N-14 1 tm2228438d1_n14.htm N-14

 

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 21, 2022.

 

File No.: 333-

File No.: 811-05186

 

 

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-14

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

Pre-Effective Amendment No. 
Post-Effective Amendment No. 

(Check appropriate box or boxes)

 

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

(203) 926-1888
(Area Code and Telephone Number)

 

655 Broad Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Address of Principal Executive Offices:
(Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code)

 

Andrew R. French
Secretary, Advanced Series Trust
655 Broad Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Name and Address of Agent for Service:
(Number and Street) (City) (State) (Zip Code)

 

 

Copies to:
Christopher E. Palmer, Esq.
Goodwin Procter LLP
1900 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036

 

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering:

 

As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective on the 30th day after filing pursuant to Rule 488 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Title of the securities being registered: Shares of the AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust.

 

No filing fee is due because Registrant is relying on Section 24(f) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

 

 

 

 

Advanced Series Trust
655 Broad Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Telephone 888-778-2888

November 25, 2022

Dear Contract Owner,

On September 19-20, 2022, the Board of Trustees (the "Board") of the Advanced Series Trust (the "Trust" or "AST") approved the merger (the "Reorganization") of the AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio (the "Target Portfolio") into the AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio (the "Acquiring Portfolio") and the related Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan"). The Reorganization does not require shareholder approval. We are not asking you for a proxy and you are requested not to send us a proxy.

As more fully explained in the attached Prospectus/Information Statement, the Plan provides for the transfer of all of the Target Portfolio's assets to the AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio (the "Acquiring Portfolio") of the Trust in exchange for (i) the Acquiring Portfolio's assumption of all of the Target Portfolio's liabilities, and (ii) the Acquiring Portfolio's issuance to the Target Portfolio of shares of beneficial interest in the Acquiring Portfolio. The Acquiring Portfolio will be the accounting and performance survivor of the Reorganization, and the combined portfolio resulting from the Reorganization is sometimes referred to herein as the "Combined Portfolio."

The Reorganization is being pursued due to net outflows from the Target Portfolio, which the potential to achieve economies of scale. The Reorganization will consolidate the smaller Target Portfolio into the larger Acquiring Portfolio, improving overall scale and reducing net expenses for the Target Portfolio.

The Reorganization is intended to qualify as a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Immediately following the Reorganization, you will beneficially own shares of the Acquiring Portfolio, rather than shares of the Target Portfolio. It is expected that the Reorganization will be completed on or about January 23, 2023.

The following pages include important information on the Reorganization in a question and answer format. The pages that follow include the full Prospectus/Information Statement with detailed information regarding the Reorganization. Please read the full document, including the detailed description of the factors considered by the Board.

For any questions or concerns you may have regarding the Reorganization, please call 1-800-752-6342 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday-Friday.

Sincerely,

Timothy Cronin
President
Advanced Series Trust


(This page intentionally left blank.)


IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND THE REORGANIZATION

Please read the attached Prospectus/Information Statement for a complete description of the reorganization. However, as a quick reference, the following questions and answers provide a brief overview of the reorganization.

Q1. WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS PROSPECTUS/INFORMATION STATEMENT?

A. You have received this Prospectus/Information Statement because you are the beneficial owner of shares of the AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio (the "Target Portfolio"), a series of the Advanced Series Trust (the "Trust" or "AST").

Q2. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROSPECTUS/INFORMATION STATEMENT?

A. The purpose of these materials is to provide you information on the reorganization (the "Reorganization") of the Target Portfolio into the AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio (the "Acquiring Portfolio"), which is a series of the Trust. PGIM Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc. (together, the "Manager"), which serve as the investment managers to each of the Portfolios, recommended the Reorganization and the Reorganization has been approved by the Board of Trustees of AST (the "Board"). The Acquiring Portfolio will be the accounting and performance survivor of the Reorganization, and the combined portfolio resulting from the Reorganization is sometimes referred to herein as the "Combined Portfolio."

Q3. HOW WILL THE REORGANIZATION IMPACT FEES AND EXPENSES?

A. The Target Portfolio and Combined Portfolio have identical management fee rate schedules, although the Combined Portfolio is expected to have a slightly lower management fee than the Target Portfolio as a result of breakpoints at current asset levels. It is expected that the total net operating expense ratio of the Combined Portfolio will be lower than the total net operating expense ratio of the Target Portfolio. Please read the attached Prospectus/Information Statement for a complete description of the fees and expenses.

Q4. WHY IS THE REORGANIZATION BEING PURSUED?

A. The Reorganization is being pursued due to net outflows from the Target Portfolio, which reduces the potential to achieve economies of scale. The Reorganization will consolidate the smaller Target Portfolio into the larger Acquiring Portfolio, improving overall scale and reducing total net annual fund operating expenses for the Target Portfolio. The Acquiring Portfolio's investment strategy has produced competitive performance results over time including ranking and beating benchmark and will be retained in the Combined Portfolio.

Q5. HOW WILL THE REORGANIZATION BENEFIT SHAREHOLDERS?

A. The Acquiring Portfolio has outperformed the Target Portfolio for the three- and ten-year periods ending July 31, 2022, based on gross performance. Based upon information as of June 30, 2022, pro forma expenses for the Combined Portfolio are expected to result in a lower effective investment management fee and a lower total gross and net expense ratio than those of the Target Portfolio currently. The Managers believe that the existing shareholders of the Target Portfolio will benefit from a more favorable total net annual fund expense ratio and economies of scale achieved through the Reorganization with the Acquiring Portfolio.

Please read pages [  ] of the attached Prospectus/Information Statement for a complete description of each of the factors the Board considered.

Q6. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE TARGET PORTFOLIO'S CURRENT INVESTMENTS?

A. The Target Portfolio is expected to be repositioned prior to the Reorganization, with approximately 91% of the Target Portfolio's securities being repositioned prior to the Reorganization. At the time of the Reorganization, it is expected that approximately 100% of the Target Portfolio's holdings will be retained and transferred in kind to the Acquiring Portfolio in connection with the Reorganization.

Please read pages [  ] of the attached Prospectus/Information Statement for a complete description of the Acquiring Portfolio's investment objective, strategies and policies.


Q7. HAS THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST APPROVED THE REORGANIZATION?

A. Yes. The Board has approved the Reorganization.

See pages [  ] of the attached Prospectus/Information Statement for the complete list of factors considered by the Board in approving the Reorganization.

Q8. WHO IS PAYING FOR THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REORGANIZATION?

A. All costs incurred in entering into and carrying out the terms and conditions of the Reorganization, including (without limitation) outside legal counsel and independent registered public accounting firm costs and costs incurred in connection with the printing and mailing of this Prospectus/Information Statement and related materials, will be paid by Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. or its affiliates, not the Target Portfolio or the Acquiring Portfolio. These costs are expected to be approximately $35,000.

The Target Portfolio will bear the transaction costs prior to the Reorganization, which typically include, but are not limited to, trade commissions, related fees and taxes, and any foreign exchange spread costs, where applicable (the "Transaction Costs"). Such Transaction Costs are estimated to be $940,000 (0.050% of net assets).

Q9. WILL YOU NEED MY VOTE TO APPROVE THE REORGANIZATION?

A. No. The Reorganization does not require shareholder consideration and approval. We are not asking you for a proxy and you are requested not to send us a proxy.

Q10. WHEN WILL THE REORGANIZATION TAKE PLACE?

A. The Reorganization is currently expected to be completed on or about January 23, 2023.

Q11. CAN THE INFORMATION STATEMENT BE VIEWED ONLINE?

A. Yes. The Information Statement can be viewed at www.prudential.com/variableinsuranceportfolios.

Q12. WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ON THE REORGANIZATION?

A. If you require assistance or have any questions regarding the Information Statement, please call 1-800-752-6342 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday-Friday.

Q13. WILL SHAREHOLDERS BE ALLOWED TO TRANSFER OUT OF THE TARGET PORTFOLIO WITHOUT PENALTY AND WITHOUT BEING REQUIRED TO USE ONE OF THEIR ALLOTTED TRANSFERS?

A. Yes. Contract owners will be allowed one free transfer out of the Target Portfolio during the period within 60 days of the effective date of the Reorganization (i.e., from 60 days before to 60 days after the effective date of the Reorganization).


SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS/INFORMATION STATEMENT
Dated November 25, 2022

The information in this Prospectus/Information Statement is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Prospectus/Information Statement is not an offer to sell these securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

INFORMATION STATEMENT
for
AST BLACKROCK GLOBAL STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO,
A SERIES OF THE ADVANCED SERIES TRUST
and
PROSPECTUS
for
AST J.P. MORGAN TACTICAL PRESERVATION PORTFOLIO,
A SERIES OF THE ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

Dated November 25, 2022

655 Broad Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Telephone 888-778-2888

Reorganization of the AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio
into the AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio

This Prospectus/Information Statement is furnished in connection with the merger of the AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio (the "Target Portfolio") into the AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio (the "Acquiring Portfolio," and together with the Target Portfolio, the "Portfolios") and the related Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan"). The merger does not require shareholder consideration and approval. We are not asking you for a proxy and you are requested not to send us a proxy.

This Prospectus/Information Statement is first being sent to Contract owners on or about November 25, 2022.

As described in more detail below, the Plan provides for the transfer of all of the Target Portfolio's assets to the Acquiring Portfolio in exchange for (i) the Acquiring Portfolio's assumption of all of the Target Portfolio's liabilities, and (ii) the Acquiring Portfolio's issuance to the Target Portfolio of shares of beneficial interest in the Acquiring Portfolio (the "Acquiring Portfolio Shares"). The Acquiring Portfolio Shares received by the Target Portfolio will have an aggregate net asset value that is equal to the aggregate net asset value of the Target Portfolio shares that are outstanding immediately prior to the reorganization transaction. As a result of such transaction, the Target Portfolio will be completely liquidated, and Contract owners will beneficially own shares of the Acquiring Portfolio having an aggregate value equal to their Target Portfolio shares.

The acquisition of the assets of the Target Portfolio by the Acquiring Portfolio in exchange for the Acquiring Portfolio's assumption of all of the liabilities of the Target Portfolio, and the issuance of Acquiring Portfolio Shares to the Target Portfolio and its shareholders, is referred to herein as the "Reorganization." After the Reorganization is consummated, shareholders of the Target Portfolio will become shareholders of the Acquiring Portfolio.

The investment objectives of Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio are listed below:

Target Portfolio Name

 

Investment Objective

 

AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio

 

to seek a high total return consistent with a moderate level of risk

 

Acquiring Portfolio Name

 

Investment Objective

 

AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio

 

seek to maximize return compared to the benchmark through security selection and tactical asset allocation

 


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The Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio serve as underlying mutual funds for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies (the "Contracts") issued by life insurance companies ("Participating Insurance Companies"). Each Participating Insurance Company holds assets invested in these Contracts in various separate accounts, each of which is divided into sub-accounts investing exclusively in a mutual fund or in a portfolio of a mutual fund. Therefore, Contract owners who have allocated their account values to applicable sub-accounts are indirectly invested in the Target Portfolio through the Contracts and should consider themselves shareholders of the Target Portfolio for purposes of this Prospectus/Information Statement.

This Prospectus/Information Statement gives the information about the Reorganization and the issuance of the Acquiring Portfolio Shares that you should know. You should read it carefully and retain it for future reference. A copy of this Prospectus/Information Statement is available on the internet at www.prudential.com/variableinsuranceportfolios. Additional information about the Acquiring Portfolio has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including:

•  The Summary Prospectus of the Trust relating to the Acquiring Portfolio under file number 033-24962, dated April 25, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference as is included with, and considered to be part of this Prospectus/Information Statement.

You may request a free copy of a Statement of Additional Information under file number 033-24962, dated April 25, 2022 (the "SAI"), or other documents relating to the Trust and the Acquiring Portfolio without charge by calling 1-800-778-2255 or by writing to the Trust at 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102. The SAI, under file number 033-24962, is incorporated herein by reference. The SEC maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains the SAI and other information relating to the Target Portfolio, the Acquiring Portfolio, and the Trust that has been filed with the SEC.

The SEC has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus/Information Statement. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Mutual fund shares are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank, and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other U.S. government agency. Mutual fund shares involve investment risks, including the possible loss of principal.


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SUMMARY

This section is only a summary of certain information contained in this Prospectus/Information Statement. You should read the more complete information in the rest of this Prospectus/Information Statement, including the Plan (Exhibit A) and the Prospectus for the Acquiring Portfolio (Exhibit B).

As explained in more detail below, the consummation of the Reorganization will involve reorganizing the Target Portfolio into the Acquiring Portfolio, resulting in a single mutual fund.

As further explained in "Management of the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio," PGIM Investments ("PGIM Investments") and AST Investment Services, Inc. ("ASTIS") serve as investment managers to the Portfolios. For ease of reference, the term "Manager" is used throughout this Prospectus/Information Statement to refer to PGIM Investments and ASTIS jointly. The Acquiring Portfolio will be the accounting and performance survivor of the Reorganization, and the combined portfolio resulting from the Reorganization is sometimes referred to herein as the "Combined Portfolio."

The Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio are managed under a manager-of-managers structure, which means that the Manager has engaged each subadviser listed below to conduct the investment program of the relevant Portfolio, including the purchase, retention, and sale of portfolio securities and other financial instruments. The Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio have the same distribution and purchase procedures and exchange rights, and redemption procedures.

Portfolio

 

Subadvisers

 

AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio

 

BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. ("BlackRock") and BlackRock International Ltd ("BlackRock International")

 

AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio

 

J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. ("J.P. Morgan")

 

Combined Portfolio

 

J.P. Morgan

 

Because of the federal tax-deferred treatment applicable to the Contracts, completion of the Reorganization is not expected to result in taxable gains or losses or capital gains or losses, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to Contract owners that beneficially own shares of the Target Portfolio immediately prior to the Reorganization.

Comparison of Investment Objectives and Principal Investment Strategies of the Portfolios

The investment objective of the Target Portfolio is to seek a high total return consistent with a moderate level of risk. The investment objective of the Acquiring Portfolio is to see to maximize return compared to the benchmark through security selection and tactical asset allocation. The investment objectives of the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio are non-fundamental, meaning that they can be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

The Portfolios have similar principal investment strategies. The Target Portfolio allocates approximately 45% of assets to equity strategies, 45% to fixed income strategies, and 10% to non-traditional strategies including real estate investment trusts (REITs) and commodities. The Acquiring Portfolio allocates approximately 40% of net assets to global equity strategies and 60% to fixed income strategies.

As explained above, as of the effective date of the Reorganization, the Combined Portfolio will be managed by the Acquiring Portfolio's subadviser (J.P. Morgan), according to the investment objective and principal investment strategies of the Acquiring Portfolio.

Principal Risks of the Portfolios

The principal risks associated with the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio are similar. Both Portfolios are subject to asset-backed and/or mortgage-backed securities risk, asset transfer program risk, blend style risk, derivatives risk, economic and market events risk, equity securities risk, exchange-traded funds (ETF) risk, expense


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risk, fixed income securities risk, foreign investment risk, high yield risk, liquidity and valuation risk, market and management risk, real estate risk and regulatory risk. In addition, the Target Portfolio, but not the Acquiring Portfolio, is subject to commodity risk, emerging markets risk, and portfolio turnover risk. The Acquiring Portfolio, but not the Target Portfolio, is subject to foreign custody risk, leverage risk, liquidity allocation risk, and short sale risk. The Combined Portfolio will be subject to the same risks as the Acquiring Portfolio once the Reorganization is complete. Detailed descriptions of the principal risks associated with the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio are set forth in (i) this Prospectus/Information Statement under the caption "Comparison of the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio—Principal Risks of the Portfolios;" and (ii) the summary prospectus for the Acquiring Portfolio attached as Exhibit B to this Prospectus/Information Statement.

There is no guarantee that shares of the Combined Portfolio will not lose value. This means that the value of the Combined Portfolio's investments, and therefore, the value of the Combined Portfolio's shares, may fluctuate.

Comparison of Investment Management Fees and Total Fund Operating Expenses

The current contractual investment management fee rate schedules for the Acquiring Portfolio and Target Portfolio are identical, the effective investment management fee rate of the Acquiring Portfolio is lower than the effective investment management fee rate of the Target Portfolio. The effective investment management fee rate for the Combined Portfolio is expected to be lower than that of the Target Portfolio after the Reorganization is completed. Contractual investment management fees are the management fees paid to the Manager and do not reflect any waivers or reimbursements. Effective investment management fees are the management fees paid to the Manager that take into account any applicable waiver or reimbursement.

Assuming completion of the Reorganization on June 30, 2022, based on assets under management for each of the Portfolios on that date, the pro forma annualized total net operating expense ratio of the Combined Portfolio is lower than the annualized total net operating expense ratio of the Target Portfolio. This means that the Target Portfolio shareholders will benefit from a reduced total net operating expense ratio.

The following table describes the fees and expenses that owners of certain annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies (the "Contracts") may pay if they invest in the Target Portfolio or the Acquiring Portfolio, as well as the projected fees and expenses of the Combined Portfolio after the Reorganization. The following table does not reflect any Contract charges. Because Contract charges are not included, the total fees and expenses that you will incur will be higher than the fees and expenses set forth below. The Contract charges will not change as a result of the Reorganization. See your Contract prospectus for more information about Contract charges.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)

    Target
Portfolio
  Acquiring
Portfolio
  Combined Portfolio
(Pro Forma Surviving)
 

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases

   

NA*

     

NA*

     

NA*

   

Maximum deferred sales charge (load)

   

NA*

     

NA*

     

NA*

   

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends

   

NA*

     

NA*

     

NA*

   

Redemption Fee

   

NA*

     

NA*

     

NA*

   

Exchange Fee

   

NA*

     

NA*

     

NA*

   

*  Because shares of both the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio are purchased through Contracts, the relevant Contract prospectus should be carefully reviewed for information on the charges and expenses of the Contract. This table does not reflect any such charges; and the expenses shown would be higher if such charges were reflected.


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Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses (as of June 30, 2022)
(expenses that are deducted from Portfolio assets)

    Target
Portfolio
  Acquiring
Portfolio
  Combined Portfolio
(Pro Forma Surviving)
 

Management Fees

   

0.76

%

   

0.75

%

   

0.75

%

 

Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 Fees)

   

0.25

%

   

0.25

%

   

0.25

%

 

Other Expenses

   

0.05

%

   

0.02

%

   

0.01

%

 

Acquired Fund Fees & Expenses

   

     

     

   

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

   

1.06

%

   

1.02

%

   

1.01

%

 
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement    

-0.02

%(1)

   

-0.11

%(2)

   

-0.10

%(2)

 
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
After Fee Waiver and/or Expense
Reimbursement*
   

1.04

%

   

0.91

%

   

0.91

%

 

(1)  The Manager has contractually agreed to waive 0.0249% of its management fee through June 30, 2024. This arrangement may not be terminated or modified without the prior approval of the Trust's Board of Trustees.

(2)  The Manager has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fee and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Portfolio so that the Portfolio's management fee plus other expenses (exclusive, in all cases, of interest, brokerage, taxes (such as income and foreign withholding taxes, stamp duty and deferred tax expenses), extraordinary expenses, and certain other Portfolio expenses, such as dividend and interest expense and broker charges on short sales) do not exceed 0.91% of the Portfolio's average daily net assets through June 30, 2024. Expenses waived/reimbursed by the Manager may be recouped by the Manager within the same fiscal year during which such waiver/reimbursement is made if such recoupment can be realized without exceeding the expense limit in effect at the time of the recoupment for that fiscal year. This arrangement may not be terminated or modified without the prior approval of the Trust's Board of Trustees.

Expense Examples

The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in each of the Portfolios for the time periods indicated. The examples also assume that your investment has a 5% return each year, that each Portfolio's total operating expenses remain the same, and include the contractual expense cap only for the one-year period for the Target Portfolio, the Acquiring Portfolio and the Combined Portfolio (Pro Forma Surviving). These examples do not reflect any charges or expenses for the Contracts. The expenses shown below would be higher if these charges or expenses were included. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

   

One Year

 

Three Years

 

Five Years

 

Ten Years

 

Target Portfolio(1)

 

$

106

   

$

335

   

$

583

   

$

1,292

   

Acquiring Portfolio(1)

 

$

93

   

$

314

   

$

553

   

$

1,238

   
Combined Portfolio (Pro Forma Surviving)(1)  

$

93

   

$

312

   

$

548

   

$

1,227

   

(1)  Based on total annual operating expense ratios reflected in the summary section of this Prospectus/Information Statement entitled "Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses (as of June 30, 2022)."

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolios pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when each buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the example, affect a portfolio's performance. During the most recent fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, the Target Portfolio's turnover rate was 280% of the average value of its portfolio, and the Acquiring Portfolio's turnover rate was 192% of the average value of its portfolio.


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Reorganization Details and Reasons for the Reorganization

Assuming completion of the Reorganization, shareholders of the Target Portfolio will have their shares exchanged for shares of the Acquiring Portfolio of equal dollar value based upon the value of the shares at the time the Target Portfolio's assets are transferred to the Acquiring Portfolio and the Target Portfolio's liabilities are assumed by the Acquiring Portfolio. After the transfer of assets, assumption of liabilities, and exchange of shares have been completed, the Target Portfolio will be liquidated and dissolved. As a result of the Reorganization, you will cease to be a beneficial shareholder of the Target Portfolio and will become a beneficial shareholder of the Acquiring Portfolio.

Both the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio serve as underlying mutual funds for the Contracts issued by "Participating Insurance Companies." Each Participating Insurance Company holds assets invested in these Contracts in various separate accounts, each of which is divided into sub-accounts investing exclusively in a mutual fund or in a portfolio of a mutual fund. Therefore, Contract owners who have allocated their account values to applicable sub-accounts are indirectly invested in the applicable Portfolio through the Contracts and should consider themselves shareholders of the applicable Portfolio for purposes of this Prospectus/Information Statement.

For the reasons set forth in the "Information About the Reorganization—Reasons for the Reorganization" section, the Board has determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of the shareholders of each of the Portfolios, and has also concluded that no dilution in value would result to the shareholders of either Portfolio as a result of the Reorganization.

The Board of Trustees of the Advanced Series Trust, on behalf of the Target Portfolio and Acquiring Portfolio, has approved the Plan.


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INFORMATION ABOUT THE REORGANIZATION

This section describes the Reorganization for the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio. This section is only a summary of the Plan. You should read the actual Plan attached as Exhibit A.

Board Considerations

On September 19-20, 2022 (the "Board Meeting"), the Board met to evaluate and consider the proposed Reorganization of the Target Portfolio, a series of the Trust, into the Acquiring Portfolio, also a series of the Trust. In connection with its consideration of whether to approve the Reorganization, the Board was provided with, among other information, presentations by management regarding the proposed Reorganization and information related to the Target Portfolio, the Acquiring Portfolio and the Combined Portfolio. As part of their review process, the independent trustees, who are not interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) (the "Independent Trustees") were represented by independent legal counsel. The Trustees were provided with information both in writing and during oral presentations made at that meeting, including, among other matters, historical and projected asset flows, historical performance information, historical fee and expense information, and the projected fee and expense information of the Combined Portfolio following the Reorganization.

The Board, in reaching its decision to approve the Reorganization, considered a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the following:

•  The Portfolios have generally similar principal investment strategies and principal risks. The Target Portfolio allocates approximately 45% of assets to equity strategies, 45% to fixed income strategies, and 10% to non-traditional strategies, and the Acquiring Portfolio allocates approximately 40% of net assets to global equity strategies and 60% to fixed income strategies;

•  The Combined Portfolio will be larger than each of the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio, with an estimated $5.5 billion in net assets as of July 31, 2022 and the potential for improved economies of scale;

•  The Acquiring Portfolio has outperformed the Target Portfolio for the three- and ten-year periods ending July 31, 2022, based on gross performance;

•  The Acquiring Portfolio ranked in the 1st quartile of its Lipper category for the three-, five-, and ten-year periods ending July 31, 2022;

•  The contractual investment management fee rate schedules for the Acquiring Portfolio and Target Portfolio are identical although the contractual investment management fee rate of the Acquiring Portfolio is 0.01% lower than the contractual investment management fee rate of the Target Portfolio as a result of breakpoints at current asset levels of the Acquiring Portfolio. The contractual investment management fee rate for the Combined Portfolio is also expected to be 0.01% lower than the contractual investment management fee rate for the Target Portfolio;

•  Assuming the Reorganization had been in effect for the one-year period ended June 30, 2022, the pro forma total operating expense ratio (net and gross) for the Combined Portfolio is lower than the total net operating expense ratio of the Target Portfolio;

•  The Portfolios currently have the same investment manager and many of the same service providers, with the exception of the Target Portfolio having BlackRock and BlackRock International as subadvisers and the Acquiring Portfolio having J.P. Morgan as subadviser. The Board also noted that the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio each utilize the same custodian, distributor, Fund counsel, and independent public accounting firm, and that those would remain the same immediately after the Reorganization; and

•  The Reorganization is not expected to be a taxable event for federal income tax purposes for Contract owners.

For the foregoing reasons, the Board determined that the Reorganization would be in the best interests of the Target Portfolio and Acquiring Portfolio and that the interests of the Target Portfolio's and Acquiring Portfolio's Contract owners and shareholders would not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization. The Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, voted to approve the Reorganization.

Closing of the Reorganization

The Reorganization will take place after various conditions are satisfied by the Trust on behalf of the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio, including the preparation of certain documents. The Trust will determine a


8


specific date for the actual Reorganization to take place, which is presently expected to occur on or about January 23, 2023. This is called the "Closing Date."

Under the Plan, the Target Portfolio will deliver to the Acquiring Portfolio all of its assets on the Closing Date, the Acquiring Portfolio will assume all of the liabilities of the Target Portfolio on the Closing Date, and the Acquiring Portfolio will issue the Acquiring Portfolio Shares to the Target Portfolio. The Acquiring Portfolio Shares received by the Target Portfolio will have an aggregate net asset value that is equal to the aggregate net asset value of the Target Portfolio shares that are outstanding immediately prior to the Reorganization. The Participating Insurance Companies then will make a conforming exchange of units between the applicable sub-accounts in their separate accounts. As a result, shareholders of the Target Portfolio will beneficially own shares of the Acquiring Portfolio that, as of the date of the exchange, have an aggregate value equal to the dollar value of the assets delivered to the Target Portfolio. The stock transfer books of the Target Portfolio will be permanently closed on the closing date. Requests to transfer or redeem assets allocated to the Target Portfolio may be submitted at any time before the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the Closing Date, and requests that are received in proper form prior to that time will be effected prior to the closing.

To the extent permitted by law, the Trust may amend the Plan without shareholder approval. The Trust may also agree to terminate and abandon the Reorganization at any time.

Expenses of the Reorganization

All costs incurred in entering into and carrying out the terms and conditions of the Reorganization, including (without limitation) outside legal counsel and independent registered public accounting firm costs and costs incurred in connection with the printing and mailing of this Prospectus/Information Statement and related materials, will be paid by Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. or its affiliates, not the Target Portfolio or the Acquiring Portfolio. These costs are expected to be approximately $35,000.

The Target Portfolio is expected to bear the Transaction Costs which are estimated to be $940,000 (0.050% of net assets).

Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations

The Portfolios are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a Partnership, each Portfolio's income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits are proportionately distributed to the Participating Insurance Companies and retain the same character for Federal Income tax purposes. Distributions may be made to the various separate accounts of the Participating Insurance Companies in the form of additional shares (not in cash).

Contract owners should consult the prospectuses of their respective Contracts for information on the federal income tax consequences to such owners. In addition, Contract owners may wish to consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of investments in one of the Portfolios, including the application of state and local taxes.

Each of the Portfolios complies with the diversification requirements of Section 817(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").

The Reorganization may entail various consequences, which are discussed below under the caption "Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganization."

Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganization

The following discussion is applicable to the Reorganization. The Reorganization is intended to qualify for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a tax-free transaction under the Code. In addition, assuming that the Contracts qualify for the federal tax-deferred treatment applicable to certain variable insurance products, Contract owners generally should not have any reportable gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes even if the Reorganization did not qualify as a tax-free transaction. It is a condition to each Portfolio's obligation to complete its Reorganization that the Portfolios will have received an opinion from Goodwin Procter LLP, counsel to the Portfolios, based upon representations made by the Trust on behalf of the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio, and upon certain


9


assumptions, substantially to the effect that the transactions contemplated by the Plan should constitute a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

As set forth above, the Portfolios are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Based on such treatment and certain representations made by the Trust on behalf of the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio relating to the Reorganization, for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 721 and 731 of the Code and related Code Sections (references to "shareholders" are to the Participating Insurance Companies):

1.  The transfer by the Target Portfolio of all of its assets to the Acquiring Portfolio, in exchange solely for the Acquiring Portfolio Shares, the assumption by the Acquiring Portfolio of all of the liabilities of the Target Portfolio, and the distribution of the Acquiring Portfolio Shares to the shareholders of the Target Portfolio in complete liquidation of the Target Portfolio, should be tax-free to the shareholders of the Target Portfolio.

2.  The shareholders of the Target Portfolio should not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of all of their shares solely for Acquiring Portfolio Shares, as described in this Prospectus/Information Statement and the Plan.

3.  No gain or loss should be recognized by the Target Portfolio upon the transfer of its assets to the Acquiring Portfolio in exchange solely for Acquiring Portfolio Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Portfolio of the liabilities, if any, of the Target Portfolio. In addition, no gain or loss should be recognized by the Target Portfolio on the distribution of such Acquiring Portfolio Shares to the shareholders of the Target Portfolio (in liquidation of the Target Portfolio).

4.  No gain or loss should be recognized by the Acquiring Portfolio upon the acquisition of the assets of the Target Portfolio in exchange solely for Acquiring Portfolio Shares and the assumption of the liabilities, if any, of the Target Portfolio.

5.  The Acquiring Portfolio's tax basis for the assets acquired from the Target Portfolio should be the same as the tax basis of these assets when held by the Target Portfolio immediately before the transfer (except and to the extent provided in Section 704(c)(1)(C) of the Code with respect to contributions of "built in loss" property), and the holding period of such assets acquired by the Acquiring Portfolio should include the holding period of such assets when held by the Target Portfolio.

6.  A Target Portfolio shareholder's tax basis for the Acquiring Portfolio Shares to be received by the shareholder pursuant to the Reorganization should be the same as its tax basis in the Target Portfolio shares exchanged therefore reduced or increased by any net decrease or increase, as the case may be, in such shareholder's share of the liabilities of the Portfolios as a result of the Reorganization.

7.  The holding period of the Acquiring Portfolio Shares to be received by the shareholders of the Target Portfolio should include the holding period of their Target Portfolio shares exchanged therefor, provided such shares were held as capital assets on the date of exchange.

An opinion of counsel is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or the courts. Shareholders of the Target Portfolio should consult their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences to them of the Reorganization in light of their individual circumstances.

A Contract owner should consult the prospectus for his or her Contract on the federal tax consequences of owning the Contract. Contract owners should also consult their tax advisors as to state and local tax consequences, if any, of the Reorganization, because this discussion only relates to U.S. federal income tax consequences.

Characteristics of Acquiring Portfolio Shares

The Acquiring Portfolio Shares to be distributed to Target Portfolio shareholders will have substantially identical legal characteristics as shares of beneficial interest of the Target Portfolio with respect to such matters as voting rights, accessibility, conversion rights, and transferability.

The Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio are each organized as a series of a Massachusetts business trust. There are no material differences between the rights of shareholders of the Portfolios.


10


COMPARISON OF THE TARGET PORTFOLIO, THE ACQUIRING PORTFOLIO, AND THE COMBINED PORTFOLIO

Additional information regarding the Acquiring Portfolio's investments and risks, the management of the Acquiring Portfolio, the purchase and sale of Acquiring Portfolio shares, annual portfolio operating expenses, certain U.S. federal income tax considerations, and financial intermediary compensation is set forth in Exhibit B to this Prospectus/Information Statement.

Analysis of Investment Objectives and Principal Investment Strategies of the Portfolios

The investment objective of the Target Portfolio is to seek a high total return consistent with a moderate level of risk. The investment objective of the Acquiring Portfolio is to see to maximize return compared to the benchmark through security selection and tactical asset allocation. The investment objectives of the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio are non-fundamental, meaning that they can be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

The Portfolios have similar principal investment strategies. The Target Portfolio allocates approximately 45% of assets to equity strategies, 45% to fixed income strategies, and 10% to non-traditional strategies including REITs and commodities. The Acquiring Portfolio allocates approximately 40% of net assets to global equity strategies and 60% to fixed income strategies.

As explained above, as of the effective date of the Reorganization, the Combined Portfolio will be managed by the Acquiring Portfolio's subadvisers (J.P. Morgan), according to the investment objective and principal investment strategies of the Acquiring Portfolio.

   

Target Portfolio

 

Acquiring Portfolio

 

Combined Portfolio

 

Investment Objective:

 

The investment objective of the Target Portfolio is to seek a high total return consistent with a moderate level of risk.

 

The investment objective of the Acquiring Portfolio is to seek to maximize return compared to the benchmark through security selection and tactical asset allocation.

 

The investment objective of the Combined Portfolio is to seek to maximize return compared to the benchmark through security selection and tactical asset allocation.

 

Principal Investment Strategies:

 

The Target Portfolio is a global, multi asset-class fund that invests directly in, among other things, equity and equity-related securities, fixed income securities, real estate investment trusts (REITs), exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and derivative instruments. In seeking to achieve the Target Portfolio's investment objective, the Target Portfolio's sub-advisers, BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. and BlackRock International Limited, allocate the Target Portfolio's assets across several investment strategies. The strategies invest primarily in equity securities, fixed

 

The Acquiring Portfolio utilizes a variety of diversifying asset classes and investment styles. Under normal circumstances, the Acquiring Portfolio will maintain a strategic allocation of approximately 40% of net assets in global equity securities and approximately 60% of net assets in fixed income securities. Depending on market conditions, under normal circumstances, the global equity exposure may range between 20-50% of net assets, and the fixed income allocation may range between 40-80% of net assets.

 

The Combined Portfolio utilizes a variety of diversifying asset classes and investment styles. Under normal circumstances, the Combined Portfolio will maintain a strategic allocation of approximately 40% of net assets in global equity securities and approximately 60% of net assets in fixed income securities. Depending on market conditions, under normal circumstances, the global equity exposure may range between 20-50% of net assets, and the fixed income allocation may range between 40-80% of net assets.

 


11


   

Target Portfolio

 

Acquiring Portfolio

 

Combined Portfolio

 
             
             
             
             
  income securities, and a global tactical asset allocation strategy (the GTAA strategy) that, under normal circumstances, provides exposure to the equity and fixed income asset classes along with REITs. The Portfolio may invest in high-yield bonds and commodity-related investments, but does not maintain a strategic allocation to those asset classes. The Target Portfolio allocates its assets among various regions and countries, including the US (but in no less than three countries).
The Target Portfolio's minimum, neutral, and maximum exposure to each asset class is set forth below:
Asset         Minimum Neutral Maximum
Class         Exposure Exposure Exposure
US Equity
      10%        25%        40%
Non-US
                
Equity           5%       20%        30%
US Small
                               
Cap Equity      0%         0%        10%
Total
                    
Equities        35%        45%       55%
Investment
                  
Grade Bonds   35%*      45%        55%**
High Yield
                  
Bonds+          0%         0%        10%
Total Fixed
                  
Income        35%       45%        55%***
REITs*****
    0%        10%        20%
Commodities
    0%         0%         5%
Total REITs+
                  
Commodities   0%       10%        20%****
+         Fixed income securities rated below investment grade and unrated securities of similar credit quality are commonly referred to as "junk" bonds. Junk bonds are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's continuing ability to make principal and interest payments.
  The Acquiring Portfolio may invest in a wide range of asset classes, including US and non-US fixed income, high yield bonds, convertible bonds, emerging markets bonds, US and non-US equities, emerging markets equities, and real estate investment trusts (REITs) domiciled in and outside of the US. The allocation to these asset classes will vary depending on the tactical views of the Acquiring Portfolio's subadviser, J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.
As part of the subadviser's investment process in the selection of underlying funds and strategies, the subadviser will review and assess the risks presented by certain environmental, social and governance factors.
The Acquiring Portfolio's allocation to global equity, fixed income, and currency markets may be obtained through (i) the purchase of "physical securities" (e.g., common stocks, bonds); (ii) the use of derivative instruments including but not limited to options and futures contracts on securities and indices, swaps (including credit derivatives), forwards (deliverable and non-deliverable), and other futures contracts and options to provide liquid exposures to applicable equity and fixed income benchmarks (iii) the purchase of underlying exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
  The Combined Portfolio may invest in a wide range of asset classes, including US and non-US fixed income, high yield bonds, convertible bonds, emerging markets bonds, US and non-US equities, emerging markets equities, and real estate investment trusts (REITs) domiciled in and outside of the US. The allocation to these asset classes will vary depending on the tactical views of the Combined Portfolio's subadviser, J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.
As part of the subadviser's investment process in the selection of underlying funds and strategies, the subadviser will review and assess the risks presented by certain environmental, social and governance factors.
The Combined Portfolio's allocation to global equity, fixed income, and currency markets may be obtained through (i) the purchase of "physical securities" (e.g., common stocks, bonds); (ii) the use of derivative instruments including but not limited to options and futures contracts on securities and indices, swaps (including credit derivatives), forwards (deliverable and non-deliverable), and other futures contracts and options to provide liquid exposures to applicable equity and fixed income benchmarks (iii) the purchase of underlying exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
 


12


   

Target Portfolio

 

Acquiring Portfolio

 

Combined Portfolio

 
             
             
             
             
  *         Notwithstanding the individual minimum exposures for the US Equity (i.e., 10%) and Non-US Equity (i.e., 5%) asset classes, the minimum combined exposure to equity investments is 35% of the Portfolio's net assets.
**       Notwithstanding the individual maximum exposures for the US Equity (i.e., 40%) and Non-US Equity (i.e., 30%) asset classes, the maximum combined exposure to equity investments is 55% of the Portfolio's net assets.
*** Notwithstanding the individual maximum exposures for the Investment Grade Bond (i.e., 55%) and High Yield Bond (i.e., 10%) asset classes, the maximum combined exposure to fixed income investments is 55% of the Portfolio's net assets.
**** Notwithstanding the individual maximum exposures for the REITs (i.e., 20%) and Commodities (i.e., 5%) asset classes, the maximum combined exposure to the alternative investments is 20% of the Portfolio's net assets.
***** For purposes of the above exposures, the Portfolio's allocation to REITs is in addition to, and not included in, the equity allocations.
  In implementing its asset allocation strategy, the Acquiring Portfolio allocates assets to various underlying investment sleeves or implementation vehicles.
The Acquiring Portfolio's strategic asset allocation is designed to account for the liquidity needs of the Acquiring Portfolio throughout market cycles. The liquidity profile of the Acquiring Portfolio may cause temporary deviations from the strategic asset allocation due to redemptions in the Acquiring Portfolio or other circumstances relevant to the Acquiring Portfolio's overall investment process.
  In implementing its asset allocation strategy, the Combined Portfolio allocates assets to various underlying investment sleeves or implementation vehicles.
The Combined Portfolio's strategic asset allocation is designed to account for the liquidity needs of the Combined Portfolio throughout market cycles. The liquidity profile of the Combined Portfolio may cause temporary deviations from the strategic asset allocation due to redemptions in the Combined Portfolio or other circumstances relevant to the Combined Portfolio's overall investment process.
 


13


Principal Risks of the Portfolios

The table below compares the principal risks of investing in the Portfolios. All investments have risks to some degree, and it is possible that you could lose money by investing in each of the Portfolios. As previously noted, the Target Portfolio, the Acquiring Portfolio, and the Combined Portfolio have different investment objectives and similar principal investment strategies. An investment in the Target Portfolio involves substantially similar risks as an investment in the Acquiring Portfolio or the Combined Portfolio, as noted below. An investment in each of the Portfolios is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. While each of the Portfolios makes every effort to achieve its objective, it can't guarantee success.

Principal Risks

  Target
Portfolio
  Acquiring
Portfolio
  Combined
Portfolio
 
Asset-Backed and/or Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk. Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are fixed income securities that represent an interest in an underlying pool of assets, such as credit card receivables or, in the case of mortgage-backed securities, mortgage loans. Like fixed income securities, asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are subject to interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and credit risk, which may be heightened in connection with investments in loans to "subprime" borrowers. Certain asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are subject to the risk that those obligations will be repaid sooner than expected or later than expected, either of which may result in lower-than-expected returns. Mortgage-backed securities, because they are backed by mortgage loans, are also subject to risks related to real estate, and securities backed by private-issued mortgages may experience higher rates of default on the underlying mortgages than securities backed by government-issued mortgages. 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 
Asset Transfer Program Risk. Predetermined, nondiscretionary mathematical formulas used by the Participating Insurance Companies to manage the guarantees offered in connection with certain benefit programs under the Contracts may result in systematic transfers of assets among the investment options under the Contracts, including the Portfolio. These formulas may result in large-scale asset flows into and out of the Portfolio, which could adversely affect the Portfolio, including its risk profile, expenses and performance. For example, the asset flows may adversely affect performance by requiring the Portfolio to purchase or sell securities at inopportune times, by otherwise limiting the subadviser's ability to fully implement the Portfolio's investment strategies, or by requiring the Portfolio to hold a larger portion of its assets in highly liquid securities than it otherwise would hold. The asset flows may also result in high turnover, low asset levels and high operating expense ratios for the Portfolio. The asset flows could remove all or substantially all of the assets of the Portfolio. The efficient operation of the asset flows depends on active and liquid markets. If market liquidity is strained, the asset flows may not operate as intended which in turn could adversely affect performance. 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 


14


Principal Risks

  Target
Portfolio
  Acquiring
Portfolio
  Combined
Portfolio
 
Blend Style Risk. The Portfolio's blend investment style may subject the Portfolio to risks of both value and growth investing. The portion of the Portfolio's portfolio that makes investments pursuant to a growth strategy may be subject to above-average fluctuations as a result of seeking high-quality stocks with good future growth prospects. The portion of the Portfolio's portfolio that makes investments pursuant to a value strategy may be subject to the risk that the market may not recognize a security's intrinsic value for long periods of time or that a stock judged to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced. Issuers of value stocks may have experienced adverse business developments or may be subject to special risks that have caused the stock to be out of favor. If the Portfolio's assessment of market conditions or a company's value is inaccurate, the Portfolio could suffer losses or produce poor performance relative to other funds. Historically, growth stocks have performed best during later stages of economic expansion and value stocks have performed best during periods of economic recovery. Therefore, both styles may over time go in and out of favor with the markets. At times when a style is out of favor, that portion of the portfolio may lag the other portion of the portfolio, which may cause the overall Portfolio to underperform the market in general, its benchmark and other mutual funds. Growth and value stocks have historically produced similar long-term results, though each category has periods when it outperforms the other. 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 
Commodity Risk. The value of a commodity-linked investment is affected by, among other things, overall market movements, factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, and changes in interest and exchange rates and may be more volatile than traditional equity and debt securities.  

Yes

 

No

 

No

 
Derivatives Risk. A derivative is a financial contract, the value of which depends upon, or is derived from, the value of one or more underlying investments, such as an asset, reference rate, or index. The use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that involves a variety of risks in addition to and greater than those associated with investing directly in securities, including the risk that: the party on the other side of a derivative transaction will be unable to honor its financial obligation; leverage created by investing in derivatives may result in losses to the Portfolio; derivatives may be difficult or impossible for the Portfolio to buy or sell at an opportune time or price, and may be difficult to terminate or otherwise offset; derivatives used for hedging may reduce or magnify losses but also may reduce or eliminate gains; and the price of commodity-linked derivatives may be more volatile than the prices of traditional equity and debt securities. 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 


15


Principal Risks

  Target
Portfolio
  Acquiring
Portfolio
  Combined
Portfolio
 
Economic and Market Events Risk. Events in the US and global financial markets, including actions taken by the US Federal Reserve or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth, may at times result in periods of unusually high volatility in a market or a segment of a market, which could negatively impact performance. Reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets could adversely affect issuers worldwide.  

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 
Emerging Markets Risk. The risks of non-US investments are greater for investments in or exposed to emerging markets. Emerging market countries typically have economic, political and social systems that are less developed, and can be expected to be less stable, than those of more developed countries. As a result, there could be less information available about issuers in emerging market countries, which could negatively affect the ability of the Manager or a Portfolio's Subadviser(s) to evaluate local companies or their potential impact on a Portfolio's performance. For example, the economies of such countries can be subject to currency devaluations and rapid and unpredictable (and in some cases, extremely high) rates of inflation or deflation. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity, price volatility and valuation difficulties. Regulatory regimes outside of the US may not require or enforce corporate governance standards comparable to that of the US, which may result in less protections for investors in such issuers and make such issuers more susceptible to actions not in the best interest of the issuer or its investors. Emerging market countries may have policies that restrict investments by foreign investors, or that prevent foreign investors from withdrawing their money at will, which may make it difficult for a Portfolio to invest in such countries or increase the administrative costs of such investments. Countries with emerging markets can be found in regions such as Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Africa. A Portfolio may invest in some emerging markets through trading structures or protocols that subject it to risks such as those associated with decreased liquidity, custody of assets, different settlement and clearance procedures and asserting legal title under a developing legal and regulatory regime to a greater degree than in developed markets or even in other emerging markets. 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 
Equity Securities Risk. The value of a particular stock or equity-related security held by the Portfolio could fluctuate, perhaps greatly, in response to a number of factors, such as changes in the issuer's financial condition or the value of the equity markets or a sector of those markets. Such events may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, due to decreases in liquidity, the Portfolio may be unable to sell its securities holdings within a reasonable time at the price it values the security or at any price.  

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 


16


Principal Risks

  Target
Portfolio
  Acquiring
Portfolio
  Combined
Portfolio
 
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETF) Risk. An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a mutual fund that has the same investment objective, strategies and policies. In addition, the market price of an ETF's shares may trade above or below its net asset value and there may not be an active trading market for an ETF's shares. The Portfolio could lose money investing in an ETF if the prices of the securities owned by the ETF go down.  

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 
Expense Risk. The actual cost of investing in the Portfolio may be higher than the expenses shown in the "Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses" table above for a variety of reasons, including, for example, if the Portfolio's average net assets decrease.  

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 
Fixed Income Securities Risk. Investment in fixed income securities involves a variety of risks, including that: an issuer or guarantor of a security will be unable or unwilling to pay obligations when due; due to decreases in liquidity, the Portfolio may be unable to sell its securities holdings within a reasonable time at the price it values the security or at any price; and the Portfolio's investment may decrease in value when interest rates rise. Volatility in interest rates and in fixed income markets may increase the risk that the Portfolio's investment in fixed income securities will go down in value. Risks associated with changing interest rates are currently heightened because any increase or decrease may be sudden and significant, with unpredictable effects on the markets and the Portfolio's investments. Changes in interest rates may also affect the liquidity of the Portfolio's investments in fixed income securities. 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 
Foreign Custody Risk. If a Portfolio invests in foreign securities, the Portfolio may hold such securities and cash with foreign banks, agents, and securities depositories appointed by the Portfolio's custodian (each, a Subcustodian). Some foreign Subcustodians may be recently organized or new to the foreign custody business. In some countries, Subcustodians may be subject to little or no regulatory oversight over, or independent evaluation of, their operations. Further, the laws of certain countries may place limitations on a Portfolio's ability to recover its assets if a Subcustodian enters bankruptcy or if other disputes or proceedings arise related to a Portfolio's assets. Investments in emerging markets may be subject to even greater custody risks than investments in more developed markets. Custody services in emerging market countries are very often undeveloped and may be considerably less well-regulated than in more developed countries, and thus may not afford the same level of investor protection as would apply in developed countries and a Portfolio may be limited in its ability to enforce contractual rights or obligations. 

No

 

Yes

 

Yes

 


17


Principal Risks

  Target
Portfolio
  Acquiring
Portfolio
  Combined
Portfolio
 
Foreign Investment Risk. Investments in foreign securities generally involve more risk than investments in securities of US issuers, including: changes in currency exchange rates may affect the value of foreign securities held by the Portfolio; foreign markets generally are more volatile than, and generally are not subject to regulatory requirements comparable to, US markets; foreign financial reporting standards usually differ from those in the US; foreign exchanges are often less liquid than US markets; political or social developments may adversely affect the value of foreign securities; foreign holdings may be subject to special taxation and limitations on repatriating investment proceeds; and certain events in foreign markets may adversely affect foreign and domestic issuers, including military conflict (including Russia's military invasion in Ukraine), geopolitical developments (including trading and tariff arrangements, sanctions and cybersecurity attacks), interruptions in the global supply chain, natural disasters and outbreaks of infectious diseases. 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 
High Yield Risk. Investments in fixed income securities rated below investment grade and unrated securities of similar credit quality (i.e., high yield securities or junk bonds) may be more sensitive to interest rate, credit, call and liquidity risks than investments in investment grade securities, and have predominantly speculative characteristics.  

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 
Leverage Risk. Using leverage, the investment of borrowed cash, may amplify the Portfolio's gains and losses and cause the Portfolio to be more volatile and riskier than if it had not been leveraged.  

No

 

Yes

 

Yes

 
Liquidity Allocation Risk. The Portfolio's liquidity strategy will result in a decrease in the amount of the Portfolio's assets held in individual securities and an increase in the amount invested in derivatives (e.g., futures and options) and in short-term money market instruments. Under certain market conditions, performance may be adversely affected as a result of this strategy.  

No

 

Yes

 

Yes

 
Liquidity and Valuation Risk. The Portfolio may hold one or more securities for which there are no or few buyers and sellers or the securities are subject to limitations on transfer. The Portfolio may be unable to sell those portfolio holdings at the desired time or price, and may have difficulty determining the value of such securities for the purpose of determining the Portfolio's net asset value. In such cases, investments owned by the Portfolio may be valued at fair value pursuant to guidelines established by the Trust's Board of Trustees. No assurance can be given that the fair value prices accurately reflect the value of the security. The Portfolio is subject to a liquidity risk management program, which limits the ability of the Portfolio to invest in illiquid investments.  

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 


18


Principal Risks

  Target
Portfolio
  Acquiring
Portfolio
  Combined
Portfolio
 
Market and Management Risk. Markets in which the Portfolio invests may experience volatility and go down in value, and possibly sharply and unpredictably. Investment techniques, risk analyses and investment strategies, which may include quantitative models or methods, used by a subadviser in making investment decisions for the Portfolio are subject to human error and may not produce the intended or desired results. The value of the Portfolio's investments may be negatively affected by the occurrence of domestic or global events, including war, terrorism, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, political or civil instability, and public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics, or epidemics), among others. Such events may reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and significantly adversely impact the economy. There is no guarantee that the investment objective of the Portfolio will be achieved. 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 
Portfolio Turnover Risk. A subadviser may engage in active trading on behalf of the Portfolio—that is, frequent trading of the Portfolio's securities—in order to take advantage of new investment opportunities or yield differentials. The Portfolio's turnover rate may be higher than that of other mutual funds. Portfolio turnover generally involves some expense to the Portfolio, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestment in other securities.  

Yes

 

No

 

No

 
Real Estate Risk. Investments in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and real estate-linked derivative instruments are subject to risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate. Poor performance by the manager of the REIT and adverse changes to or inability to qualify with favorable tax laws will adversely affect the Portfolio. In addition, some REITs have limited diversification because they invest in a limited number of properties, a narrow geographic area, or a single type of property.  

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 
Regulatory Risk. The Portfolio is subject to a variety of laws and regulations which govern its operations. The Portfolio is subject to regulation by the SEC, and depending on the Portfolio, the CFTC. Similarly, the businesses and other issuers of the securities and other instruments in which the Portfolio invests are also subject to considerable regulation. Changes in laws and regulations may materially impact the Portfolio, a security, business, sector or market.  

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 
Short Sale Risk. A short sale involves the risk that the price of a borrowed security or derivative will increase during the time the Portfolio has borrowed the security or derivative and the Portfolio will incur a loss equal to the increase in price from the time that the short sale was entered into plus any premiums and interest paid to the third party. Short sales may result in losses that are greater than the cost of the investment. In addition, the third party to the short sale may fail to honor its contract terms, causing a loss to the Portfolio.  

No

 

Yes

  Yes  


19


Performance of Target Portfolio

A number of factors, including risk, can affect how the Target Portfolio performs. The information below provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Target Portfolio by showing changes in its performance from year to year, and by showing how its average annual returns over various time periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. Past performance does not mean that the Target Portfolio will achieve similar results in the future.

The annual returns and average annual returns shown in the chart and tables are after deduction of expenses and do not include Contract charges. If Contract charges were included, the returns shown would have been lower than those shown. Consult your Contract prospectus for information about Contract charges.

Annual Returns

BEST QUARTER: 11.65% (2nd Quarter of 2020) WORST QUARTER: -18.12% (1st Quarter of 2020)

Average Annual Total Returns (as of July 31, 2022)

   

1 YEAR

 

5 YEARS

 

10 YEARS

 

Target Portfolio

  -9.10%   3.80%   5.08%  
S&P 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees,
expenses or taxes)
  -4.64%   12.82%   13.79%  
Blended Index (reflects no deduction
for fees, expenses or taxes)
  -8.70%   5.42%   6.21%  

Average Annual Total Returns (as of December 31, 2021)

   

1 YEAR

 

5 YEARS

 

10 YEARS

 

Target Portfolio

  11.67%   7.97%   7.07%  
S&P 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees,
expenses or taxes)
  28.70%   18.47%   16.54%  
Blended Index (prior to 2/22/21) (reflects no deduction
for fees, expenses or taxes)
  13.30%   9.49%   8.05%  
Blended Index (effective 2/22/21) (reflects no deduction
for fees, expenses or taxes)
  11.29%   9.70%   8.24%  


20


Performance of Acquiring Portfolio

A number of factors, including risk, can affect how the Acquiring Portfolio performs. The information below provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Acquiring Portfolio by showing changes in its performance from year to year, and by showing how its average annual returns over various time periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. Past performance does not mean that the Acquiring Portfolio will achieve similar results in the future.

The annual returns and average annual returns shown in the chart and tables are after deduction of expenses and do not include Contract charges. If Contract charges were included, the returns shown would have been lower than those shown. Consult your Contract prospectus for information about Contract charges.

Annual Returns

BEST QUARTER: 11.28% (2nd Quarter of 2020) WORST QUARTER: -13.04% (1st Quarter of 2020)

Average Annual Total Returns (as of July 31, 2022)

   

1 YEAR

 

5 YEARS

 

10 YEARS

 

Acquiring Portfolio

  -10.33%   3.74%   5.06%  
S&P 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees,
expenses or taxes)
  -4.64%   12.82%   13.79%  

Blended Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

  -8.72%   4.77%   5.45%  

Average Annual Total Returns (as of December 31, 2021)

   

1 YEAR

 

5 YEARS

 

10 YEARS

 

Acquiring Portfolio

  7.95%   7.95%   7.01%  
S&P 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees,
expenses or taxes)
  28.70%   18.47%   16.54%  
Blended Index (prior to 2/22/21) (reflects no deduction
for fees, expenses or taxes)
  7.27%   8.21%   7.13%  
Blended Index (effective 2/22/21) (reflects no deduction
for fees, expenses or taxes)
  7.56%   8.55%   7.19%  


21


Capitalizations of the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio Before and After Reorganization

The following table sets forth, as of July 31, 2022: (i) the capitalization of the Target Portfolio, (ii) the capitalization of the Acquiring Portfolio, and (iii) the capitalization of the Combined Portfolio as adjusted to give effect to the Reorganization.

  Target
Portfolio
(unaudited)
  Acquiring
Portfolio
(unaudited)
 

Adjustments

  Combined
Portfolio
(Pro Forma
Surviving)
(unaudited)
 
Net assets   

$

1,933,050,699

   

$

3,588,141,387

           

$

5,521,192,086

   
Total shares outstanding    

119,446,418

     

162,668,781

     

(31,819,460

)(a)

   

250,295,739

   
Net asset value per share   

$

16.18

   

$

22.06

           

$

22.06

   

(a)    Reflects the change in shares of the Target Portfolio upon conversion into the Acquiring Portfolio. Shareholders of the Target Portfolio would become shareholders of the Acquiring Portfolio, receiving shares of the Acquiring Portfolio equal to the value of their holdings in the Target Portfolio immediately prior to the Reorganization

MANAGEMENT OF THE TARGET PORTFOLIO, THE ACQUIRING PORTFOLIO, AND THE
COMBINED PORTFOLIO

This section provides more information about: (i) PGIM Investments and ASTIS, (ii) BlackRock and BlackRock International as subadvisers to the Target Portfolio, and (iii) J.P. Morgan as subadviser to the Acquiring Portfolio and the Combined Portfolio.

Investment Management Arrangements

The Acquiring Portfolio and the Target Portfolio are managed by PGIM Investments, 655 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102, and ASTIS, One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut 06484. As previously noted, for ease of reference, the term "Manager" is used throughout this Prospectus/Information Statement to refer to PGIM Investments and ASTIS jointly.

As of September 30, 2022, PGIM Investments served as the investment manager to all of the Prudential U.S. and offshore open-end investment companies, and as administrator to closed-end investment companies, with aggregate assets of approximately $276.9 trillion. PGIM Investments is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PIFM Holdco, LLC, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PGIM Holding Company, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. ("Prudential"). PGIM Investments has been in the business of providing advisory services since 1996.

As of September 30, 2022, ASTIS served as investment manager to certain Prudential U.S. and offshore open-end investment companies with aggregate assets of approximately $113.5 trillion. ASTIS is a subsidiary of Prudential Annuities Holding Company, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Prudential Annuities, Inc., a subsidiary of Prudential. ASTIS has been in the business of providing advisory services since 1992.

The Investment Management Agreements between the Manager and the Trust on behalf of the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio (the "Management Agreements"), provide that the Manager will furnish the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio with investment advice and administrative services subject to the oversight of the Board and in conformity with the stated principal investment strategies of the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio. The Manager must also provide, or obtain and supervise, the executive, administrative, accounting, custody, transfer agent, and shareholder servicing services to each Portfolio.

The Trust uses a "manager-of-managers" structure. That means that the Manager has engaged the subadvisers to conduct the investment programs of the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio, including the purchase, retention and sale of portfolio securities and other financial instruments. The Manager is responsible for monitoring


22


the activities of the subadvisers and reporting on such activities to the Trustees. The Trust has obtained an exemptive order from the SEC that permits the Manager, subject to approval by the Board, to hire or change subadvisers for the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio by entering into new subadvisory agreements with affiliated and non-affiliated subadvisers, without obtaining shareholder approval of such changes. This exemptive order (which is similar to exemptive orders granted to other investment companies that are organized in a manner similar to the Trust) is intended to facilitate the efficient supervision and management of the subadvisers by the Manager and the Trustees.

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

Reallocations of assets among the subadvisers and the Manager may result in additional costs since sales of securities may result in higher portfolio turnover. Also, because the subadvisers and the Manager select portfolio securities independently, it is possible that a security held by a portfolio segment may also be held by another portfolio segment of a Portfolio or that certain subadvisers or the Manager may simultaneously favor the same industry. The Manager will monitor the overall portfolio to ensure that any such overlaps do not create an unintended industry concentration. In addition, if a subadviser buys a security as another subadviser or the Manager sells it, the net position of the Portfolio in the security may be approximately the same as it would have been with a single portfolio and no such sale and purchase, but the Target Portfolio or the Acquiring Portfolio will have incurred additional costs. The Manager will consider these costs in determining the allocation of assets or cash flows. The Manager will consider the timing of asset and cash flow reallocations based upon the best interests of each of the Portfolios and its shareholders.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approvals of the Management Agreements and the subadvisory agreements are available in the semi-annual reports (for agreements approved during the six-month period ended June 30) and in the annual reports (for agreements approved during the six-month period ended December 31).

Subadvisers of the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio. The Target Portfolio is subadvised by BlackRock and BlackRock International. The Acquiring Portfolio is subadvised by J.P. Morgan. The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers responsible for the day-to-day management of each of the Portfolios, the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts that each portfolio manager manages, and ownership of portfolio securities by each portfolio manager. After the Reorganization is consummated, the Combined Portfolio will be managed by J.P. Morgan.

Descriptions of the subadvisers and the portfolio managers are set forth below:

Target Portfolio

BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. ("BlackRock") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. BlackRock is a registered investment adviser and a commodity pool operator organized in New York. BlackRock Inc. and its affiliates had approximately $7.96 trillion in assets under management as of September 30, 2022. BlackRock is located at 55 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10055.

The portfolio managers from BlackRock who are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Target Portfolio are Philip Green and Michael Pensky.

Philip Green, Managing Director, is head of the Global Tactical Asset Allocation team within BlackRock's Multi-Asset Strategies group. Mr. Green's service with the firm dates back to 1999, including his years with Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (MLIM), which merged with BlackRock in 2006. Prior to joining MLIM, Mr. Green was a portfolio manager at Bankers Trust Company. He is the author of many articles on investing, some of which


23


have been published in the Financial Analysts Journal, Journal of Foreign Exchange & Money Markets, and the Journal of Investing. Mr. Green earned an MBA from the Stern School of Business of New York University and a BS in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Michael Pensky, CFA, Managing Director, is a portfolio manager on the Global Tactical Asset Allocation team within BlackRock's Multi-Asset Strategies Group. Prior to joining BlackRock, Mr. Pensky held positions in Morgan Stanley and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey. Mr. Pensky earned a BS degree in both mathematics and finance from the University of Florida and an MFE degree in financial engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.

Acquiring Portfolio and Combined Portfolio

J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. ("J.P. Morgan") is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan Chase Co., a publicly held bank holding company and global financial services firm. J.P. Morgan manages assets for governments, corporations, endowments, foundations and individuals worldwide. As of September 30, 2022, J.P. Morgan and its affiliated companies had approximately $2.23 trillion in assets under management worldwide. J.P. Morgan's address is 383 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10179.

The portfolio managers from J.P. Morgan who are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Acquiring Portfolio are Jeffrey Geller, CFA Michael Feser, CFA Morgan M. Moriarty, CFA Gary Herbert, CFA.

Jeffrey Geller, CFA, managing director, is a Chief Investment Officer of Multi-Asset Solutions, where he is responsible for investment oversight of all mandates managed in New York. This includes providing oversight with respect to manager and strategy suitability and fit and ensuring that the team's asset allocation views are reflected appropriately across a diverse set of mandates. Jeff is also a portfolio manager for less constrained multi-asset class portfolios as well as portfolios with alternatives exposure. Before joining the firm in 2006, Jeff was director of Hedge Fund Investments at Russell Investment Group and served as chairman of the firm's hedge fund investment committee. Prior to that, he was a senior partner at Credit Suisse Asset Management's BEA Associates unit where he had responsibility for managing equity, currency overlay and relative value arbitrage strategies. Jeff earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Clark University and an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. He is a CFA charterholder and is Series 24, 7, and 63 licensed.

Michael Feser, CFA, managing director, is a portfolio manager on the Multi-Asset Solutions team based in New York. In this role, Michael is responsible for managing portfolios and expanding the Multi-Asset Solutions team's capabilities in the sub-advisory segment. A particular area of focus is the design and management of risk/volatility controlled investment strategies. In addition, Michael also serves on JPMAM's long-term capital markets assumptions committee, advises clients on investment strategy design and strategic asset allocation issues. An employee since 1994, Michael has more than two decades of markets, multi-asset and fixed income research and investment experience. Previously, Michael served as the Global Investment Director of Global Investment Management Solutions, where he oversaw the investment activities of the group's portfolio managers, new product development and worked with the Funds' boards globally. Prior to this, Michael held a number of roles across global investment management, including leading Multi-Asset Solution's quantitative research and portfolio management team, and heading fixed income quantitative research and portfolio management functions in London. Michael obtained an MA in Business Administration from the University of Cologne. He is a CFA charterholder and is Series 3, 7 and 63 licensed.

Morgan Moriarty, CFA, executive director, is a portfolio manager in Multi-Asset Solutions based in New York. An employee since 2011, Morgan focuses on portfolio construction, manager selection, and driving global tactical asset allocation (GTAA) decisions across a range of multi- asset class investment solutions as well as driving development of end to end portfolio management functionality in Spectrum. She is the key portfolio manager on mandates such as New York's 529 Advisor-Guided College Savings Age-Based and Asset Allocation portfolios, and the J.P. Morgan Diversified Fund. Morgan holds a B.S. in Business Administration with majors in finance and entrepreneurship and a minor in psychology from the University of Dayton. Morgan is a CFA charterholder.


24


Gary Herbert, CFA, managing director, is U.S. Head of Global Asset Tactical Asset Allocation (GTAA) and Diversified Portfolios for J.P. Morgan Asset Management's Multi-Asset Solutions business. In this role, Gary oversees the investment process for GTAA. He joined J.P. Morgan in 2020 from Brandywine Global LLC, where he was responsible for $7bn in AUM as Global Head of Credit and Multisector strategies. At Brandywine, he helped build and implement proprietary research processes to improve macroeconomic, fundamental and quantitative research and decision-making, and led global marketing efforts for credit strategies. His more than 25 years research and portfolio management experience also includes positions at Guggenheim Partners, Dreman Value Management, LLC and Morgan Stanley Investment Management. Gary has an M.B.A. in Finance with Honors from Columbia University and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and International Business from Villanova University.

Portfolio Managers: Other Accounts—Additional Information About the Portfolio Managers—Other Accounts and Share Ownership. The SAI of the Trust provides additional information about the compensation for each portfolio manager that is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Target Portfolio, the Acquiring Portfolio, other accounts managed by those portfolio managers, and ownership of Trust securities by those portfolio managers.

Contractual and Effective Investment Management Fee Rates for the Portfolios

The contractual investment management fee rates for the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio are set forth below:

AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio

0.7825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;

0.7725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;

0.7625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;

0.7525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;

0.7425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;

0.7125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;

0.6925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets

AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio

0.7825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;

0.7725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;

0.7625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;

0.7525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;

0.7425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;

0.7125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;

0.6925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets

The contractual investment management fee rate for the Acquiring Portfolio is not changing in connection with the Reorganization. Assuming completion of the Reorganization and based on the assets under management for each of the Portfolios as of June 30, 2022, the effective management fee rate for the Combined Portfolio would be 0.65%. Additionally, as noted earlier, based on the current assets under management for each of the Portfolios as of June 30, 2022, and assuming completion of the Reorganization on June 30, 2022, based on assets under management for each of the Portfolios on that date, the pro forma annualized total net operating expense ratio of the Combined Portfolio is lower than the annualized total net operating expense ratio of the Target Portfolio. This means that the Target Portfolio shareholders will benefit from a reduced total net operating expense ratio.


25


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TARGET PORTFOLIO
AND THE ACQUIRING PORTFOLIO

Each of the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio is a separate series of the Trust, which is also an open-end management investment company registered with the SEC under the 1940 Act. Each of its series is, in effect, a separate mutual fund.

Additional information about the Acquiring Portfolio is included in Exhibit B to this Prospectus/Information Statement. Additional information about the Target Portfolio is included in the prospectus and SAI for the Trust under file number 033-24962, dated April 25, 2022, and the portions of that prospectus and SAI relating to the Target Portfolio are incorporated herein by reference. Further information about the Acquiring Portfolio is included in the SAI. The SAI, under file number 033-24962, is incorporated herein by reference. These documents are available upon request and without charge by calling 1-800-778-2255 or by writing to the Trust at 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102.

The Trust, on behalf of the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio, files proxy materials, reports, and other information with the SEC in accordance with the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the 1940 Act. The Trust also prepares annual reports, which include the management discussion and analysis. The annual report is available both from the SEC and from the Trust. These materials can be inspected and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549, and at the Regional Offices of the SEC located in New York City at 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279. Also, copies of such material can be obtained from the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-6009, upon payment of prescribed fees, or from the SEC's Internet address at http://www.sec.gov.

PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SHARES

As of November 11, 2022, the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio had shares/votes outstanding as set forth in the table below.

Target/Acquiring Portfolio

      Shares
Outstanding
 

AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio

 

[To be added by subsequent filing]

   

AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio

 

[To be added by subsequent filing]

   

As of November 11, 2022, all of the shares of the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio are owned as of record by various Participating Insurance Company separate accounts related to the Contracts. The table below sets forth, as of the November 11, 2022, each shareholder that owns beneficially more than 5% of the Target Portfolio or the Acquiring Portfolio.

Target/Acquiring Portfolio

  Beneficial
Owner Name*
 

Address

  Shares/
% Ownership
 

AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio

 

[To be added by subsequent filing]

     

AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio

 

[To be added by subsequent filing]

     

As of November 11, 2022, the Trustees and Officers of AST, each as a group, beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding voting shares of either of the Portfolios.

*  As defined by the SEC, a security is beneficially owned by a person if that person has or shares voting power or investment power with respect to the security


26


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The financial highlights, which follow will help you evaluate the financial performance of the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio. The total return in each chart represents the rate that a shareholder earned on an investment in the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions. The charts do not reflect any charges under any Contract. Because Contract charges are not included, the actual return that you will receive will be lower than the total return.

The financial highlights for the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 are derived from the financial statements audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm for such fiscal year, whose reports thereon were unqualified. The information for the fiscal years or periods (as applicable) prior to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was audited by KPMG LLP, the Trust's prior independent registered public accounting firm. The Trust's financial statements are included in the applicable annual reports to shareholders, which are available upon request. The financial highlights for the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio for the six-month period ended June 30, 2022, are unaudited and are included in the applicable semi-annual reports to shareholders, which are available upon request.


27


   

AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio

 
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2022
 

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

(unaudited)

 

2021

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance(a):

 

Net Asset Value, beginning of period

 

$

18.27

   

$

16.36

   

$

15.62

   

$

13.28

   

$

14.03

   

$

12.45

   
Income (Loss) From Investment
Operations:
 

Net investment income (loss)

   

0.05

     

0.05

     

0.15

     

0.30

     

0.27

     

0.20

   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investment and foreign currency
transactions
   

(2.92

)

   

1.86

     

0.59

     

2.04

     

(1.02

)

   

1.38

   

Total from investment operations

   

(2.87

)

   

1.91

     

0.74

     

2.34

     

(0.75

)

   

1.58

   

Capital Contributions

   

     

     

     

(b)(c)(d)

   

(c)(d)

   

   

Net Asset Value, end of period

 

$

15.40

   

$

18.27

   

$

16.36

   

$

15.62

   

$

13.28

   

$

14.03

   

Total Return(e)

   

(15.71

)%

   

11.67

%

   

4.74

%

   

17.62

%(f)

   

(5.35

)%(f)

   

12.69

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

 

$

1,811

   

$

2,420

   

$

2,378

   

$

2,471

   

$

2,138

   

$

2,502

   

Average net assets (in millions)

 

$

2,138

   

$

2,420

   

$

2,157

   

$

2,409

   

$

2,447

   

$

2,397

   

Ratios to average net assets(g):

 
Expenses after waivers and/or
expense reimbursement
   

1.04

%(h)

   

1.03

%

   

1.07

%

   

1.11

%

   

1.10

%

   

1.11

%

 
Expenses before waivers and/or
expense reimbursement
   

1.06

%(h)

   

1.06

%

   

1.13

%

   

1.13

%

   

1.12

%

   

1.12

%

 

Net investment income (loss)

   

0.63

%(h)

   

0.31

%

   

1.00

%

   

2.07

%

   

1.96

%

   

1.50

%

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

   

93

%

   

280

%

   

325

%

   

198

%

   

213

%

   

250

%

 

(a)  Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Represents payment received by the Portfolio, from the Investment Manager, in connection for costs incurred due to a portfolio allocation error.

(c)  Represents payment received by the Portfolio, from Prudential, in connection with excess foreign withholding tax withheld on dividends and interest from certain countries due to the Portfolio's tax status as a partnership.

(d)  Amount rounds to zero.

(e)  Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, and does not reflect the effect of insurance contract charges. Total return does not reflect expenses associated with the separate account such as administrative fees, account charges and surrender charges which, if reflected, would reduce the total returns for all periods shown. Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would be lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP. Total returns for periods less than one full year are not annualized.

(f)  Total return for the year includes the impact of the capital contribution, which was not material to the total return.

(g)  Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Portfolio invests.

(h)  Annualized.

(i)  The Portfolio's portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments, certain derivatives and in-kind transactions (if any). If such transactions were included, the Portfolio's portfolio turnover rate may be higher.


28


   

AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio

 
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2022
 

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

(unaudited)

 

2021

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance(a):

 

Net Asset Value, beginning of period

 

$

24.99

   

$

23.16

   

$

20.80

   

$

18.14

   

$

19.12

   

$

17.05

   
Income (Loss) From Investment
Operations:
 

Net investment income (loss)

   

0.11

     

0.15

     

0.23

     

0.36

     

0.33

     

0.27

   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investment and foreign currency
transactions
   

(3.76

)

   

1.68

     

2.13

     

2.30

     

(1.31

)

   

1.80

   

Total from investment operations

   

(3.65

)

   

1.83

     

2.36

     

2.66

     

(0.98

)

   

2.07

   

Capital Contributions

   

     

     

     

(b)(c)(d)

   

(c)(d)

   

   

Net Asset Value, end of period

 

$

21.34

   

$

24.99

   

$

23.16

   

$

20.80

   

$

18.14

   

$

19.12

   

Total Return(e)

   

(14.61

)%

   

7.95

%

   

11.35

%

   

14.61

%(f)

   

(5.13

)%(f)

   

12.14

%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

 

$

3,366

   

$

4,912

   

$

2,286

   

$

2,288

   

$

2,018

   

$

2,601

   

Average net assets (in millions)

 

$

4,200

   

$

4,656

   

$

2,061

   

$

2,245

   

$

2,427

   

$

2,578

   

Ratios to average net assets(g):

 
Expenses after waivers and/or
expense reimbursement
   

0.91

%(h)

   

0.92

%

   

1.12

%(i)

   

1.12

%(i)

   

1.11

%(i)

   

1.11

%

 
Expenses before waivers and/or
expense reimbursement
   

1.03

%(h)

   

1.03

%

   

1.13

%(i)

   

1.13

%(i)

   

1.12

%(i)

   

1.12

%

 

Net investment income (loss)

   

0.94

%(h)

   

0.60

%

   

1.12

%

   

1.84

%

   

1.75

%

   

1.49

%

 

Portfolio turnover rate(j)

   

80

%

   

192

%

   

150

%

   

89

%

   

84

%

   

70

%

 

(a)  Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)  Represents payment received by the Portfolio, from the Investment Manager, in connection for costs incurred due to a portfolio allocation error.

(c)  Represents payment received by the Portfolio, from Prudential, in connection with excess foreign withholding tax withheld on dividends and interest from certain countries due to the Portfolio's tax status as a partnership.

(d)  Amount rounds to zero.

(e)  Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, and does not reflect the effect of insurance contract charges. Total return does not reflect expenses associated with the separate account such as administrative fees, account charges and surrender charges which, if reflected, would reduce the total returns for all periods shown. Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would be lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP. Total returns for periods less than one full year are not annualized.

(f)  Total return for the year includes the impact of the capital contribution, which was not material to the total return.

(g)  Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Portfolio invests.

(h)  Annualized.

(i)  The expense ratio includes interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short and broker fees and expenses on short sales of 0.01%, 0.02% and 0.01% for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

(j)  The Portfolio's portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments, certain derivatives and in-kind transactions (if any). If such transactions were included, the Portfolio's portfolio turnover rate may be higher.


29


EXHIBITS TO PROSPECTUS/INFORMATION STATEMENT

Exhibits

 

 

A

 

Form of Plan of Reorganization

 
B

  The Summary Prospectus of the Trust relating to the Acquiring Portfolio under file number 033-24962,
dated April 25, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference as is included with, and considered to be
part of this Prospectus/Information Statement.
 

The above-described Summary Prospectus for the Acquiring Portfolio is part of this Prospectus/Information Statement and will be included in the mailing to shareholders. For purposes of this EDGAR filing, the above-described Summary Prospectus for the Acquiring Portfolio will be included in the mailing to shareholders. For purposes of this EDGAR filing, it was filed with the SEC via EDGAR under the Securities Act of 1933 April 25, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.


30


Exhibit A

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

FORM OF PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

THIS PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the "Plan") of Advanced Series Trust, a Massachusetts business trust having its principal place of business at 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102 ("AST"), on behalf of the acquiring portfolio listed in Schedule A to this Plan (the "Acquiring Portfolio") and the target portfolio listed in Schedule A to this Plan (the "Target Portfolio"), is made as of this day of January __, 2023. Together, the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio are referred to herein as the "Portfolios."

The reorganization for the Target Portfolio (hereinafter referred to as the "Reorganization") is intended to constitute a tax-free transaction for federal income tax purposes and will consist of: (i) the acquisition by the Acquiring Portfolio of all of the assets of the Target Portfolio and the assumption by the Acquiring Portfolio of all of the liabilities of the Target Portfolio in exchange solely for full and fractional shares of the Acquiring Portfolio ("Acquiring Portfolio Shares"); (ii) the distribution of Acquiring Portfolio Shares to the shareholders of the Target Portfolio according to their respective interests in complete liquidation of the Target Portfolio; and (iii) the dissolution of the Target Portfolio as soon as practicable after the closing (as defined in Section 3, hereinafter called the "Closing"), all upon and subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan hereinafter set forth.

In order to consummate the Plan, the following actions shall be taken by AST on behalf of the Acquiring Portfolio and the Target Portfolio, as applicable:

1.  Sale and Transfer of Assets, Liquidation and Dissolution of Target Portfolio.

(a)  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan, AST shall: (i) transfer all of the assets of the Target Portfolio, as set forth in Section 1(b) hereof, to the Acquiring Portfolio; and (ii) cause the Acquiring Portfolio to assume all the liabilities of the Target Portfolio as set forth in Section 1(b) hereof. Such transactions shall take place at the Closing.

(b)  The assets of the Target Portfolio to be acquired by the Acquiring Portfolio (collectively, the "Assets") shall consist of all property, including, without limitation, all cash, securities, commodities and futures interests, and dividends or interest receivable that are owned by the Target Portfolio, and any deferred or prepaid expenses shown as an asset on the books of the Target Portfolio on the Closing date (as defined in Section 3, hereinafter the "Closing Date"). All liabilities, expenses, costs, charges and reserves of the Target Portfolio, to the extent that they exist at or after the Closing, shall after the Closing attach to the Acquiring Portfolio and may be enforced against the Acquiring Portfolio to the same extent as if the same had been incurred by the Acquiring Portfolio.

(c)  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan, AST on behalf of the Acquiring Portfolio shall at the Closing deliver to the Target Portfolio the number of Acquiring Portfolio Shares, determined by dividing the net asset value per share of the shares of the Target Portfolio ("Target Portfolio Shares") on the Closing Date by the net asset value per share of the Acquiring Portfolio Shares, and multiplying the result thereof by the number of outstanding Target Portfolio Shares as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") on the Closing Date. All such values shall be determined in the manner and as of the time set forth in Section 2 hereof.

(d)  Immediately following the Closing, the Target Portfolio shall distribute pro rata to its shareholders of record as of the close of business on the Closing Date, the Acquiring Portfolio Shares received by the Target Portfolio pursuant to this Section 1 and then shall terminate and dissolve. Such liquidation and distribution shall be accomplished by the establishment of accounts on the share records of AST relating to the Acquiring Portfolio and noting in such accounts the type and amounts of Acquiring Portfolio Shares that former Target Portfolio shareholders are due based on their respective holdings of the Target Portfolio as of the close of business on the Closing Date. Fractional Acquiring Portfolio Shares shall be carried to the third decimal place. The Acquiring Portfolio shall not issue certificates representing the Acquiring Portfolio shares in connection with such exchange.


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2.  Valuation.

(a)  The value of the Target Portfolio's Assets to be transferred to the Acquiring Portfolio hereunder shall be computed as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the Closing Date (the "Valuation Time") using the valuation procedures set forth in AST's current effective prospectus.

(b)  The net asset value of a share of the Acquiring Portfolio shall be determined to the second decimal point as of the Valuation Time using the valuation procedures set forth in AST's current effective prospectus.

(c)  The net asset value of a share of the Target Portfolio shall be determined to the fourth decimal point as of the Valuation Time using the valuation procedures set forth in AST's current effective prospectus.

3.  Closing and Closing Date.

The consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall take place at the Closing (the "Closing"). The date of the Closing (the "Closing Date") shall be [January 23, 2023], or such other date as determined in writing by AST's officers. The Closing shall take place at the principal office of AST at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the Closing Date. AST on behalf of the Target Portfolio shall have provided for delivery as of the Closing of the Target Portfolio's Assets to the account of the Acquiring Portfolio at the Acquiring Portfolio's custodians. Also, AST on behalf of the Target Portfolio shall produce at the Closing a list of names and addresses of the shareholders of record of the Target Portfolio Shares and the number of full and fractional shares owned by each such shareholder, all as of the Valuation Time, certified by its transfer agent or by its President to the best of its or his or her knowledge and belief. AST on behalf of the Acquiring Portfolio shall issue and deliver a confirmation evidencing the Acquiring Portfolio Shares to be credited to the Target Portfolio's account on the Closing Date to the Secretary of AST, or shall provide evidence satisfactory to the Target Portfolio that the Acquiring Portfolio Shares have been registered in an account on the books of the Acquiring Portfolio in such manner as AST on behalf of Target Portfolio may request.

4.  Representations and Warranties by AST on behalf of the Target Portfolio.

AST makes the following representations and warranties about the Target Portfolio:

(a)  The Target Portfolio is a series of AST, a business trust organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of that jurisdiction. AST is duly registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end, management investment company and all of the Target Portfolio Shares sold were sold pursuant to an effective registration statement filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act").

(b)  AST on behalf of the Target Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of the Target Portfolio shares, each outstanding share of which is fully paid, non-assessable, freely transferable and has full voting rights.

(c)  The financial statements appearing in AST's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, fairly present the financial position of the Target Portfolio as of such date and the results of its operations for the periods indicated in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis. The unaudited financial statements appearing in AST's Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders for the six-month period ended June 30, 2022 present the financial position of the Target Portfolio as of such date and the results of its operations for the periods indicated in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis.

(d)  AST has the necessary power and authority to conduct the Target Portfolio's business as such business is now being conducted.

(e)  AST on behalf of the Target Portfolio is not a party to or obligated under any provision of AST's Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, or any contract or any other commitment or obligation, and is not subject to any order or decree, that would be violated by its execution of or performance under this Plan.

(f)  The Target Portfolio does not have any unamortized or unpaid organizational fees or expenses.


A-2


(g)  The Target Portfolio has elected to be, and is, treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Target Portfolio has satisfied the diversification and look-through requirements of Section 817(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), since its inception and will continue to satisfy such requirements at the Closing.

(h)  The Target Portfolio, or its agents, (i) holds a valid Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Withholding (or other appropriate series of Form W-8, as the case may be), or Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, for the Target Portfolio shareholder of record, which Form W-8 or Form W-9 can be associated with reportable payments made by the Target Portfolio to such shareholder, and/or (ii) has otherwise timely instituted the appropriate nonresident alien or foreign corporation or backup withholding procedures with respect to such shareholder as provided by Sections 1441, 1442, and 3406 of the Code.

(i)  At the Closing, the Target Portfolio will have good and marketable title to all of the securities and other assets shown on the statement of assets and liabilities referred to above, free and clear of all liens or encumbrances of any nature whatsoever, except such imperfections of title or encumbrances as do not materially detract from the value or use of the assets subject thereto, or materially adversely affect title thereto.

(j)  Except as may be disclosed in AST's current effective prospectus, there is no material suit, judicial action, or legal or administrative proceeding pending or threatened against the Target Portfolio.

(k)  There are no known actual or proposed deficiency assessments with respect to any taxes payable by the Target Portfolio.

(l)  The execution, delivery, and performance of this Plan have been duly authorized by all necessary actions of AST's Board of Trustees, and this Plan constitutes a valid and binding obligation enforceable in accordance with its terms.

5.  Representations and Warranties by AST on behalf of the Acquiring Portfolio.

AST makes the following representations and warranties about the Acquiring Portfolio:

(a)  The Acquiring Portfolio is a series of AST, a business trust organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts validly existing and in good standing under the laws of that jurisdiction. AST is duly registered under the 1940 Act as an open-end, management investment company and all of the Acquiring Portfolio Shares sold have been sold pursuant to an effective registration statement filed under the 1933 Act.

(b)  AST on behalf of the Acquiring Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of the Acquiring Portfolio shares, each outstanding share of which is fully paid, non-assessable, freely transferable and has full voting rights.

(c)  The financial statements appearing in AST's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, fairly present the financial position of the Acquiring Portfolio as of such date and the results of its operations for the periods indicated in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis. The unaudited financial statements appearing in AST's Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders for the six-month period ended June 30, 2022 present the financial position of the Acquiring Portfolio as of such date and the results of its operations for the periods indicated in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis.

(d)  AST has the necessary power and authority to conduct the Acquiring Portfolio's business as such business is now being conducted.

(e)  AST on behalf of the Acquiring Portfolio is not a party to or obligated under any provision of AST's Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, or any contract or any other commitment or obligation, and is not subject to any order or decree, that would be violated by its execution of or performance under this Plan.


A-3


(f)  The Acquiring Portfolio has elected to be, and is, treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. The Acquiring Portfolio has satisfied the diversification and look-through requirements of Section 817(h) of the Code since its inception and will continue to satisfy such requirements at the Closing.

(g)  The statement of assets and liabilities to be created by AST for the Acquiring Portfolio as of the Valuation Time for the purpose of determining the number of Acquiring Portfolio Shares to be issued pursuant to this Plan will accurately reflect the Assets in the case of the Target Portfolio and the net asset value in the case of the Acquiring Portfolio, and outstanding shares, as of such date, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis.

(h)  At the Closing, the Acquiring Portfolio will have good and marketable title to all of the securities and other assets shown on the statement of assets and liabilities referred to in above, free and clear of all liens or encumbrances of any nature whatsoever, except such imperfections of title or encumbrances as do not materially detract from the value or use of the assets subject thereto, or materially affect title thereto.

(i)  Except as may be disclosed in AST's current effective prospectus, there is no material suit, judicial action, or legal or administrative proceeding pending or threatened against the Acquiring Portfolio.

(j)  There are no known actual or proposed deficiency assessments with respect to any taxes payable by the Acquiring Portfolio.

(k)  The execution, delivery, and performance of this Plan have been duly authorized by all necessary actions of AST's Board of Trustees, and this Plan constitutes a valid and binding obligation enforceable in accordance with its terms.

(l)  AST anticipates that consummation of this Plan will not cause the Acquiring Portfolio to fail to conform to the requirements of Section 817(h) at the end of each tax quarter.

6.  Intentions of AST on behalf of the Portfolios.

(a)  At the Closing, AST on behalf of the Target Portfolio, intends to have available a copy of the shareholder ledger accounts, certified by AST's transfer agent or its President or a Vice President to the best of its or his or her knowledge and belief, for all the shareholders of record of Target Portfolio Shares as of the Valuation Time who are to become shareholders of the Acquiring Portfolio as a result of the transfer of assets that is the subject of this Plan.

(b)  AST intends to operate each Portfolio's respective business as presently conducted between the date hereof and the Closing.

(c)  AST intends that the Target Portfolio will not acquire the Acquiring Portfolio Shares for the purpose of making distributions thereof to anyone other than the Target Portfolio's shareholders.

(d)  AST on behalf of the Target Portfolio intends, if this Plan is consummated, to liquidate and dissolve the Target Portfolio.

(e)  AST intends that, by the Closing, each Portfolio's Federal and other tax returns and reports required by law to be filed on or before such date shall have been filed, and all Federal and other taxes shown as due on said returns shall have either been paid or adequate liability reserves shall have been provided for the payment of such taxes.

(f)  AST intends to mail to each shareholder of the Target Portfolio in sufficient time to comply with requirements as to notice thereof, a Combined information Statement and Prospectus that complies in all material respects with the applicable provisions of Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 20(a) of the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations, respectively, thereunder.

(g)  AST intends to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement on Form N-14 under the 1933 Act relating to the Acquiring Portfolio Shares issuable hereunder ("Registration Statement"), and will use its best efforts to provide that the Registration Statement becomes effective as promptly as practicable. At the time the Registration Statement becomes effective, it will: (i) comply in all material respects


A-4


with the applicable provisions of the 1933 Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and (ii) not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. At the time the Registration Statement becomes effective and at the Closing Date, the prospectus and statement of additional information included in the Registration Statement will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

7.  Conditions Precedent to be Fulfilled by AST on behalf of the Portfolios.

The consummation of the Plan with respect to the Acquiring Portfolio and the Target Portfolio shall be subject to the following conditions:

(a)  That: (i) all the representations and warranties contained herein concerning the Portfolios shall be true and correct as of the Closing with the same effect as though made as of and at such date; (ii) performance of all obligations required by this Plan to be performed by AST on behalf of the Portfolios shall occur prior to the Closing; and (iii) AST shall execute a certificate signed by the President or a Vice President and by the Secretary or equivalent officer to the foregoing effect.

(b)  That the form of this Plan shall have been adopted and approved by the appropriate action of the Board of Trustees of AST on behalf of the Portfolios.

(c)  That the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission shall not have issued an unfavorable management report under Section 25(b) of the 1940 Act or instituted or threatened to institute any proceeding seeking to enjoin consummation of the Plan under Section 25(c) of the 1940 Act. And, further, that no other legal, administrative or other proceeding shall have been instituted or threatened that would materially affect the financial condition of a Portfolio or would prohibit the transactions contemplated hereby.

(d)  That at or immediately prior to the Closing, the Target Portfolio shall have declared and paid a dividend or dividends which, together with all previous such dividends, shall have the effect of distributing to the Target Portfolio's shareholders all of such Target Portfolio's investment company taxable income for taxable years ending at or prior to the Closing and all of its net capital gain, if any, realized in taxable years ending at or prior to the Closing (after reduction for any capital loss carry-forward).

(e)  That there shall be delivered to AST on behalf of the Portfolios an opinion from Goodwin Procter LLP, in form and substance satisfactory to AST, substantially to the effect that the transactions contemplated by this Plan should constitute a tax-free transaction for federal income tax purposes. Such opinion shall contain at a minimum the conclusion that the transfer by the Target Portfolio of all of its assets to the Acquiring Portfolio, in exchange solely for Acquiring Portfolio Shares, the assumption by the Acquiring Portfolio of all of the liabilities of the Target Portfolio, and the distribution of the Acquiring Portfolio Shares to the shareholders of the Target Portfolio in complete liquidation of the Target Portfolio, should be tax-free to the shareholders of the Target Portfolio for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

In giving the opinion set forth above, counsel may state that it is relying on certificates of the officers of AST with regard to matters of fact.

(f)  That the Registration Statement with respect to the Acquiring Portfolio Shares to be delivered to the Target Portfolio's shareholders in accordance with this Plan shall have become effective, and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement thereto, shall have been issued prior to the Closing Date, or shall be in effect at Closing, and no proceedings for the issuance of such an order shall be pending or threatened on that date.

(g)  That the Acquiring Portfolio Shares to be delivered hereunder shall be eligible for sale by the Acquiring Portfolio with each state commission or agency with which such eligibility is required in order to permit the Acquiring Portfolio Shares lawfully to be delivered to each shareholder of the Target Portfolio.


A-5


8.  Expenses.

(a)  AST represents and warrants that there are no broker or finders' fees payable by it in connection with the transactions provided for herein.

(b)  All costs incurred in entering into and carrying out the terms and conditions of this Plan, including (without limitation) outside legal counsel and independent registered public accounting firm costs and costs incurred in connection with the printing and mailing of the relevant combined prospectus and information statement and related materials, shall be paid by Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. or its affiliates, not the Target Portfolio or the Acquiring Portfolio. Transaction costs, including brokerage commissions, shall be paid by the Portfolio entering into the transaction.

9.  Termination; Postponement; Waiver; Order.

(a)  Anything contained in this Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, this Plan may be terminated and abandoned at any time prior to the Closing, or the Closing may be postponed by AST on behalf of a Portfolio by resolution of the Board of Trustees of AST if circumstances develop that, in the opinion of the Board, make proceeding with the Plan inadvisable.

(b)  If the transactions contemplated by this Plan have not been consummated by December 31, 2022, the Plan shall automatically terminate on that date, unless a later date is agreed to by the officers of AST on behalf of the Portfolios.

(c)  In the event of termination of this Plan pursuant to the provisions hereof, the Plan shall become void and have no further effect with respect to the Acquiring Portfolio or Target Portfolio, and neither AST, the Acquiring Portfolio nor the Target Portfolio, nor the trustees, officers, agents or shareholders shall have any liability in respect of this Plan.

(d)  At any time prior to the Closing, any of the terms or conditions of this Plan may be waived by the party who is entitled to the benefit thereof by action taken by AST's Board of Trustees if, in the judgment of such Board of Trustees, such action or waiver will not have a material adverse effect on the benefits intended under this Plan to its shareholders, on behalf of whom such action is taken.

(e)  If any order or orders of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to this Plan shall be issued prior to the Closing and shall impose any terms or conditions that are determined by action of the Board of Trustees of AST on behalf of the Portfolios to be acceptable, such terms and conditions shall be binding as if a part of this Plan without further vote or approval of the shareholders of the Target Portfolio, unless such terms and conditions shall result in a change in the method of computing the number of Acquiring Portfolio Shares to be issued the Target Portfolio, in which event, unless such terms and conditions shall have been included in the information statement material furnished to the shareholders of the Target Portfolio, this Plan shall not be consummated and shall terminate.

10.  Entire Plan and Amendments.

This Plan embodies the entire plan of AST on behalf of the Portfolios, and there are no agreements, understandings, restrictions, or warranties between the parties other than those set forth or provided for herein. This Plan may be amended only by AST. Neither this Plan nor any interest herein may be assigned without the prior written consent of AST on behalf of the Portfolio corresponding to the Portfolio making the assignment.

11.  Notices.

Any notice, report, or demand required or permitted by any provision of this Plan shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given if delivered or mailed, first class postage prepaid, addressed to AST at 655 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102, Attention: Secretary.


A-6


12.  Governing Law.

This Plan shall be governed by and carried out in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party has executed this Plan by its duly authorized officers, all as of the date and year first written above.

    ADVANCED SERIES TRUST
on behalf of the Acquiring Portfolio listed in Schedule A
 
Attest: Melissa Gonzalez, _______________________
Assistant Secretary
  By: ______________________________________
Title:
 
    ADVANCED SERIES TRUST
on behalf of the Target Portfolio listed in Schedule A
 
Attest: Melissa Gonzalez, _______________________
Assistant Secretary
  By: ______________________________________
Title:
 


A-7


Schedule A

Target Portfolio

 

Acquiring Portfolio

 

AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio

 

AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio

 


A-8


 

EXHIBIT B
TO PROSPECTUS/INFORMATION STATEMENT

 

The information in this Statement of Additional Information is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Statement of Additional Information is not an offer to sell these securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DATED NOVEMBER 25, 2022

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TO PROSPECTUS/INFORMATION STATEMENT

 

Dated November 25, 2022

 

655 Broad Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102

 

Reorganization of the AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio into the AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio

 

This Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”) relates to the Prospectus/Information Statement for the merger (the “Reorganization”) of the AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio (the “Target Portfolio”), a series of the Advanced Series Trust (the “Trust” or “AST”) into the AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio (the “Acquiring Portfolio,” and together with the Target Portfolio, the “Portfolios”), a series of the Trust, dated November 25, 2022 (such combined Information Statement and Prospectus being referred to herein as the “Prospectus/Information Statement”).

 

Target Portfolio Referred to Herein As
AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio Target Portfolio

 

This SAI relates specifically to the transfer of all of the Target Portfolio’s assets to the Acquiring Portfolio in exchange for (i) the Acquiring Portfolio’s assumption of all of the Target Portfolio’s liabilities, and (ii) the Acquiring Portfolio’s issuance to the Target Portfolio of shares of beneficial interest in the Acquiring Portfolio (the “Acquiring Portfolio Shares”). The Acquiring Portfolio Shares received by the Target Portfolio will have an aggregate net asset value that is equal to the aggregate net asset value of the Target Portfolio shares that are outstanding immediately prior to such reorganization transaction. As a result of such transaction, the Target Portfolio will be completely liquidated, and contract owners will beneficially own shares of the Acquiring Portfolio having an aggregate value equal to their Target Portfolio shares. The acquisition of the assets of the Target Portfolio by the Acquiring Portfolio in exchange for the Acquiring Portfolio’s assumption of all of the liabilities of the Target Portfolio, and the issuance of Acquiring Portfolio Shares to the Target Portfolio and its shareholders, is referred to herein as the “Reorganization.” After the Reorganization is consummated, shareholders of the Target Portfolio will become shareholders of the Acquiring Portfolio.

 

This SAI consists of: (i) this Cover Page, (ii) a comparison of the investment restrictions of the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio, and (iii) pro forma financial information relating to the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio. Additional information relating to the Acquiring Portfolio is included in the SAI under file number 033-24962, dated April 25, 2022 (the “Trust SAI”), which is hereby incorporated by reference. Those portions of the Trust SAI, under file number 033-24962, relating to the Target Portfolio are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Audited financial statements and accompanying notes for the Target Portfolio for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, and the independent auditors’ report thereon, dated February 24, 2022, are incorporated herein by reference from the Trust’s Annual Report to Shareholders under file number 811-05186.

 

1

 

 

Unaudited financial statements and accompanying notes for the Target Portfolio for the six-month period ended June 30, 2022, are incorporated herein by reference from the Trust’s Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders under file number 811-05186.

 

Audited financial statements and accompanying notes for the Acquiring Portfolio for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, and the independent auditor’s report thereon, dated February 24, 2022, are incorporated herein by reference from the Trust’s Annual Report to Shareholders under file number 811-05186.

 

Unaudited financial statements and accompanying notes for the Acquiring Portfolio for the six-month period ended June 30, 2022, are incorporated herein by reference from the Trust’s Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders under file number 811-05186.

 

This SAI is not a prospectus; you should read this SAI in conjunction with the Prospectus/Information Statement, which relates to the Reorganization. You can request a copy of the Prospectus/Information Statement by calling 1-800-778-2255 or by writing to AST at 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102. In addition, a copy of the Prospectus/Information Statement is available on the internet at www.prudential.com/variableinsuranceportfolios. The Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains this SAI and other material incorporated by reference and considered part of this SAI and the Prospectus/Information Statement, together with other information regarding AST.

 

2

 

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page No.
   
Investment Restrictions 4
   
Supplemental Financial Information 7
   
Additional Information Relating to the Acquiring Portfolio and the Combined Portfolio 8

 

3

 

 

Investment Restrictions

 

Set forth below are certain investment restrictions applicable to the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio. Fundamental restrictions may not be changed by the Board without a majority vote of shareholders as required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Non-fundamental restrictions may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

 

Fundamental Investment Restrictions Applicable to the Target Portfolio

 

Under its fundamental investment restrictions, the Target Portfolio may not:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

4

 

 

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

 

With respect to investment restriction (6), the Target Portfolio will not consider a bank-issued guaranty or financial guaranty insurance as a separate security for purposes of determining the percentage of the Target Portfolio’s assets invested in the securities of issuers in a particular industry.

 

With respect to investment restrictions (1) and (5), the Target Portfolio will not borrow or lend to any other fund unless it applies for and receives an exemptive order from the SEC, if so required, or the SEC issues rules permitting such transactions

 

Fundamental Investment Restrictions Applicable to the Acquiring Portfolio

 

Under its fundamental investment restrictions, the Acquiring Portfolio may not:

 

1)Issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act.

 

2)Borrow money, except that the Acquiring Portfolio may (i) borrow money for non-leveraging, temporary or emergency purposes, and (ii) engage in reverse repurchase agreements and make other investments or engage in other transactions, which may involve a borrowing, in a manner consistent with the Acquiring Portfolio's investment objective and policies; provided that the combination of (i) and (ii) shall not exceed 33 1∕3% of the value of the Acquiring Portfolio's assets (including the amount borrowed) less liabilities (other than borrowings) or such other percentage permitted by law. Any borrowings which come to exceed this amount will be reduced in accordance with applicable law. Subject to the above limitations, the Acquiring Portfolio may borrow from persons to the extent permitted by applicable law, including the 1940 Act, or to the extent permitted by any exemption from the 1940 Act that may be granted by the SEC, or any SEC releases, no-action letters or similar relief or interpretive guidance.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

7)Purchase any security if, as a result, more than 25% of the value of the Acquiring Portfolio's assets would be invested in the securities of issuers having their principal business activities in the same industry; provided that this restriction does not apply to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the US Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities (or repurchase agreements with respect thereto).

 

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

 

5

 

 

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

 

With respect to investment restrictions (2) and (6), the Acquiring Portfolio will not borrow or lend to any other fund unless it applies for and receives an exemptive order from the SEC, if so required, or the SEC issues rules permitting such transactions.

 

With respect to investment restriction (6), the restriction on making loans is not considered to limit the Acquiring Portfolio's investments in loan participations and assignments.

 

With respect to investment restriction (7), the Acquiring Portfolio will not consider a bank-issued guaranty or financial guaranty insurance as a separate security for purposes of determining the percentage of the Acquiring Portfolios' assets invested in the securities of issuers in a particular industry.

 

6

 

 

Supplemental Financial Information

 

Tables showing the fees and expenses of the Target Portfolio and the Acquiring Portfolio, and the fees and expenses of the Target Portfolio on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Reorganization, is included in the “Comparison of Investment Management Fees and Total Fund Operating Expenses” section of the Prospectus/Information Statement.

 

The Reorganization will not result in a material change to the Target Portfolio’s investment portfolio due to the investment restrictions of the Acquiring Portfolio. The Target Portfolio is expected to bear the transaction costs prior to the Reorganization, which typically include, but are not limited to, trade commissions, related fees and taxes, and any foreign exchange spread costs, where applicable. Such Transaction Costs are estimated to be $940,000 (0.050% of net assets).

 

There are no material differences in accounting policies of the Target Portfolio as compared to those of the Acquiring Portfolio.

 

7

 

 

Additional Information Relating to the Acquiring Portfolio and the Combined Portfolio

 

Introduction

 

Additional information relating specifically to the Combined Portfolio is set forth below.

 

Subadvisory Agreements for the Combined Portfolio

 

The Manager has entered into subadvisory agreements with J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (“J.P. Morgan”) at the rates shown below.

 

Subadvisers Current Contractual Subadvisory Fee Rate
   
J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.

0.35% of average daily net assets to $600 million;

 

0.32% of average daily net assets on the next $1.3 billion;

 

0.20% of average daily net assets over $1.9 billion

 

Portfolio Managers: Other Accounts

 

Additional Information About the Portfolio Managers—Other Accounts and Share Ownership—Acquiring Portfolio

 

The following table sets forth information about the Acquiring Portfolio and accounts other than the Acquiring Portfolio for which the portfolio managers are primarily responsible for day-to-day portfolio management as of June 30, 2022. The table shows, for each such portfolio manager, the number of accounts managed and the total assets in such accounts, within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts. For each category, the number of accounts and total assets in the accounts whose fees are based on performance is indicated in italics typeface. The table also sets forth the dollar range of equity securities of each portfolio of the Trust beneficially owned by the portfolio managers as of June 30, 2022.

 

Manager and/or
Subadvisers
  Portfolio
Managers
  Registered
Investment
Companies
  Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
  Other Accounts  Ownership
of Fund
Securities
J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.  Jeffrey Geller, CFA  38/$82,174,612.35  46/$55,007,467.48  19/$14,316,012.36  None
   Michael Feser, CFA  13/$25,656,208.94  3/$1,103,307.61  8/$2,281,346.42  None
   Morgan M. Moriarty, CFA  6/$8,325,476.55  3/$1,552,431,67  45/$12,976,679.79  None
   Gary Herbert, CFA  7/$19,836,706.24  22/$33,956,678.01  6/$5,081,206.54  None

 

Additional Information About the Portfolio Managers—Compensation and Conflicts of Interest—Acquiring Portfolio and Combined Portfolio

 

J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (“J.P. Morgan”)

 

POTENTIAL CONFLICTS. The potential for conflicts of interest exists when portfolio managers manage other accounts with similar investment objectives and strategies as the Fund (“Similar Accounts”). Potential conflicts may include, for example, conflicts between investment strategies and conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities. Responsibility for managing J.P. Morgan’s and its affiliates’ clients’ portfolios is organized according to investment strategies within asset classes. Generally, client portfolios with similar strategies are managed by portfolio managers in the same portfolio management group using the same objectives, approach and philosophy. Underlying sectors or strategy allocations within a larger portfolio are likewise managed by portfolio managers who use the same approach and philosophy as similarly managed portfolios. Therefore, portfolio holdings, relative position sizes and industry and sector exposures tend to be similar across similar portfolios and strategies, which minimizes the potential for conflicts of interest.

 

8

 

 

J.P. Morgan and/or its affiliates (“J.P. Morgan”) perform investment services, including rendering investment advice, to varied clients. J.P. Morgan and its or their directors, officers, agents, and/or employees may render similar or differing investment advisory services to clients and may give advice or exercise investment responsibility and take such other action with respect to any of its other clients that differs from the advice given or the timing or nature of action taken with respect to another client or group of clients. It is J.P. Morgan’s policy, to the extent practicable, to allocate, within its reasonable discretion, investment opportunities among clients over a period of time on a fair and equitable basis. One or more of J.P. Morgan’s other client accounts may at any time hold, acquire, increase, decrease, dispose, or otherwise deal with positions in investments in which another client account may have an interest from time-to-time.

 

J.P. Morgan and any of its or their directors, partners, officers, agents or employees, may also buy, sell, or trade securities for their own accounts or the proprietary accounts of J.P. Morgan. J.P. Morgan within their discretion, may make different investment decisions and other actions with respect to their own proprietary accounts than those made for client accounts, including the timing or nature of such investment decisions or actions. Further, J.P. Morgan is not required to purchase or sell for any client account securities that it, J.P. Morgan Chase, and any of its or their employees, principals, or agents may purchase or sell for their own accounts or the proprietary accounts of J.P. Morgan, or J.P. Morgan Chase or its clients.

 

J.P. Morgan and/or its affiliates may receive more compensation with respect to certain Similar Accounts than that received with respect to the Fund or may receive compensation based in part on the performance of certain Similar Accounts. This may create a potential conflict of interest for J.P. Morgan and its affiliates or the portfolio managers by providing an incentive to favor these Similar Accounts when, for example, placing securities transactions. In addition, J.P. Morgan or its affiliates could be viewed as having a conflict of interest to the extent that J.P. Morgan or an affiliate has a proprietary investment in Similar Accounts, the portfolio managers have personal investments in Similar Accounts or the Similar Accounts are investment options in J.P. Morgan’s or its affiliates’ employee benefit plans. Potential conflicts of interest may arise with both the aggregation and allocation of securities transactions and allocation of investment opportunities because of market factors or investment restrictions imposed upon J.P. Morgan and its affiliates by law, regulation, contract or internal policies. Allocations of aggregated trades, particularly trade orders that were only partially completed due to limited availability and allocation of investment opportunities generally, could raise a potential conflict of interest, as J.P. Morgan or its affiliates may have an incentive to allocate securities that are expected to increase in value to favored accounts. Initial public offerings, in particular, are frequently of very limited availability. J.P. Morgan and its affiliates may be perceived as causing accounts they manage to participate in an offering to increase J.P. Morgan’s and its affiliates’ overall allocation of securities in that offering. A potential conflict of interest also may be perceived to arise if transactions in one account closely follow related transactions in a different account, such as when a purchase increases the value of securities previously purchased by another account, or when a sale in one account lowers the sale price received in a sale by a second account. If J.P. Morgan or its affiliates manage accounts that engage in short sales of securities of the type in which the Fund invests, J.P. Morgan or its affiliates could be seen as harming the performance of the Fund for the benefit of the accounts engaging in short sales if the short sales cause the market value of the securities to fall.

 

As an internal policy matter, J.P. Morgan or its affiliates may from time to time maintain certain overall investment limitations on the securities positions or positions in other financial instruments J.P. Morgan or its affiliates will take on behalf of its various clients due to, among other things, liquidity concerns and regulatory restrictions. Such policies may preclude the Fund from purchasing particular securities or financial instruments, even if such securities or financial instruments would otherwise meet the Fund’s objectives.

 

The goal of J.P. Morgan and its affiliates is to meet their fiduciary obligation with respect to all clients. J.P. Morgan and its affiliates have policies and procedures that seek to manage conflicts. J.P. Morgan and its affiliates monitor a variety of areas, including compliance with fund guidelines, review of allocation decisions and compliance with J.P. Morgan’s Codes of Ethics and J.P. Morgan Chase and Co.’s Code of Conduct. With respect to the allocation of investment opportunities, J.P. Morgan and its affiliates also have certain policies designed to achieve fair and equitable allocation of investment opportunities among its clients over time. For example: Orders for the same equity security traded through a single trading desk or system are aggregated on a continual basis throughout each trading day consistent with J.P. Morgan’s and its affiliates’ duty of best execution for their clients. If aggregated trades are fully executed, accounts participating in the trade will be allocated their pro rata share on an average price basis. Partially completed orders generally will be allocated among the participating accounts on a pro-rata average price basis, subject to certain limited exceptions. For example, accounts that would receive a de minimis allocation relative to their size may be excluded from the order. Another exception may occur when thin markets or price volatility require that an aggregated order be completed in multiple executions over several days. If partial completion of the order would result in an uneconomic allocation to an account due to fixed transaction or custody costs, J.P. Morgan and its affiliates may exclude small orders until 50% of the total order is completed. Then the small orders will be executed. Following this procedure, small orders will lag in the early execution of the order, but will be completed before completion of the total order.

 

9

 

 

Purchases of money market instruments and fixed income securities cannot always be allocated pro-rata across the accounts with the same investment strategy and objective. However, the Adviser and its affiliates attempt to mitigate any potential unfairness by basing non-pro rata allocations traded through a single trading desk or system upon objective predetermined criteria for the selection of investments and a disciplined process for allocating securities with similar duration, credit quality and liquidity in the good faith judgment of the Adviser or its affiliates so that fair and equitable allocation will occur over time.

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGER COMPENSATION. J.P. Morgan’s compensation programs are designed to align the behavior of employees with the achievement of its short- and long-term strategic goals, which revolve around client investment objectives. This is accomplished, in part, through a balanced performance assessment process and total compensation program, as well as a clearly defined culture that rigorously and consistently promotes adherence to the highest ethical standards.

 

In determining portfolio manager compensation, J.P. Morgan uses a balanced discretionary approach to assess performance against four broad categories: (1) business results; (2) risk and control; (3) customers and clients; and (4) people and leadership.

 

These performance categories consider short-, medium- and long-term goals that drive sustained value for clients, while accounting for risk and control objectives. Specifically, portfolio manager performance is evaluated against various factors including the following: (1) blended pre-tax investment performance relative to competitive indices, generally weighted more to the long-term; (2) individual contribution relative to the client’s risk/return objectives; and (3) adherence with J.P. Morgan’s compliance, risk and regulatory procedures.

 

Feedback from J.P. Morgan’s risk and control professionals is considered in assessing performance.

 

J.P. Morgan maintains a balanced total compensation program comprised of a mix of fixed compensation (including a competitive base salary and, for certain employees, a fixed cash allowance), variable compensation in the form of cash incentives, and long-term incentives in the form of equity based and/or fund-tracking incentives that vest over time. Long-term awards comprise up to 60% of overall incentive compensation, depending on an employee’s pay level.

 

Long-term awards are generally in the form of time-vested JPMC Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”). However, portfolio managers are subject to a mandatory deferral of long-term incentive compensation under J.P. Morgan’s Mandatory Investor Plan (“MIP”). The MIP provides for a rate of return equal to that of the Fund(s) that the portfolio managers manage, thereby aligning portfolio manager’s pay with that of their client’s experience/return. 100% of the portfolio manager’s long-term incentive compensation is eligible for MIP with 50% allocated to the specific und(s) they manage, as determined by their respective manager. The remaining portion of the overall amount is electable and may be treated as if invested in any of the other Funds available in the plan or can take the form of RSUs.

 

10

 

 

 

PART C

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 15. Indemnification

 

Section 5.2 of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust provides as follows:

 

The Trust shall indemnify each of its Trustees, Trustees Emeritus, officers, employees, and agents (including persons who serve at its request as directors, officers, employees, agents or trustees of another organization in which it has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise) against all liabilities and expenses (including amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise, as fines and penalties, and as counsel fees) reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, in which he may be involved or with which he may be threatened, while in office or thereafter, by reason of his being or having been such a trustee, trustee emeritus, officer, employee or agent, except with respect to any matter as to which he shall have been adjudicated to be liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of having acted in bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his duties; provided, however, that as to any matter disposed of by a compromise payment by such person, pursuant to a consent decree or otherwise, no indemnification either for said payment or for any other expenses shall be provided unless approved as in the best interests of the Trust, after notice that it involves such indemnification, by at least a majority of the disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter) upon a determination, based upon a review of readily available facts, that (i) such person acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interests of the Trust and (ii) is not liable to the Trust or the Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties; or the trust shall have received a written opinion from independent legal counsel approved by the Trustees to the effect that (x) if the matter of good faith and reasonable belief as to the best interests of the Trust, had been adjudicated, it would have been adjudicated in favor of such person, and (y) based upon a review of readily available facts such trustee, officer, employee or agent did not engage in willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duty. The rights accruing to any Person under these provisions shall not exclude any other right to which he may be lawfully entitled; provided that no Person may satisfy any right of indemnity or reimbursement granted herein or in Section 5.1 or to which he may be otherwise entitled except out of the property of the Trust, and no Shareholder shall be personally liable to any Person with respect to any claim for indemnity or reimbursement or otherwise. The Trustees may make advance payments in connection with indemnification under this Section 5.2, provided that the indemnified person shall have given a written undertaking to reimburse the Trust in the event it is subsequently determined that he is not entitled to such indemnification and, provided further, that the Trust shall have obtained protection, satisfactory in the sole judgment of the disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter), against losses arising out of such advance payments or such Trustees, or independent legal counsel, in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of readily available facts that there is reason to believe that such person will be found to be entitled to such indemnification.

 

With respect to liability of the Manager to Registrant or to shareholders of Registrant’s Portfolios under the Investment Management Agreements, reference is made to Section 13 or 14 of each form of Investment Management Agreement filed herewith or incorporated by reference herein.

 

With respect to the Subadvisers’ indemnification of the Manager and its affiliated and controlling persons, and the Manager’s indemnification of each subadviser and its affiliated and controlling persons, reference is made to Section 14 of each form of Subadvisory Agreement filed herewith or incorporated by reference herein. Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, trustees emeritus, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant or expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, trustee emeritus, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, trustee emeritus, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

 

 

ITEM 16. Exhibits

 

(1)(a) Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to Registrant’s Registration Statement for Form N-1A (File Nos. 33-24962 and 811-5186) (the “Registration Statement”), which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 27, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(1)(b) Amendment to Declaration of Trust of Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 26, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(2) By-laws of Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 18, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(3) None

 

(4) The form of Plan of Reorganization for the reorganization of the AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio and AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio, each a series of the Trust, is included as Exhibit A to the combined Prospectus and Information Statement contained in this Registration Statement on Form N-14.

 

(5) None.

 

(6)(a) Investment Management Agreement among the Registrant, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Inc.) and Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC) for the various portfolios of the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(6)(b) Amendment to Investment Management Agreement, among the Registrant, PGIM Investments LLC and AST Investments Services, dated February 22, 2021. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 14, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(6)(c)(i) Contractual investment management fee waivers and/or contractual expense caps for the AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio and the AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 185 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 14, 2022, and is incorporate herein by reference.  

 

(6)(c)(ii) Contractual investment management fee waiver and/or contractual expense cap for the AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio. Filed herewith.

 

(6)(d)(1) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC) and J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. for the AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio (formerly, AST J.P. Morgan Strategic Opportunities Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 19, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(6)(d)(2) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement dated February 22, 2021 among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. for the AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio (formerly, AST J.P. Morgan Strategic Opportunities Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

(6)(d)(3) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC), AST Investment Services, Inc. and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. for the AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(6)(d)(4) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. for the AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 154 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 8, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(6)(d)(5) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC), AST Investment Services, Inc. and BlackRock International Limited for the AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 130 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(6)(d)(6) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and BlackRock International Limited for the AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 154 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 8, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(7)(a) Distribution Agreement for the shares of each Portfolio of the Registrant, between Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. and the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 184 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 15, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(7)(b) Sales Agreement between Registrant and American Skandia Life Assurance Corporation. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on March 2, 1998, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(7)(c) Sales Agreement between Registrant and Kemper Investors Life Insurance Company. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 24, 1996, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(8) None.

 

(9)(a) Custodian Agreement dated July 1, 2005 between the Registrant and PFPC Trust Company. Filed as an Exhibit to Post- Effective Amendment No. 58 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 28, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(9)(b) Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York dated November 7, 2002, as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Dryden Municipal Bond Fund (now Prudential Investment Portfolios 4) filed via EDGAR on June 29, 2005 (File No. 33-10649).

 

(9)(c) Amendment to the Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon. Filed as an exhibit to Post- Effective Amendment No. 184 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 15, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(10) Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 184 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 15, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(11) Opinion and Consent of Goodwin Procter LLP, counsel for Registrant. Filed herewith.

 

(12) Form of Opinion and Consent of Goodwin Procter LLP, counsel to Registrant, supporting tax matters and consequences to shareholders. Filed herewith.

 

 

 

(13)(a)(1) Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the Registrant and Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc., dated May 29, 2007. Incorporated by reference to the Dryden Municipal Bond Fund (now Prudential Investment Portfolios 4) Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on June 29, 2007 (File No. 33-10649).

 

(13)(a)(2) Amendment to the Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated May 29, 2007. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 184 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 15, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(13)(b) Service Agreement between American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated and Kemper Investors Life Insurance Company. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 28, 1997, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(13)(c) Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated June 8, 2005 among American Skandia Life Assurance Corporation (now Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation), American Skandia Trust (now Advanced Series Trust), American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now AST Investment Services, Inc.), Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC), American Skandia Marketing, Inc. (now Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc.), and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form N-14, which was filed via EDGAR on July 12, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(13)(d) Amendment dated February 25, 2013 to the Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated June 8, 2005 among Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation, Advanced Series Trust, AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC), Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(13)(e) Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated June 8, 2005 among Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, American Skandia Trust (now Advanced Series Trust), American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now AST Investment Services, Inc.)., Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC), American Skandia Marketing, Inc. (now Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc.), and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form N-14, which was filed via EDGAR on July 12, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(13)(f) Amendment dated February 25, 2013 to the Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated June 8, 2005 among Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, Advanced Series Trust, AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC), Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc., and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(13)(g) Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated June 8, 2005 among Pruco Life Insurance Company, American Skandia Trust (now Advanced Series Trust), American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now AST Investment Services, Inc.), Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC), American Skandia Marketing, Inc. (now Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc.), and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form N-14, which was filed via EDGAR on July 12, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(13)(h) Amendment dated February 25, 2013 to the Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated June 8, 2005 among Pruco Life Insurance Company, Advanced Series Trust, AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC), Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc., and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

(13)(i) Participation Agreement among Pramerica of Bermuda Insurance Company, American Skandia Trust (now Advanced Series Trust), American Skandia Investment Services, Inc. (now AST Investment Services, Inc.), Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC), American Skandia Marketing, Inc. (now Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc.), and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(13)(j) Participation Agreement among Prudential Retirement Insurance & Annuity Company, Advanced Series Trust, Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC) and AST Investment Services, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(13)(k) Participation Agreement among the Prudential Insurance Company of America, Advanced Series Trust, Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC) and AST Investment Services, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(14) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Filed herewith.

 

(15) None.

 

(16) Power of Attorney. Filed herewith.

 

(17) None.

 

ITEM 17. Undertakings

 

(1) The undersigned registrant agrees that prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered through the use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c) of the Securities Act [17 CFR 230.145c], the reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form for the reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form.

 

(2) The undersigned registrant agrees that every prospectus that is filed under paragraph (1) above will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until the amendment is effective, and that, in determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement for the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering of them.

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed on behalf of the Registrant, in the City of Newark and State of New Jersey, on the 21st day of October, 2022.

 

  ADVANCED SERIES TRUST
   
  /s/ Timothy Cronin
  Timothy Cronin*
  Senior Vice President

 

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed on behalf of the Registrant, in the City of Newark and State of New Jersey, on the 21st day of October, 2022.

 

Signature   Title   Date
         
/s/  *Timothy S. Cronin   President and Principal Executive Officer    
Timothy S. Cronin        
         
/s/  * Susan Davenport Austin   Trustee    
Susan Davenport Austin        
         
/s/  * Sherry S. Barrat   Trustee    
Sherry S. Barrat        
         
/s/  * Jessica M. Bibliowicz   Trustee    
Jessica M. Bibliowicz        
         
/s/  * Kay Ryan Booth   Trustee    
Kay Ryan Booth        
         
/s/  * Stephen M. Chipman   Trustee    
Stephen M. Chipman        
         
/s/ * Robert F. Gunia   Trustee    
Robert F. Gunia        
         
/s/  * Thomas M. O’Brien   Trustee    
Thomas M. O’Brien        
         
/s/  * Christian J. Kelly   Treasurer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer    
Christian J. Kelly        
         
*By: /s/ Melissa Gonzalez   Attorney-in-Fact   October 21, 2022

 

* Pursuant to Powers of Attorney filed herein as Exhibit.

 

 

 

Exhibits

 

Table of Contents

 

Exhibit Number   Description
     
(6)(c)(ii)   Contractual investment management fee waiver and/or contractual expense cap for the AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio.
     
(11)   Opinion and Consent of Goodwin Procter LLP, counsel for Registrant.
     
(12)   Form of Opinion & Consent of Goodwin Procter LLP, counsel to the Registrant, supporting tax matters and consequences to shareholders.
     
(14)   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, of The Advanced Series Trust.
     
(16)   Power of Attorney.