ ------
TOTAL RETURN(a):.................................... 1.88% 9.08% 2.01% 16.22% (2.63)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000)..................... $1,659 $825 $772 $403 $141
Average net assets (000)............................ $1,168 $758 $674 $247 $103
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees............ 1.38%(d) 1.35%(b) 1.33%(b) 1.40%(b) 1.51%(d)
Expenses, excluding distribution fees............ .63%(d) .60%(b) .58%(b) .65%(b) .76%(d)
Net investment income............................ 4.31%(d) 4.50%(b) 4.67%(b) 4.66%(b) 4.84%(d)
- ---------------
(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
distributions. Total returns for periods of less than a full year are not
annualized.
(b) Net of management fee waiver.
(c) Less than $.005 per share.
(d) Annualized.
(e) Commencement of offering of Class C shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 20
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 HIGH YIELD SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS--98.0%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona--1.8%
Coconino Cnty. Pol. Ctrl. Corp. Rev.
Tucson Elec. Pwr., Navajo A B2 7.125% 10/01/32 $ 5,000 $ 5,706,500
Tucson Elec. Pwr., Navajo B B2 7.00 10/01/32 1,700 1,934,175
Pima Cnty. Ind. Dev. Auth.,
Multifam. Mtge. Rev., La Cholla Proj. NR 8.50 7/01/20 9,680 10,103,694
Tuscon Elec. Pwr. Co., Ser. A B2 6.10 9/01/25 2,000 2,044,000
--------------
19,788,369
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arkansas--0.7%
Northwest Arkansas Reg'l. Arpt. Auth. Rev. NR 7.625 2/01/27 7,000 8,012,130
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California--10.4%
Abag Fin. Auth. For Nonprofit Corps. Ref. Amer. Baptist
Homes., Ser. A BBB(b) 6.20 10/01/27 3,200 3,353,312
California Hsg. Fin. Agcy. Rev., Home Mtge., Ser. G Aa 8.15 8/01/19 795 813,841
Corona Ctfs. of Part., Vista Hosp. Sys. Inc., Ser. C NR 8.375 7/01/11 10,000 11,161,600
Delano Ctfs. of Part., Reg'l. Med. Ctr., Ser. A NR 9.25 1/01/22 6,710 7,811,245
Folsom Spec. Tax Dist. No. 2 NR 7.70 12/01/19 3,130(c) 3,369,351
Long Beach Harbor Rev. Ref., Ser. A, F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.00 5/15/19 4,000 4,379,280
Long Beach Redev. Agcy. Hsg.,
Multifam. Hsg. Rev., Pacific Court Apts. NR 6.95 9/01/23 6,195(e) 3,407,250
Multifam. Hsg. Rev., Pacific Court Apts., Issue B NR 6.80 9/01/13 3,805(e) 2,092,750
Los Angeles Regl. Arpts. Impvt. Corp., Cont. Air
Sublease NR 9.25 8/01/24 10,270 12,303,357
Orange Cnty. Cmnty. Loc. Trans. Auth., Reg. Linked
Savrs. & Ribs Aa3 6.20 2/14/11 7,000 7,862,330
Richmond Redev. Agcy. Rev., Multifam. Bridge Affordable
Hsg. NR 7.50 9/01/23 10,000 10,041,400
Roseville Joint Union H.S. Dist.,
Ser. B, F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 8/01/09 1,740 1,010,296
Ser. B, F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 8/01/11 1,890 970,893
Ser. B, F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 8/01/14 2,220 948,695
Sacramento City Fin. Auth. Rev., Tax Alloc., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 11/01/15 5,695 2,256,473
Sacramento Cnty. Spec. Tax Rev., Dist. No. 1 NR 8.25 12/01/20 4,500(c) 5,025,735
San Joaquin Hills Trans. Corr. Agcy.,
Toll Rd. Rev. Aaa Zero 1/01/14 8,420 3,801,462
Toll Rd. Rev. Aaa Zero 1/01/25 10,000 2,497,500
San Luis Obispo Ctfs. of part., Vista Hosp. Sys., Inc. NR 8.375 7/01/29 4,000 4,381,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 7
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 HIGH YIELD SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California (cont'd.)
Santa Margarita/Dana Point Auth., Impvt. Dist.,
Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 7.25% 8/01/13 $ 1,990(i) $ 2,468,515
Ser. B, M.B.I.A. Aaa 7.25 8/01/12 3,000(i) 3,692,280
So. California Pub. Pwr. Auth. Trans., Cap. Apprec. Aa3 Zero 7/01/14 8,500 3,619,640
So. San Francisco Redev. Agcy., Tax Alloc., Gateway
Redev. Proj. NR 7.60 9/01/18 2,375 2,579,345
So. Tahoe Joint Pwrs. Fin. NR 8.00 10/01/01 5,795 5,883,548
Turlock Irrigation Dist. Rev., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.25 1/01/12 5,000 5,639,700
Victor Valley Union H.S. Dist.,+
Gen. Oblig., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 9/01/12 3,605 1,729,391
Gen. Oblig., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 9/01/14 4,740 2,016,775
Gen. Oblig., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 9/01/16 3,990 1,504,629
--------------
116,621,593
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado--3.0%
Denver Urban Ren. Auth. Tax,
Inc. Rev. NR 7.50 9/01/04 3,000 3,201,600
Inc. Rev. NR 7.75 9/01/16 4,000 4,423,080
Eagle Cnty. Co., Lake Creek Affordable Hsg., Ser. A NR 8.00 12/01/23 11,395 11,947,886
San Miguel Cnty., Mountain Vlge. Met. Dist. NR 8.10 12/01/11 3,200(c) 3,691,923
Superior Met. Dist. No. 1, Wtr. & Swr.,
Rev. NR 7.50 12/01/98 855 867,158
Rev. NR 8.50 12/01/13 8,900 9,951,357
--------------
34,083,004
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connecticut--1.0%
Connecticut St. Dev. Auth. Mystic Marinelife Aquarium
Proj. Rev. NR 7.00 12/01/27 1,500 1,593,825
Connecticut St. Dev. Auth. Swr., Netco Waterbury Ltd. NR 9.375 6/01/16 8,000 9,350,720
--------------
10,944,545
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
District of Columbia--1.6%
Dist. of Columbia Rev., Nat'l. Public Radio NR 7.625 1/01/18 8,800 9,610,832
Dist. of Columbia, Ser. A Ba1 5.25 6/01/27 9,000 8,463,960
--------------
18,074,792
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Florida--4.2%
Crossings At Fleming Island Cmnty. Dev. Dist., Clay City NR 8.25 5/01/16 7,860 8,649,301
Escambia Cnty. Hlth. Facs. Auth. Rev., Baptist Hosp.
Ref., Ser. A BBB+(b) 8.60 10/01/02 3,375 3,499,031
Florida Hsg. Fin. Agcy., Palm Aire Proj., Multifam.
Mtge. Rev. NR 10.00 1/01/20 9,448(e) 7,464,403
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 8
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 HIGH YIELD SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Florida (cont'd.)
No. Springs Impvt. Dist. Wtr. Mgt.,
Ser. A NR 8.20% 5/01/24 $ 1,960 $ 2,159,704
Ser. A NR 8.30 5/01/24 1,720 1,904,900
Northern Palm Beach Cnty. Impt. Ref., Wtr. Ctl. & Impt.
Unit Dev. NR 6.00 8/01/10 3,250 3,216,363
Orlando Util. Comm., Wtr. & Elec. Rev., Ser. D Aa2 6.75 10/01/17 2,000 2,398,060
Palm Beach Cnty. Hsg. Auth., Banyan Club Apts. NR 7.75 3/01/23 4,470 4,812,044
Sarasota Hlth. Facs., Kobernick Hsg. Meadow Park Proj. Aaa 10.00 7/01/22 6,855(c) 8,335,132
Seminole Cnty. Ind. Dev. Auth. Rev., Fern Park NR 9.25 4/01/12 4,335 4,361,487
--------------
46,800,425
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Georgia--3.2%
Atlanta Arpt. Facs. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 1/01/10 2,000 1,061,840
Atlanta Urban Res. Fin. Auth., Clark Atlanta Univ. Dorm.
Proj. NR 9.25 6/01/10 4,440(c) 4,947,758
Effingham Cnty. Dev. Auth., Ft. Howard Corp. Baa3 7.90 10/01/05 10,000 10,676,900
Fulton Cnty. Wtr. & Swr. Rev., F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.375 1/01/14 6,000(i) 6,874,260
Henry Cnty. Wtr. & Swg. Auth. Rev., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 6.15 2/01/20 3,000 3,393,330
Rockdale Cnty. Dev. Auth., Solid Wste. Disp. Rev. NR 7.50 1/01/26 8,100 8,769,951
--------------
35,724,039
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hawaii--1.1%
Hawaii Cnty. Impvt. Dist. No. 17 NR 9.50 8/01/11 6,565 7,093,614
Hawaii St. Dept. Trans. Spl. Fac. Rev., Continental
Airlines, Inc. Ba2 5.625 11/15/27 5,225 5,127,449
--------------
12,221,063
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illinois--9.3%
Chicago Brd. Edl., Lease Ctfs., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.00 1/01/20 10,000 11,045,600
Chicago O'Hare Int'l. Arpt.,
Amer. Airlines Proj., Ser. B Baa2 8.20 12/01/24 1,000 1,204,930
United Airlines, Ser. B Baa2 8.45 5/01/07 6,000 6,519,000
United Airlines, Ser. B Baa2 8.50 5/01/18 6,500 7,059,260
United Airlines, Ser. B Baa2 8.85 5/01/18 2,700 3,026,943
United Airlines, Ser. B Baa2 8.95 5/01/18 2,320 2,603,388
Chicago Pub. Bldg. Comm. Rev., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 7.00 1/01/20 6,530(i) 8,115,484
Hennepin Ind. Dev. Rev., Exolon-Esk Co. Proj. NR 8.875 1/01/18 8,000 8,996,400
Illinois Reg'l. Trans. Auth. Ref., F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.00 6/01/14 3,530 3,892,037
Illinois St. Hlth. Facs. Auth. Rev.,
Adventist Living Ctr. NR 11.00 12/01/15 2,245(e) 202,009
Beacon Hill Proj., Ser. A NR 9.00 8/15/19 7,135 7,531,064
Midwest Physician Group Ltd. Proj. BBB-(b) 8.10 11/15/14 3,075 3,726,531
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 9
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 HIGH YIELD SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illinois (cont'd.)
Midwest Physician Group Ltd. Proj. BBB-(b) 5.50% 11/15/19 $ 2,000 $ 1,924,060
Midwest Physician Group Ltd. Proj. BBB-(b) 8.125 11/15/19 3,285 3,985,625
Illinois, Ser. K, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 6.25 1/01/13 6,825 7,688,636
Kane And De Kalb Cntys. Sch.,
Dist. No. 301, Cap. Apprec. A.M.B.A.C. Aaa Zero 12/01/11 3,360 1,666,157
Dist. No. 301, Cap. Apprec. A.M.B.A.C. Aaa Zero 12/01/13 4,065 1,777,055
Vlge. of Robbins, Cook Cnty. Robbins Res. Rec. NR 8.375 10/15/16 18,000 18,670,500
Winnebago Cnty. Hsg. Auth., Park Tower Assoc., Sec. 8 NR 8.125 1/01/11 3,954 4,202,656
--------------
103,837,335
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indiana--2.1%
Bluffton Econ. Dev. Rev., Kroger Co. Proj. Baa3 7.85 8/01/15 7,500 8,483,700
Indianapolis Int'l. Arpt. Auth. Rev., Federal Express
Corp. Proj. Baa2 7.10 1/15/17 6,000 6,708,660
Wabash Econ. Dev. Rev. Bonds, Connell Ltd. NR 8.50 11/24/17 7,250 8,032,130
--------------
23,224,490
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Iowa--2.6%
City of Cedar Rapids Rev.,
1st Mtge., Cottage Grove Place Proj. NR 9.00 7/01/18 9,375 11,076,469
1st Mtge., Cottage Grove Place Proj. NR 9.00 7/01/25 4,435 5,239,908
Iowa St. Fin. Auth., Hlth. Care Facs. Rev., Mercy Hlth.
Initiatives Proj. NR 9.25 7/01/25 10,000 13,348,100
--------------
29,664,477
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kentucky--0.8%
Kentucky St. Tpke. Auth. Rev., F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 1/01/10 8,250 4,646,895
Owensboro Elec. Lt. & Pwr. Rev.,
Ser. B, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa Zero 1/01/14 5,000(i) 2,209,650
Ser. B, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa Zero 1/01/16 6,650(i) 2,620,699
--------------
9,477,244
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisiana--3.1%
Hodge Util. Rev., Stone Container Corp. NR 9.00 3/01/10 7,000 7,560,350
New Orleans Home Mtge. Auth. Rev., Sngl. Fam. Mtge.,
Ser. A, G.N.M.A. Aaa 8.60 12/01/19 1,670(f) 1,721,970
New Orleans Ind. Dev. Rev. BBB(b) 8.75 10/01/19 3,600 4,224,276
New Orleans, Gen Oblig., Cap. Apprec., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa Zero 9/01/18 3,090 1,051,836
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 10
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 HIGH YIELD SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisiana (cont'd.)
St. Charles Parish Poll. Ctrl. Rev.,
Pwr. & Lt. Co. Baa3 8.25% 6/01/14 $ 10,000 $ 10,659,000
Pwr. & Lt. Co., Ser. 1989 Baa3 8.00 12/01/14 3,500 3,774,015
West Feliciana Parish Poll. Ctrl. Rev., Gulf St. Util.
Co. Proj. NR 9.00 5/01/15 5,250 5,802,038
--------------
34,793,485
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maryland--1.8%
Anne Arundel Cnty. 1st Mtge. Rev., Pleasant Living Conv. NR 8.50 7/01/13 3,230 3,503,807
Northeast Wste. Disp. Auth.,
Sludge Comp. Fac. NR 7.25 7/01/07 4,059 4,459,095
Sludge Comp. Fac. NR 8.50 7/01/07 3,095 3,378,100
Washington Sub. San. Dist.
Ref., Gen. Const. Aa1 6.00 6/01/18 3,705 4,115,885
Ref., Gen. Const. Aa1 6.00 6/01/19 3,940 4,372,927
--------------
19,829,814
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massachusetts--4.7%
Boston Ind. Dev. Fin. Auth. Ind. Rev., 1st Mtge.
Springhouse Proj. NR 9.25 7/01/15 8,000 9,962,560
Mass. Bay Trans. Auth., Gen. Trans. Sys., Ser. A,
F.G.I.C. Aaa 7.00 3/01/21 7,500(i) 9,303,150
Mass. St. Coll. Bldg. Proj. and Ref. Bonds A1 7.50 5/01/14 1,750(i) 2,216,795
Mass. St. Hlth. & Edl. Facs. Auth. Rev.,
Cardinal Cushing Gen. Hosp. NR 8.875 7/01/18 7,500 7,967,250
St. Josephs Hosp., Ser. C NR 9.50 10/01/20 5,640(c) 6,176,815
Mass. St. Ind. Fin. Agcy. Cont. Res., Ser. A NR 9.50 2/01/00 1,100 1,133,616
Massachusetts St. Indl. Fin. Agcy. Rev.,
Ref., Chestnut Knoll Proj. A NR 5.50 2/15/18 1,250 1,224,650
Ref., Chestnut Knoll Proj. A NR 5.625 2/15/25 1,250 1,219,488
Glenmeadow Proj. NR 7.00 2/15/06 3,700 3,700,000
Massachusetts St. Wtr. Res. Auth., Ser. A, F.S.A. Aaa 5.50 8/01/14 3,250 3,417,960
Randolph Hsg. Auth., Multifam. Hsg., Liberty Place Proj.
A, Ser. A NR 9.00 12/01/21 5,885 5,965,448
--------------
52,287,732
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michigan--4.6%
Grand Rapids Dev. Auth.
Cap. Apprec., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 6/01/10 3,000 1,647,690
Cap. Apprec., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 6/01/11 3,160 1,628,601
Cap. Apprec., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 6/01/12 3,000 1,449,720
Gratiot Cnty. Econ. Dev. Corp., Danley Die Proj. Connell
L.P. NR 7.625 4/01/07 3,200 3,480,160
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 11
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 HIGH YIELD SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michigan (cont'd.)
Holland Sch. Dist., Cap. Apprec., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa Zero 5/01/17 $ 2,950 $ 1,069,729
Lowell Area Sch., F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 5/01/14 5,000 2,154,700
Michigan St. Hosp. Fin. Auth. Rev.,
Genesys Regl. Hosp. Baa2 5.50% 10/01/27 3,250 3,171,187
Saratoga Cmnty. Hosp. NR 8.75 6/01/10 6,345(c) 7,313,945
Michigan Strategic Fund, Great Lakes Pulp & Fiber Proj. NR 8.00 12/01/27 12,291 11,861,008
Michigan Strategic Fund, Solid Wste. Disp., Gennese Pwr.
Station NR 7.50 1/01/21 10,000 10,824,600
Wayne Cnty. Bldg. Auth., Ser. A Baa2 8.00 3/01/17 3,500(c) 3,994,830
West Ottawa Sch. Dist.,
F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 5/01/15 4,825 1,956,489
F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 5/01/18 3,000 1,029,300
--------------
51,581,959
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minnesota--0.4%
Minneapolis St. Paul Hsg. Fin. Brd., Multifam. Mtge.
Rev., Riverside Plaza, G.N.M.A. AAA(b) 8.25 12/20/30 4,000(i) 4,132,440
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mississipi--1.6%
Claiborne Cnty. Poll. Ctrl. Rev.,
Mid. So. Engy. Sys. Ba1 9.875 12/01/14 6,100 6,448,066
Mid. So. Engy. Sys., Ser. A Ba1 9.50 12/01/13 10,350 10,918,422
--------------
17,366,488
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Missouri--2.0%
Sikeston Elec. Rev. Ref., M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.00 6/01/15 9,250 10,258,712
St. Louis Cnty. Ind. Dev. Auth. Rev.,
Soemm Proj. NR 10.25 7/01/08 1,560 1,565,257
Soemm Proj. NR 10.25 7/01/08 590 591,989
St. Louis Cnty. Reg. Conv. & Sports Comp., Ser. C Aaa 7.90 8/15/21 8,820(c) 10,262,335
--------------
22,678,293
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nebraska--0.1%
Nebraska Invest. Fin. Auth., G.N.M.A., Sngl. Fam. Mtge.
Rev.,
Ser. I, M.B.I.A. Aaa 8.125 8/15/38 1,615(i) 1,656,942
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 12
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 HIGH YIELD SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Hampshire--1.7%
New Hampshire Higher Edl. & Hlth. Facs. Auth. Rev.,
Antioch College NR 7.875% 12/01/22 $ 5,335 $ 5,942,817
Havenwood/Heritage Heights NR 9.75 12/01/19 7,495(c) 8,372,964
New Hampshire St. Bus. Pollutn. Ref., Pub. Svc. Co. Ba3 6.00 5/01/21 5,000 5,004,700
--------------
19,320,481
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey--6.5%
New Jersey Econ. Dev. Corp. Rev., Ref. Newark Arpt.
Marriot Hotel NR 7.00 10/01/14 3,800 4,171,298
New Jersey Hlthcare Facs., Fin. Auth. Rev. NR 8.00 7/01/27 5,000 5,486,650
New Jersey St. Econ. Dev. Auth. Rev., 1st Mtge.,
Fellowship Vlge., Proj. A Aaa 9.25 1/01/25 11,500(c) 14,690,790
Leisure Park Proj., Ser. A NR 5.875 12/01/27 4,000 4,031,520
New Jersey St. Edl. Facs. Auth. Rev., Felician College
Of Lodi,
Ser. D NR 7.375 11/01/22 4,000 4,109,840
New Jersey St. Ref., Ser. E Aa1 6.00 7/15/10 10,000(i) 11,157,000
New Jersey St. Tpke. Auth. Rev., Ser. C, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.50 1/01/16 11,000(i) 12,757,360
New Jersey St. Trans. Trust Fund Auth., Trans. Sys.,
M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.50 6/15/11 14,500(i) 16,786,650
--------------
73,191,108
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Mexico--0.5%
Farmington Pollutn. Ctrl. Rev.,
Ref., Pub. Svc. Co., Ser. C Ba1 5.80 4/01/22 1,000 1,004,430
Ref., Pub. Svc. Co., Ser. A Ba1 5.80 4/01/22 1,500 1,527,090
Ref., Pub. Svc. Co., Ser. B Ba1 5.80 4/01/22 3,000 3,054,180
--------------
5,585,700
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York--4.1%
Met. Trans. Auth. Facs. Rev., Ser. N, F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 7/01/13 8,340(i) 3,827,977
New York City Ind. Dev. Agcy.,
Amer. Airlines Inc. Baa2 8.00 7/01/20 3,320 3,463,424
Bklyn. Navy Yard Cogen Partners Baa3 6.20 10/01/22 6,925 7,503,099
Bklyn. Navy Yard Cogen Partners Baa3 5.75 10/01/36 5,000 4,977,450
Mesorah Pub. Ltd. NR 10.25 3/01/19 1,861 1,974,837
Visy Paper Inc. Proj. NR 7.95 1/01/28 6,500 7,532,850
New York City, Ser. I A3 6.25 4/15/27 3,000 3,208,800
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 13
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 HIGH YIELD SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York (cont'd.)
New York St. Dorm. Auth. Rev.,
Colgate Univ., M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.00% 7/01/21 $ 3,350 $ 3,717,863
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Ctr., M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.75 7/01/20 5,000 5,365,850
Port Auth. of New York & New Jersey, USAir, LaGuardia
Arpt. B3 9.125 12/01/15 4,000 4,480,480
--------------
46,052,630
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Carolina--0.1%
North Carolina Med. Care Comm. Hosp. Rev., Ref. Annie
Penn Mem. Hosp. Baa3 5.375 1/01/22 1,000 973,160
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Dakota--1.1%
Mercer Cnty., Antelope Valley Station, A.M.B.A.C Aaa 7.20 6/30/13 10,000(i) 12,115,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio--4.4%
Cleveland Arpt. Spl. Rev., Ref. Continental Airlines,
Inc. Ba2 5.70 12/01/19 4,850(h) 4,740,778
Cleveland Pub. Pwr. Sys. Rev.,
1st Mtge., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 11/15/12 1,000 472,010
1st Mtge., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 11/15/13 1,500 667,320
1st Mtge., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 11/15/09 3,000 1,710,030
Dayton Spl. Facs. Rev., Ref. Emery Air Freight, Ser. A BBB(b) 5.625 2/01/18 3,500(h) 3,498,355
Mahoning Valley San. Dist. Wtr. Rev. NR 7.75 5/15/19 8,000 8,851,040
Montgomery Cnty. Hlthcare. Facs. Rev., Friendship Vlge.
Dayton, Proj. B NR 9.25 2/01/16 4,500(c) 4,965,660
Ohio St. Air Quality Dev. Auth. Ref., Amt. Coll. Poll.
Ctrl., Ser. A Ba1 6.10 8/01/20 3,000 3,103,380
Ohio St. Solid Wste. Rev.,
Cscltd. Proj. NR 8.50 8/01/22 5,000 5,267,600
Rep. Eng. Steels Inc. NR 9.00 6/01/21 2,250 2,408,287
Ohio St. Wtr. Dev. Auth. Poll. Ctrl. Facs., 1st Mtge.,
Toledo Edison Ba1 8.00 10/01/23 5,500 6,286,775
Stark Cnty. Hlthcare. Facs. Rev., Rose Lane Inc. Proj. NR 9.00 12/01/23 6,135 6,985,925
--------------
48,957,160
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oklahoma--1.5%
Grand River Dam Auth. Rev., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 6.25 6/01/11 12,000(i) 13,588,080
Tulsa Ind. Dev. Auth., Univ. Tulsa, Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.00 10/01/16 3,250(f) 3,567,817
--------------
17,155,897
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 14
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 HIGH YIELD SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania--5.0%
Allegheny Cnty. Hosp. Rev., West Penn. Hosp. Hlth. Ctr. NR 8.50% 1/01/20 $ 2,800 $ 3,007,508
Berks Cnty. Mun. Auth. Rev.,
Adventist Living Ctrs. Proj. NR 11.00 12/01/15 367(e) 33,072
Alvernia Coll. Proj. NR 7.75 11/15/16 5,240 5,848,154
Dauphin Cnty. Gen. Auth. Hosp. Rev., NW Med. Ctr. Proj. BBB-(b) 8.625 10/15/13 6,570 7,854,961
Lancaster Cnty. Solid Wste. Mgmt., Res. Rec. Auth. Sys.
Rev., Ser. A Baa2 8.50 12/15/10 5,965(c) 6,116,272
Philadelphia Auth., Ind. Dev. Rev. NR 7.75 12/01/17 5,000 5,617,650
Philadelphia Hosps. & Higher Ed. Facs. Auth. Rev.,
Grad. Hlth. Sys. B2 7.00 7/01/05 2,500 2,619,175
Grad. Hlth. Sys. B2 7.25 7/01/18 2,710 2,869,185
Grad. Hlth. Sys., Ser. A B2 6.25 7/01/13 2,500 2,515,500
Philadelphia Wtr. & Wstewtr. Auth. Rev.,
M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.25 8/01/10 2,500 2,807,925
M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.25 8/01/12 3,000(i) 3,375,450
Somerset Cnty. Hosp. Auth. Rev.,
Hlthcare 1st Mtge. NR 8.40 6/01/09 2,305 2,587,316
Hlthcare 1st Mtge. NR 8.50 6/01/24 8,805 9,894,091
Wilkes Barre Gen. Mun. Auth. Coll. Rev., Misericordia
Coll., Ser. A NR 7.75 12/01/12 1,245 1,361,657
--------------
56,507,916
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rhode Island--1.0%
Rhode Island Redev. Agcy., Ser. A NR 8.00 9/01/24 10,560 11,584,742
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Carolina--0.4%
So. Carolina St. Hsg. Fin. & Dev. Auth., Homeownership
Mtge. Aa2 7.75 7/01/22 4,345(i) 4,573,982
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Dakota--0.8%
Education Loans Inc. Student Loan Rev. A2 5.60 6/01/20 3,300 3,226,641
So. Dakota Econ. Dev. Fin. Auth., Dakota Park NR 10.25 1/01/19 4,930 5,258,387
--------------
8,485,028
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tennessee--1.4%
Knox Cnty. Hlth. & Edl. Facs. Rev., Baptist Hlth. Hosp. Aaa 8.50 4/15/04 5,225(c) 5,549,890
Met. Gov't. Nashville & Davidson Cnty. H&E Facs. Brd.
Rev., Ref.
Blakeford Green Hills NR 5.65 7/01/24 1,500 1,464,825
Rutherford Cnty. Hlth. & Edl. Facs., Brd. 1st Mtge. Rev. NR 9.50 12/01/19 7,300 8,525,451
--------------
15,540,166
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 15
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 HIGH YIELD SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas--3.4%
Beaumont Hsg. Fin. Corp., Sngl. Fam. Mtge. Rev. A1 9.20% 3/01/12 $ 1,380 $ 1,545,434
Houston Arpt. Sys. Rev. Ba2 6.125 7/15/27 3,200 3,333,280
Houston Wtr. & Swr. Sys. Rev., Ser. C, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa Zero 12/01/10 5,000 2,659,250
Keller Ind. Sch. Dist., Cap. Apprec. Ref., Ser. A,
P.S.F.G. Aaa Zero 8/15/17 4,075 1,441,491
New Braunfels Ind. Sch. Dist.,
Cap. Apprec., P.S.F.G. Aaa Zero 2/01/08 2,365 1,472,189
Cap. Apprec., P.S.F.G. Aaa Zero 2/01/09 2,365 1,392,086
Cap. Apprec., P.S.F.G. Aaa Zero 2/01/12 2,365 1,154,948
Nueces Riv. Auth., Ref. Asarco Inc. Proj. Baa2 5.60 1/01/27 2,500 2,499,775
Round Rock Ind. Sch. Dist., Gen. Oblig., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 8/15/11 4,385 2,222,099
San Antonio Elec. & Gas Rev.,
F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 2/01/09 5,000 2,943,100
F.G.I.C., Ser. B Aaa Zero 2/01/12 7,500 3,662,625
Tarrant Cnty. Hlth. Facs. Dev. Corp. Rev., Foundation
Proj. NR 10.25 9/01/19 5,000 5,319,550
Texas Mun. Pwr. Agcy. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 9/01/15 16,300 6,438,989
Tyler Tex. Hlth. Facs. Dev. Corp., Mother Frances Hosp.,
Ser. A Baa2 5.625 7/01/13 1,680 1,682,318
--------------
37,767,134
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Utah--0.5%
Carbon Cnty. Solid Wste. Disp. Rev. Ref., Laidlaw
Environmental, Ser. A NR 7.45 7/01/17 1,500 1,642,950
Tooele Cnty Poll. Ctrl. Rev. Ref., Laidlaw
Environmental, Ser. A NR 7.55 7/01/27 4,000 4,404,360
--------------
6,047,310
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Virginia--1.6%
Loudoun Cnty. Ind. Dev. Auth., Rev. NR 7.125 9/01/15 2,000 2,209,680
Norfolk Redev. & Hsg. Auth., Multifam. Rental Hsg. Fac.
Rev. NR 8.00 9/01/26 6,000 6,126,840
Pittsylvania Cnty. Ind. Dev. Auth. Rev. Multitrade NR 7.55 1/01/19 9,000 9,902,340
--------------
18,238,860
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington--2.5%
Bellevue Conv. Ctr. Auth.,
King City, Oblig. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 2/01/10 870 482,467
King City, Oblig. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 2/01/11 1,200 625,092
King City, Oblig. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 2/01/12 1,300 634,855
King City, Oblig. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 2/01/14 1,385 600,135
Chelan Cnty. Pub. Util., Dist. No. 1, Columbia River
Rock, Hydro Elec. Sys. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 6/01/15 7,585 3,036,655
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 16
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 HIGH YIELD SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington (cont'd.)
Thurston Cnty. Sch. Dist. 333,
F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 12/01/12 $ 6,830 $ 3,193,640
F.G.I.C., Ser. B Aaa Zero 12/01/11 6,415 3,202,175
Washington St. Ref., Ser. R, 97A Aa1 Zero 7/01/16 7,000 2,639,770
Washington St. Pub. Pwr. Supply Sys. Rev.,
Nuclear Proj. No. 1, Ser. B Aa1 7.25% 7/01/09 5,000(i) 5,897,400
Nuclear Proj. No. 3, M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 7/01/17 5,000 1,747,450
Nuclear Proj. No. 3, Ser. B, M.B.I.A. Aaa 7.125 7/01/16 5,000 6,074,800
--------------
28,134,439
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Virginia--1.0%
So. Charleston Ind. Dev. Rev., Union Carbide Chem. &
Plastics Co. Baa2 8.00 8/01/20 2,450 2,635,930
Weirton Poll. Ctrl. Rev., Weirton Steel Proj. B2 8.625 11/01/14 4,000 4,230,120
West Virginia St. Hsg. Dev. Fund Hsg. Fin., Ser. A,
F.H.A. Aaa 7.95 5/01/17 1,160 1,160,128
West Virginia St. Pkwys. Econ. Dev. & Tourism Auth.,
F.G.I.C. Aaa 7.423 5/16/19 3,250(d) 3,542,500
--------------
11,568,678
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wisconsin--0.4%
Oconto Falls Cmnty. Dev. Auth. Dev. Rev., Oconto Falls
Tissue, Inc. Proj. NR 7.75 12/01/22 4,000 4,149,840
--------------
Total long-term investments (cost $1,016,977,321) 1,098,749,890
--------------
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS--0.7%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Florida
St. Lucie Cnty. Solid Wst. Disp. Rev., Ser. 93,
F.R.D.D., A.M.T. VMIG1 4.40 5/01/98 100 100,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisiana--0.2%
Plaquemines Parish Environmental Rev. Adj., Ref. BP.
Exploration & Oil, Ser. 95, F.R.D.D., A.M.T. P-1 4.40 5/01/98 1,500 1,500,000
West Baton Rouge Parish Ind. Dist. Pound3 Rev., Dow
Chemical Co. Proj., Ser. 95, F.R.D.D., A.M.T. P-1 4.40 5/01/98 700 700,000
--------------
2,200,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas--0.3%
Brazos River Harbor Nav. Dist. Rev., Dow Chemical Co.,
Ser. A, F.R.D.D., A.M.T. P-1 4.40 5/01/98 2,600 2,600,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 17
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 HIGH YIELD SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas (cont'd.)
Brazos River Harbor Nav. Dist., Dow Chemical Co. Proj.,
Ser. 96, F.R.D.D., A.M.T. P-1 4.40% 5/01/98 $ 400 $ 400,000
Gulf Coast Ind. Dev. Auth. Solid Wste. Rev., Citgo
Petroleum, Ser. 95, F.R.D.D., A.M.T. VMIG1 4.40 5/01/98 400 400,000
--------------
3,400,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Virginia
King George Cnty. Ind. Dev. Auth. Expt. Fac. Rev.,
F.R.D.D. A1+(b) 4.40 5/01/98 600 600,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington--0.2%
Washington St. Hsg. Fin. Comm. Nonprofit Hsg. Rev.,
Emerald Height Proj., Ser. 90, F.R.D.D. A-1(b) 4.25 5/01/98 2,000 2,000,000
Ref. Panorama Cty. Proj., Ser. 97, F.R.D.D. VMIG1 4.25 5/01/98 200 200,000
--------------
2,200,000
--------------
Total short-term investments (cost $8,500,000) 8,500,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investments--98.7%
(cost $1,025,477,321; Note 4) 1,107,249,890
Other assets in excess of liabilities--1.3% 13,980,703
--------------
Net Assets--100% $1,121,230,593
--------------
--------------
- ---------------
(a) The following abbreviations are used in portfolio descriptions:
A.M.B.A.C.--American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation
A.M.T.--Alternative Minimum Tax
F.G.I.C.--Financial Guaranty Insurance Company
F.H.A.--Federal Housing Administration
F.R.D.D.--Floating Rate (Daily) Demand Note (g)
F.S.A.--Financial Security Assurance
G.N.M.A.--Government National Mortgage Association
M.B.I.A.--Municipal Bond Insurance Association
P.S.F.G.--Public School Fund Guaranty
(b) Standard & Poor's Rating.
(c) Prerefunded issues are secured by escrowed cash and direct U.S. guaranteed
obligations.
(d) Inverse floating rate bond. The coupon is inversely indexed to a floating
interest rate. The rate shown is the rate at year end.
(e) Issuer in default of interest payment. Non-income producing security.
(f) All or partial principal amount pledged as initial margin on financial
futures contracts.
(g) The maturity date shown is the later of the next date on which the security
can be redeemed at par or the next date on which the rate of interest is
adjusted.
(h) When-issued security.
(i) All or partial amount of principal segregated as collateral for financial
futures contracts and when-issued security.
NR--Not Rated by Moody's or Standard & Poor's.
The Fund's current Prospectus contains a description of Moody's and Standard &
Poor's ratings.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 18
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Statement of Assets and Liabilities HIGH YIELD SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets April 30, 1998
Investments, at value (cost $1,025,477,321)................................................................. $1,107,249,890
Cash........................................................................................................ 532,945
Interest receivable......................................................................................... 20,820,891
Receivable for investments sold............................................................................. 7,493,133
Receivable for Series shares sold........................................................................... 3,114,900
Due from broker - variation margin.......................................................................... 35,062
Other assets................................................................................................ 16,732
--------------
Total assets............................................................................................. 1,139,263,553
--------------
Liabilities
Payable for investments purchased........................................................................... 13,292,139
Payable for Series shares reacquired........................................................................ 2,008,464
Dividends payable........................................................................................... 1,788,096
Management fee payable...................................................................................... 410,722
Distribution fee payable.................................................................................... 323,222
Accrued expenses............................................................................................ 210,317
--------------
Total liabilities........................................................................................ 18,032,960
--------------
Net Assets.................................................................................................. $1,121,230,593
--------------
--------------
Net assets were comprised of:
Shares of beneficial interest, at par.................................................................... $ 991,547
Paid-in capital in excess of par......................................................................... 1,063,404,578
--------------
1,064,396,125
Accumulated net realized loss on investments............................................................. (24,938,101)
Net unrealized appreciation of investments............................................................... 81,772,569
--------------
Net assets, April 30, 1998.................................................................................. $1,121,230,593
--------------
--------------
Class A:
Net asset value and redemption price per share
($421,515,355 / 37,273,437 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)...................... $11.31
Maximum sales charge (3% of offering price).............................................................. .35
--------------
Maximum offering price to public......................................................................... $11.66
--------------
--------------
Class B:
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($669,241,615 / 59,185,536 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)...................... $11.31
--------------
--------------
Class C:
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($20,554,428 / 1,817,829 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)........................ $11.31
--------------
--------------
Class Z:
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($9,919,195 / 877,903 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)........................... $11.30
--------------
--------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 19
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
HIGH YIELD SERIES
Statement of Operations
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
Net Investment Income April 30, 1998
Income
Interest.................................. $ 71,328,838
--------------
Expenses
Management fee............................ 5,323,382
Distribution fee--Class A................. 381,735
Distribution fee--Class B................. 3,345,658
Distribution fee--Class C................. 111,993
Transfer agent's fees and expenses........ 450,000
Custodian's fees and expenses............. 152,000
Reports to shareholders................... 81,000
Registration fees......................... 64,000
Insurance expense......................... 29,000
Legal fees and expenses................... 18,000
Audit fee................................. 15,000
Trustees' fees and expenses............... 13,000
Miscellaneous............................. 8,437
--------------
Total expenses......................... 9,993,205
Less: Management fee waiver............... (535,931)
Custodian fee credit................... (4,478)
--------------
Net expenses........................... 9,452,796
--------------
Net investment income........................ 61,876,042
--------------
Realized and Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Investment transactions................... (5,710,322)
Financial futures contract transactions... (740,523)
--------------
(6,450,845)
--------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation of:
Investments............................... 50,351,593
--------------
Net gain on investments...................... 43,900,748
--------------
Net Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations.................... $105,776,790
--------------
--------------
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
HIGH YIELD SERIES
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) Year Ended April 30,
in Net Assets 1998 1997
Operations
Net investment income....... $ 61,876,042 $ 63,368,111
Net realized loss on
investment
transactions............. (6,450,845) (4,271,817)
Net change in unrealized
appreciation of
investments.............. 50,351,593 18,105,192
-------------- --------------
Net increase in net assets
resulting from
operations............... 105,776,790 77,201,486
-------------- --------------
Dividends and distributions
(Note 1):
Dividends from net
investment income
Class A.................. (23,016,599) (18,998,681)
Class B.................. (37,682,645) (43,873,295)
Class C.................. (804,495) (467,478)
Class Z.................. (372,303) (28,657)
-------------- --------------
(61,876,042) (63,368,111)
-------------- --------------
Distributions in excess of
net investment income
Class A.................. -- (39,610)
Class B.................. -- (82,405)
Class C.................. -- (965)
Class Z.................. -- (28)
-------------- --------------
-- (123,008)
-------------- --------------
Series share transactions (net of
share conversions) (Note 5):
Net proceeds from shares
subscribed............... 194,658,081 116,459,010
Net asset value of shares
issued in reinvestment of
dividends................ 27,600,737 28,109,609
Cost of shares reacquired... (156,797,816) (175,001,590)
-------------- --------------
Net increase (decrease) in
net assets from Series
share transactions....... 65,461,002 (30,432,971)
-------------- --------------
Total increase (decrease)...... 109,361,750 (16,722,604)
Net Assets
Beginning of year.............. 1,011,868,843 1,028,591,447
-------------- --------------
End of year.................... $1,121,230,593 $1,011,868,843
-------------- --------------
-------------- --------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 20
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 INSURED SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS--98.3%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama--0.7%
Huntsville Solid Wste. Disp. Auth., F.G.I.C. Aaa 7.00% 10/01/08 $ 2,000 $ 2,147,080
Jefferson Cnty. Swr. Rev. Wste., Ser. D, F.G.I.C. Aaa 5.75 2/01/22 1,200 1,249,716
------------
3,396,796
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alaska--2.4%
Alaska St. Engy. Auth. Pwr. Rev., Bradley Lake Hydro, 1st
Ser., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 7.25 7/01/16 2,000(g) 2,106,600
Anchorage Hosp. Rev., Sisters of Providence, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 7.125 10/01/05 5,000 5,512,450
No. Slope Boro., Cap. Apprec., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 6/30/06 5,000 3,375,300
------------
10,994,350
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona--1.9%
Maricopa Cnty. Ind. Dev. Auth. Rev.,
Hosp. Facs., John C. Lincoln Hosp., F.S.A. Aaa 7.00 12/01/00 1,755 1,827,569
Hosp. Facs., John C. Lincoln Hosp., F.S.A. Aaa 7.50 12/01/13 1,045(c) 1,149,155
Hosp. Facs., John C. Lincoln Hosp., F.S.A. Aaa 7.50 12/01/13 1,205 1,315,294
Maricopa Cnty. Unified Sch. Dist. No. 69, Paradise
Valley, Ser. E, F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.80 7/01/12 3,700 4,390,013
------------
8,682,031
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California--6.3%
California St. Pub. Wks. Brd.,
Comm. Coll. Proj., Ser. A, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 5.625 3/01/16 2,000 2,078,700
Dept. of Corrections, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 5.75 1/01/12 2,000 2,127,940
Contra Costa Wtr. Dist. Wtr. Rev., Ser. E, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 6.25 10/01/12 1,455 1,648,253
Inland Empire Solid Wste. Fin. Auth., Landfill Impvt.
Fin., Proj. B, F.S.A. Aaa 6.00 8/01/16 2,000 2,117,580
Roseville Joint Union H.S. Dist., Ser. B, F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 8/01/13 2,015 915,455
San Diego Cnty. Wtr. Auth. Wtr. Rev., Ctfs. of Part.,
F.G.I.C Aaa 7.037 4/26/06 5,800(d) 6,590,250
San Francisco City & Cnty. Arpt. Comm. Int'l. Arpt. Rev.,
Ser. 2, F.S.A. Aaa 4.75 5/01/29 5,755 5,243,265
So. Orange Cnty. Pub. Fin. Auth.,
Foothill Area Proj., F.G.I.C Aaa 8.00 8/15/08 2,000(g) 2,537,220
Foothill Area Proj., F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.50 8/15/10 2,725(g) 3,151,136
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 21
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 INSURED SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California (cont'd.)
Victor Valley Element. Sch. Dist.,
Cap. Apprec., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 6/01/17 $ 3,550 $ 1,279,207
Cap. Apprec., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 6/01/18 3,700 1,258,925
------------
28,947,931
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado--1.2%
Denver City & Cnty. Arpt. Rev., Ser. C, M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.60% 11/15/11 5,000 5,199,300
Jefferson Cnty. Sngl. Fam. Mtge. Rev., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 8.875 10/01/13 435 464,141
------------
5,663,441
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connecticut--1.1%
Connecticut St. Res. Rec. Auth., Mid. Connecticut. Sys.,
Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.25 11/15/08 5,000 5,209,200
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
District of Columbia--8.5%
Dist. of Columbia Hosp. Rev. Medlantic Hlthcare Grp.,
M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.875 8/15/19 3,500 3,652,110
M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.75 8/15/26 3,000(g) 3,093,750
Dist. of Columbia Met. Area Trans. Auth.,
Gross Rev., F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.00 7/01/09 2,400 2,655,336
Gross Rev., F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.00 7/01/10 1,500 1,659,960
Dist. of Columbia Ref.,
Ser. B, F.S.A. Aaa 5.50 6/01/10 7,565(g) 7,890,673
Ser. B, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.00 6/01/18 4,460 4,866,083
Ser. B, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.00 6/01/19 3,965 4,319,987
Dist. of Columbia,
Assoc. American Med. Colleges, A.M.B.A.C Aaa 5.375 2/15/27 4,500 4,483,260
Gen. Oblig., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.50 6/01/10 6,000(g) 6,797,040
------------
39,418,199
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Florida--4.2%
Brevard Hlth. Facs. Auth. Rev., Holmes Reg'l. Med. Ctr.,
M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.60 10/01/10 6,000(g) 6,349,800
Dade Cnty. Edl. Facs. Auth. Rev. Ref., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.625 4/01/06 3,000 3,200,010
Dade Cnty. Res. Rec., Facs. Rev. Ref., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 5.10 10/01/04 3,355 3,458,468
Orange Cnty. Hlth. Facs. Auth. Rev. Hosp., Orlando Reg'l.
Hlthcare, Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.25 10/01/07 3,160 3,536,862
Palm Beach Cnty. Solid Wste. Auth. Rev. Ref., Ser. A,
A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 6.00 10/01/09 2,500 2,770,550
------------
19,315,690
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 22
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 INSURED SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Georgia--2.6%
Atlanta Arpt. Facs. Rev., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 6.50% 1/01/10 $ 2,000 $ 2,295,120
Georgia Mun. Elec. Auth.,
Proj. No. 1, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 6.00 1/01/06 5,570 6,050,022
Pwr. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.20 1/01/10 3,495(e) 3,891,613
------------
12,236,755
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hawaii--3.3%
Hawaii St. Dept. Bud. & Fin. Spec. Purpose Rev., Hawaiian
Elec. Co. Inc., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.65 10/01/27 15,000 15,199,950
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illinois--11.7%
Arlington Hts. Park Dist. Cap. Apprec., Ser. E, F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 12/01/13 4,175 1,825,143
Chicago Bd. Edl.
Cap. Apprec. Chicago Sch. Rfm., Ser. A, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa Zero 12/01/11 5,000 2,479,400
Cap. Apprec. Chicago Sch. Rfm., Ser. A, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa Zero 12/01/12 6,000 2,785,680
Cap. Apprec. Chicago Sch. Rfm., Ser. A, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa Zero 12/01/13 3,500 1,530,060
Cap. Apprec. Chicago Sch. Rfm., Ser. A, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa Zero 12/01/14 7,195 2,958,728
Cap. Apprec. Chicago Sch. Rfm., Ser. A, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa Zero 12/01/15 3,245 1,254,030
Chicago Bd. Edl. Sch. Ref., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 5.75 12/01/27 10,000 10,394,200
Chicago Midway Arpt. Rev., Ser. B, M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.75 1/01/22 6,835 7,009,771
Chicago O'Hare Int'l. Arpt. Rev., Pass. Facs. Chrg., Ser.
A, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 5.625 1/01/15 2,000 2,057,660
Chicago Park Dist., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 5.30 1/01/15 3,000 3,008,760
Chicago Skyway Toll Brdg. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.50 1/01/23 650 657,794
Chicago Wstewtr. Trans. Rev.
Cap. Apprec. Ref., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 1/01/20 7,275 2,221,494
Cap. Apprec. Ref., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 1/01/21 13,655 3,947,524
Cap. Apprec. Ref., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 1/01/24 13,695 3,349,386
Chicago Wtr. Rev. Cap. Apprec., F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 11/01/16 3,055 1,121,490
Onterie Ctr. Hsg. Fin. Corp. Mtge. Rev.,
Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 7.00 7/01/12 1,575 1,673,579
Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 7.05 7/01/27 5,400 5,741,658
------------
54,016,357
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indiana--2.0%
Marion Cnty. Hosp. Auth. Facs. Rev., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 8.625 10/01/12 8,500(c)(g) 9,211,705
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 23
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 INSURED SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisiana--0.5%
New Orleans, Gen. Oblig., Cap. Apprec., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa Zero 9/01/09 $ 4,000 $ 2,313,200
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massachusetts--1.3%
Massachusetts Bay Trans. Auth. Gen. Sys., Ser. A,
M.B.I.A. Aaa 4.50% 3/01/26 4,000 3,474,000
Massachusetts St. Hlth. & Edl. Facs. Auth. Rev., Baystate
Med. Ctr., Ser. E, F.S.A. Aaa 6.00 7/01/26 2,475 2,617,610
------------
6,091,610
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michigan--4.1%
Detroit Dwntwn. Dev., Ser. A, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 5.75 7/15/15 1,820 1,903,702
Detroit Swr. Disp. Rev., Ser. 1993A, F.G.I.C. Aaa 7.263 7/01/23 6,500(d)(g) 6,833,125
Michigan St. Hosp. Fin. Auth. Rev., Mid. Michigan Oblig.,
M.B.I.A. Aaa 7.50 6/01/15 2,350(c) 2,550,126
Monroe Cnty. Poll. Ctrl. Rev., Detroit Edison Co., Proj.
1, Ser. I, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 7.30 9/01/19 3,250 3,461,542
Saginaw Hosp. Fin. Auth., St. Luke's Hosp., Ser. C,
M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.50 7/01/11 4,000 4,278,440
------------
19,026,935
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mississipi--0.6%
Harrison Cnty. Wste. Wtr. Mgmt. Dist. Rev., Wste. Wtr.
Treatmt., Facs. Auth., F.G.I.C. Aaa 6.50 2/01/06 2,400 2,576,832
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Missouri--0.3%
Missouri St. Hlth. & Edl. Facs. Rev.,
SSM Hlthcare, Ser. AA, M.B.I.A. NR 6.25 6/01/16 285(c) 309,806
SSM Hlthcare, Unref., Ser. AA, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.25 6/01/16 1,215 1,304,315
------------
1,614,121
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montana--0.5%
Forsyth Poll. Ctrl. Rev., Puget Sound Pwr. & Lt. Co., 1st
Mtge., Ser. A, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 7.05 8/01/21 2,000 2,171,280
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey--6.3%
East Orange Bd. Edl. Ctfs. Part.
Cap. Apprec., F.S.A. Aaa Zero 2/01/15 1,425 595,180
Cap. Apprec., F.S.A. Aaa Zero 2/01/16 1,000 395,770
Cap. Apprec., F.S.A. Aaa Zero 2/01/17 1,425 533,335
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 24
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 INSURED SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey (cont'd.)
East Orange Bd. Edl. Ctfs. Part.
Cap. Apprec., F.S.A. Aaa Zero 2/01/18 $ 2,845 $ 1,008,496
Cap. Apprec., F.S.A. Aaa Zero 8/01/18 1,425 492,038
Cap. Apprec., F.S.A. Aaa Zero 2/01/20 1,845 585,086
Cap. Apprec., F.S.A. Aaa Zero 8/01/21 2,845 834,837
Cap. Apprec., F.S.A. Aaa Zero 8/01/23 1,400 368,606
Jersey City Swr. Auth.,
A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 6.00% 1/01/10 2,585 2,854,615
A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 6.25 1/01/14 4,255 4,817,809
New Jersey Econ. Dev. Auth.,
Mkt. Trans. Facs. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.875 7/01/11 5,900 6,270,756
Mkt. Trans. Facs. Rev., Sr. Lien, M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.80 7/01/09 3,340 3,567,454
Natural Gas Facs. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.70 6/01/32 5,000 5,148,900
New Jersey Impvt. Auth. Rev., Util. Sys., M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.75 7/01/27 1,500 1,559,595
------------
29,032,477
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York--11.5%
Erie Cnty. Wtr. Auth. Rev., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa Zero 12/01/17 770 189,682
Islip Res. Rec., Ser. B, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 7.20 7/01/10 1,750 2,095,887
Met. Trans. Auth. N.Y. Trans. Facs. Rev., F.S.A. Aaa 5.75 7/01/11 5,000 5,291,600
New York City Mun. Wtr. Fin. Auth., Wtr. & Swr. Sys.
Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.75 6/15/26 5,000 5,182,750
New York City,
Cap. Apprec., Ser. G, M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 8/01/07 4,000 2,604,800
Cap. Apprec., Ser. G, M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 8/01/08 3,325 2,030,212
Ser. D, M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.25 8/01/21 2,500 2,466,750
Ser. G, M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.75 2/01/14 3,000 3,134,040
New York St. Dorm. Auth. Rev., Montefiore Med. Ctr.,
A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 6.00 8/01/08 3,400 3,738,606
New York St. Envir. Facs. Corp.,
Poll. Ctrl. Rev. Aaa 5.70 7/15/12 3,375 3,567,442
Poll. Ctrl. Rev. Aaa 5.75 7/15/13 1,060 1,132,239
Poll. Ctrl. Rev. Aaa 5.80 7/15/14 3,755 3,998,362
New York St. Thrwy. Auth. Gen. Rev.,
Ser. D Aa3 5.40 1/01/11 5,370 5,570,730
Ser. D Aa3 5.50 1/01/12 3,865 4,016,508
Port Auth. New York & New Jersey Cons., Ser. 99, F.G.I.C. Aaa 5.90 11/01/11 7,665 8,114,246
------------
53,133,854
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 25
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 INSURED SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio--3.9%
Cleveland City Sch. Dist.,
Rev. Antic. Nts., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 5.50% 6/01/06 $ 6,465 $ 6,836,026
Rev. Antic. Nts., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 5.75 6/01/07 5,870 6,325,806
Kent City Sch. Dist., F.G.I.C. Aaa 5.75 12/01/21 1,000 1,043,820
Lorain Cnty. Hosp. Rev., Catholic Hlthcare Partners,
M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.50 9/01/27 4,000 4,046,800
------------
18,252,452
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oklahoma--1.5%
Norman Reg'l. Hosp. Auth., Rev. Ref., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.50 9/01/11 4,110 4,267,290
Oklahoma City Arpt. Trust, Jr. Lien, Ser. 24, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 5.75 2/01/18 2,620 2,690,399
------------
6,957,689
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania--1.3%
Philadelphia Mun. Auth. Rev., Criminal Justice Ctr., Ser.
A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.90 11/15/03 3,000 3,299,010
Philadelphia, Sch. Dist., Ser. B, A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 5.375 4/01/27 2,500 2,504,275
------------
5,803,285
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico--3.1%
Puerto Rico Comm., M.B.I.A. Aaa 4.875 7/01/23 3,000 2,823,690
Puerto Rico Gen. Oblig., M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.25 7/01/13 1,250 1,421,825
Puerto Rico Pub. Bldgs. Auth. Rev., Gov't. Facs., Ser. A,
A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 6.25 7/01/13 1,700 1,933,682
Puerto Rico Tel. Auth. Rev.,
Ser. I, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.667 1/25/07 4,100(d) 4,407,500
Ser. I, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.915 1/16/15 3,800(d) 3,952,000
------------
14,538,697
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Dakota--2.8%
So. Dakota Hsg. Dev. Auth., Homeownership Mtge., Ser. F Aa1 5.80 5/01/28 12,620 12,960,866
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tennessee--1.2%
Metro. Gov't. Nashville & Davidson Cnty. Wtr. & Swr.
Rev., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 8.216 1/01/22 5,000(d) 5,731,250
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas--5.4%
Austin Util. Sys. Rev. Comb., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 4.875 11/15/10 5,500 5,466,725
Austin Util. Sys. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 5/15/03 8,000 6,354,480
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 26
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 INSURED SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas (cont'd.)
Brazos Rvr. Auth. Rev., Houston Lt. & Pwr., Ser. B, 1st
Mtge., F.G.I.C. Aaa 7.20% 12/01/18 $ 1,000 $ 1,061,030
Houston Arpt. Sys. Rev. Aaa 7.20 7/01/13 3,900 4,600,323
Houston Arpt. Sys. Rev., Spec. Facs. People Mover, Ser.
A, F.S.A. Aaa 6.00 7/15/05 3,255 3,508,857
Keller Ind. Sch. Dist., P.S.F.G. Aaa Zero 8/15/15 4,945 1,958,072
Texas Wtr. Res. Fin. Auth. Rev., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 7.50 8/15/13 1,985 2,067,298
------------
25,016,785
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Virginia--3.7%
Chesapeake Bay Brdg. & Tunn. Comm., Dist. Rev., F.G.I.C. Aaa 5.875 7/01/10 5,000 5,386,850
Richmond Met. Auth. Expwy. Rev. Ref., F.G.I.C. Aaa 5.25 7/15/22 4,265 4,299,675
Virginia Beach Hosp. Facs. Rev.,
1st Mtge., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 6.00 2/15/10 1,220 1,352,882
1st Mtge., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 6.00 2/15/13 1,455 1,608,925
Virginia Coll. Bldg. Auth. Edl. Facs. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.25 1/01/26 4,275 4,324,718
------------
16,973,050
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington--4.4%
Washington St. Hlthcare Facs. Auth. Rev., Yakima Valley
Memorial Hosp. Assoc. AAA(b) 5.25 12/01/20 2,500 2,435,375
Washington St. Pub. Pwr. Supply Sys.,
Nuclear Proj. No. 1, Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.75 7/01/10 7,000 7,436,940
Nuclear Proj. No. 2, Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 7/01/11 5,210 2,622,818
Nuclear Proj. No. 2, Ser. B, F.G.I.C. Aaa 7.25 7/01/03 3,000(c) 3,245,040
Nuclear Proj. No. 3, Ser. B, F.G.I.C. Aaa 7.00 7/01/05 2,000(c) 2,130,900
Nuclear Proj. No. 3, Ser. B, F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 7/01/08 4,500 2,717,955
------------
20,589,028
------------
Total long-term investments (cost $434,670,225) 455,075,816
------------
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS--0.9%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
District of Columbia--0.1%
Dist. of Columbia, Gen. Oblig., Ser. 92A-4, F.R.D.D. VMIG1 4.35 5/01/98 500 500,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illinois--0.0%
Will County Solid Wste. Disp. Rev., Daily BASF Corp.
Proj.,
Ser. 97, F.R.D.D., A.M.T. P-1 4.25 5/01/98 100 100,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 27
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 INSURED SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Mexico--0.6%
Hurley Cnty., Poll. Ctrl. Rev., Ser. 85, F.R.D.D. P-1 4.25% 5/01/98 $ 2,800 $ 2,800,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas--0.2%
Gulf Coast Wste. Disp. Auth., Poll. Ctrl. Rev., Ser. 94,
F.R.D.D., A.M.T. VMIG1 4.35 5/01/98 600 600,000
------------
Total short-term investments (cost $4,000,000) 4,000,000
------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investments--99.2%
(cost $438,670,225; Note 4) 459,075,816
Other assets in excess of liabilities--0.8% 3,629,791
------------
Net Assets--100% $462,705,607
------------
------------
- ---------------
(a) The following abbreviations are used in portfolio descriptions:
A.M.B.A.C.--American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation
A.M.T.--Alternative Minimum Tax
F.G.I.C.--Financial Guaranty Insurance Company
F.R.D.D.--Floating Rate (Daily) Demand Note (f)
F.S.A.--Financial Security Assurance
M.B.I.A.--Municipal Bond Insurance Association
P.S.F.G.--Public School Fund Guaranty
(b) Standard & Poor's rating.
(c) Prerefunded issues are secured by escrowed cash and direct U.S. guaranteed
obligations.
(d) Inverse floating rate bond. The coupon is inversely indexed to a floating
interest rate. The rate shown is the rate at year end.
(e) Principal amount pledged as initial margin on financial futures contracts.
(f) The maturity date shown is the later of the next date on which the security
can be redeemed at par or the next date on which the rate of interest is
adjusted.
(g) All or partial amount of principal segregated as collateral for financial
futures contracts.
The Fund's current Prospectus contains a description of Moody's and Standard &
Poor's ratings.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 28
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Statement of Assets and Liabilities INSURED SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets April 30, 1998
Investments, at value (cost $438,670,225)................................................................... $459,075,816
Cash........................................................................................................ 27,338
Interest receivable......................................................................................... 6,179,023
Receivable for Series shares sold........................................................................... 73,218
Other assets................................................................................................ 9,084
--------------
Total assets............................................................................................. 465,364,479
--------------
Liabilities
Payable for Series shares reacquired........................................................................ 1,103,751
Dividends payable........................................................................................... 599,998
Due to broker-variation margin.............................................................................. 405,337
Accrued expenses............................................................................................ 233,850
Management fee payable...................................................................................... 200,112
Distribution fee payable.................................................................................... 115,824
--------------
Total liabilities........................................................................................ 2,658,872
--------------
Net Assets.................................................................................................. $462,705,607
--------------
--------------
Net assets were comprised of:
Shares of beneficial interest, at par.................................................................... $ 418,602
Paid-in capital in excess of par......................................................................... 439,345,140
--------------
439,763,742
Accumulated net realized gain on investments............................................................. 2,430,211
Net unrealized appreciation of investments............................................................... 20,511,654
--------------
Net assets, April 30, 1998.................................................................................. $462,705,607
--------------
--------------
Class A:
Net asset value and redemption price per share
($224,409,371 / 20,312,259 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)...................... $11.05
Maximum sales charge (3.0% of offering price)............................................................ .34
--------------
Maximum offering price to public......................................................................... $11.39
--------------
--------------
Class B:
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($236,369,629 / 21,373,644 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)...................... $11.06
--------------
--------------
Class C:
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($1,508,667 / 136,421 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)........................... $11.06
--------------
--------------
Class Z:
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($417,940 / 37,833 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding).............................. $11.05
--------------
--------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 29
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
INSURED SERIES
Statement of Operations
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
Net Investment Income April 30, 1998
Income
Interest.................................. $ 26,886,125
--------------
Expenses
Management fee............................ 2,469,913
Distribution fee--Class A................. 222,115
Distribution fee--Class B................. 1,352,766
Distribution fee--Class C................. 8,567
Transfer agent's fees and expenses........ 301,000
Custodian's fees and expenses............. 97,000
Reports to shareholders................... 50,000
Registration fees......................... 41,000
Insurance expense......................... 16,000
Audit fee................................. 15,000
Trustees' fees and expenses............... 13,000
Legal fees and expenses................... 11,000
Miscellaneous............................. 5,599
--------------
Total expenses......................... 4,602,960
Less: Management fee waiver............... (85,444)
Custodian fee credit................... (5,707)
--------------
Net expenses........................... 4,511,809
--------------
Net investment income........................ 22,374,316
--------------
Realized and Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Investment transactions................... 10,397,180
Financial futures contract transactions... (2,978,111)
--------------
7,419,069
--------------
Net change in unrealized
appreciation on:
Investments............................... 10,580,044
Financial futures contracts............... 297,750
--------------
10,877,794
--------------
Net gain on investments...................... 18,296,863
--------------
Net Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations.................... $ 40,671,179
--------------
--------------
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
INSURED SERIES
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) Year Ended April 30,
in Net Assets 1998 1997
Operations
Net investment income........ $ 22,374,316 $ 25,911,892
Net realized gain on
investment transactions... 7,419,069 12,131,022
Net change in unrealized
appreciation
(depreciation) of
investments............... 10,877,794 (7,713,454)
------------- -------------
Net increase in net assets
resulting from
operations................ 40,671,179 30,329,460
------------- -------------
Dividends and distributions
(Note 1):
Dividends from net investment
income
Class A................... (10,553,524) (9,267,489)
Class B................... (11,765,355) (16,602,381)
Class C................... (46,954) (41,775)
Class Z................... (8,483) (247)
------------- -------------
(22,374,316) (25,911,892)
------------- -------------
Dividends in excess of net
investment income
Class A................... (80,333) (117,523)
Class B................... (90,260) (180,111)
Class C................... (469) (467)
Class Z................... (60) --
------------- -------------
(171,122) (298,101)
------------- -------------
Distributions from net
capital gains
Class A................... (4,980,680) (2,135,002)
Class B................... (5,596,092) (3,272,015)
Class C................... (29,102) (8,473)
Class Z................... (3,703) (2)
------------- -------------
(10,609,577) (5,415,492)
------------- -------------
Series share transactions (net
of share conversions) (Note
5):
Net proceeds from shares
subscribed................ 17,849,201 201,450,948
Net asset value of shares
issued in reinvestment of
dividends and
distributions............. 19,222,401 17,841,830
Cost of shares reacquired.... (89,200,577) (294,754,828)
------------- -------------
Net decrease in net assets
from Series share
transactions.............. (52,128,975) (75,462,050)
------------- -------------
Total decrease.................. (44,612,811) (76,758,075)
Net Assets
Beginning of year............... 507,318,418 584,076,493
------------- -------------
End of year..................... $ 462,705,607 $ 507,318,418
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 30
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 INTERMEDIATE SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS--97.7%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alaska--4.8%
Alaska Ind. Dev. & Expt. Auth., Revolving Loan Fund A2 5.40% 4/01/01 $ 945 $ 967,992
No. Slope Boro., Cap. Apprec., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa Zero 6/30/07 1,430 915,886
------------
1,883,878
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado--2.6%
Eaglebend Affordable Hsg. Corp., Multifam. Rev. NR 5.75 7/01/07 1,000 1,019,170
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connecticut--5.4%
Conn. Spec. Tax Oblig. Rev., Ser. A AA-(b) 7.00 6/01/03 1,000(c) 1,086,790
Conn. St. Hlth. & Edl. Facs. Auth. Rev. Baa2 5.125 7/01/07 1,000 992,350
------------
2,079,140
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
District of Columbia--6.6%
Dist. Columbia Hsg. Fin. Agcy. Mtge. Rev.
Amt. Sngl. Fam., Ser. B AAA(b) 5.25 12/01/08 440 447,128
Amt. Sngl. Fam., Ser. B AAA(b) 5.30 12/01/09 315 319,309
Dist. of Columbia Ref., Ser. B, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.00 6/01/13 1,000 1,090,550
Dist. of Columbia Rev., America Geophysical Union, Ser.
199 BBB-(b) 5.50 9/01/03 700 709,912
------------
2,566,899
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Florida--1.3%
Palm Beach Cnty. Hlth. Facs. Auth. Rev., Abbey Delray So.
Proj. BBB(b) 5.30 10/01/07 500 501,865
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Georgia--2.4%
Burke Cnty. Dev. Auth., Oglethorpe Pwr. Co., M.B.I.A. Aaa 7.50 1/01/03 862 927,305
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illinois--1.2%
Illinois Hlth. Facs. Auth. Rev., Edward Hosp., Ser. A A2 5.75 2/15/09 450 466,524
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indiana--2.7%
Univ. Southern Indiana Rev. Student Fee., Ser. F, F.G.I.C. Aaa 5.50 10/01/13 1,000 1,045,580
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 31
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 INTERMEDIATE SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massachusetts--5.1%
Massachusetts Edl. Fing Auth. Ed. Ln. Rev., Iss. G., Ser.
A, M.B.I.A. AAA(b) 5.10% 12/01/13 $ 1,000 $ 970,660
Massachusetts St. Hsg. Fin. Agcy. Hsg. Dev., Ser. A,
M.B.I.A Aaa 5.15 6/01/11 1,000 996,190
------------
1,966,850
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michigan--1.4%
Michigan Mun. Bond Auth. Rev., Wayne Cnty. Proj., M.B.I.A. Aaa 7.40 12/01/02 500 547,675
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Missouri--1.3%
Clayton Sch. Dist., Cap. Apprec., Ser. A, F.S.A. Aaa Zero 2/01/07 750 494,325
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey--18.4%
Brick Twnshp., Mun. Util. Auth. Rev., F.G.I.C. Aaa 5.50 12/01/03 1,295 1,362,858
New Jersey Econ. Dev. Auth. Rev.,
Mkt. Trans. Facs. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.75 7/01/06 950 1,018,144
Mkt. Trans. Facs. Rev., M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.80 7/01/07 1,000 1,071,480
Performing Arts Ctr., A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 6.00 6/15/08 1,410 1,553,862
So. Reg'l. High Sch. Dist., M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.50 9/01/06 1,010 1,074,438
West Windsor Plainsboro Sch., F.G.I.C. Aaa 5.25 12/01/05 1,000 1,046,400
------------
7,127,182
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York--8.0%
Met. Trans. Auth. N.Y. Trans. Facs. Rev., F.S.A. Aaa 5.75 7/01/11 675 714,366
New York, N.Y., Ser. F A3 5.50 8/01/07 1,000 1,040,350
New York St. Env. Facs. Corp., Poll. Ctrl. Rev. Aaa 5.80 1/15/14 1,280 1,362,957
------------
3,117,673
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio--1.4%
Ohio St. Bldg. Auth., Admin. Bldg. Fund Proj., M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.60 10/01/06 500 534,555
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oklahoma--6.0%
Oklahoma St. Ind. Auth. Rev. Hosp., Deaconess Hlthcare.,
Ser. A Baa2 5.50 10/01/12 1,250 1,242,562
Oklahoma St. Ind. Auth. Rev. Hlth. Sys., Integris Bapt.,
A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 6.00 8/15/09 1,000 1,094,810
------------
2,337,372
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 32
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 INTERMEDIATE SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania--10.4%
Clarion Cnty. Hosp. Auth. Rev., Ref. Clarion Hosp. Proj. BBB-(b) 5.60% 7/01/10 $ 685 $ 694,597
Montgomery Cnty. Redev. Auth., Multifam. Hsg. Rev., Ser. A NR 5.75 7/01/99 780 788,011
Pennsylvania St. Ctfs. of Part., Ser. A, F.S.A. Aaa 6.25 11/01/06 600 645,768
Pennsylvania St. Higher Edl. Facs. Auth., Hlth. Svs. Rev.,
M.B.I.A. Aaa 5.70 11/15/11 755 812,697
Philadelphia Hosp. Auth. & Higher Edl. Auth., Childrens
Seashore House, Ser. A A-(b) 7.00 8/15/03 1,000 1,088,010
------------
4,029,083
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico--2.1%
Puerto Rico Comnwlth., Gen. Oblig., Ser. A, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.25 7/01/10 750 806,310
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rhode Island--2.8%
Rhode Island St., Ref. Cons. Cap. Dev. Loan, M.B.I.A. Aaa 6.00 8/01/06 1,000 1,092,290
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas--4.5%
San Antonio Elec. & Gas Rev., Ser. A, F.G.I.C. Aaa Zero 2/01/05 1,000 727,370
Tyler Tex. Hlth. Facs. Dev. Corp., Mother Francis Hosp.,
Ser. A Baa2 5.50 7/01/09 1,000 1,004,350
------------
1,731,720
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Utah--2.7%
Utah St. Brd. of Regents, Student Loan Rev., Ser. F,
A.M.B.A.C. Aaa 7.00 11/01/01 1,000 1,064,200
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington--2.7%
Wash. St. Pub. Pwr. Supp. Sys., Nuclear Proj. No. 3, Ser.
B Aa1 7.00 7/01/99 1,000 1,034,100
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wyoming--3.9%
Wyoming Cmnty. Dev. Auth. Hsg. Rev. Amt., Ser. 5 Aa2 5.60 12/01/06 1,450 1,526,401
------------
Total long-term investments (cost $36,635,565) 37,900,097
------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 33
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Portfolio of Investments as of April 30, 1998 INTERMEDIATE SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Principal
Rating Interest Maturity Amount Value
Description (a) (Unaudited) Rate Date (000) (Note 1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS--1.6%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas--1.6%
Brazos River Auth. Poll. Ctrl. Rev., Texas Util. Elec.
Co., Ser. 95C, F.R.D.D., A.M.T. (cost $600,000) VMIG1 4.40% 5/01/98 $ 600 $ 600,000
------------
Total Investments--99.3% (cost $37,235,565; Note 4 ) 38,500,097
Other assets in excess of liabilities--0.7% 286,268
------------
Net Assets--100% $ 38,786,365
------------
------------
- ---------------
(a) The following abbreviations are used in portfolio descriptions:
A.M.B.A.C.--American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation
A.M.T.--Alternative Minimum Tax
F.G.I.C.--Financial Guaranty Insurance Company
F.R.D.D.--Floating Rate (Daily) Demand Note (d)
F.S.A.--Financial Security Assurance
M.B.I.A.--Municipal Bond Insurance Association
(b) Standard & Poor's Rating.
(c) Prerefunded issues are secured by escrowed cash and direct U.S.
guaranteed obligations.
(d) The maturity date shown is the later of the next date on which the
security can be redeemed at par or the next date on which the rate
of interest is adjusted.
NR--Not rated by Moody's or Standard & Poor's.
The Fund's current Prospectus contains a description of Moody's and Standard &
Poor's ratings.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 34
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Statement of Assets and Liabilities INTERMEDIATE SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets April 30, 1998
Investments, at value (cost $37,235,565).................................................................... $ 38,500,097
Interest receivable......................................................................................... 602,522
Receivable for Series shares sold........................................................................... 17,063
Other assets................................................................................................ 852
--------------
Total assets............................................................................................. 39,120,534
--------------
Liabilities
Bank overdraft.............................................................................................. 23,529
Accrued expenses............................................................................................ 127,453
Payable for Series shares reacquired........................................................................ 115,603
Dividends payable........................................................................................... 40,096
Management fee payable...................................................................................... 15,692
Distribution fee payable.................................................................................... 11,796
--------------
Total liabilities........................................................................................ 334,169
--------------
Net Assets.................................................................................................. $ 38,786,365
--------------
--------------
Net assets were comprised of:
Shares of beneficial interest, at par.................................................................... $ 35,867
Paid-in capital in excess of par......................................................................... 37,195,390
--------------
37,231,257
Accumulated net realized gain on investments............................................................. 290,576
Net unrealized appreciation on investments............................................................... 1,264,532
--------------
Net assets, April 30, 1998.................................................................................. $ 38,786,365
--------------
--------------
Class A:
Net asset value and redemption price per share
($13,125,685 / 1,213,932 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)........................ $10.81
Maximum sales charge (3% of offering price).............................................................. .33
--------------
Maximum offering price to public......................................................................... $11.14
--------------
--------------
Class B:
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($24,017,088 / 2,220,773 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)........................ $10.81
--------------
--------------
Class C:
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($449,061 / 41,523 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding).............................. $10.81
--------------
--------------
Class Z:
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($1,194,531 / 110,471 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)........................... $10.81
--------------
--------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 35
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
INTERMEDIATE SERIES
Statement of Operations
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
Net Investment Income April 30, 1998
Income
Interest.................................. $2,205,779
--------------
Expenses
Management fee............................ 207,968
Distribution fee--Class A................. 13,591
Distribution fee--Class B................. 135,876
Distribution fee--Class C................. 2,856
Reports to shareholders................... 87,000
Custodian's fees and expenses............. 72,000
Registration fees......................... 62,000
Transfer agent's fees and expenses........ 38,000
Audit fee................................. 15,000
Trustees' fees and expenses............... 13,000
Legal fees and expenses................... 10,500
Miscellaneous............................. 6,554
--------------
Total expenses......................... 664,345
Less: Management fee waiver............... (7,346)
Custodian fee credit................... (185)
--------------
Net expenses........................... 656,814
--------------
Net investment income........................ 1,548,965
--------------
Realized and Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Investment transactions................... 535,746
Financial futures contract transactions... (196,033)
--------------
339,713
--------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on:
Investments............................... 829,293
Financial futures contracts............... (12,906)
--------------
816,387
--------------
Net gain on investments...................... 1,156,100
--------------
Net Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations.................... $2,705,065
--------------
--------------
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
INTERMEDIATE SERIES
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) Year Ended April 30,
in Net Assets 1998 1997
Operations
Net investment income........... $ 1,548,965 $ 1,958,229
Net realized gain on investment
transactions................. 339,713 478,036
Net change in unrealized
appreciation
(depreciation) of
investments.................. 816,387 (699,669)
----------- ------------
Net increase in net assets
resulting from operations.... 2,705,065 1,736,596
----------- ------------
Dividends and distributions (Note
1):
Dividends from net investment
income
Class A...................... (542,230) (579,475)
Class B...................... (975,783) (1,371,478)
Class C...................... (12,672) (5,456)
Class Z...................... (18,280) (1,820)
----------- ------------
(1,548,965) (1,958,229)
----------- ------------
Distributions in excess of net
investment income
Class A...................... -- (9,615)
Class B...................... -- (22,423)
Class C...................... -- (75)
Class Z...................... -- (3)
----------- ------------
-- (32,116)
----------- ------------
Distributions from net capital
gains
Class A...................... (66,647) --
Class B...................... (130,950) --
Class C...................... (2,322) --
Class Z...................... (1,731) --
----------- ------------
(201,650) --
----------- ------------
Series share transactions (net of
share conversions) (Note 5):
Net proceeds from shares
subscribed................... 3,202,633 5,261,896
Net asset value of shares issued
in reinvestment of
dividends.................... 1,116,810 1,242,265
Cost of shares reacquired....... (10,710,780) (15,354,228)
----------- ------------
Net decrease in net assets from
Series share transactions.... (6,391,337) (8,850,067)
----------- ------------
Total decrease..................... (5,436,887) (9,103,816)
Net Assets
Beginning of year.................. 44,223,252 53,327,068
----------- ------------
End of year........................ $38,786,365 $ 44,223,252
----------- ------------
----------- ------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 36
Notes to Financial Statements PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prudential Municipal Bond Fund (the 'Fund') is registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end management investment company.
The Fund was organized as an unincorporated business trust in Massachusetts on
November 3, 1986 and consists of three series: the High Yield Series, the
Insured Series and the Intermediate Series. Investment operations for Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class Z shares of each series commenced on January 22,
1990, September 17, 1987, August 1, 1994 and September 16, 1996, respectively.
The investment objectives of the series are as follows: (i) the objective of the
High Yield Series is to provide the maximum amount of income that is eligible
for exclusion from federal income taxes, (ii) the objective of the Insured and
Intermediate Series is to provide the maximum amount of income that is eligible
for exclusion from federal income taxes consistent with the preservation of
capital. The ability of issuers of debt securities held by the Fund to meet
their obligations may be affected by economic and political developments in a
specific state, region or industry.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1. Accounting Policies
Securities Valuation: Municipal securities (including commitments to purchase
such securities on a 'when-issued' basis) are valued on the basis of prices
provided by a pricing service which uses information with respect to
transactions in bonds, quotations from bond dealers, market transactions in
comparable securities and various relationships between securities in
determining values. If market quotations are not readily available from such
pricing service, a security is valued at its fair value as determined under
procedures established by the Trustees.
Short-term securities which mature in more than 60 days are valued at current
market quotations. Short-term securities which mature in 60 days or less are
valued at amortized cost.
Financial Futures Contracts: A financial futures contract is an agreement to
purchase (long) or sell (short) an agreed amount of debt securities at a set
price for delivery on a future date. Upon entering into a financial futures
contract, the Fund is required to pledge to the broker an amount of cash and/or
other assets equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. This amount
is known as the 'initial margin.' Subsequent payments, known as 'variation
margin,' are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily
fluctuations in the value of the underlying security. Such variation margin is
recorded for financial statement purposes on a daily basis as unrealized gain or
loss. When the contract expires or is closed, the gain or loss is realized and
is presented in the statement of operations as net realized gain (loss) on
financial futures contracts.
The Fund invests in financial futures contracts in order to hedge its existing
portfolio securities, or securities the Fund intends to purchase, against
fluctuations in value caused by changes in prevailing interest rates. Should
interest rates move unexpectedly, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated
benefits of the financial futures contracts and may realize a loss. The use of
futures transactions involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in
the price of futures contracts, interest rates and the underlying hedged assets.
Options: The Fund may either purchase or write options in order to hedge against
adverse market movements or fluctuations in value caused by changes in
prevailing interest rates with respect to securities which the Fund currently
owns or intends to purchase. When the Fund purchases an option, it pays a
premium and an amount equal to that premium is recorded as an investment. When
the Fund writes an option, it receives a premium and an amount equal to that
premium is recorded as a liability. The investment or liability is adjusted
daily to reflect the current market value of the option. If an option expires
unexercised, the Fund realizes a gain or loss to the extent of the premium
received or paid. If an option is exercised, the premium received or paid is an
adjustment to the proceeds from the sale or the cost basis of the purchase in
determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. The difference between
the premium and the amount received or paid on effecting a closing purchase or
sale transaction is also treated as a realized gain or loss. Gain or loss on
purchased options is included in net realized gain (loss) on investment
transactions.
The Fund, as writer of an option, has no control over whether the underlying
securities may be sold (called) or purchased (put). As a result, the Fund bears
the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying
the written option. The Fund, as purchaser of an option, bears the risk of the
potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.
Securities Transactions and Net Investment Income: Securities transactions are
recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on sales of securities are
calculated on the identified cost basis. Interest income is recorded on the
accrual basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes original issue discount
on portfolio securities as adjustments to interest income. Net investment
income, other than distribution fees, and realized and unrealized gains or
losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative
proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Expenses are
recorded on the accrual basis which may require the use of certain estimates by
management.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37
Notes to Financial Statements PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Income Taxes: For federal income tax purposes, each series in the Fund
is treated as a separate tax paying entity. It is the intent of each series to
continue to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to
regulated investment companies and to distribute all net income to shareholders.
For this reason no federal income tax provision is required.
Dividends and Distributions: Dividends from net investment income are declared
daily and paid monthly. The Fund will distribute at least annually any net
capital gains. Dividends and distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance
with income tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting
principles.
Reclassification of Capital Accounts: The Fund accounts and reports for
distributions to shareholders in accordance with Statement of Position 93-2:
Determination, Disclosure, and Financial Statement Presentation of Income,
Capital Gain, and Return of Capital Distributions by Investment Companies. For
the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998, the effect of applying this statement was
to increase undistributed net investment income and decrease accumulated net
realized gain by $171,122 for the Insured Series.
Custody Fee Credits: The Fund has an arrangement with its custodian bank,
whereby uninvested monies earn credits which reduce the fees charged by the
custodian.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Note 2. Agreements
The Fund has a management agreement with Prudential Investments Fund Management
LLC ('PIFM'). Pursuant to this agreement, PIFM has responsibility for all
investment advisory services and supervises the subadviser's performance of such
services. PIFM has entered into a subadvisory agreement with The Prudential
Investment Corporation ('PIC'), doing business as Prudential Investments ('PI,'
the Subadviser or the investment adviser); PIC furnishes investment advisory
services in connection with the management of the Fund. PIFM pays for the cost
of the subadviser's services, the compensation of officers of the Fund,
occupancy and certain clerical and bookkeeping costs of the Fund. The Fund bears
all other costs and expenses.
The management fee paid PIFM is computed daily and payable monthly at an annual
rate of .50 of 1% of the average daily net assets of each series up to $1
billion and .45 of 1% of the average daily net assets of each series in excess
of $1 billion. PIFM has agreed to voluntarily waive a portion of each series'
management fee, which amounted to $535,931, $85,444 and $7,346 for the High
Yield Series, Insured Series and Intermediate Series, respectively. Such amounts
represented .05 of 1% of the average daily net assets or $.005 per share for the
High Yield Series and .02 of 1% of the average daily net assets or $.002 per
share for the Insured Series and Intermediate Series. Effective September 1,
1997, PIFM eliminated its management fee waiver for the Insured Series and
Intermediate Series.
The Fund has a distribution agreement with Prudential Securities Incorporated
('PSI'), which acts as the distributor of the Class A, Class B, Class C and
Class Z shares of the Fund. The Fund compensates PSI for distributing and
servicing the Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares, pursuant to plans of
distribution (the 'Class A, B and C Plans'), regardless of expenses actually
incurred by PSI. The distribution fees are accrued daily and payable monthly. No
distribution or service fees are paid to PSI as distributor of the Class Z
shares of the Fund. Effective July 1, 1998, Prudential Investment Management
Services LLC will become the distributor of the Fund and will serve the Fund
under the same terms and conditions as under the arrangement with PSI.
Pursuant to the Class A, B and C Plans, the Fund compensates PSI for
distribution-related activities at an annual rate of up to .30 of 1%, .50 of 1%
and 1%, of the average daily net assets of the Class A, B and C shares,
respectively. Such expenses under the Plans were .10 of 1%, .50 of 1% and .75 of
1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A, B and C shares, respectively,
for the year ended April 30, 1998.
PSI has advised the Fund that it received approximately $529,300 ($493,600-High
Yield Series; $30,400-Insured Series; $5,300-Intermediate Series) in front-end
sales charges resulting from sales of Class A shares during the year ended April
30, 1998. From these fees, PSI paid such sales charges to affiliated
broker-dealers which in turn paid commissions to salespersons and incurred other
distribution costs.
PSI has advised the Fund that for the year ended April 30, 1998, it received
approximately $1,320,700 ($866,900-High Yield Series; $388,200-Insured Series;
$65,600-Intermediate Series) in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon
certain redemptions by Class B and C shareholders.
PSI, PIC and PIFM are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of The Prudential
Insurance Company of America.
The Fund, along with other affiliated registered investment companies (the
'Funds'), has a credit agreement (the 'Agreement') with an unaffiliated lender.
The maximum commitment under the Agreement is $200,000,000. Interest on any such
borrowings outstanding will be at market rates. The purpose of the Agreement is
to serve as an alternative
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38
Notes to Financial Statements PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
source of funding for capital share redemptions. The Fund has not borrowed any
amounts pursuant to the Agreement during the year ended April 30, 1998. The
Funds pay a commitment fee at an annual rate of .055 of 1% on the unused portion
of the credit facility. The commitment fee is accrued and paid quarterly on a
pro rata basis by the Funds. The Agreement expired on December 30, 1997 and has
been extended through December 29, 1998 under the same terms.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Note 3. Other Transactions With Affiliates
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC ('PMFS'), a wholly owned subsidiary of PIFM,
serves as the Fund's transfer agent. During the year ended April 30, 1998, the
Fund incurred fees of approximately $609,100 ($361,000-High Yield Series;
$221,700-Insured Series; $26,400-Intermediate Series) for the services of PMFS.
As of April 30, 1998, approximately $51,600 ($31,100-High Yield Series;
$18,300-Insured Series; $2,200-Intermediate Series) of such fees were due to
PMFS. Transfer agent fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations also
include certain out of pocket expenses paid to nonaffiliates.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Note 4. Portfolio Securities
Purchases and sales of portfolio securities, excluding short-term investments,
for the year ended April 30, 1998, were as follows:
Series Purchases Sales
- -------------------------------- ------------ ------------
High Yield...................... $208,053,727 $139,078,918
Insured......................... 404,690,101 456,797,559
Intermediate.................... 21,888,177 28,523,204
At April 30, 1998, the High Yield Series and the Insured Series sold 100,000 and
284,000 financial futures contracts, respectively of U.S. Treasury Bonds
expiring in June 1998.
The values of these financial futures contracts at April 30, 1998 were as
follows:
Financial Futures
Contracts Sold
--------------------------
High Yield Insured
Series Series
----------- -----------
Value at disposition.............. $12,003,625 $34,421,156
Value at April 30, 1998........... 12,003,625 34,315,093
----------- -----------
Unrealized gain................... $ 0 $ 106,063
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
The federal income tax basis of the Fund's investments, at April 30, 1998 was
$1,026,195,791-High Yield Series; $438,671,525-Insured Series; and
$37,235,565-Intermediate Series and, accordingly, net unrealized appreciation of
investments for federal income tax purposes was as follows:
Gross Gross
Net unrealized unrealized unrealized
Series appreciation appreciation depreciation
- --------------------- -------------- ----------- ----------
High Yield........... $ 81,054,099 $90,185,030 $9,130,931
Insured.............. 20,404,291 21,977,695 1,573,404
Intermediate......... 1,264,532 1,334,659 70,127
The High Yield Series has a net capital loss carryforward as of April 30, 1998
of approximately $17,547,000, of which $2,024,000 expires in 2002, $5,361,000
expires in 2003, $6,383,000 expires in 2004, $3,225,000 expires in 2005, and
$554,000 expires in 2006. No capital gains distribution is expected to be paid
to shareholders until net gains have been realized in excess of the aggregate of
such amounts. In addition, the High Yield Series elected to treat net realized
capital losses of approximately $6,709,700 incurred in the six-month period
ended April 30, 1998, as having been incurred in the following year.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Note 5. Capital
Each series offers Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares. Class A shares
are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 3.0%. Class B shares are sold
with a contingent deferred sales charge which declines from 5% to zero depending
on the period of time the shares are held. Class C shares are sold with a
contingent deferred sales charge of 1% during the first year. Class B shares
automatically convert to Class A shares on a quarterly basis approximately seven
years after purchase. A special exchange privilege is also available for
shareholders who qualify to purchase Class A shares at net asset value. Class Z
shares are not subject to any sales or redemption charge and are offered
exclusively for sale to a limited group of investors.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
39
Notes to Financial Statements PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund has authorized an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of
each class at $.01 par value per share. Transactions in shares of beneficial
interest were as follows:
High Yield Series Insured Series Intermediate Series
Class A Class A Class A
---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------
Year Ended April 30, 1998 Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount
- ---------------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
Shares issued..................... 5,097,999 $ 57,395,615 569,674 $ 6,395,067 51,122 $ 558,941
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 962,597 10,829,429 785,872 8,843,968 36,144 393,414
Shares reacquired................. (6,025,736) (67,587,666) (3,276,382) (36,775,017) (331,385) (3,600,677)
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
Net increase (decrease) in shares
outstanding before
conversion..................... 34,860 637,378 (1,920,836) (21,535,982) (244,119) (2,648,322)
Shares issued upon conversion from
Class B........................ 6,417,324 71,773,373 3,118,260 35,134,908 160,123 1,739,629
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
Net increase (decrease) in shares
outstanding.................... 6,452,184 $ 72,410,751 1,197,424 $ 13,598,926 (83,996) $ (908,693)
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
Year Ended April 30, 1997
- ----------------------------------
Shares issued..................... 2,690,433 $ 29,194,209 17,268,103 $ 190,281,225 146,988 $ 1,570,573
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 816,257 8,853,738 562,530 6,209,882 33,834 360,674
Shares reacquired................. (5,951,712) (64,552,270) (20,358,917) (224,259,104) (505,221) (5,381,606)
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
Net decrease in shares outstanding
before
conversion..................... (2,445,022) (26,504,323) (2,528,284) (27,767,997) (324,399) (3,450,359)
Shares issued upon conversion from
Class B........................ 12,411,968 133,842,041 8,887,896 97,509,503 443,554 4,710,903
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
Net increase in shares
outstanding.................... 9,966,946 $ 107,337,718 6,359,612 $ 69,741,506 119,155 $ 1,260,544
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
High Yield Series Insured Series Intermediate Series
Class B Class B Class B
---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------
---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------
Year Ended April 30, 1998 Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount
- ---------------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
Shares issued..................... 10,261,223 $ 115,317,304 894,372 $ 10,051,980 113,994 $ 1,243,792
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 1,416,916 15,920,018 915,681 10,310,964 63,393 689,975
Shares reacquired................. (7,485,320) (84,004,151) (4,626,069) (51,987,346) (627,441) (6,818,594)
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
Net increase (decrease) in shares
outstanding before
conversion..................... 4,192,819 47,233,171 (2,816,016) (31,624,402) (450,054) (4,884,827)
Shares issued upon conversion from
Class A........................ (6,418,319) (71,773,373) (3,114,481) (35,134,908) (160,109) (1,739,629)
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
Net decrease in shares
outstanding.................... (2,225,500) $ (24,540,202) (5,930,497) $ (66,759,310) (610,163) $ (6,624,456)
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
Year Ended April 30, 1997
- ----------------------------------
Shares issued..................... 7,261,475 $ 78,657,488 991,206 $ 10,920,454 293,960 $ 3,134,459
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 1,747,161 18,927,857 1,049,549 11,593,012 82,134 875,459
Shares reacquired................. (9,901,712) (107,242,000) (6,341,050) (69,974,266) (909,089) (9,694,638)
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
Net decrease in shares outstanding
before conversion.............. (893,076) (9,656,655) (4,300,295) (47,460,800) (532,995) (5,684,720)
Shares reacquired upon conversion
into Class A................... (12,411,968) (133,842,041) (8,879,800) (97,509,503) (443,243) (4,710,903)
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
Net decrease in shares
outstanding.................... (13,305,044) $(143,498,696) (13,180,095) $(144,970,303) (976,238) $(10,395,623)
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40
Notes to Financial Statements PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Yield Series Insured Series Intermediate Series
Class C Class C Class C
---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------
Year Ended April 30, 1998 Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount
- ---------------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
Shares issued..................... 1,210,837 $ 13,633,168 75,353 $ 851,857 31,683 $ 345,224
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 45,608 514,159 4,949 55,759 1,355 14,774
Shares reacquired................. (321,058) (3,613,378) (25,249) (284,339) (15,800) (171,265)
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
Net increase in shares
outstanding.................... 935,387 $ 10,533,949 55,053 $ 623,277 17,238 $ 188,733
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
Year Ended April 30, 1997
- ----------------------------------
Shares issued..................... 505,330 $ 5,472,765 21,265 $ 234,063 28,931 $ 311,189
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 28,059 304,264 3,510 38,759 436 4,639
Shares reacquired................. (256,031) (2,781,902) (47,234) (521,343) (26,221) (277,703)
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
Net increase (decrease) in shares
outstanding.................... 277,358 $ 2,995,127 (22,459) $ (248,521) 3,146 $ 38,125
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
High Yield Series Insured Series Intermediate Series
Class Z Class Z Class Z
---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------
Year Ended April 30, 1998 Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount
- ---------------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
Shares issued..................... 737,972 $ 8,311,994 49,053 $ 550,297 96,575 $ 1,054,676
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 29,882 337,131 1,039 11,710 1,711 18,647
Shares reacquired................. (141,036) (1,592,621) (13,642) (153,875) (11,026) (120,244)
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
Net increase in shares
outstanding.................... 626,818 $ 7,056,504 36,450 $ 408,132 87,260 $ 953,079
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
September 16, 1996(a) Through
April 30, 1997
- ----------------------------------
Shares issued..................... 287,958 $ 3,134,548 1,377 $ 15,206 23,097 $ 245,675
Shares issued in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.... 2,192 23,750 16 177 140 1,493
Shares reacquired................. (39,065) (425,418) (10) (115) (27) (281)
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
Net increase in shares
outstanding.................... 251,085 $ 2,732,880 1,383 $ 15,268 23,210 $ 246,887
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ------------
- ---------------
(a) Commencement of offering of Class Z shares.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Note 6. Subsequent Event
On June 23, 1998 the Trustees of the Fund approved a change in the name of the
High Yield Series to the High Income Series effective July 1, 1998.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
41
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Financial Highlights HIGH YIELD SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A
-----------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended April 30,
-----------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year.................. $ 10.84 $ 10.70 $ 10.72 $ 10.74 $ 11.14
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Income from investment operations
Net investment income............................... .67(b) .70(b) .72(b) .72(b) .72
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions.......................... .47 .14 (.02) (.02) (.39)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Total from investment operations................. 1.14 .84 .70 .70 .33
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment income................ (.67) (.70) (.72) (.72) (.72)
Distributions from capital gains.................... -- -- -- -- (.01)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Total distributions.............................. (.67) (.70) (.72) (.72) (.73)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Net asset value, end of year........................ $ 11.31 $ 10.84 $ 10.70 $ 10.72 $ 10.74
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
TOTAL RETURN(a):.................................... 10.80% 8.03% 6.55% 6.90% 2.88%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)....................... $421,504 $334,062 $223,073 $115,501 $54,491
Average net assets (000)............................ $381,735 $294,940 $162,329 $ 65,207 $52,982
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees............ .62%(b) 0.64%(b) 0.64%(b) 0.69%(b) 0.69%
Expenses, excluding distribution fees............ .52%(b) 0.54%(b) 0.54%(b) 0.59%(b) 0.59%
Net investment income............................ 6.03%(b) 6.44%(b) 6.58%(b) 6.83%(b) 6.42%
For Class A, B, C and Z shares:
Portfolio turnover rate.......................... 13% 26% 35% 39% 36%
- ---------------
(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
distributions.
(b) Net of management fee waiver.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 42
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Financial Highlights HIGH YIELD SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B
----------------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended April 30,
----------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year.................. $ 10.84 $ 10.69 $ 10.72 $ 10.74 $ 11.14
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Income from investment operations
Net investment income............................... .63(b) .66(b) .68(b) .68(b) .68
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions.......................... .47 .15 (.03) (.02) (.39)
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total from investment operations................. 1.10 .81 .65 .66 .29
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment income................ (.63) (.66) (.68) (.68) (.68)
Distributions from capital gains.................... -- -- -- -- (.01)
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total distributions.............................. (.63) (.66) (.68) (.68) (.69)
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of year........................ $ 11.31 $ 10.84 $ 10.69 $ 10.72 $ 10.74
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
TOTAL RETURN(a):.................................... 10.36% 7.71% 6.12% 6.37% 2.46%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)....................... $669,223 $665,525 $799,048 $ 934,725 $1,099,640
Average net assets (000)............................ $669,132 $725,305 $900,115 $1,024,132 $1,132,653
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees............ 1.02%(b) 1.04%(b) 1.04%(b) 1.09%(b) 1.09%
Expenses, excluding distribution fees............ .52%(b) 0.54%(b) 0.54%(b) 0.59%(b) 0.58%
Net investment income............................ 5.63%(b) 6.05%(b) 6.19%(b) 6.37%(b) 6.02%
- ---------------
(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
distributions.
(b) Net of management fee waiver.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 43
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Financial Highlights HIGH YIELD SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Class Z
---------------------------------------------------- ----------
August 1,
1994(c) Year
Years Ended April 30, Through Ended
------------------------------------- April 30, April 30,
1998 1997 1996 1995 1998
--------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year.................. $ 10.84 $ 10.69 $ 10.72 $10.79 $10.83
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
Income from investment operations
Net investment income (b)........................... .61 .63 .65 .49 .68
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions.......................... .47 .15 (.03) (.07) .47
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
Total from investment operations................. 1.08 .78 .62 .42 1.15
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment income................ (.61) (.63) (.65) (.49) (.68)
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
Net asset value, end of year........................ $ 11.31 $ 10.84 $ 10.69 $10.72 $11.30
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
TOTAL RETURN(a):.................................... 10.09% 7.44% 5.86% 3.91% 10.91%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)....................... $20,554 $ 9,563 $ 6,471 $3,208 $9,919
Average net assets (000)............................ $14,932 $ 8,060 $ 5,608 $1,385 $6,064
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees (b)........ 1.27% 1.29% 1.29% 1.34%(e) .52%
Expenses, excluding distribution fees (b)........ .52% 0.54% 0.54% 0.59%(e) .52%
Net investment income (b)........................ 5.39% 5.80% 5.93% 6.34%(e) 6.14%
September 16,
1996(d)
Through
April 30,
1997
-------------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year.................. $ 10.79
-----
Income from investment operations
Net investment income (b)........................... .45
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions.......................... .04
-----
Total from investment operations................. .49
-----
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment income................ (.45)
-----
Net asset value, end of year........................ $ 10.83
-----
-----
TOTAL RETURN(a):.................................... 4.36%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)....................... $ 2,719
Average net assets (000)............................ $ 704
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees (b)........ 0.54%(e)
Expenses, excluding distribution fees (b)........ 0.54%(e)
Net investment income (b)........................ 6.55%(e)
- ---------------
(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
distributions. Total returns for periods of less than a full year are not
annualized.
(b) Net of management fee waiver.
(c) Commencement of offering of Class C shares.
(d) Commencement of offering of Class Z shares.
(e) Annualized.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 44
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Financial Highlights INSURED SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A
----------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended April 30,
----------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year.................. $ 10.90 $ 10.94 $ 10.83 $ 10.71 $ 11.44
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Income from investment operations
Net investment income............................... .53(b) .55(b) .58(b) .58(b) .58
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions.......................... .40 .08 .11 .12 (.43)
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations................. .93 .63 .69 .70 .15
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment income................ (.53) (.55) (.58) (.58) (.58)
Distributions in excess of net investment income.... --(c) (.01) -- -- --
Distributions from capital gains.................... (.25) (.11) -- -- (.30)
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Total distributions.............................. (.78) (.67) (.58) (.58) (.88)
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of year........................ $ 11.05 $ 10.90 $ 10.94 $ 10.83 $ 10.71
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
TOTAL RETURN(a):.................................... 8.67% 5.74% 6.47% 6.73% 1.04%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)....................... $224,409 $208,411 $139,548 $75,800 $30,669
Average net assets (000)............................ $222,115 $187,371 $102,456 $39,471 $32,309
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees............ 0.69%(b) 0.68%(b) 0.68%(b) 0.74%(b) 0.71%
Expenses, excluding distribution fees............ 0.59%(b) 0.58%(b) 0.58%(b) 0.64%(b) 0.61%
Net investment income............................ 4.75%(b) 4.95%(b) 5.20%(b) 5.45%(b) 5.09%
For Class A, B, C and Z shares:
Portfolio turnover rate.......................... 85% 110% 68% 64% 105%
- ---------------
(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
distributions.
(b) Net of management fee waiver.
(c) Less than $.005 per share.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 45
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Financial Highlights INSURED SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B
------------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended April 30,
------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year.................. $ 10.91 $ 10.95 $ 10.84 $ 10.71 $ 11.44
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income from investment operations
Net investment income............................... .49(b) .50(b) .54(b) .54(b) .54
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions.......................... .40 .08 .11 .13 (.43)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations................. .89 .58 .65 .67 .11
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment income................ (.49) (.50) (.54) (.54) (.54)
Distributions in excess of net investment income.... --(c) (.01) -- -- --
Distributions from capital gains.................... (.25) (.11) -- -- (.30)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total distributions.............................. (.74) (.62) (.54) (.54) (.84)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of year........................ $ 11.06 $ 10.91 $ 10.95 $ 10.84 $ 10.71
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
TOTAL RETURN(a):.................................... 8.23% 5.32% 6.04% 6.40% 0.63%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)....................... $236,370 $298,005 $443,391 $567,648 $740,447
Average net assets (000)............................ $270,553 $365,891 $524,452 $660,237 $807,794
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees............ 1.09%(b) 1.08%(b) 1.08%(b) 1.14%(b) 1.11%
Expenses, excluding distribution fees............ 0.59%(b) 0.58%(b) 0.58%(b) 0.64%(b) 0.61%
Net investment income............................ 4.35%(b) 4.54%(b) 4.80%(b) 4.99%(b) 4.69%
- ---------------
(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
distributions.
(b) Net of management fee waiver.
(c) Less than $.005 per share.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 46
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Financial Highlights INSURED SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Class Z
---------------------------------------------------- ----------
August 1,
1994(c) Year
Years Ended April 30, Through Ended
------------------------------------- April 30, April 30,
1998 1997 1996 1995 1998
--------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year.................. $ 10.91 $ 10.95 $ 10.84 $10.79 $10.91
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
Income from investment operations
Net investment income(b)............................ .46 .48 .51 .39 .54
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions.......................... .40 .08 .11 .05 .39
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
Total from investment operations................. .86 .56 .62 .44 .93
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment income................ (.46) (.48) (.51) (.39) (.54)
Distributions in excess of net investment income.... --(f) (.01) -- -- --(f)
Distributions from capital gains.................... (.25) (.11) -- -- (.25)
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
Total distributions.............................. (.71) (.60) (.51) (.39) (.79)
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
Net asset value, end of year........................ $ 11.06 $ 10.91 $ 10.95 $10.84 $11.05
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
TOTAL RETURN(a):.................................... 7.96% 5.06% 5.78% 4.03% 8.68%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)....................... $ 1,509 $ 888 $ 1,137 $ 525 $ 418
Average net assets (000)............................ $ 1,142 $ 973 $ 827 $ 224 $ 173
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees(b)......... 1.34% 1.33% 1.33% 1.39%(e) 0.60%
Expenses, excluding distribution fees(b)......... 0.59% 0.58% 0.58% 0.64%(e) 0.60%
Net investment income(b)......................... 4.11% 4.29% 4.56% 4.92%(e) 4.92%
September 16,
1996(d)
Through
April 30,
1997
-------------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year.................. $ 11.05
-----
Income from investment operations
Net investment income(b)............................ .36
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions.......................... (.02)
-----
Total from investment operations................. .34
-----
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment income................ (.36)
Distributions in excess of net investment income.... (.01)
Distributions from capital gains.................... (.11)
-----
Total distributions.............................. (.48)
-----
Net asset value, end of year........................ $ 10.91
-----
-----
TOTAL RETURN(a):.................................... 2.86%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)....................... $ 15
Average net assets (000)............................ $ 10
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees(b)......... 0.58%(e)
Expenses, excluding distribution fees(b)......... 0.58%(e)
Net investment income(b)......................... 4.18%(e)
---------------
(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
distributions. Total returns for periods of less than a full year are not
annualized.
(b) Net of management fee waiver.
(c) Commencement of offering of Class C shares.
(d) Commencement of offering of Class Z shares.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Less than $.005 per share.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 47
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Financial Highlights INTERMEDIATE SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A
------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended April 30,
------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
------- ------- ------- ------- ------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year.................. $ 10.59 $ 10.65 $ 10.45 $ 10.67 $11.08
------- ------- ------- ------- ------
Income from investment operations
Net investment income............................... .43(b) .46(b) .47(b) .51(b) .53
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions.......................... .28 (.05) .20 (.03) (.19)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------
Total from investment operations................. .71 .41 .67 .48 .34
------- ------- ------- ------- ------
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment income................ (.43) (.46) (.47) (.51) (.53)
Distributions in excess of net investment income.... -- (.01) -- (.01) --
Distributions from capital gains.................... (.06) -- -- (.18) (.22)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------
Total distributions.............................. (.49) (.47) (.47) (.70) (.75)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------
Net asset value, end of year........................ $ 10.81 $ 10.59 $ 10.65 $ 10.45 $10.67
------- ------- ------- ------- ------
------- ------- ------- ------- ------
TOTAL RETURN(a):.................................... 6.76% 3.86% 6.48% 4.52% 2.83%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)....................... $13,126 $13,740 $12,552 $10,507 $5,810
Average net assets (000)............................ $13,591 $13,487 $12,604 $ 7,742 $4,981
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees............ 1.31%(b) 1.15%(b) 1.16%(b) 1.05%(b) 1.00%
Expenses, excluding distribution fees............ 1.21%(b) 1.05%(b) 1.06%(b) 0.95%(b) 0.90%
Net investment income............................ 3.99%(b) 4.30%(b) 4.36%(b) 4.75%(b) 4.63%
For Class A, B, C and Z shares:
Portfolio turnover rate.......................... 54% 46% 35% 30% 55%
- ---------------
(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
distributions.
(b) Net of management fee waiver.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 48
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Financial Highlights INTERMEDIATE SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B
-------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended April 30,
-------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year.................. $ 10.59 $ 10.65 $ 10.45 $ 10.68 $ 11.09
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Income from investment operations
Net investment income............................... .39(b) .42(b) .43(b) .45(b) .48
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions.......................... .28 (.05) .20 (.04) (.19)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations................. .67 .37 .63 .41 .29
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment income................ (.39) (.42) (.43) (.45) (.48)
Distributions in excess of net investment income.... -- (.01) -- (.01) --
Distributions from capital gains.................... (.06) -- -- (.18) (.22)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total distributions.............................. (.45) (.43) (.43) (.64) (.70)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of year........................ $ 10.81 $ 10.59 $ 10.65 $ 10.45 $ 10.68
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
TOTAL RETURN(a):.................................... 6.33% 3.44% 6.05% 3.99% 2.43%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)....................... $24,017 $29,980 $40,550 $51,039 $65,215
Average net assets (000)............................ $27,175 $35,221 $46,127 $60,174 $59,811
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees............ 1.71%(b) 1.55%(b) 1.56%(b) 1.45%(b) 1.40%
Expenses, excluding distribution fees............ 1.21%(b) 1.05%(b) 1.06%(b) 0.95%(b) 0.90%
Net investment income............................ 3.59%(b) 3.89%(b) 3.96%(b) 4.35%(b) 4.23%
- ---------------
(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
distributions.
(b) Net of management fee waiver.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 49
PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Financial Highlights INTERMEDIATE SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Class Z
---------------------------------------------------- ----------
August 1,
1994(c) Year
Years Ended April 30, Through Ended
------------------------------------- April 30, April 30,
1998 1997 1996 1995 1998
--------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year.................. $ 10.59 $ 10.65 $ 10.45 $10.54 $10.59
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
Income from investment operations
Net investment income(b)............................ .36 .39 .40 .35 .44
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions.......................... .28 (.05) .20 (.08) .28
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
Total from investment operations................. .64 .34 .60 .27 .72
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment income................ (.36) (.39) (.40) (.35) (.44)
Distributions in excess of net investment income.... -- (.01) -- (.01) --
Distributions from capital gains.................... (.06) -- -- -- (.06)
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
Total distributions.............................. (.42) (.40) (.40) (.36) (.50)
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
Net asset value, end of year........................ $ 10.81 $ 10.59 $ 10.65 $10.45 $10.81
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
--------- --------- --------- ----- -----
TOTAL RETURN(a):.................................... 6.07% 3.17% 5.79% 2.14% 6.86%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)....................... $ 449 $ 257 $ 225 $ 167 $1,194
Average net assets (000)............................ $ 381 $ 149 $ 197 $ 28 $ 447
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees(b)......... 1.96% 1.80% 1.81% 1.81%(e) 1.21%
Expenses, excluding distribution fees(b)......... 1.21% 1.05% 1.06% 1.06%(e) 1.21%
Net investment income(b)......................... 3.33% 3.65% 3.71% 4.34%(e) 4.09%
September 16,
1996(d)
Through
April 30,
1997
-------------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year.................. $ 10.63
-----
Income from investment operations
Net investment income(b)............................ .31
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions.......................... (.03)
-----
Total from investment operations................. .28
-----
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment income................ (.31)
Distributions in excess of net investment income.... (.01)
Distributions from capital gains.................... --
-----
Total distributions.............................. (.32)
-----
Net asset value, end of year........................ $ 10.59
-----
-----
TOTAL RETURN(a):.................................... 2.50%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)....................... $ 246
Average net assets (000)............................ $ 63
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees(b)......... 1.05%(e)
Expenses, excluding distribution fees(b)......... 1.05%(e)
Net investment income(b)......................... 4.65%(e)
- ---------------
(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
distributions. Total returns for periods of less than a full year are not
annualized.
(b) Net of management fee waiver.
(c) Commencement of offering of Class C shares.
(d) Commencement of offering of Class Z shares.
(e) Annualized.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 50
Report of Independent Accountants PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To the Shareholders and Trustees of
Prudential Municipal Bond Fund
In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including
the portfolios of investments, and the related statements of operations and of
changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of High Yield Series, Insured Series
and Intermediate Series (constituting Prudential Municipal Bond Fund, hereafter
referred to as the 'Fund') at April 30, 1998, the results of each of their
operations for the year then ended and the changes in each of their net assets
and the financial highlights for each of the two years in the period then ended,
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial
statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as 'financial
statements') are the responsibility of the Fund's management; our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We
conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits, which included confirmation of securities at April 30, 1998 by
correspondence with the custodian and brokers and the application of alternative
auditing procedures where confirmations from brokers were not received, provide
a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above. The accompanying financial
highlights for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 1996 were
audited by other independent accountants, whose opinion dated June 13, 1996 was
unqualified.
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York
June 18, 1998
Tax Information (Unaudited) PRUDENTIAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As required by the Internal Revenue Code, we wish to advise you as to the
federal tax status of dividends and distributions paid by the Fund during its
fiscal year ended April 30, 1998.
During its fiscal year ended April 30, 1998, the Fund paid aggregate dividends
from net investment income, all of which were federally tax-exempt interest
dividends, as follows:
Dividends per Share
----------------------------------------------
Series Class A Class B Class C Class Z
------------------------------ ------- ------- ------- -------
High Yield Series............. $ .67 $ .63 $ .61 $ .68
Insured Series................ $ .53 $ .49 $ .46 $ .54
Intermediate Series........... $ .43 $ .39 $ .36 $ .44
In addition to the above, the Insured Series paid dividends and distributions
totalling $.252 per share, comprised of $.004 ordinary income and $.064
short-term capital gains which are taxable as ordinary income and $.184
long-term capital gains of which $.131 is taxable as 28% rate gains and $.053 is
taxable as 20% rate gains to Class A, B, C and Z shareholders.
The Intermediate Series paid $.0550 long-term capital gains, all of which is
taxable as 28% rate gains to Class A, B, C and Z shareholders.
Shortly after the close of the calendar year ending December 31, 1998, you will
be advised again as to the federal tax status of the dividends and distributions
received in calendar 1998. In addition, you will be advised at that time as to
the portion of your dividends which may be subject to the Alternative Minimum
Tax (AMT) as well as information with respect to state taxability.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
51
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION.
As permitted by Section 17(h) and (i) of the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended (the 1940 Act) and pursuant to Article VII of the Fund's By-Laws
(Exhibit 2 to the Registration Statement), officers, directors, employees and
agents of the Registrant will not be liable to the Registrant, any shareholder,
officer, director, employee, agent or other person for any action or failure to
act, except for bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of duties, and those individuals may be indemnified against
liabilities in connection with the Registrant, subject to the same exceptions.
Section 2-418 of Maryland General Corporation Law permits indemnification of
directors who acted in good faith and reasonably believed that the conduct was
in the best interests of the Registrant. As permitted by Section 17(i) of the
1940 Act, pursuant to Section 10 of each Distribution Agreement (Exhibit 7 to
the Registration Statement), each Distributor of the Registrant may be
indemnified against liabilities which it may incur, except liabilities arising
from bad faith, gross negligence, willful misfeasance or reckless disregard of
duties.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (Securities Act) may be permitted to directors, officers and
controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the 1940 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a
claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by
the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or
controlling person of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense
of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted against the Registrant by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the shares being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the 1940 Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
The Registrant maintains an insurance policy insuring its officers and
directors against liabilities, and certain costs of defending claims against
such officers and directors, to the extent such officers and directors are not
found to have committed conduct constituting willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their duties. The
insurance policy also insures the Registrant against the cost of indemnification
payments to officers and directors under certain circumstances.
Section 9 of the Management Agreement (Exhibit 6(a) to the Registration
Statement) and Section 4 of the Subadvisory Agreement (Exhibit 6(b) to the
Registration Statement) limit the liability of Prudential Investment Fund
Management, LLC. (PIFM) and The Prudential Investment Corporation (PIC),
respectively, to liabilities arising from willful misfeasance, bad faith or
gross negligence in the performance of their respective duties or from reckless
disregard by them of their respective obligations and duties under the
agreements.
The Registrant hereby undertakes that it will apply the indemnification
provisions of its By-Laws and 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 16. EXHIBITS.
1. (a) Restated Articles of Incorporation. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
1 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A
filed via EDGAR on February 28, 1995 (File No. 2-66407).
(b) Articles Supplementary. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(b) to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed
via EDGAR on November 19, 1998 (File No. 2-66407).
2. Amended and restated By-Laws. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to the Registration Statement filed on Form
N-1A via EDGAR filed on March 1, 1994 (File No. 2-66407).
4. Plans of Reorganization filed herewith as Appendix B to the Prospectus and
Proxy Statement.*
5. Instruments defining rights of holders of the securities being offered.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits Nos. 1 and 2 above.
6. (a) Management Agreement between the Registrant and Prudential Mutual Fund
Management, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5(a) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 25 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on
March 5, 1997 (File No. 2-66407).
(b) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc.
and The Prudential Investment Corporation. Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 5(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 to Registration Statement on
Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on March 5, 1997 (File No. 2-66407).
C-1
7. (a) Form of Selected Dealer Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
6(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to Registration Statement on Form
N-1A filed via EDGAR on November 19, 1998 (File No. 2-66407).
(b) Distribution Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6(b) to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed
via EDGAR on November 19, 1998 (File No. 2-66407).
9. Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust
Company. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8 to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 25 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on March 5,
1997 (File No. 2-66407).
10. (a) Distribution and Service Plan for Class A shares. Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 15(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to
Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on November 19, 1998
(File No. 2-66407).
(b) Distribution and Service Plan for Class B shares. Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 15(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to
Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on November 19, 1998
(File No. 2-66407).
(c) Distribution and Service Plan for Class C shares. Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 15(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to
Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on November 19, 1998
(File No. 2-66407).
11. Opinions and Consents of Counsel.*
12. Tax Opinion of Counsel.*
14. Consent of Independent Accountants to Prudential National Municipals Fund,
Inc., Prudential Municipal Series Fund and Prudential Municipal Bond Fund.*
17. (a) Proxy.*
(b) Prospectus of the Registrant dated November 23, 1998
(c) Prospectus of Prudential Municipal Series Fund (Maryland and Michigan
Series) dated November 2, 1998.*
(d)Prospectus of Prudential Municipal Bond Fund (Intermediate Series) dated
July 1, 1998, as supplemented August 27, 1998, September 1, 1998 and
October 21, 1998.*
(e) President's Letter.*
18. Rule 18f-3 Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 18 to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 27 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on
November 19, 1998 (File No. 2-66407).
- ------------------------
*Filed herewith.
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
(1) The undersigned registrant agrees that prior to any public reoffering of
the securities registered through the use of a prospectus which is a part of
this registration statement by any person or party who is deemed to be an
underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c) of the Securities Act, the
reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable
registration form for reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in
addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable
form.
(2) The undersigned registrant agrees that every prospectus that is filed
under paragraph (1) above will be filed as a part of an amendment to the
registration statement and will not be used until the amendment is effective,
and that, in determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each post-effective
amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement for the securities
offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed
to be the initial bona fide offering of them.
C-2
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Newark, and State of New
Jersey, on the 23rd day of November, 1998.
PRUDENTIAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, INC.
/s/ Brian M. Storms
------------------------------------------------------
(BRIAN M. STORMS, PRESIDENT)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- ------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------
/s/ Edward D. Beach Director November 23, 1998
- ------------------------------
EDWARD D. BEACH
/s/ Eugene C. Dorsey Director November 23, 1998
- ------------------------------
EUGENE C. DORSEY
/s/ Delayne Dedrick Gold Director November 23, 1998
- ------------------------------
DELAYNE DEDRICK GOLD
/s/ Robert F. Gunia Director November 23, 1998
- ------------------------------
ROBERT F. GUNIA
/s/ Mendel A. Melzer Director November 23, 1998
- ------------------------------
MENDEL A. MELZER
/s/ Thomas T. Mooney Director November 23, 1998
- ------------------------------
THOMAS T. MOONEY
/s/ Thomas H. O'Brien Director November 23, 1998
- ------------------------------
THOMAS H. O'BRIEN
/s/ Richard A. Redeker Director November 23, 1998
- ------------------------------
RICHARD A. REDEKER
/s/ Brian M. Storms President and Director November 23, 1998
- ------------------------------
BRIAN M. STORMS
/s/ Nancy Hays Teeters Director November 23, 1998
- ------------------------------
NANCY HAYS TEETERS
/s/ Louis A. Weil, III Director November 23, 1998
- ------------------------------
LOUIS A. WEIL, III
/s/ Grace C. Torres Principal Financial and November 23, 1998
- ------------------------------ Accounting Officer
GRACE C. TORRES
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT PAGE NO.
NUMBER
1. (a) Restated Articles of Incorporation. Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 1 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to Registration
Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on February 28, 1995 (File No.
2-66407).
(b) Articles Supplementary. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(b)
to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to Registration Statement on Form
N-1A filed via EDGAR on November 19, 1998 (File No. 2-66407).
2. Amended and restated By-Laws. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2
to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to the Registration Statement
filed on Form N-1A via EDGAR filed on March 1, 1994 (File No.
2-66407).
4. Plans of Reorganization filed herewith as Appendix B to the
Prospectus and Proxy Statement.*
5. Instruments defining rights of holders of the securities being
offered. Incorporated by reference to Exhibits Nos. 1 and 2 above.
6. (a) Management Agreement between the Registrant and Prudential
Mutual Fund Management, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
5(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 to Registration Statement on
Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on March 5, 1997 (File No. 2-66407).
(b) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Mutual Fund Management,
Inc. and The Prudential Investment Corporation. Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 5(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 to
Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on March 5, 1997
(File No. 2-66407).
7. (a) Form of Selected Dealer Agreement. Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 6(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to Registration
Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on November 19, 1998 (File No.
2-66407).
(b) Distribution Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
6(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to Registration Statement on
Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on November 19, 1998 (File No. 2-66407).
9. Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and State Street Bank and
Trust Company. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8 to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 to Registration Statement on Form
N-1A filed via EDGAR on March 5, 1997 (File No. 2-66407).
10. (a) Distribution and Service Plan for Class A shares. Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 15(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to
Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on November 19,
1998 (File No. 2-66407).
(b) Distribution and Service Plan for Class B shares. Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 15(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to
Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on November 19,
1998 (File No. 2-66407).
(c) Distribution and Service Plan for Class C shares. Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 15(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to
Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on November 19,
1998 (File No. 2-66407).
11. Opinions and Consents of Counsel.*
12. Tax Opinion of Counsel.*
14. Consent of Independent Accountants to Prudential National Municipals
Fund, Inc, Prudential Municipal Series Fund and Prudential Municipal
Bond Fund.*
17. (a) Proxy.*
(b) Prospectus of the Registrant dated November 23, 1998.*
(c) Prospectus of Prudential Municipal Series Fund (Maryland and
Michigan Series) dated November 2, 1998.*
(d) Prospectus of Prudential Municipal Bond Fund (Intermediate
Series) dated July 1, 1998, as supplemented August 27, 1998,
September 1, 1998 and October 21, 1998.*
(e) President's Letter.*
18. Rule 18f-3 Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 18 to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to Registration Statement on Form
N-1A filed via EDGAR on November 19, 1998 (File No. 2-66407).
----------------------
*Filed herewith.