-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: keymaster@town.hall.org Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFkwCgYEVQgBAQICAgADSwAwSAJBALeWW4xDV4i7+b6+UyPn5RtObb1cJ7VkACDq pKb9/DClgTKIm08lCfoilvi9Wl4SODbR1+1waHhiGmeZO8OdgLUCAwEAAQ== MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, cXGH/T8CfjSDC3KjK7ruLvQzVCw+7AmzGgG9MYSlXgiLD+Afwgr8dBtGi1ym33Kx 43SUmaXrh24sinEnpYpazQ== 0000912057-94-000970.txt : 19940321 0000912057-94-000970.hdr.sgml : 19940321 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000912057-94-000970 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: PRES14A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19940623 FILED AS OF DATE: 19940318 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: PRUDENTIAL EQUITY FUND CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000356683 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: 0000 IRS NUMBER: 133104589 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: PRES14A SEC ACT: 34 SEC FILE NUMBER: 811-03336 FILM NUMBER: 94516818 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 199 WATER ST CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10292 BUSINESS PHONE: 2122141250 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 2: ONE SEAPORT PLZ CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10292 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: PRUDENTIAL BACHE EQUITY FUND INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920603 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: CHANCELLOR EQUITY FUND INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19830509 PRES14A 1 PRES14A PRELIMINARY COPY INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Filed by the registrant /X/ Filed by a party other than the registrant / / Check the appropriate box: /X/ Preliminary proxy statement / / Definitive proxy statement / / Definitive additional materials / / Soliciting material pursuant to Section 240.14a-11c or Section 240.14a-12 PRUDENTIAL EQUITY FUND, INC. ________________________________________________________________________________ (NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER) PRUDENTIAL EQUITY FUND, INC. ________________________________________________________________________________ (NAME OF PERSON(S) FILING PROXY STATEMENT) Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box): /X/ $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1) or Rule 14a-6(j)(2). / / $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 14a-6(i)(3). / / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11. PRELIMINARY COPY PRUDENTIAL EQUITY FUND ONE SEAPORT PLAZA NEW YORK, N.Y. 10292 ------------------------ NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS ------------------------ To our Shareholders: Notice is hereby given that a Special Meeting of Shareholders of Prudential Equity Fund, Inc. (the Fund), will be held at 3:00 P.M. on , 1994, at 199 Water Street, New York, N.Y. 10292, for the following purposes: 1. To elect Directors. 2. To approve an amendment of the Fund's Articles of Incorporation to permit a conversion feature for Class B Shares. 3. To approve an amended and restated Class A Distribution and Service Plan. 4. To approve an amended and restated Class B Distribution and Service Plan. 5. To ratify the selection by the Board of Directors of Price Waterhouse as independent accountants for the year ending December 31, 1994. 6. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Only shares of Common Stock of the Fund of record at the close of business on , 1994 are entitled to notice of and to vote at this Meeting or any adjournment thereof. S. JANE ROSE SECRETARY Dated: , 1994 WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE SIGN AND PROMPTLY RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE. IN ORDER TO AVOID THE ADDITIONAL EXPENSE TO THE FUND OF FURTHER SOLICITATION, WE ASK YOUR COOPERATION IN MAILING IN YOUR PROXY PROMPTLY. PRELIMINARY COPY PRUDENTIAL EQUITY FUND ONE SEAPORT PLAZA NEW YORK, N.Y. 10292 ------------------------ PROXY STATEMENT ------------------------ This statement is furnished by the Board of Directors of Prudential Equity Fund, Inc. (the Fund), in connection with its solicitation of proxies for use at a Special Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 3:00 P.M. on , 1994 at 199 Water Street, New York, New York 10292, the Fund's principal executive office. The purpose of the Meeting and the matters to be acted upon are set forth in the accompanying Notice of Special Meeting. 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 election of Directors and for each of the other proposals. A Proxy may be revoked at any time prior to the time it is voted by written notice to the Secretary of the Fund or by attendance at the Meeting. If sufficient votes to approve one or more of the proposed items 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. When voting on a proposed adjournment, the persons named as proxies will vote for the proposed adjournment all shares that they are entitled to vote with respect to each item, unless directed to disapprove the item, in which case such shares will be voted against the proposed adjournment. If a Proxy that is properly executed and returned accompanied by instructions to withhold authority to vote 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 not to be present at the Meeting for purposes of determining the existence of a quorum for the transaction of business and be deemed not cast with respect to such proposal. If no instructions are received by the broker or nominee from the shareholder with reference to routine matters, the shares represented thereby 1 may be considered for purposes of determining the existence of a quorum for the transaction of business and will be deemed cast with respect to such proposal. Also, a properly executed and returned Proxy marked with an abstention will be considered present at the Meeting for the purposes of determining the existence of a quorum for the transaction of business. However, abstentions and broker "non-votes" do not constitute a vote "for" or "against" the matter, but have the effect of a negative vote on matters which require approval by a requisite percentage of the outstanding shares. The close of business on , 1994 has been fixed as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting. On that date, the Fund had shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote, consisting of Class A shares and Class B shares. Each share will be entitled to one vote at the Meeting. It is expected that the Notice of Special Meeting, Proxy Statement and form of Proxy will first be mailed to shareholders on or about March , 1994. Management does not know of any person or group who owned beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of either class of Common Stock of the Fund as of , 1994. The expense of solicitation will be borne by the Fund and will include reimbursement of brokerage firms and others for expenses in forwarding proxy solicitation material to beneficial owners. The solicitation of proxies will be largely by mail. The Board of Directors of the Fund has authorized management to retain Shareholder Communications Corporation, a proxy solicitation firm, to assist in the solicitation of proxies for this Meeting. This cost, including specified expenses, is not expected to exceed $121,000 and will be borne by the Fund. In addition, solicitation may include, without cost to the Fund, telephonic, telegraphic or oral communication by regular employees of Prudential Securities Incorporated (Prudential Securities) and its affiliates. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (PROPOSAL NO. 1) At the Meeting nine Directors will be elected to hold office for a term of unlimited duration until their successors are elected and qualify. It is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying form of Proxy to vote for the election of Edward D. Beach, Eugene C. Dorsey, Delayne D. Gold, Harry A. Jacobs, Jr., Lawrence C. McQuade, Thomas T. Mooney, Thomas H. O'Brien, Richard A. Redeker and Nancy H. Teeters, all of whom are currently members of the Board of Directors. Each of the nominees has consented to be named in 2 this Proxy Statement and to serve as a Director if elected. All of the Directors except Mr. Redeker have previously been elected by shareholders. Ms. Gold and Mr. O'Brien have served as Directors of the Fund since 1982. Mr. Jacobs has served as a Director since 1985. Messrs. Beach and Mooney have served as Directors since 1986. Mr. Dorsey has served as a Director since 1987. Mr. McQuade has served as a Director since 1988. Mrs. Teeters and Mr. Redeker have served as Directors since August 4, 1992 and November 11, 1993, respectively. The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that any of the nominees named above will become unavailable for election as a Director, but if that should occur before the Meeting, proxies will be voted for such persons as the Board of Directors may recommend. The Fund's By-Laws provide that the Fund will not be required to hold annual meetings of shareholders if the election of Directors is not required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Investment Company Act). It is the present intention of the Board of Directors of the Fund not to hold annual meetings of shareholders unless such shareholder action is required. Accordingly, Directors elected at the Special Meeting will hold office until the Fund is required by law to hold an election of Directors and successor Directors are elected and qualify. INFORMATION REGARDING DIRECTORS
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK NAME, AGE, BUSINESS EXPERIENCE DURING THE POSITION WITH OWNED AT PAST FIVE YEARS AND DIRECTORSHIPS FUND , 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------------- Edward D. Beach (69), President and Director of BMC Director [-0-] Fund, Inc., a closed-end investment company; prior thereto, Vice Chairman of Broyhill Furniture Industries, Inc.; Certified Public Accountant; Secretary and Treasurer of Broyhill Family Foundation Inc.; President, Treasurer and Director of First Financial Fund, Inc. and The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc.; President and Director of Global Utility Fund, Inc.; Director of The Global Government Plus Fund, Inc., The Global Yield Fund, Inc.,
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SHARES OF COMMON STOCK NAME, AGE, BUSINESS EXPERIENCE DURING THE POSITION WITH OWNED AT PAST FIVE YEARS AND DIRECTORSHIPS FUND , 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------------- Prudential Adjustable Rate Securities Fund, Inc., Prudential Equity Fund, Inc., Prudential Global Gene- sis Fund, Prudential Global Natural Resources Fund, Prudential GNMA Fund, Prudential Government Plus Fund, Prudential Multi-Sector Fund, Inc. and Prudential Special Money Market Fund; Trustee of The BlackRock Government Income Trust, Command Government Fund, Com- mand Money Fund, Command Tax-Free Fund, Prudential California Municipal Fund, Prudential Equity Income Fund, Prudential FlexiFund, Prudential Municipal Bond Fund and Prudential Municipal Series Fund. Eugene C. Dorsey (67), Chairman, Independent Sector (national coalition of philanthropic organizations) (since October 1989); formerly President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of the Gannett Foundation; former Publisher of four Gannett newspapers and Vice President of Gannett Company; former Chairman of the American Council for the Arts; Director of the Advisory Board of Chase Lincoln First Bank of Rochester, Prudential Equity Fund,
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SHARES OF COMMON STOCK NAME, AGE, BUSINESS EXPERIENCE DURING THE POSITION WITH OWNED AT PAST FIVE YEARS AND DIRECTORSHIPS FUND , 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------------- Inc., Prudential GNMA Fund, Prudential Institutional Director [-0-] Liquidity Portfolio, Inc. and The High Yield Income Fund, Inc.; Trustee of Prudential California Municipal Fund, Prudential Municipal Series Fund and The Target Portfolio Trust. Delayne D. Gold (55), Marketing and Management Director [-0-] Consultant; Director of Prudential Adjustable Rate Securities Fund, Inc., Prudential Equity Fund, Inc., Prudential Global Fund, Prudential GNMA Fund, Prudential Government Plus Fund, Prudential Growth Opportunity Fund, Prudential High Yield Fund, Prudential IncomeVertible-R- Fund, Inc., Prudential MoneyMart Assets, Prudential National Municipals Fund, Prudential Pacific Growth Fund, Inc., Prudential Short-Term Global Income Fund, Inc., Prudential Spe- cial Money Market Fund, Prudential Structured Maturity Fund, Prudential Tax-Free Money Fund, and Prudential Utility Fund; Trustee of The BlackRock Government Income Trust, Command Government Fund, Command Money Fund, Command Tax-Free Fund, Prudential California Municipal Fund, Prudential Government Securities Trust, Prudential Municipal Series Fund and Pru- dential U.S. Government Fund.
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SHARES OF COMMON STOCK NAME, AGE, BUSINESS EXPERIENCE DURING THE POSITION WITH OWNED AT PAST FIVE YEARS AND DIRECTORSHIPS FUND , 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------------- *Harry A. Jacobs, Jr. (72), Interim Director [7,059] Chief Executive Officer (June 1993-September 1993) of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc. (PMF) and Senior Director (since January 1986) of Prudential Securities; formerly Chairman of the Board of Prudential Securities (1982-1985) and Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Bache Group Inc. (1977-1982); Director of the Center for National Policy; Director of Prudential Adjustable Rate Securities Fund, Inc., Prudential Equity Fund, Inc., Prudential Global Fund, Inc., Prudential GNMA Fund, Prudential Government Plus Fund, Prudential Growth Opportunity Fund, Prudential High Yield Fund, Prudential IncomeVertible-R- Fund, Inc., Prudential MoneyMart Assets, Prudential National Municipals Fund, Prudential Pacific Growth Fund, Inc., Prudential Short-Term Global Income Fund, Prudential Special Money Market Fund, Prudential Structured Maturity Fund, Prudential Tax-Free Money Fund, Prudential Utility Fund, The First Australia Fund, Inc., The First Australia Prime Income Fund, Inc., The Global Government Plus Fund, Inc. and The Global Yield Fund, Inc.;
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SHARES OF COMMON STOCK NAME, AGE, BUSINESS EXPERIENCE DURING THE POSITION WITH OWNED AT PAST FIVE YEARS AND DIRECTORSHIPS FUND , 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------------- Trustee of the Trudeau Institute, The BlackRock Government Income Trust, Command Government Fund, Command Money Fund, Command Tax-Free Fund, Prudential California Municipal Fund, Prudential Municipal Series Fund and Prudential U.S. Government Fund. *Lawrence C. McQuade (66), Vice President and [632] Chairman of PMF (since 1988); Director Managing Director, Investment Banking of Prudential Securities (1988-1991); Director of BUNZL, PLC (since June 1991) and Quixote Corporation (since February 1992); formerly Director of Kaiser Tech Ltd. and Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp. (March 1987- November 1988) and Crazy Eddie Inc. (1987-1990); Formerly Executive Vice President and Director of W.R. Grace & Company; President and Director of Prudential Adjustable Rate Securities Fund, Inc., Prudential Equity Fund, Inc., Prudential Global Fund, Inc., Prudential Global Genesis Fund, Prudential Global Natural Resources Fund, Prudential GNMA Fund, Prudential Government Plus Fund, Prudential Growth Fund, Inc., Prudential Growth Opportunity Fund, Prudential High Yield Fund, Prudential IncomeVertible-R-
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SHARES OF COMMON STOCK NAME, AGE, BUSINESS EXPERIENCE DURING THE POSITION WITH OWNED AT PAST FIVE YEARS AND DIRECTORSHIPS FUND , 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------------- Fund, Inc., Prudential Institutional Liquidity Portfolio, Inc., Prudential Intermediate Global Income Fund, Inc., Prudential MoneyMart Assets, Prudential Multi-Sector Fund, Inc., Prudential National Municipals Fund, Prudential Pacific Growth Fund, Inc., Prudential Short-Term Global Income Fund, Inc., Pru- dential Special Money Market Fund, Prudential Structured Maturity Fund, Prudential Tax-Free Money Fund, Prudential Utility Fund, The Global Government Plus Fund, Inc., The Global Yield Fund, Inc. and The High Yield Income Fund, Inc.; President and Trustee of The BlackRock Government Income Trust, Command Government Fund, Command Money Fund, Command Tax-Free Fund, Prudential California Municipal Fund, Prudential Equity Income Fund, Prudential FlexiFund, Prudential Government Securities Trust, Prudential Municipal Bond Fund, Prudential Municipal Series Fund, Prudential U.S. Government Fund and The Target Portfolio Trust. Thomas T. Mooney (52), President of Director [-0-] the Greater Rochester Metro Chamber of Commerce; former Rochester City Manager; Member of the Board of Governors of the Genesee Hospital; Trustee of Center for Governmental Research, Inc.; Director
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SHARES OF COMMON STOCK NAME, AGE, BUSINESS EXPERIENCE DURING THE POSITION WITH OWNED AT PAST FIVE YEARS AND DIRECTORSHIPS FUND , 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------------- of Blue Cross of Rochester, Monroe County Water Authority, Rochester Jobs, Inc., Industrial Management Council, Inc., Executive Service Corps of Rochester, Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation, Global Utility Fund, Inc., Prudential Adjustable Rate Securities Fund, Inc., Prudential Equity Fund, Inc., Prudential Global Genesis Fund, Prudential Global Natural Resources Fund, Prudential GNMA Fund, Prudential Government Plus Fund, Prudential Multi-Sector Fund, Inc., First Financial Fund, Inc., The Global Government Plus Fund, Inc., The Global Yield Fund, Inc. and The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc; Trustee of Prudential California Municipal Fund, Prudential Equity Income Fund, Prudential FlexiFund, Prudential Municipal Bond Fund and Prudential Municipal Series Fund. Thomas H. O'Brien (68), President, Director [3,855] O'Brien Associates (financial and management consultants) (since April 1984); formerly President of Jamaica Water Securities Corp. (holding company) (February 1989-August 1990); Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (September 1987-February 1989) and Director (September 1987-April 1991) of Jamaica Water Supply Company; formerly Director of TransCanada
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SHARES OF COMMON STOCK NAME, AGE, BUSINESS EXPERIENCE DURING THE POSITION WITH OWNED AT PAST FIVE YEARS AND DIRECTORSHIPS FUND , 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------------- Pipelines U.S.A. Ltd. (1984-June 1989) and Winthrop University Hospital (November 1976-June 1988); Director of Ridgewood Savings Bank, Yankee Energy System, Inc., Prudential Adjustable Rate Securities Fund, Inc., Prudential Equity Fund, Inc., Prudential GNMA Fund and Prudential Government Plus Fund; Secretary and Trustee of Hofstra University; Trustee of Prudential California Municipal Fund and Pru- dential Municipal Series Fund. *Richard A. Redeker (50), President, Director [-0-] Chief Executive Officer and Director (since October 1993), PMF; Executive Vice President, Director and Member of the Operating Committee (since October 1993), Prudential Securities; Director (since October 1993) of Prudential Securities Group, Inc. (PSG); formerly Senior Executive Vice President and Director of Kemper Financial Services, Inc. (September 1978-September 1993); Director of Global Utility Fund, Inc., Prudential Adjustable Rate Securities Fund, Inc., Prudential Equity Fund, Inc., Prudential Global Fund, Inc., Prudential Global Genesis Fund, Prudential Global
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SHARES OF COMMON STOCK NAME, AGE, BUSINESS EXPERIENCE DURING THE POSITION WITH OWNED AT PAST FIVE YEARS AND DIRECTORSHIPS FUND , 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------------- Natural Resources Fund, Prudential GNMA Fund, Prudential Government Plus Fund, Prudential Growth Fund, Inc., Prudential IncomeVertible-R-Fund, Inc., Prudential Institutional Liquidity Portfolio, Inc., Prudential Intermediate Global Income Fund, Inc., Prudential MoneyMart Assets, Prudential Multi-Sector Fund, Inc., Prudential Pacific Growth Fund, Inc., Prudential Short-Term Global Income Fund, Inc., Prudential Special Money Market Fund, Prudential Structured Maturity Fund, Prudential Utility Fund, The Global Yield Fund, Inc., The Global Government Plus Fund, Inc., and The High Yield Income Fund, Inc.; Trustee of The BlackRock Government Income Trust, Command Government Fund, Command Money Fund, Command Tax-Free Fund, Prudential California Municipal Fund, Prudential Equity Income Fund, Prudential FlexiFund, Prudential Municipal Bond Fund, Prudential Municipal Series Fund, Prudential U.S. Government Fund, and The Target Portfolio Trust. Nancy H. Teeters (63), Economist; formerly Vice Director [-0-] President and Chief Economist (March 1986-June 1990) of International Business Machines Corporation; Member of the Board of Governors of the Horace H.
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SHARES OF COMMON STOCK NAME, AGE, BUSINESS EXPERIENCE DURING THE POSITION WITH OWNED AT PAST FIVE YEARS AND DIRECTORSHIPS FUND , 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------------- Rackham School of Graduate Studies of the University of Michigan; Director of Inland Steel Corporation (since July 1991), Global Utility Fund, Inc., Prudential Equity Fund, Inc., Prudential GNMA Fund, Prudential MoneyMart Assets, Prudential Special Money Market Fund, First Financial Fund, Inc. and the Global Yield Fund, Inc.; Trustee of The BlackRock Government Income Trust, Command Government Fund, Command Money Fund, Command Tax-Free Fund, Prudential California Municipal Fund and Prudential Municipal Series Fund. - ------------------------ * Indicates "interested" Director, as defined in the Investment Company Act, by reason of his affiliation with PMF or Prudential Securities.
The Directors and officers of the Fund as a group owned beneficially [11,546] shares of the Fund at , 1994, representing less than [1%] of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Fund pays annual compensation of $7,500, plus travel and incidental expenses, to each of the six Directors not affiliated with PMF or Prudential Securities. The Directors have the option to receive the Director's fee pursuant to a deferred fee agreement with the Fund. Messrs. Dorsey and O'Brien have elected to receive their Directors' fees pursuant to a deferred fee agreement with the Fund. Under the terms of the agreement, the Fund accrues daily the amount of such Directors' fee which accrues 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 Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), at the 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' 12 fees, together with interest thereon, is a general obligation of the Fund. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, the Fund paid Directors' fees of $45,000 and travel and incidental expenses of $700. There were four regular meetings of the Fund's Board of Directors held during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993. The Board of Directors presently has an Audit Committee, the members of which are Mmes. Gold and Teeters and Messrs. Beach, Dorsey, Mooney and O'Brien, the Fund's non-interested Directors. The Audit Committee met twice during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993. The Audit Committee makes recommendations to the full Board with respect to the engagement of independent accountants and reviews with the independent accountants the plan and results of the audit engagement and matters having a material effect upon the Fund's financial operations. The Board also has a Nominating Committee, comprised of the Fund's non-interested Directors, which selects and proposes candidates for election to the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee met twice during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993. The Nominating Committee does not consider nominees recommended by shareholders to fill vacancies on the Board. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, no Director attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and any committees thereof of which such Director was a member. The executive officers of the Fund, other than as shown above, are: David W. Drasnin, Vice President, having held office since March 21, 1985; S. Jane Rose, Secretary, having held office since September 20, 1984; Robert F. Gunia, Vice President, and Susan C. Cote, Treasurer, both having held office since May 14, 1987; Deborah A. Docs, Assistant Secretary, having held office since August 3, 1989. Mr. Drasnin is 57 years old and is Vice President and Branch Manager of Prudential Securities. Mr. Gunia is 47 years old and is currently Chief Administrative Officer (since July 1990), Director (since January 1989), Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (since June 1987) of PMF and Senior Vice President (since March 1987) of Prudential Securities. He is also Vice President and Director (since May 1989) of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. Ms. Cote is 39 years old and is a Senior Vice President of PMF (since January 1989), and a Senior Vice President (since January 1992). Prior thereto she was Vice President (January 1986-December 1991) of Prudential Securities. Ms. Rose is 48 years old and has served as Senior Vice President (since January 1991), Senior Counsel (since June 1987) and First Vice President (June 1987-December 1990) of PMF and Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel (since July 1992) and formerly Vice President and 13 Associate General Counsel of Prudential Securities. Prior thereto, she was First Vice President (June 1987-December 1990) of PMF and Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Prudential Securities. Ms. Docs is 36 years old and is a Vice President and Associate General Counsel (since January 1993) of PMF and Vice President and Associate General Counsel (since January 1993) of Prudential Securities. She was formerly Associate Vice President (January 1990-December 1992); Assistant Vice President (January 1989-December 1989) and Assistant General Counsel (November 1991-December 1992) of PMF. The executive officers of the Fund are elected annually by the Board of Directors. REQUIRED VOTE Directors must be elected by a vote of a plurality of the shares present at the meeting in person or by proxy and entitled to vote thereupon, provided that a quorum is present. MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND THE MANAGER Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc. (PMF or the Manager), One Seaport Plaza, New York, New York 10292, serves as the Fund's Manager under a management agreement dated as of May 2, 1988 (the Management Agreement). 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 such contract or interested persons of such parties (as defined in the Investment Company Act) on May 6, 1993 and was approved by shareholders on April 29, 1988. TERMS OF THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT Pursuant to the Management Agreement, PMF, subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors and in conformity with the stated policies of the Fund, is responsible for managing or providing for the management of the investment of the Fund's assets. In this regard, PMF provides supervision of the Fund's investments, furnishes a continuous investment program for the Fund's portfolio and places purchase and sale orders for portfolio securities of the Fund and other investments. The Prudential Investment Company (PIC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Prudential Insurance Company of America (Prudential), provides such services pursuant to a subadvisory agreement (the Subadvisory Agreement) with PMF. PMF also administers the Fund's corporate affairs, subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors, and, in 14 connection therewith, furnishes the Fund with office facilities, together with those ordinary clerical and bookkeeping services which are not being furnished by the Fund's Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent and Custodian. PMF has authorized any of its directors, officers and employees who have been elected as Directors or officers of the Fund to serve in the capacities in which they have been elected. All services furnished by PMF under the Management Agreement may be furnished by any such directors, officers or employees of PMF. In connection with its administration of the corporate affairs of the Fund, PMF bears the following expenses: (a) the salaries and expenses of all personnel of the Fund and PMF, except the fees and expenses of Directors not affiliated with PMF or the Fund's investment adviser; (b) all expenses incurred by PMF or by the Fund in connection with administering 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 PIC pursuant to the Subadvisory Agreement. The Fund pays PMF for the services performed and the facilities furnished by it a fee at an annual rate of .50 of 1% of the Fund's average daily net assets up to and including $500 million, .475 of 1% of the Fund's average daily net assets from $500 million to $1 billion and .45 of 1% of the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $1 billion. This fee is computed daily and paid monthly. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, PMF received a management fee of $8,086,967. The Management Agreement provides that, if the expenses of the Fund (including the fees of PMF, 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 shares of the Fund are then qualified for offer and sale, the compensation due PMF will be reduced by the amount of such excess, or, if such reduction exceeds the compensation payable to PMF, PMF will pay the Fund the amount of such reduction which exceeds the amount of such compensation. Any such reductions or payments are subject to readjustment during the year. No such reductions or payments were required during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993. The Fund believes the most restrictive of such annual 15 limitations is 2 1/2% of the Fund's average daily net assets up to $30 million, 2% of the next $70 million of such assets and 1 1/2% of such assets in excess of $100 million. Except as indicated above, the Fund is responsible under the Management Agreement for the payment of its expenses, including (a) the fees payable to PMF, (b) the fees and expenses of Directors who are not affiliated with PMF or the investment adviser, (c) the fees and certain expenses of the Fund's Custodian and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent, including the cost of providing records of the Fund and of pricing Fund shares, (d) the charges and expenses of the Fund's legal counsel and independent accountants, (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 association of which the Fund may be a member, (h) the cost of any share 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 SEC and registering the Fund as a broker or dealer and qualifying its shares under 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 Board of Directors' meetings and of preparing, printing and mailing prospectuses and reports to 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 PMF will not be liable to the Fund for any error of judgment by PMF 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 also provides that it will terminate automatically if assigned and that it may be terminated without penalty by the Board of Directors of the Fund, by vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Investment Company Act) or by either party, upon not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice. INFORMATION ABOUT PMF PMF, a subsidiary of Prudential Securities and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential, was organized in May 1987 under the laws of the State 16 of Delaware. Prudential's address is Prudential Plaza, Newark, New Jersey 07102. PMF acts as manager for the following investment companies: Open-End Management Investment Companies: Command Government Fund, Command Money Fund, Command Tax-Free Fund, Prudential Adjustable Rate Securities Fund, Inc., Prudential California Municipal Fund, Prudential Equity Fund, Inc., Prudential Equity Income Fund, Prudential FlexiFund, Prudential Global Fund, Inc., Prudential-Bache Global Genesis Fund, Inc. (d/b/a Prudential Global Genesis Fund), Prudential-Bache Global Natural Resources Fund, Inc. (d/b/a Prudential Global Natural Resources Fund), Prudential-Bache GNMA Fund, Inc. (d/b/a Prudential GNMA Fund), Prudential-Bache Government Plus Fund, Inc. (d/b/a Prudential Government Plus Fund), Prudential Government Securities Trust, Prudential Growth Fund, Inc., Prudential-Bache Growth Opportunity Fund, Inc. (d/b/a Prudential Growth Opportunity Fund), Prudential-Bache High Yield Fund, Inc. (d/b/a Prudential High Yield Fund), Prudential IncomeVertible-R-Fund, Inc., Prudential-Bache MoneyMart Assets Fund, Inc. (d/b/a Prudential MoneyMart Assets), Prudential Multi-Sector Fund, Inc., Prudential Municipal Bond Fund, Prudential Municipal Series Fund, Prudential-Bache National Municipals Fund, Inc. (d/b/a Prudential National Municipals Fund), Prudential Pacific Growth Fund, Inc., Prudential Short-Term Global Income Fund, Prudential-Bache Special Money Market Fund, Inc. (d/b/a Prudential Special Money Market Fund), Prudential-Bache Structured Maturity Fund, Inc. (d/b/a Prudential Structured Maturity Fund), Prudential-Bache Tax-Free Money Fund, Inc. (d/b/a Prudential Tax-Free Money Fund), Prudential U.S. Government Fund, Prudential-Bache Utility Fund, Inc. (d/b/a Prudential Utility Fund), Prudential Institutional Liquidity Portfolio, Inc., Prudential Intermediate Global Income Fund, Inc., Global Utility Fund, Inc., Nicholas-Applegate Fund, Inc. and The BlackRock Government Income Trust. Closed-End Management Investment Companies: The Global Government Plus Fund, Inc., The Global Yield Fund, Inc. and The High Yield Income Fund, Inc. The consolidated statement of financial condition of PMF and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1993 is set forth as Exhibit A to this Proxy Statement. 17 Certain information regarding the directors and principal executive officers of PMF is set forth below. Except as otherwise indicated, the address of each person is One Seaport Plaza, New York, New York 10292.
NAME AND ADDRESS POSITION WITH PMF PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS - ----------------------------- -------------------- ------------------------------ Maureen Behning-Doyle........ Executive Vice Executive Vice President, PMF; President Senior Vice President, Prudential Securities John D. Brookmeyer, Jr. Director Senior Vice President, Two Gateway Center Prudential Newark, NJ 07102 Susan C. Cote ............... Senior Vice Senior Vice President, PMF; President Senior Vice President, Prudential Securities Fred A. Fiandaca ............ Executive Vice Executive Vice President, Raritan Plaza One President, Chief Chief Operating Officer and Edison, NJ 08847 Operating Officer Director, PMF; Chairman, and Director Chief Operating Officer and Director, Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc. Stephen P. Fisher ........... Senior Vice Senior Vice President, PMF; President Senior Vice President, Prudential Securities Frank W. Giordano ........... Executive Vice Executive Vice President, President, General General Counsel and Counsel and Secretary, PMF; Senior Vice Secretary President, Prudential Securities
18
NAME AND ADDRESS POSITION WITH PMF PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS - ----------------------------- -------------------- ------------------------------ Robert F. Gunia ............. Executive Vice Executive Vice President, President, Chief Chief Financial and Financial and Administrative Officer, Administrative Treasurer and Director, PMF; Officer, Treasurer Senior Vice President, and Director Prudential Securities Eugene B. Heimberg .......... Director Senior Vice President, Prudential Plaza Prudential Newark, NJ 07101 Lawrence C. McQuade ......... Vice Chairman Vice Chairman, PMF Leland B. Paton ............. Director Executive Vice President and Director, Prudential Securities; Director, PSG Richard A. Redeker .......... President and Chief President and Chief Executive Executive Officer Officer, and Director, PMF; and Director Executive Vice President, Director and Member of the Operating Committee, Prudential Securities; Director, PSG S. Jane Rose ................ Senior Vice Senior Vice President, Senior President, Senior Counsel and Assistant Counsel and Secretary, PMF; Senior Vice Assistant President and Senior Secretary Counsel, Prudential Securities Donald G. Southwell ......... Director Senior Vice President, 213 Washington Street Prudential; Director, PSG Newark, NJ 07102
19 THE SUBADVISER Investment advisory services are provided to the Fund by PMF through its affiliate, The Prudential Investment Corporation (PIC or the Subadviser), Prudential Plaza, Newark, New Jersey 07102, under a Subadvisory Agreement. The Subadvisory Agreement was approved by shareholders on April 29, 1988 and was last approved by the Board of Directors of the Fund, including a majority of the Directors who are not parties to such contract or interested persons of such parties (as defined in the Investment Company Act), on May 6, 1993. TERMS OF THE SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT Pursuant to the Subadvisory Agreement, PIC, subject to the supervision of PMF and the Board of Directors and in conformity with the stated policies of the Fund, manages the investment operations of the Fund and the composition of the Fund's portfolio, including the purchase, retention and disposition of securities and other investments. PIC is reimbursed by PMF for reasonable costs and expenses incurred by it in furnishing such services. The fees paid by the Fund to PMF under the Management Agreement with PMF are not affected by this arrangement. PIC keeps certain books and records required to be maintained pursuant to the Investment Company Act. The investment advisory services of PIC to the Fund are not exclusive under the terms of the Subadvisory Agreement and PIC is free to, and does, render investment advisory services to others. PIC has authorized any of its directors, officers and employees who may be elected as Directors or officers of the Fund to serve in the capacities in which they have been elected. Services furnished by PIC under the Subadvisory Agreement may be furnished by any such directors, officers or employees of PIC. The Subadvisory Agreement provides that PIC shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Fund or PMF in connection with the matters to which the Subadvisory Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on PIC's part in the performance of its duties or from its reckless disregard of duty. The Subadvisory Agreement provides that it shall terminate automatically if assigned or upon termination of the Management Agreement and that it may be terminated without penalty by either party upon not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice. INFORMATION ABOUT PIC PIC was organized in June 1984 under the laws of the State of New Jersey. The business and other connections of PIC's directors and executive officers are as set forth below. Except as otherwise indicated, the address of each person is Prudential Plaza, Newark, New Jersey 07102. 20
NAME AND ADDRESS POSITION WITH PIC PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS - ----------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------------- Martin A. Berkowitz ......... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President and and Chief Financial Chief Financial and and Compliance Compliance Officer, PIC; Officer Vice President, Prudential William M. Bethke ........... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President, Two Gateway Center Prudential Newark, NJ 07102 John D. Brookmeyer, Jr. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President, Two Gateway Center Prudential; Senior Vice Newark, NJ 07102 President, PIC Eugene B. Heimberg .......... President and Director Senior Vice President, Prudential Garnett L. Keith, Jr. ....... Director Vice Chairman and Director, Prudential William P. Link ............. Executive Vice Executive Vice President, Four Gateway Center President Prudential Newark, NJ 07102 Robert E. Riley ............. Executive Vice Executive Vice President, 800 Boylston Avenue President Prudential; Director, PSG Boston, MA 02199 James W. Stevens ............ Executive Vice Executive Vice President, Four Gateway Center President Prudential; Director, PSG Newark, NJ 07102 Robert C. Winters ........... Director Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Prudential; Chairman of the Board, PSG Claude J. Zinngrabe, Jr. . Executive Vice Vice President, Prudential President
21 THE DISTRIBUTORS Prudential Mutual Fund Distributors, Inc. (PMFD), One Seaport Plaza, New York, New York 10292, acts as the distributor of the Class A shares of the Fund. Prudential Securities, One Seaport Plaza, New York, New York 10292, acts as the distributor of the Class B shares of the Fund. Under separate Distribution and Service Plans (the Class A Plan and the Class B Plan collectively, the Plans) adopted by the Fund under Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act and separate distribution agreements (the Distribution Agreements), PMFD and Prudential Securities (collectively, the Distributor) incur the expenses of distributing the Fund's Class A and Class B shares, respectively. The Plans were last approved by 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), on May 6, 1993. The Class A Plan was approved by the Class A shareholders on December 19, 1990. The Class B Plan was approved by Shareholders of the Fund (the Class B shareholders) on January 11, 1990. The Plans are proposed to be amended as set forth in Proposals No. 3 and 4 below. CLASS A PLAN. Under the Class A Plan, the Fund reimburses PMFD for its distribution-related expenses with respect to Class A shares at an annual rate of up to .30 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares. The Class A Plan provides that (i) up to .25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares may be used for personal service and/or 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% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares. PMFD has advised the Fund that distribution-related expenses of the Fund will not exceed .25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1994. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, PMFD received payments of $381,556 under the Class A Plan representing .20 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares as reimbursement of expenses related to the distribution of Class A Shares. This amount was primarily expended on account servicing fees to Prudential Securities and Pruco Securities Corporation, an affiliated broker-dealer (Prusec), for payment to financial advisers and other salespersons who sell Class A Shares. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, PMFD also received $2,373,000 in initial sales charges. 22 CLASS B PLAN. Under the Class B Plan, the Fund reimburses Prudential Securities for its distribution-related expenses with respect to Class B shares at an annual rate of up to .75 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares. The Class B Plan also provides for the payment of a service fee to Prudential Securities at a rate not to exceed .25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of Class B shares. The aggregate distribution fee for Class B shares (asset-based sales charge plus service fee) will not exceed 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class B Shares. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, Prudential Securities received $15,229,923 from the Fund under the Class B Plan and spent approximately $18,649,600 in distributing the Fund's Class B shares. It is estimated that of the latter amount, approximately 0.5% ($86,300) was spent on printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current shareholders during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993; 15.1% ($2,825,000) on compensation to Prusec, for commissions to its financial advisers and other expenses, including an allocation of overhead and other branch office distribution-related expenses, incurred by it for distribution of Fund shares during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993; 2.7% ($505,100) in interest and/or carrying charges during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993; 81.2% ($15,147,000) during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, on the aggregate of (i) payments of commissions to financial advisers (37.0% or $6,902,400 during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, and (ii) an allocation of overhead and other branch office distribution-related expenses (44.2% or $8,244,600 during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993). The term "overhead and other branch office distribution-related expenses" represents (a) the expenses of operating Prudential Securities 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. Prudential Securities also receives the proceeds of contingent deferred sales charges paid by holders of Class B shares upon certain redemptions of Class B shares. Under the current Class B Plan, the amount of distribution expenses reimbursable by Class B shares of the Fund is reduced by the amount of such contingent deferred sales charges. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, Prudential Securities received approximately $1,957,000 in contingent deferred sales charges. As of December 31, 1993, the aggregate amount of unreimbursed distribution expenses for the Fund's Class B shares was approximately $16,074,000. 23 The Class A and Class B 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 Class A and Class B Plans may each be terminated at any time, without penalty, by the vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors who are not interested persons or by the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the applicable class on not more than 30 days' written notice to any other party to the Plans. Neither Plan 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, 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 either the Class A Plan or the Class B Plan if it is terminated or not continued. In the event of termination or noncontinuation of the Class B Plan, the Board of Directors may consider the appropriateness of having the Fund reimburse Prudential Securities for the outstanding carry forward amounts plus interest thereon. Pursuant to each Plan, the Board of Directors reviews at least quarterly a written report of the distribution expenses incurred on behalf of the Class A and Class B shares of the Fund by PMFD and Prudential Securities, respectively. The report includes an itemization of the distribution expenses and the purposes of such expenditures. In addition, as long as the Plans remain in effect, the selection and nomination of Rule 12b-1 Directors shall be committed to the Rule 12b-1 Directors. Pursuant to each Distribution Agreement, the Fund has agreed to indemnify PMFD and Prudential Securities to the extent permitted by applicable law against certain liabilities under the Securities Act. Each Distribution Agreement was last approved by the Board of Directors, including a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors, on May 6, 1993. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS The Manager is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities, options on such securities and stock indices and stock index futures for the Fund, the selection of brokers/dealers and futures commissions merchants to effect the transactions and the negotiation of brokerage commissions, if any. The term "Manager" as used in this subsection includes the Subadviser. Purchases and sales of securities, options and futures on an exchange or board of trade are effected through brokers who charge a negotiated commission for their services. 24 On a foreign securities exchange, commissions may be fixed. Orders may be directed to any broker and futures commissions merchants including, to the extent and in the manner permitted by applicable law, Prudential Securities. In the over-the-counter market, securities are generally traded on a "net" basis with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without a stated commission, although the price of the security usually includes a profit to the dealer. In underwritten offerings, securities are purchased at a fixed price which includes an amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally referred to as the underwriter's concession or discount. On occasion, certain money market instruments may be purchased directly from an issuer, in which case no commissions or discounts are paid. The Fund will not deal with Prudential Securities or any affiliate in any transaction in which Prudential Securities acts as principal. Thus, it will not deal in the over-the-counter market with Prudential Securities or any affiliate acting as market maker, and it will not execute a negotiated trade with Prudential Securities or any affiliate if execution involves Prudential Securities or any affiliate acting as principal with respect to any part of the Fund's order. 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 this policy, 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 far 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 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 review by 25 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 Fund's 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 SEC. 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 or any affiliate 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, 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 being purchased or sold on an 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 arms-length transaction. Furthermore, the Board of Directors of the Fund, including a majority of the Rule 12b-1 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, 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. 26 The table presented below shows certain information regarding the payment of commissions by the Fund, including the amount of such commissions paid to Prudential Securities, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993 ------------------ Total brokerage commissions paid by the Fund.......................... $1,616,768 Total brokerage commissions paid to Prudential Securities............. $ 351,201 Percentage of total brokerage commissions paid to Prudential Securities........................ 21.7%
The Fund effected approximately 27.0% of the total dollar amount of its transactions involving the payment of commissions through Prudential Securities during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993. Of the total brokerage commissions paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, $1,936,452 (or 86.4%) were paid to firms which provided research, statistical or other services to the Manager. PMF has not separately identified the portion of such brokerage commissions which relate to the provision of such research, statistical or other services. APPROVAL OF A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE FUND'S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO PERMIT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A CONVERSION FEATURE (FOR CONSIDERATION BY CLASS A AND CLASS B SHAREHOLDERS VOTING JOINTLY) (PROPOSAL NO. 2) The Board of Directors is recommending that shareholders approve an amendment to the Fund's Articles of Incorporation to permit the implementation of a conversion feature for Class B shares. The conversion feature is authorized pursuant to an exemptive order of the SEC (the SEC Order) and would provide for the automatic conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares at relative net asset value approximately seven years after purchase. Class A shares are subject to a lower annual distribution and service fee than Class B shares and conversions would occur without the imposition of any additional sales charge. A description of the conversion feature is set forth in greater detail below. Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation requires approval by a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares. THE CLASSES OF SHARES The Fund currently offers two classes of shares, designated as Class A and Class B shares, pursuant to the Alternative Purchase Plan in reliance upon the SEC Order. Class A shares are currently offered with an initial sales charge of 27 up to 5.25% of the offering price and are subject to an annual distribution and service fee of up to .30 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan. This fee is currently charged at a rate of .25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares and PMFD has agreed to so limit its fee under the Class A Plan to .25 of 1% for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1994. Class B shares are currently offered without an initial sales charge but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge or CDSC (declining from 5% to zero of the lesser of the amount invested or the redemption proceeds) on certain redemptions generally made within six years of purchase and to an annual distribution and service fee pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan of up to 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares. In accordance with the SEC Order, the Board of Directors may, among other things, authorize the creation of additional classes of shares from time to time. The Board of Directors has approved the offering of a new class of shares, to be designated Class C shares, which will be offered simultaneously with the offering of Class B shares with the proposed conversion feature. Class C shares will be offered without either an initial or a deferred sales charge but will be subject to an annual distribution and service fee not to exceed 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class C shares. If the proposed conversion feature for Class B shares is not approved, Class C shares will not be offered. THE PROPOSED CONVERSION FEATURE On May 6, 1993, the Fund's Board of Directors, including a majority of the Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Fund (as defined in the Investment Company Act), approved an amendment to the Fund's Articles of Incorporation to permit the implementation of a conversion feature for the Fund's Class B shares. A copy of the proposed amendment to the Fund's Articles of Incorporation is attached hereto as Exhibit B. If this proposal is approved, it is currently contemplated that conversions of Class B shares to Class A shares will occur on a quarterly basis approximately seven years from the purchase of Class B Shares. The first conversion is currently anticipated to occur in or about January 1995. Conversions will be effected automatically at relative net asset value without the imposition of any additional sales charge. Class B shareholders will benefit from the conversion feature because they will thereafter be subject to the lower annual distribution and service fee applicable to Class A shares. Since the Fund tracks amounts paid rather than the number of shares bought on each purchase of Class B shares, it is currently anticipated that the number of Class B shares eligible to convert to Class A shares (excluding shares 28 acquired through the automatic reinvestment of dividends and other distributions) (the Eligible Shares) will be determined on each conversion date in accordance with the following formula: (i) the ratio of (a) the amounts paid for Class B shares purchased at least seven years prior to the conversion date to (b) the total amount paid for all Class B shares purchased and then held in a shareholder's account (ii) multiplied by the total number of Class B shares then held in such shareholder's account. Each time any Eligible Shares in such shareholder's account convert to Class A shares, all shares or amounts representing Class B shares then in such account that were acquired through the automatic reinvestment of dividends and other distributions will convert to Class A shares. For purposes of determining the number of Eligible Shares, if the Class B shares in a shareholder's Fund account on any conversion date are the result of multiple purchases at different net asset values per share, the number of Eligible Shares calculated as described above will generally be either more or less than the number of shares actually purchased approximately seven years before such conversion date. For example, if 100 shares were initially purchased at $10 per share (for a total of $1,000) and a second purchase of 100 shares was subsequently made at $11 per share (for a total of $1,100), 95.24 shares would convert approximately seven years from the initial purchase (i.e., $1,000 divided by $2,100, or 47.62%, multiplied by 200 shares or 95.24 shares). The Manager reserves the right to modify the formula for determining the number of Eligible Shares in the future as it deems appropriate on notice to shareholders. If the net asset value per share of Class A is higher than that of Class B at the time of conversion (which may be the case because of the higher distribution and service fee applicable to Class B shares), shareholders will receive fewer Class A shares than Class B shares converted although the aggregate dollar value will be the same. For purposes of calculating the applicable holding period for conversions, all payments for purchases of Class B shares during a month will be deemed to have been made on the last day of the month, or for Class B shares acquired through exchange, or a series of exchanges, on the last day of the month in which the original payment for purchases of such Class B shares were made. For Class B shares previously exchanged for shares of a money market fund, the time period during which such shares were held in the money market fund will be excluded. For example, Class B shares held in a money market fund for a period of one year will not convert to Class A shares until approximately eight years from purchase. For purposes of measuring the time period during which shares are held in a money market fund, exchanges will be deemed to have been 29 made on the last day of the month. Class B shares acquired through exchange will convert to Class A shares after expiration of the conversion period applicable to the original purchase of such shares. As of the date of the first conversion (which, as noted above, is currently anticipated to occur in or about January 1995) all amounts representing Class B shares then outstanding beyond the expiration of the applicable conversion period will automatically convert to Class A shares, together with all shares or amounts representing Class B shares acquired through the automatic reinvestment of dividends and distributions then held in the shareholder's account. Under current law, no gain or loss will be recognized by a shareholder for U.S. income tax purposes as a result of a conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares. If approved by shareholders, the conversion feature will be subject to the continuing availability of opinions of counsel (i) that the dividends and other distributions paid on Class A and Class B shares will not constitute "preferential dividends" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and (ii) that the conversion of shares does not constitute a taxable event. REQUIRED VOTE The proposed amendment to the Fund's Articles of Incorporation to implement the conversion feature requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares. In the event shareholders of the Fund do not approve the proposed amendment, the conversion feature will not be implemented for the Fund and Class B shares of the Fund will continue to be subject, possibly indefinitely, to their higher annual distribution and service fee. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THIS PROPOSAL NO. 2. APPROVAL OF AMENDED AND RESTATED CLASS A DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN (FOR CONSIDERATION BY CLASS A AND CLASS B SHAREHOLDERS VOTING SEPARATELY) (PROPOSAL NO. 3) On May 6, 1993, the Fund's Board of Directors approved an amended and restated Class A Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act and an amended and restated Distribution Agreement with PMFD for Class A shares of the Fund (the Proposed Class A Plan 30 and the Proposed Class A Distribution Agreement, respectively) and recommends submission of the Proposed Class A Plan to the Fund's Class A shareholders for approval or disapproval at this Special Meeting of Shareholders. As contemplated by the SEC Order (previously defined under Proposal No. 2 above), the Proposed Class A Plan is also being submitted for approval by Class B shareholders because, subject to approval of proposal No. 2, Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares approximately seven years after purchase. The Proposed Class A Distribution Agreement does not require and is not being submitted for shareholder approval. The purpose of the Proposed Class A Plan is to compensate PMFD, the distributor of the Fund's Class A shares, for providing distribution assistance to broker/dealers, if any, including Prudential Securities and Prusec, affiliated broker/dealers, and other qualified broker/dealers whose customers invest in Class A shares of the Fund and to defray the costs and expenses, including the payment of account servicing fees, of the services provided and activities undertaken to distribute Class A shares (Distribution Activities). The Board of Directors previously adopted a plan of distribution for the Fund's Class A shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act which was approved by shareholders on December 19, 1990 and last approved by the Board of Directors on May 6, 1993 (the Existing Class A Plan). Shareholders of the Fund's Class A and Class B shares are being asked to approve amendments to the Existing Class A Plan that change it from a reimbursement type plan to a compensation type plan. The amendments do not change the maximum annual fee that may be paid to PMFD under the Existing Class A Plan, although the possibility exists that expenses incurred by PMFD and for which it is entitled to be reimbursed under the Existing Class A Plan may be less than the fee PMFD will receive under the Proposed Class A Plan. The amendments are being proposed to facilitate administration and accounting. The Board of Directors believes that the Proposed Class A Plan is in the best interest of the Fund and is reasonably likely to benefit the Fund's Class A shareholders. A copy of the Proposed Class A Plan is attached hereto as Exhibit C. THE EXISTING CLASS A PLAN Under the Existing Class A Plan, the Fund reimburses PMFD for expenses incurred for Distribution Activities at an annual rate of up to .30 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares (up to .25 of 1% of which may constitute a service fee for the servicing and maintenance of shareholder accounts). Article III, Section 26 of the NASD Rules of Fair Practice (the NASD Rules) places an annual limit of .25 of 1% on fees that may be imposed for the 31 provision of personal service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts (service fees) and an annual limit of .75 of 1% on asset-based sales charges (as defined in the NASD Rules). Subject to these limits, the Fund may impose any combination of service fees and asset-based sales charges under both the Existing Class A Plan and the Proposed Class A Plan; provided that the total fees do not exceed .30 of 1% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares. The Existing Class A Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent for the services described therein without approval by a majority of the holders of the Class A shares of the Fund. In addition, all material amendments thereof must be approved by vote of a majority of the Directors, including a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plan. So long as the Existing Class A Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of the Rule 12b-1 Directors will be committed to the discretion of the Rule 12b-1 Directors. The Existing Class A Plan may be terminated at any time without payment of any penalty by the vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding Class A shares of the Fund (as defined in the Investment Company Act) on written notice to any other party to such plan and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the Investment Company Act). For a more detailed description of the Existing Class A Plan, see "Management of the Fund -- The Distributors -- Class A Plan." THE PROPOSED CLASS A PLAN The Proposed Class A Plan amends the Existing Class A Plan in one material respect. Under the Existing Class A Plan, the Fund reimburses PMFD for expenses actually incurred for Distribution Activities up to a maximum of .30 of 1% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares. The Proposed Class A Plan authorizes the Fund to pay PMFD the same maximum annual fee as compensation for its Distribution Activities regardless of the expenses incurred by PMFD for Distribution Activities. The Distributor may, however, as it currently does, voluntarily agree to limit its fee to an amount that is less than the maximum annual fee. In contrast to the Existing Class A Plan, the amounts payable by the Fund under the Proposed Class A Plan would not be directly related to the expenses actually incurred by PMFD for its Distribution Activities. Consequently, if PMFD's expenses for Distribution Activities are less than the distribution and service fees it receives under the Proposed Class A Plan, it will retain its full fees and realize a profit. 32 Since inception of the Existing Class A Plan, the reimbursable expenses incurred thereunder by PMFD have generally equalled or exceeded the amount reimbursed by the Fund. For each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 1991, 1992 and 1993, PMFD received payments of $115,691, $222,978 and $381,556, respectively, under the Existing Class A Plan representing .20 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares as reimbursement of expenses incurred for Distribution Activities. Although PMFD agreed to limit its fes under the Existing Class A Plan to .25 of 1% for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1992 and 1993, it in fact further limited its fee to .20 of 1% even though its direct and indirect reimbursable distribution expenses exceeded such amount. PMFD believes that it would have similarly limited its fee had the Proposed Class A Plan been in effect during the past three fiscal years, although it could have assessed the maximum annual fee of .30 of 1%. Regardless of which plan will be in effect, the Distributor has voluntarily agreed to limit its fees for Distribution Activities to no more than .25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1994. Other expenses incurred by PMFD for Distribution Activities have been, and will continue to be, paid from the proceeds of initial sales charges. Among the major perceived benefits of a compensation type plan, such as the Proposed Class A Plan, over a reimbursement type plan, such as the Existing Class A Plan, is the facilitation of administration and accounting. Under reimbursement plans, all expenses must be specifically accounted for by the Distributor and attributed to the specific class of shares of a fund in order to qualify for reimbursement. Although the Proposed Class A Plan will continue to require quarterly reporting to the Board of Directors of the amounts accrued and paid under the Plan and of the expenses actually borne by the Distributor, there will be no need to match specific expenses to reimbursements as under the Existing Class A Plan. Thus, the accounting for the Proposed Class A Plan would be simplified and the timing of when expenditures are to be made by the Distributor would not be an issue. These considerations, combined with the reasonable likelihood, although there is no assurance, that the per annum payment rate under the Proposed Class A Plan will not exceed the expenses incurred by PMFD for Distribution Activities, suggest that the costs and efforts associated with a reimbursement plan are unwarranted. In considering whether to approve the Proposed Class A Plan, the Directors reviewed, among other things, the nature and scope of the services to be provided by PMFD, the purchase options available to investors under the Alternative Purchase Plan, the amount of expenditures under the Existing Class A Plan, the relationship of such expenditures to the overall cost structure of the Fund, and comparative data with respect to distribution arrangements 33 adopted by other investment companies. Based upon such review, the Directors, including a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors, determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Proposed Class A Plan will benefit the Fund and its Class A shareholders. If approved by shareholders, the Proposed Class A Plan will continue in effect from year to year, provided such continuance is approved at least annually by vote of a majority of the Board of Directors, including a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors. REQUIRED VOTE If Proposal No. 2 is approved by shareholders, the Proposed Class A Plan will require the approval of a majority of the Fund's outstanding Class A shares and Class B shares (as defined in the Investment Company Act) voting separately. If Proposal No. 2 is not approved by shareholders, the Proposed Class A Plan will only require the approval of a majority of the Fund's outstanding Class A shares. Under the Investment Company Act, a majority of a class' outstanding shares is defined as the lesser of (i) 67% of a class' outstanding voting shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the class are present in person or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of a class' outstanding shares. If the Proposed Class A Plan is not approved as described above, the Existing Class A Plan will continue in its present form. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THIS PROPOSAL NO. 3. APPROVAL OF AMENDED AND RESTATED CLASS B DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN (FOR CONSIDERATION BY CLASS B SHAREHOLDERS ONLY) (PROPOSAL NO. 4) On May 6, 1993, the Fund's Board of Directors approved an amended and restated Class B Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act and an amended and restated Class B Distribution Agreement with Prudential Securities for Class B shares of the Fund (the Proposed Class B Plan and the Proposed Class B Distribution Agreement, respectively) and recommends submission of the Proposed Class B Plan to the Fund's Class B shareholders for approval or disapproval at this Special Meeting of Shareholders. The Proposed Class B Distribution Agreement does not require and is not being submitted for shareholder approval. 34 The purpose of the Proposed Class B Plan is to compensate Prudential Securities, the Distributor of the Fund's Class B shares, for providing distribution assistance to broker/dealers, including Prusec, an affiliated broker/dealer, and other qualified broker/dealers, if any, whose customers invest in Class B shares of the Fund and to defray the costs and expenses, including the payment of account servicing fees, of the services provided and activities undertaken to distribute Class B shares (Distribution Activities). The Board of Directors previously adopted a plan of distribution for the Fund's Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act which was approved by shareholders on January 11, 1990 and last approved by the Board of Directors on May 6, 1993 (the Existing Class B Plan). Shareholders of the Fund's Class B shares are being asked to approve amendments to the Existing Class B Plan that change it from a reimbursement type plan to a compensation type plan. The amendments do not change the maximum annual fee that may be paid to Prudential Securities under the Existing Class B Plan, although the possibility exists that expenses incurred by Prudential Securities and for which it is entitled to be reimbursed under the Existing Class B Plan may be less than the fee Prudential Securities will receive under the Proposed Class B Plan. The amendments are being proposed to facilitate administration and accounting. The Board of Directors believes that the Proposed Class B Plan is in the best interest of the Fund and is reasonably likely to benefit the Fund's Class B shareholders. A copy of the Proposed Class B Plan is attached hereto as Exhibit D. THE EXISTING CLASS B PLAN Under the Existing Class B Plan, the Fund reimburses Prudential Securities for expenses incurred for Distribution Activities at an annual rate of up to 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares (up to .25 of 1% of which may constitute a service fee for the servicing and maintenance of shareholder accounts). Amounts reimbursable under the plan that are not paid because they exceed the maximum fee payable thereunder are carried forward and may be recovered in future years by Prudential Securities from asset-based sales charges imposed on Class B shares, to the extent such charges do not exceed .75 of 1% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares, and from contingent deferred sales charges received from certain redeeming shareholders, subject to the limitations of Article III, Section 26 of the NASD Rules. The NASD Rules place an annual limit of .75 of 1% on asset-based sales charges (as defined in the NASD Rules) and an annual limit of .25 of 1% on fees that may be imposed for the provision of personal service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts (service fees). Subject to these limits, the Fund may 35 impose any combination of service fees and asset-based sales charges under both the Existing Class B Plan and the Proposed Class B Plan; provided that the total fees do not exceed 1% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares. Pursuant to the NASD Rules, the aggregate deferred sales charges and asset-based sales charges on Class B shares of the Fund may not, subject to certain exclusions, exceed 6.25% of total gross sales of Class B shares. The Existing Class B Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent for the services described therein without approval by a majority of the holders of the Class B shares of the Fund. In addition, all material amendments thereof must be approved by vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the plan. So long as the Existing Class B Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of Rule 12b-1 Directors will be committed to the discretion of the Rule 12b-1 Directors. The Existing Class B Plan may be terminated at any time without payment of any penalty by the vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding Class B shares of the Fund (as defined in the Investment Company Act) on written notice to any other party to such plan and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the Investment Company Act). For a more detailed description of the Existing Class B Plan, see "Management of the Fund --The Distributors -- Class B Plan." THE PROPOSED CLASS B PLAN The Proposed Class B Plan amends the Existing Class B Plan in one material respect. Under the Existing Class B Plan, the Fund reimburses Prudential Securities for expenses actually incurred for Distribution Activities up to a maximum of 1.00% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares. In contrast, the Proposed Class B Plan authorizes the Fund to pay Prudential Securities the same maximum annual fee as compensation for its Distribution Activities regardless of the expenses incurred by Prudential Securities for Distribution Activities. In contrast to the Existing Class B Plan, the amounts payable by the Fund under the Proposed Class B Plan would not be directly related to the expenses actually incurred by Prudential Securities for its Distribution Activities. Consequently, if Prudential Securities' expenses are less than its distribution and service fees, it will retain its full fees and realize a profit. However, if Prudential Securities' expenses exceed the distribution and service fees received under the Proposed Class B Plan, it will no longer carry forward such amounts for reimbursement in future years. 36 Since inception of the Existing Class B Plan, the cumulative reimbursable expenses incurred thereunder by Prudential Securities have exceeded the amounts reimbursed by the Fund. As of December 31, 1993, the aggregate amount of distribution expenses incurred and not yet reimbursed by the Fund or recovered through contingent deferred sales charges was approximately $16,074,000. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 1991, 1992 and 1993, Prudential Securities received $7,574,846, $10,420,280 and $15,229,923, respectively, from the Fund under the Existing Class B Plan, representing 1.00%, 1.00% and 1.00%, respectively, of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares, and spent approximately $11,871,300, $13,728,500 and $18,649,600, respectively, for Distribution Activities. Since the maximum annual fee under the Existing Class B Plan is the same as under the Proposed Class B Plan, Prudential Securities would have received the same annual fee under the Proposed Class B Plan as it did under the Existing Class B Plan for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1991, 1992 and 1993. Among the major perceived benefits of a compensation type plan, such as the Proposed Class B Plan, over a reimbursement type plan, such as the Existing Class B Plan, is the facilitation of administration and accounting. Under reimbursement plans, all expenses must be specifically accounted for by the Distributor and attributed to the specific class of shares of a fund in order to qualify for reimbursement. Although the Proposed Class B Plan will continue to require quarterly reporting to the Board of Directors of the amounts accrued and paid under the Plan and of the expenses actually borne by the Distributor, there will be no need to match specific expenses to reimbursements and no carrying forward of such amounts, as under the Existing Class B Plan. Thus, the accounting for the Proposed Class B Plan would be simplified and the timing of when expenditures are to be made by the Distributor would not be an issue. Currently, because the Existing Class B Plan is a reimbursement plan, the Distributor retains an independent expert to perform a study of its methodology for determining and substantiating which of its expenses should properly be allocated to the Fund's Class B shares for reimbursement the cost of which is borne by the Fund and other funds for which Prudential Securities serves as distributor. These considerations, combined with the fact that the cumulative expenses incurred by Prudential Securities for Distribution Activities have exceeded the amounts reimbursed by the Fund under the Existing Class B Plan, suggest that the costs and efforts associated with a reimbursement plan are unwarranted. In considering whether to approve the Proposed Class B Plan, the Directors reviewed, among other things, the nature and scope of the services to be 37 provided by Prudential Securities, the purchase options available to investors under the Alternative Purchase Plan, the amount of expenditures under the Existing Class B Plan, the relationship of such expenditures to the overall cost structure of the Fund and comparative data with respect to distribution arrangements adopted by other investment companies. Based upon such review, the Directors, including a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors, determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Proposed Class B Plan will benefit the Fund and its Class B shareholders. If approved by Class B shareholders, the Proposed Class B Plan will continue in effect from year to year, provided such continuance is approved at least annually by vote of a majority of the Board of Directors, including a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors. REQUIRED VOTE The Proposed Class B Plan requires the approval of a majority of the Fund's outstanding Class B shares as defined in the Investment Company Act and described in Proposal No. 3 above. If the Proposed Class B Plan is not approved, the Existing Class B Plan will continue in its present form. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THIS PROPOSAL NO. 4. RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS (PROPOSAL NO. 5) The Board of Directors of the Fund, including the Directors who are not interested persons of the Fund, has selected Price Waterhouse as independent accountants for the Fund for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1994. The ratification of the selection of independent accountants is to be voted upon at the Meeting and it is intended that the persons named in the accompanying Proxy will vote for Price Waterhouse. No representative of Price Waterhouse is expected to be present at the Meeting of Shareholders. The policy of the Board of Directors regarding engaging independent accountants' services is that management may engage the Fund's principal independent accountants to perform any service(s) normally provided by independent accounting firms, provided that such service(s) meet(s) any and all of the independence requirements of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Securities and Exchange Commission. In accordance with this policy, the Audit Committee reviews and approves all services provided by 38 the independent accountants prior to their being rendered. The Board of Directors of the Fund receives a report from its Audit Committee relating to all services after they have been performed by the Fund's independent accountants. REQUIRED VOTE The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present, in person or by proxy, at the Meeting is required for ratification. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THIS PROPOSAL NO. 5. 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 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 the Fund. SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS The Fund is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders and the Board of Directors currently does not intend to hold such meetings unless shareholder action is required in accordance with the Investment Company Act or the Fund's By-laws. A shareholder proposal intended to be presented at any meeting of shareholders of the Fund hereinafter called must be received by the Fund a reasonable time before the Board of Directors' solicitation relating thereto is made in order to be included in the Fund's 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. S. JANE ROSE SECRETARY Dated: , 1994 SHAREHOLDERS WHO DO NOT EXPECT TO BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING AND WHO WISH TO HAVE THEIR SHARES VOTED ARE REQUESTED TO DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES. 39 EXHIBIT A PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION DECEMBER 31, 1993 ASSETS CASH AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS....................... $42,667,507 LOAN TO AFFILIATE..................................... 85,000,000 MANAGEMENT, ADMINISTRATION AND OTHER FEES RECEIVABLE........................................... 17,897,292 TRANSFER AGENCY AND FIDUCIARY FEES RECEIVABLE......... 3,744,874 FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS, NET.................................................. 10,495,702 OTHER ASSETS.......................................... 4,676,430 ----------- $164,481,805 ----------- ----------- LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY LIABILITIES: Due to affiliates................................... $48,794,366 Accounts payable and accrued expenses............... 11,208,209 Income taxes payable to affiliate -- net............ 2,937,828 ----------- 62,940,403 ----------- COMMITMENTS (Note 6) STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Class A common stock, $1 par value (1,000 shares authorized, 850 shares outstanding)................ 850 Class B common stock, $1 par value (1,000 shares authorized, 150 shares outstanding)................ 150 Additional paid-in capital.......................... 24,999,000 Retained earnings................................... 76,541,402 ----------- 101,541,402 ----------- $164,481,805 ----------- -----------
See notes to consolidated statement of financial condition. A-1 PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION DECEMBER 31, 1993 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc. ("PMF") and subsidiaries (the "Company"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of The Prudential Insurance Company of America (the "Prudential"), were created to operate as the manager, distributor and/or transfer agent for investment companies. PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION The consolidated financial statement includes the accounts of PMF and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc. ("PMFS") and Prudential Mutual Fund Distributors, Inc. ("PMFD"). All intercompany profits, transactions and balances have been eliminated. INCOME TAXES The Company is a member of a group of affiliated companies which join in filing a consolidated Federal income tax return. Pursuant to a tax allocation agreement, tax expense is determined for individual profitable companies on a separate return basis. Profit members pay this amount to an affiliated company which in turn apportions the payment among the loss members in proportion to their losses. In January 1993, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" (SFAS 109). The adoption of SFAS 109 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial position. 2. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS At December 31, 1993, the Company had invested $35,411,571 in several money market funds which PMF manages. 3. FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements consist of the following: Furniture...................................... $6,481,799 Equipment...................................... 9,181,984 Leasehold improvements......................... 3,407,213 ---------- 19,070,996 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization.................................. 8,575,294 ---------- $10,495,702 ---------- ----------
A-2 4. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS In the ordinary course of business, the Company participates in a variety of financial and administrative transactions with affiliates. The loan to affiliate bears interest at 3.45 percent at December 31, 1993 and is due on demand. The caption "Due to affiliates" includes $18,241,795 at December 31, 1993 for reimbursement of employee compensation and benefits, and other administrative and operating expenses. This amount is noninterest-bearing and payable on demand. The Company has entered into subadvisory agreements with The Prudential Investment Corporation ("PIC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential. Under these agreements, PIC furnishes investment advisory services to substantially all the funds for which the Company acts as Manager. At December 31, 1993 there were unpaid fees due to PIC of $23,926,277, included in the caption "Due to affiliates." Distribution expenses include commissions and account servicing fees paid to, or on account of, financial advisors of Prudential Securities Incorporated ("Prudential Securities") and Pruco Securities Corporation ("PruSec"), affiliated broker-dealers and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Prudential, advertising expenses, the cost of printing and mailing prospectuses to potential investors, and indirect and overhead costs of Prudential Securities and PruSec, including lease, utility, communications and sales promotion expenses. At December 31, 1993 there were unpaid distribution expenses of approximately $6,626,000, included in the caption "Due to affiliates." 5. CAPITAL PMFD is subject to the SEC Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1), which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital and requires that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital, both as defined, shall not exceed 15 to 1. At December 31, 1993, PMFD had net capital of $2,308,981, which was $1,859,405 in excess of its required net capital of $449,576. PMFD had a ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital of 2.9 to 1. A-3 6. COMMITMENTS The Company leases office space under operating leases expiring in 2003. The leases are subject to escalation based upon certain costs incurred by the lessor. Future minimum rentals, as of December 31, 1993, under the leases, are as follows:
Year Minimum Rental - -------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- 1994.................................................... $ 2,738,000 1995.................................................... 2,865,000 1996.................................................... 3,375,000 1997.................................................... 3,385,000 1998.................................................... 3,230,000 Thereafter.............................................. 13,800,000 ---------------- $ 29,393,000 ---------------- ----------------
7. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS The Company has two defined benefit pension plans (the "Plans") sponsored by the Prudential and Prudential Securities. The Plans cover substantially all of the Company's employees. The funding policy is to contribute annually the amount necessary to satisfy the Internal Revenue Service funding standards. In addition, the Company has two defined benefit plans for key executives, the Supplemental Retirement Plan (SRP) for which estimated pension costs are currently accrued but not funded. The Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retired employees. Effective January 1, 1993, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions" ("SFAS 106"). SFAS 106 changed the practice of accounting for postretirement benefits on a cash basis to an accrual basis, whereby employers record the projected future cost of providing such postretirement benefits as employees render services instead of when benefits are paid. This new accounting method has no effect on the Company's cash outlays for these retirement benefits. The adoption of SFAS 106 did not materially impact the Company's financial position. The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 112, "Employers' Accounting for Postemployment Benefits," ("SFAS 112") which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1993. Although several benefits are fully insured which result in no SFAS 112 obligation, the Company currently has an obligation and resulting A-4 7. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (CONTINUED) expense under SFAS 112 for medical benefits provided under long-term disability. The Company will adopt SFAS 112 on January 1, 1994. Management believes that implementation will have no material effect on the Company's financial position. 8. CONTINGENCY On October 12, 1993, a purported class action lawsuit was instituted against PMF, et al and certain current and former directors of a fund managed by PMF. The plaintiffs seek damages in an unspecified amount for excessive management and distribution fees they allege were incurred by them. Although the outcome of this litigation cannot be predicted at this time, the defendants believe they have meritorious defenses to the claims asserted in the complaint and intend to defend this action vigorously. In any case, management does not believe that the outcome of this action is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position. A-5 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial condition of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1993. This consolidated financial statement is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this consolidated financial statement based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statement is free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated statement of financial condition. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, such consolidated statement of financial condition presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 1993 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. DELOITTE & TOUCHE New York, New York January 26, 1994 A-6 EXHIBIT B FORM OF AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION Article V, Section 1 of the Fund's Articles of Incorporation are proposed to be amended and restated as follows: Article V COMMON STOCK Section 1. The total number of shares of capital stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 750 million shares of the par value of $.01 per share and of the aggregate par value of $7,500,000 to be divided initially into three classes, consisting of 250 million shares of Class A Common Stock, 250 million shares of Class B Common Stock and 250 million shares of Class C Common Stock. (a) Each share of Class A, Class B and Class C Common Stock of the Corporation shall represent the same interest in the Corporation and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights except that (i) Expenses related to the distribution of each class of shares shall be borne solely by such class; (ii) The bearing of such expenses solely by shares of each class shall be appropriately reflected (in the manner determined by the Board of Directors) in the net asset value, dividends, distribution and liquidation rights of the shares of such class; (iii) The Class A Common Stock shall be subject to a front-end sales load and a Rule 12b-1 distribution fee as determined by the Board of Directors from time to time; (iv) The Class B Common Stock shall be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and a Rule 12b-1 distribution fee as determined by the Board of Directors from time to time; and (v) The Class C Common Stock shall not be subject to either an initial or contingent deferred sales charge but shall be subject to a Rule 12b-1 distribution fee as determined by the Board of Directors from time to time. All shares of each particular class shall represent an equal proportionate interest in that class, and each share of any particular class shall be equal to each other share of that class. (b) Each share of the Class B Common Stock of the Corporation shall be converted automatically, and without any action or choice on the part of the holder thereof, into shares (including fractions thereof) of the Class A Common Stock of the Corporation (computed in the manner hereinafter described), at the applicable net asset value of each Class, at the time of the calculation of the net asset value of such Class B Common Stock at such times, which may vary between shares originally issued for B-1 cash and shares purchased through the automatic reinvestment of dividends and distributions with respect to Class B Common Stock (each "Conversion Date"), determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and pursuant to such procedures as may be established from time to time by the Board of Directors and disclosed in the Corporation's then current prospectus for such Class A and Class B Common Stock. (c) The number of shares of the Class A Common Stock of the Corporation into which a share of the Class B Common Stock is converted pursuant to Section (1)(b) hereof shall equal the number (including for this purpose fractions of a share) obtained by dividing the net asset value per share of the Class B Common Stock for purposes of sales and redemptions thereof at the time of the calculation of the net asset value on the Conversion Date by the net asset value per share of the Class A Common Stock for purposes of sales and redemptions thereof at the time of the calculation of the net asset value on the Conversion Date. (d) On the Conversion Date, the shares of the Class B Common Stock of the Corporation converted into shares of the Class A Common Stock will cease to accrue dividends and will no longer be outstanding and the rights of the holders thereof will cease (except the right to receive declared but unpaid dividends to the Conversion Date). (e) The Board of Directors shall have full power and authority to adopt such other terms and conditions concerning the conversion of shares of the Class B Common Stock to shares of the Class A Common Stock as they deem appropriate; provided such terms and conditions are not inconsistent with the terms contained in this Section 1 and subject to any restrictions or requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules, regulations and interpretations thereof promulgated or issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission any conditions or limitations contained in an order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable to the Corporation, or any restrictions or requirements under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules, regulations and interpretations promulgated or issued thereunder. B-2 EXHIBIT C PRUDENTIAL EQUITY FUND DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN (CLASS A SHARES) INTRODUCTION The Distribution and Service Plan (the Plan) set forth below which is designed to conform to the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Investment Company Act) and Article III, Section 26 of the Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD) has been adopted by Prudential Equity Fund (the Fund) and by Prudential Mutual Fund Distributors, Inc., the Fund's distributor (the Distributor). The Fund has entered into a distribution agreement (the Distribution Agreement) pursuant to which the Fund will employ the Distributor to distribute Class A shares issued by the Fund (Class A shares). Under the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor will be entitled to receive payments from investors of front-end sales charges with respect to the sale of Class A shares. Under the Plan, the Fund intends to pay to the Distributor, as compensation for its services, a distribution and service fee with respect to Class A shares. A majority of the Board of Directors of the Fund, including a majority of those Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Fund (as defined in the Investment Company Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or any agreements related to it (the Rule 12b-1 Directors), have determined by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan that there is a reasonable likelihood that adoption of this Plan will benefit the Fund and its shareholders. Expenditures under this Plan by the Fund for Distribution Activities (defined below) are primarily intended to result in the sale of Class A shares of the Fund within the meaning of paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 12b-1 promulgated under the Investment Company Act. The purpose of the Plan is to create incentives to the Distributor and/or other qualified broker-dealers and their account executives to provide distribution assistance to their customers who are investors in the Fund, to defray the costs and expenses associated with the preparation, printing and distribution of prospectuses and sales literature and other promotional and distribution activities and to provide for the servicing and maintenance of shareholder accounts. C-1 THE PLAN The material aspects of the Plan are as follows: 1. DISTRIBUTION ACTIVITIES The Fund shall engage the Distributor to distribute Class A shares of the Fund and to service shareholder accounts using all of the facilities of the distribution networks of Prudential Securities Incorporated (Prudential Securities) and Pruco Securities Corporation (Prusec), including sales personnel and branch office and central support systems, and also using such other qualified broker-dealers and financial institutions as the Distributor may select. Services provided and activities undertaken to distribute Class A shares of the Fund are referred to herein as "Distribution Activities." 2. PAYMENT OF SERVICE FEE The Fund shall pay to the Distributor as compensation for providing personal service and/or maintaining shareholder accounts a service fee of .25 of 1% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares (service fee). The Fund shall calculate and accrue daily amounts payable by the Class A shares of the Fund hereunder and shall pay such amounts monthly or at such other intervals as the Board of Directors may determine. 3. PAYMENT FOR DISTRIBUTION ACTIVITIES The Fund shall pay to the Distributor as compensation for its services a distribution fee, together with the service fee (described in Section 2 hereof), of .30 of 1% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares of the Fund for the performance of Distribution Activities. The Fund shall calculate and accrue daily amounts payable by the Class A shares of the Fund hereunder and shall pay such amounts monthly or at such other intervals as the Board of Directors may determine. Amounts payable under the Plan shall be subject to the limitations of Article III, Section 26 of the NASD Rules of Fair Practice. Amounts paid to the Distributor by the Class A shares of the Fund will not be used to pay the distribution expenses incurred with respect to any other class of shares of the Fund except that distribution expenses attributable to the Fund as a whole will be allocated to the Class A shares according to the ratio of the sales of Class A shares to the total sales of the Fund's shares over the Fund's fiscal year or such other allocation method approved by the Board of Directors. The allocation of distribution expenses among classes will be subject to the review of the Board of Directors. C-2 The Distributor shall spend such amounts as it deems appropriate on Distribution Activities which include, among others: (a) amounts paid to Prudential Securities for performing services under a selected dealer agreement between Prudential Securities and the Distributor for sale of Class A shares of the Fund, including sales commissions and trailer commissions paid to, or on account of, account executives and indirect and overhead costs associated with Distribution Activities, including central office and branch expenses; (b) amounts paid to Prusec for performing services under a selected dealer agreement between Prusec and the Distributor for sale of Class A shares of the Fund, including sales commissions and trailer commissions paid to, or on account of, agents and indirect and overhead costs associated with Distribution Activities; (c) advertising for the Fund in various forms through any available medium, including the cost of printing and mailing Fund prospectuses, statements of additional information and periodic financial reports and sales literature to persons other than current shareholders of the Fund; and (d) sales commissions (including trailer commissions) paid to, or on account of, broker-dealers and financial institutions (other than Prudential Securities and Prusec) which have entered into selected dealer agreements with the Distributor with respect to Class A shares of the Fund. 4. QUARTERLY REPORTS; ADDITIONAL INFORMATION An appropriate officer of the Fund will provide to the Board of Directors of the Fund for review, at least quarterly, a written report specifying in reasonable detail the amounts expended for Distribution Activities (including payment of the service fee) and the purposes for which such expenditures were made in compliance with the requirements of Rule 12b-1. The Distributor will provide to the Board of Directors of the Fund such additional information as the Board shall from time to time reasonably request, including information about Distribution Activities undertaken or to be undertaken by the Distributor. The Distributor will inform the Board of Directors of the Fund of the commissions and account servicing fees to be paid by the Distributor to account executives of the Distributor and to broker-dealers and financial institutions which have selected dealer agreements with the Distributor. C-3 5. EFFECTIVENESS; CONTINUATION The Plan shall not take effect until it has been approved by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Class A shares of the Fund. If approved by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Class A shares of the Fund, the Plan shall, unless earlier terminated in accordance with its terms, continue in full force and effect thereafter for so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board of Directors of the Fund and a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the continuation of the Plan. 6. TERMINATION This Plan may be terminated at any time by vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Class A shares of the Fund. 7. AMENDMENTS The Plan may not be amended to change the combined service and distribution expenses to be paid as provided for in Sections 2 and 3 hereof so as to increase materially the amounts payable under this Plan unless such amendment shall be approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Class A shares of the Fund. All material amendments of the Plan shall be approved by a majority of the Board of Directors of the Fund and a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plan. 8. RULE 12B-1 DIRECTORS While the Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of the Rule 12b-1 Directors shall be committed to the discretion of the Rule 12b-1 Directors. 9. RECORDS The Fund shall preserve copies of the Plan and any related agreements and all reports made pursuant to Section 4 hereof, for a period of not less than six years from the date of effectiveness of the Plan, such agreements or reports, and for at least the first two years in an easily accessible place. Dated: C-4 EXHIBIT D PRUDENTIAL EQUITY FUND DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN (CLASS B SHARES) INTRODUCTION The Distribution and Service Plan (the Plan) set forth below which is designed to conform to the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Investment Company Act) and Article III, Section 26 of the Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD) has been adopted by Prudential Equity Fund, Inc. (the Fund) and by Prudential Securities Incorporated (Prudential Securities), the Fund's distributor (the Distributor). The Fund has entered into a distribution agreement (the Distribution Agreement) pursuant to which the Fund will employ the Distributor to distribute Class B shares issued by the Fund (Class B shares). Under the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor will be entitled to receive payments from investors of contingent deferred sales charges imposed with respect to certain repurchases and redemptions of Class B shares. Under the Plan, the Fund wishes to pay to the Distributor, as compensation for its services, a distribution and service fee with respect to Class B shares. A majority of the Board of Directors of the Fund including a majority who are not "interested persons" of the Fund (as defined in the Investment Company Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or any agreements related to it (the Rule 12b-1 Directors), have determined by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan that there is a reasonable likelihood that adoption of this Plan will benefit the Fund and its shareholders. Expenditures under this Plan by the Fund for Distribution Activities (defined below) are primarily intended to result in the sale of Class B shares of the Fund within the meaning of paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 12b-1 promulgated under the Investment Company Act. The purpose of the Plan is to create incentives to the Distributor and/or other qualified broker-dealers and their account executives to provide distribution assistance to their customers who are investors in the Fund, to defray the costs and expenses associated with the preparation, printing and distribution of prospectuses and sales literature and other promotional and distribution activities and to provide for the servicing and maintenance of shareholder accounts. D-1 THE PLAN The material aspects of the Plan are as follows: 1. DISTRIBUTION ACTIVITIES The Fund shall engage the Distributor to distribute Class B shares of the Fund and to service shareholder accounts using all of the facilities of the Prudential Securities distribution network including sales personnel and branch office and central support systems, and also using such other qualified broker- dealers and financial institutions as the Distributor may select, including Pruco Securities Corporation (Prusec). Services provided and activities undertaken to distribute Class B shares of the Fund are referred to herein as "Distribution Activities." 2. PAYMENT OF SERVICE FEE The Fund shall pay to the Distributor as compensation for providing personal service and/or maintaining shareholder accounts a service fee of .25 of 1% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares (service fee). The Fund shall calculate and accrue daily amounts payable by the Class B shares of the Fund hereunder and shall pay such amounts monthly or at such other intervals as the Board of Directors may determine. 3. PAYMENT FOR DISTRIBUTION ACTIVITIES The Fund shall pay to the Distributor as compensation for its services a distribution fee of .75 of 1% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares of the Fund for the performance of Distribution Activities. The Fund shall calculate and accrue daily amounts payable by the Class B shares of the Fund hereunder and shall pay such amounts monthly or at such other intervals as the Board of Directors may determine. Amounts payable under the Plan shall be subject to the limitations of Article III, Section 26 of the NASD Rules of Fair Practice. Amounts paid to the Distributor by the Class B shares of the Fund will not be used to pay the distribution expenses incurred with respect to any other class of shares of the Fund except that distribution expenses attributable to the Fund as a whole will be allocated to the Class B shares according to the ratio of the sale of Class B shares to the total sales of the Fund's shares over the Fund's fiscal year or such other allocation method approved by the Board of Directors. The allocation of distribution expenses among classes will be subject to the review of the Board of Directors. D-2 The Distributor shall spend such amounts as it deems appropriate on Distribution Activities which include, among others: (a) sales commissions (including trailer commissions) paid to, or on account of, account executives of the Distributor; (b) indirect and overhead costs of the Distributor associated with performance of Distribution Activities, including central office and branch expenses; (c) amounts paid to Prusec for performing services under a selected dealer agreement between Prusec and the Distributor for sale of Class B shares of the Fund, including sales commissions and trailer commissions paid to, or on account of, agents and indirect and overhead costs associated with Distribution Activities; (d) advertising for the Fund in various forms through any available medium, including the cost of printing and mailing Fund prospectuses, statements of additional information and periodic financial reports and sales literature to persons other than current shareholders of the Fund; and (e) sales commissions (including trailer commissions) paid to, or on account of, broker-dealers and other financial institutions (other than Prusec) which have entered into selected dealer agreements with the Distributor with respect to Class B shares of the Fund. 4. QUARTERLY REPORTS; ADDITIONAL INFORMATION An appropriate officer of the Fund will provide to the Board of Directors of the Fund for review, at least quarterly, a written report specifying in reasonable detail the amounts expended for Distribution Activities (including payment of the service fee) and the purposes for which such expenditures were made in compliance with the requirements of Rule 12b-1. The Distributor will provide to the Board of Directors of the Fund such additional information as they shall from time to time reasonably request, including information about Distribution Activities undertaken or to be undertaken by the Distributor. The Distributor will inform the Board of Directors of the Fund of the commissions and account servicing fees to be paid by the Distributor to account executives of the Distributor and to broker-dealers and other financial institutions which have selected dealer agreements with the Distributor. D-3 5. EFFECTIVENESS; CONTINUATION The Plan shall not take effect until it has been approved by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Class B shares of the Fund. If approved by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Class B shares of the Fund, the Plan shall, unless earlier terminated in accordance with its terms, continue in full force and effect thereafter for so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board of Directors of the Fund and a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the continuation of the Plan. 6. TERMINATION This Plan may be terminated at any time by vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Class B shares of the Fund. 7. AMENDMENTS The Plan may not be amended to change the combined service and distribution expenses to be paid as provided for in Sections 2 and 3 hereof so as to increase materially the amounts payable under this Plan unless such amendment shall be approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Class B shares of the Fund. All material amendments of the Plan shall be approved by a majority of the Board of Directors of the Fund and a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plan. 8. RULE 12B-1 DIRECTORS While the Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of the Rule 12b-1 Directors shall be committed to the discretion of the Rule 12b-1 Directors. 9. RECORDS The Fund shall preserve copies of the Plan and any related agreements and all reports made pursuant to Section 4 hereof, for a period of not less than six years from the date of effectiveness of the Plan, such agreements or reports, and for at least the first two years in an easily accessible place. Dated: D-4 PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PROXY (CLASS A) YOUR PROXY WILL BE ELECTRONICALLY SCANNED. CAREFULLY DETACH HERE AND RETURN BOTTOM PORTION ONLY. PRUDENTIAL EQUITY FUND, INC. ONE SEAPORT PLAZA NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10292 THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The undersigned hereby appoints Susan C. Cote, S. Jane Rose and Deborah A. Docs as proxies, each with the power of substitution, and hereby authorizes each of them to represent and to vote, as designated below, all the shares of Class A common stock of Prudential Equity Fund, Inc. held of record by the undersigned on (___________),1994 at the Special Meeting of Shareholders to be held on (___________), 1994, or any adjournment thereof. THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER(S). IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL THE PROPOSALS LISTED BELOW. Your Account No.: Your voting shares are: PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. 1. Election of Directors APPROVE ALL NOMINEES WITHHELD ALL NOMINEES WITHHELD THOSE LISTED ON BACK TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE, PLEASE WRITE NAME ON BACK OF FORM. Edward D. Beach Eugene C. Dorsey Delayne D. Gold Harry A. Jacobs, Jr Lawrence C. McQuade Thomas T. Mooney Thomas H. O'Brien Richard A. Redeker Nancy H. Teeters 2. To approve an amendment of the Fund's Articles of Incorporation to permit a conversion feature for Class B Shares. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 3. To approve an amended and restated Class A Distribution and Service Plan. 4. Not applicable to Class A shareholders. 5. To ratify the selection by the Board of Directors of Price Waterhouse as independent accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1994. 6. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting of any adjournments thereof. Only shares of common stock of the Fund of record at the close of business on (___________), 1994 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Please sign exactly as name appears at left. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by president or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. ___________________________________ SIGNATURE DATE ___________________________________ SIGNATURE (JOINT OWNERSHIP) PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PROXY (CLASS B) YOUR PROXY WILL BE ELECTRONICALLY SCANNED. CAREFULLY DETACH HERE AND RETURN BOTTOM PORTION ONLY. PRUDENTIAL EQUITY FUND, INC. ONE SEAPORT PLAZA NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10292 THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The undersigned hereby appoints Susan C. Cote, S. Jane Rose and Deborah A. Docs as proxies, each with the power of substitution, and hereby authorizes each of them to represent and to vote, as designated below, all the shares of Class B common stock of Prudential Equity Fund, Inc. held of record by the undersigned on (___________),1994 at the Special Meeting of Shareholders to be held on (___________), 1994, or any adjournment thereof. THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER(S). IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL THE PROPOSALS LISTED BELOW. Your Account No.: Your voting shares are: PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. 1. Election of Directors APPROVE ALL NOMINEES WITHHELD ALL NOMINEES WITHHELD THOSE LISTED ON BACK TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE, PLEASE WRITE NAME ON BACK OF FORM. Edward D. Beach Eugene C. Dorsey Delayne D. Gold Harry A. Jacobs, Jr. Lawrence C. McQuade Thomas T. Mooney Thomas H. O'Brien Richard A. Redeker Nancy H. Teeters 2. To approve an amendment of the Fund's Articles of Incorporation to permit a conversion feature for Class B Shares. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 3. To approve an amended and restated Class A Distribution and Service Plan. 4. To approve an amended and restated Class B Distribution and Service Plan. 5. To ratify the selection by the Board of Directors of Price Waterhouse as independent accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1994. 6. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting of any adjournment thereof. Only shares of common stock of the Fund of record at the close of business on (___________), 1994 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Please sign exactly as name appears at left. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by president or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. __________________________________ SIGNATURE DATE __________________________________ SIGNATURE (JOINT OWNERSHIP) -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----