N-CSR 1 d258171dncsr.htm PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS 9 Prudential Investment Portfolios 9

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number:    811-09101
Exact name of registrant as specified in charter:    Prudential Investment Portfolios 9
Address of principal executive offices:    Gateway Center 3,
   100 Mulberry Street,
   Newark, New Jersey 07102
Name and address of agent for service:    Deborah A. Docs
   Gateway Center 3,
   100 Mulberry Street,
   Newark, New Jersey 07102
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:    800-225-1852
Date of fiscal year end:    10/31/2011
Date of reporting period:    10/31/2011

 

 

 


Item 1 – Reports to Stockholders


LOGO

 

PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS»MUTUAL FUNDS

 

PRUDENTIAL INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE FUND

 

ANNUAL REPORT · OCTOBER 31, 2011

 

Fund Type

Sector stock

 

Objective

To seek capital appreciation and income

This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.

 

The views expressed in this report and information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings are for the period covered by this report and are subject to change thereafter.

 

Prudential Investments, Prudential, the Prudential logo, and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.

 

LOGO

 

LOGO

  LOGO


 

 

December 15, 2011

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

After leading Prudential Investments for the past eight years, I have decided to retire at the end of 2011 from my positions as President of Prudential Investments and President and Trustee of the Prudential International Real Estate Fund (the Fund). Effective January 1, 2012, I will become Chairman of Prudential Investments and act as an advisor to the business during 2012 to help facilitate a smooth transition to my successor, Stuart Parker.

 

Stuart, who will become President of Prudential Investments and President and Trustee of the Fund on January 1, 2012, previously served as the Executive Vice President of Retail Mutual Fund Distribution at Prudential Investments. With more than 20 years of investment industry experience, Stuart brings a deep understanding of the needs and challenges facing today’s investors.

 

We hope you find the annual report for the Fund informative. We recognize that ongoing market volatility may make it a difficult time to be an investor. We continue to believe a prudent response to uncertainty is to maintain a diversified portfolio, including stock and bond mutual funds consistent with your tolerance for risk, time horizon, and financial goals.

 

Your financial professional can help you create a diversified investment plan that reflects your personal investor profile and risk tolerance. Keep in mind that diversification and asset allocation strategies do not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets. We encourage you to call your financial professional before making any investment decision.

 

Prudential Investments provides a wide range of mutual funds to choose from that can help you make progress toward your financial goals. Our funds offer the experience, resources, and professional discipline of Prudential Financial’s affiliated asset managers.

 

Finally, I’ve been privileged to have had the opportunity to help you address your investment needs, and I thank you for choosing the Prudential Investments family of mutual funds.

 

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

 

Judy A. Rice, President

Prudential International Real Estate Fund

 

Prudential International Real Estate Fund     1   


Your Fund’s Performance

 

Performance data quoted represent past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate, so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the past performance data quoted. An investor may obtain performance data as of the most recent month-end by visiting our website at www.prudentialfunds.com or by calling (800) 225-1852. Class A shares have a maximum initial sales charge of 5.50%. Gross operating expenses: Class A, 3.85%; Class B, 4.55%; Class C, 4.55%; Class Z, 3.55%. Net operating expenses: Class A, 1.60%; Class B, 2.35%; Class C, 1.96%; Class Z, 1.35%, after contractual reduction through 2/28/2013.

 

Cumulative Total Returns (Without Sales Charges) as of 10/31/11

  

     Since Inception  

Class A

     –8.10

Class B

     –9.30   

Class C

     –9.10   

Class Z

     –8.60   

FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed ex-U.S. Net Index

     –7.33   

Lipper Average

     –9.98   
  

Average Annual Total Returns (With Sales Charges) as of 9/30/11

  

     Since Inception  

Class A

     N/A    

Class B

     N/A    

Class C

     N/A    

Class Z

     N/A    

FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed ex-U.S. Net Index

     N/A    

Lipper Average

     N/A    
  

Average Annual Total Returns (With Sales Charges) as of 10/31/11

  

     Since Inception  

Class A

     N/A    

Class B

     N/A    

Class C

     N/A    

Class Z

     N/A    

 

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Average Annual Total Returns (Without Sales Charges) as of 10/31/11

     Since Inception

Class A

   N/A 

Class B

   N/A 

Class C

   N/A 

Class Z

   N/A 

 

Growth of a $10,000 Investment

 

LOGO

 

The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the Prudential International Real Estate Fund (Class A shares) with a similar investment in the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed ex-U.S. Net Index by portraying the initial account values at the commencement of operations for Class A shares (December 21, 2010) and the account values at the end of the current fiscal period (October 31, 2011) as measured on a quarterly basis. For purposes of the graph, and unless otherwise indicated, it has been assumed that (a) the maximum applicable front-end sales charge was deducted from the initial $10,000 investment in Class A shares; (b) all recurring fees (including management fees) were deducted; and (c) all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The line graph provides information for Class A shares only. As indicated in the tables provided earlier, performance for Class B, Class C, and Class Z shares will vary due to the differing charges and expenses applicable to each share class (as indicated in the following paragraphs).

 

Total returns and the ending account values in the graph include changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions in a hypothetical investment for the periods shown. The Fund’s total returns do not reflect the deduction of income taxes on an individual’s investment. Taxes may reduce your actual investment returns on income or gains paid by the Fund or any gains you may realize if you sell your shares.

 

Prudential International Real Estate Fund     3   


Your Fund’s Performance (continued)

 

 

Source: Prudential Investments LLC and Lipper Inc. Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of such fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, total returns would be lower.

 

Inception date: 12/21/10

 

The average annual total returns take into account applicable sales charges. Class A, Class B, and Class C shares are subject to an annual distribution and service (12b-1) fee of up to 0.30%, 1.00%, and 1.00% respectively. Under certain limited circumstances, an exchange may be made from Class A, Class B, or Class C shares to Class Z shares of the Fund. Approximately seven years after purchase, Class B will automatically convert to Class A shares on a quarterly basis. All investors who purchase Class A shares in the amount of $1 million or more and sell these shares within 12 months of purchase are not subject to a front-end sales charge but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1%, including investors who purchase their shares through broker-dealers affiliated with Prudential. Class B and Class C shares are subject to a maximum CDSC of 5% and 1%, respectively. Class Z shares are not subject to a 12b-1 fee or a sales charge. The returns in the tables and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or following the redemption of Fund shares.

 

Benchmark Definitions

 

FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed ex-U.S. Net Index

The Financial Times Stock Exchange European Public Real Estate Association/National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (FTSE EPRA/NAREIT) Developed ex-U.S. Net Total Return Index is an unmanaged index that tracks the performance of listed REITs and real estate companies globally, excluding the U.S.

 

Lipper Equity International Real Estate Funds Average

Funds in the Lipper Equity International Real Estate Funds Average invest at least 75% of their equity portfolios in shares of companies engaged in the real estate industry that are strictly outside of the U.S. or whose securities are principally traded outside of the U.S.

 

Investors cannot invest directly in an index or average. The returns for the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed ex-U.S. Net Index would be lower if they included the effects of sales charges, operating expenses of a mutual fund, or taxes. Returns for the Lipper Average reflect the deduction of operating expenses of a mutual fund, but not sales charges or taxes.

 

Five Largest Holdings expressed as a percentage of net assets as of 10/31/11

  

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd., Diversified Real Estate Activities

     6.3

Westfield Group, REIT, Retail REITs

     4.8   

Unibail-Rodamco, REIT, Retail REITs

     4.2   

Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd., Diversified Real Estate Activities

     4.0   

Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd., Diversified Real Estate Activities

     4.0   

Holdings reflect only long-term investments and are subject to change.

 

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Five Largest Industries expressed as a percentage of net assets as of 10/31/11

  

Diversified Real Estate Activities

     28.0

Retail REITs

     22.6   

Diversified REITs

     13.0   

Real Estate Operating Companies

     12.9   

Office REITs

     6.2   

Industry weightings reflect only long-term investments and are subject to change.

 

Prudential International Real Estate Fund     5   


Strategy and Performance Overview

 

How did the Fund perform?

For the reporting period December 21, 2010 to October 31, 2011, the Prudential International Real Estate Fund (the Fund) Class A shares declined by 8.10%, underperforming the 7.33% decline of the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed ex-U.S. Net Index (the Index) and outperforming the 9.98% decline of the Lipper Equity International Real Estate Funds Average.

 

How is the Fund managed?

Prudential Real Estate Investors, also known as PREI®, manages the Fund, and is one of the largest, most experienced global real estate managers with more than 200 investment professionals in more than 20 locations worldwide. PREI combines a top-down approach that defines broad economic and market trends with bottom-up, company-by-company analysis.

 

PREI’s investment process involves a core understanding of real estate values. PREI evaluates each security held by the Fund daily to assess its risk-adjusted return potential. It also regularly analyzes and updates allocation of the Fund’s holdings based on geographic location and property type. This results in a portfolio that seeks the best of established markets, as well as new opportunities in regions with growing public real estate securities markets.

 

PREI’s specialists in private direct property investment work with the team that invests in publicly traded real estate stocks. PREI believes the exchange of information and ideas shared between the two teams helps provide a forward view of market activity. PREI believes the extent to which it has utilized both capabilities is uncommon, particularly on a global basis.

 

What were conditions like in the international real estate securities market?

   

By region, 2011 returns in Canada and North America beat the UK, which outpaced Continental Europe. Asia Pacific stood as the weakest area.

 

   

In Europe, issues related to sovereign debt and slowing euro economies continued to challenge the equity markets. Speculation on the policies of finance ministers, central bankers and government leaders spurred considerable market volatility, far outweighing any company-specific positive news. The underlying condition of European banks served as an additional point of concern.

 

   

Greece, Spain, and Italy were the weakest performing markets during the reporting period. Non-euro zone participants such as the UK and Switzerland were less affected, with Switzerland standing as a top performer in 2011.

 

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Earnings estimates for some listed properties have softened due to broad economic concerns. However, estimates for those companies exposed to stronger markets have generally held up. These include companies with retail exposure in Paris and northern Europe.

 

   

For UK office companies, the distinction between prime (luxury) and less-than prime properties remains acute. A similar dichotomy exists for other property types and other markets. For now, prime assets are most likely to see improved leasing activity.

 

   

Investor interest continued to show strength in Germany. Activity in Central and Eastern Europe has shown continued improvement. This strength has been supported by cross-border investment, which increased considerably from a year ago.

 

   

Asian markets in the third quarter of 2011 were dominated by the U.S. debt gridlock and by the euro zone’s sovereign debt woes. However, mounting concerns over the extent of China’s slowdown, the risk of over-exposure of local governments to off-balance sheet financing vehicles, and the impact on the banking and real estate sectors also contributed to market volatility.

 

   

Japanese real estate developer stocks and Japanese Real Estate Investment Trusts (JREIT) outperformed their Hong Kong and Singapore counterparts. Japanese property stocks have also outperformed over the trailing year. Investors have sought refuge in the Japanese yen and improving fundamentals in the office and condo markets in Tokyo.

 

   

Property tightening measures in Hong Kong and Singapore have yet to moderate prices of mass market residential homes. There is increasing evidence pointing to a slowdown in the residential markets. Hong Kong mortgages in August declined 27% on a month-over-month basis, in response to rising mortgage rates. In Singapore, residential unit sales in the secondary and primary markets declined significantly from January to July 2011. Continued strong retail demand remains one of the bright spots in Hong Kong and Singapore. Retail sales in Singapore have also been buoyant.

 

   

China property prices in the top 10 cities declined for the first time in a year, indicating that the government’s tightening measures and economic slowdown are starting to take their toll on residential demand. China real estate stocks came off from their peak in early August following the announcement of housing purchase restrictions (HPR) targeted at second- and third-tier cities.

 

Prudential International Real Estate Fund     7   


Strategy and Performance Overview (continued)

 

Which holdings or related groups of holdings made the largest positive and negative contribution to the Fund’s return?

   

Near the end of the reporting period, the Fund held the greatest exposure to diversified companies, which invest in different types of real estate (residential and commercial), and retail property companies that manage shopping malls and other retail spaces. Asia Pacific accounted for a greater portion of diversified exposure, whereas Europe held the largest exposure to retail.

 

   

Residential property comprised a considerably smaller allocation in the Fund. However, exposure within this segment led to the most notable positive returns for the portfolio. The Hotel/Resort segment underperformed, yet stock selection mitigated the impact.

 

   

Companies such as Unibail-Rodamco (France), RioCan (Canada), and GPT Group (Australia) positively benefited the portfolio. Meanwhile, Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. (Hong Kong), Keppel Land Ltd. (Singapore), and Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd. (Hong Kong) negatively affected the portfolio.

 

Did any tactical shifts in portfolio risk characteristics, including significant sales and purchases, affect the Fund?

   

The Fund maintained a balanced approach between larger, more defensive companies and smaller names offering compelling real estate value. Earlier in the period, improving market conditions allowed the portfolio to add exposure to entities appropriately positioned to benefit from a market upswing.

 

   

Recently, PREI maintained slight overweights in Japan and Singapore and an underweight in Hong Kong. Within sectors, PREI remains cautious on developers due to risks of further tightening measures and slowdowns because of the ongoing debt crisis. PREI is keeping its exposure to retail and Japanese re-construction and selected Singapore Real Estate Investment Trusts (SREIT) for their defensive characteristics.

 

   

Concerns about volatility and more selective valuations brought a modest reduction in risk exposure. Companies with defensive demand characteristics (such as certain firms within the residential/multifamily area and those with longer lease terms) gained favor over those with more economic sensitivity (such as hotel/resorts). Volatility did present several opportunities in companies that appeared undervalued in the public market.

 

What is PREI’s outlook for the international real estate securities markets?

   

In the near-term, macro-oriented themes continue to drive investor sentiment. At some juncture, PREI believes that concerns regarding sovereign debt and broad-based weak economic conditions will diminish.

 

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Ultimately, property fundamentals and company-specific drivers should take on added importance. While challenging, near-term volatility does present opportunities to take advantage of potentially mispriced companies. For long-term investors with a core understanding of property values, the arbitrage opportunities can be meaningful.

 

   

Going forward, the performance distinction between top-tier assets in top markets and lesser quality assets could remain meaningful. Certainly job formation will be key in setting the pace of demand. However, historic low interest rates and similarly low levels of new supply could likely pose a positive environment for owners of existing property in many markets. Issues in Asia Pacific may be somewhat different. Asset inflation appears to have slowed, a positive for investors. Overall, PREI maintains a cautiously optimistic view on the market.

 

Prudential International Real Estate Fund     9   


Comments on the Fund’s Five Largest Holdings

 

6.3% Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd., Diversified Real Estate Activities

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd., through its subsidiaries, develops and invests in properties. The Company also operates hotels and manages properties, car parking, and transportation infrastructure. In addition, Sun Hung Kai operates a logistics business, construction, financial services, telecommunication, Internet infrastructure, and other services.

 

4.8% Westfield Group, REIT, Retail REITs

Westfield Group is a property trust that invests in, leases, and manages retail shopping centers in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The Group’s operations also include asset management, property development, and construction.

 

4.2% Unibail-Rodamco, REIT, Retail REITs

Unibail-Rodamco leases and rents building space, finances real estate investments, and renovates real estate for sale. The Company’s properties, mainly shopping centers, office buildings, and convention-exhibition centers, are primarily located in city centers or near major access routes.

 

4.0% Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd., Diversified Real Estate Activities

Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. is a Japan-based real estate company that has eight business segments. The Leasing segment leases houses and commercial facilities.

 

4.0% Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd., Diversified Real Estate Activities

Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd. engages in real estate activities primarily in Japan, the United States, and internationally. It operates in eight segments: Building Business, Residential Business, Urban Development & Investment Management, International Business, Architectural Design & Engineering, Custom-Built Housing, Hotels Business, and Real Estate Services.

 

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Fees and Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemptions, as applicable, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses, as applicable. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested on May 1, 2011, at the beginning of the period, and held through the six-month period ended October 31, 2011. The example is for illustrative purposes only; you should consult the Prospectus for information on initial and subsequent minimum investment requirements.

 

The Fund’s transfer agent may charge additional fees to holders of certain accounts that are not included in the expenses shown in the table on the following page. These fees apply to individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and Section 403(b) accounts. As of the close of the six-month period covered by the table, IRA fees included an annual maintenance fee of $15 per account (subject to a maximum annual maintenance fee of $25 for all accounts held by the same shareholder). Section 403(b) accounts are charged an annual $25 fiduciary maintenance fee. Some of the fees may vary in amount, or may be waived, based on your total account balance or the number of Prudential Investments funds, including the Fund, that you own. You should consider the additional fees that were charged to your Fund account over the six-month period when you estimate the total ongoing expenses paid over the period and the impact of these fees on your ending account value, as these additional expenses are not reflected in the information provided in the expense table. Additional fees have the effect of reducing investment returns.

 

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class in the table on the following page provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information on this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value ÷ $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number on the first line under the heading “Expenses Paid During the Six-Month Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class in the table on the following page provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and

 

Prudential International Real Estate Fund     11   


Fees and Expenses (continued)

 

expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Prudential
International
Real Estate Fund
  Beginning Account
Value
May 1, 2011
    Ending Account
Value
October 31, 2011
    Annualized
Expense Ratio
Based on the
Six-Month Period
    Expenses Paid
During the
Six-Month Period*
 
         
Class A   Actual   $ 1,000.00      $ 875.20        1.60   $ 7.56   
    Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,017.14        1.60   $ 8.13   
         
Class B   Actual   $ 1,000.00      $ 865.50        2.35   $ 11.05   
    Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,013.36        2.35   $ 11.93   
         
Class C   Actual   $ 1,000.00      $ 867.40        1.86   $ 8.75   
    Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,015.83        1.86   $ 9.45   
         
Class Z   Actual   $ 1,000.00      $ 869.60        1.35   $ 6.36   
    Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,018.40        1.35   $ 6.87   

* Fund expenses (net of fee waivers or subsidies, if any) for each share class are equal to the annualized expense ratio for each share class (provided in the table), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the 184 days in the six-month period ended October 31, 2011, and divided by the 365 days in the Fund’s fiscal period ended October 31, 2011 (to reflect the six-month period). Expenses presented in the table include the expenses of any underlying funds in which the Fund may invest.

 

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Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011

 

Shares      Description    Value (Note 1)  
       

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS    98.3%

  

COMMON STOCKS    98.3%

  

Australia    16.7%

        
100,400     

CFS Retail Property Trust, REIT

   $ 191,392   
27,000     

Charter Hall Office, REIT

     95,808   
47,500     

Charter Hall Retail, REIT

     162,918   
232,600     

Dexus Property Group, REIT

     206,911   
63,500     

FKP Property Group

     32,726   
340,100     

Goodman Group, REIT

     221,010   
86,300     

GPT Group, REIT

     284,815   
257,200     

Investa Office Fund, REIT

     168,143   
91,800     

Stockland, REIT

     303,142   
84,300     

Westfield Group, REIT

     678,645   
       

 

 

 
          2,345,510   

Belgium    0.5%

        
515     

Cofinimmo, REIT

     62,781   

Brazil    1.7%

        
6,073     

BR Malls Participacoes SA

     65,970   
9,564     

Brookfield Incorporacoes SA

     37,268   
3,162     

Multiplan Empreendimentos Imobiliarios SA

     63,853   
16,305     

PDG Realty SA Empreendimentos e Participacoes

     71,988   
       

 

 

 
          239,079   

Canada    9.5%

        
5,441     

Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust, REIT

     265,732   
23,411     

Brookfield Office Properties, Inc.

     384,253   
11,300     

Canadian Apartment Properties, REIT

     229,231   
15,800     

Chartwell Seniors Housing Real Estate Investment Trust, REIT

     123,166   
13,400     

RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, REIT

     339,991   
       

 

 

 
          1,342,373   

Finland    1.2%

        
20,519     

Citycon Oyj

     75,568   
22,848     

Sponda Oyj

     99,260   
       

 

 

 
          174,828   

France    6.5%

        
739     

ICADE, REIT

     66,139   
8,677     

Klepierre, REIT

     270,459   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential International Real Estate Fund     13   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Shares      Description    Value (Note 1)  
       

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

  

France (cont’d.)

        
2,942     

Unibail-Rodamco, REIT

   $ 584,897   
       

 

 

 
          921,495   

Germany

        
410     

DIC Asset AG

     3,740   

Hong Kong    20.5%

        
149,000     

China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd.

     275,708   
102,000     

Hang Lung Properties Ltd.

     371,465   
52,000     

Henderson Land Development Co. Ltd.

     284,234   
72,000     

Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd.

     381,600   
29,000     

Hysan Development Co. Ltd.

     101,198   
8,500     

Kerry Properties Ltd.

     31,194   
60,000     

Link (The), REIT

     206,054   
212,000     

New World China Land Ltd.

     48,369   
34,000     

New World Development Co. Ltd.

     35,817   
94,000     

Sino Land Co. Ltd.

     148,589   
64,000     

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

     881,202   
23,000     

Wharf Holdings Ltd. (The)

     122,343   
       

 

 

 
          2,887,773   

Italy    0.5%

        
119,504     

Beni Stabili SpA, REIT

     71,818   

Japan    16.8%

        
9,200     

AEON Mall Co. Ltd.

     213,293   
2,100     

Daito Trust Construction Co. Ltd.

     186,061   
10,000     

Daiwa House Industry Co. Ltd.

     125,309   
33,000     

Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd.

     558,922   
34,000     

Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd.

     565,430   
8     

Nippon Accommodations Fund, Inc., REIT

     53,011   
22     

Nippon Building Fund, Inc., REIT

     212,448   
6,200     

Nomura Real Estate Holdings, Inc.

     99,948   
17,000     

Sumitomo Realty & Development Co. Ltd.

     352,361   
       

 

 

 
          2,366,783   

Netherlands    3.7%

        
1,242     

Corio NV, REIT

     63,116   
4,654     

Eurocommercial Properties NV, REIT

     198,501   
1,563     

VastNed Retail NV, REIT

     78,965   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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Shares      Description    Value (Note 1)  
       

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

  

Netherlands (cont’d.)

        
2,217     

Wereldhave NV, REIT

   $ 173,535   
       

 

 

 
          514,117   

Norway    0.7%

        
63,872     

Norwegian Property ASA(a)

     100,016   

Singapore    7.9%

        
34,000     

Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust, REIT

     55,316   
34,000     

Cache Logistics Trust, REIT

     26,627   
62,000     

CapitaCommercial Trust, REIT

     55,386   
43,000     

Capitaland Ltd.

     92,641   
24,000     

CapitaMall Trust, REIT

     35,659   
109,000     

CDL Hospitality Trusts, REIT

     140,863   
28,000     

City Developments Ltd.

     241,462   
25,000     

Global Logistic Properties Ltd.(a)

     34,808   
90,000     

Keppel Land Ltd.

     198,555   
122,000     

Mapletree Commercial Trust, REIT

     84,236   
38,880     

Mapletree Industrial Trust, REIT

     35,761   
109,000     

Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust, REIT

     107,103   
       

 

 

 
          1,108,417   

Sweden    1.9%

        
12,998     

Hufvudstaden AB (Class A Stock)

     141,015   
18,760     

Klovern AB

     78,287   
7,033     

Kungsleden AB

     53,777   
       

 

 

 
          273,079   

United Kingdom    10.2%

        
10,589     

Atrium European Real Estate Ltd.

     53,375   
4,373     

Big Yellow Group PLC, REIT

     18,363   
34,250     

British Land Co. PLC, REIT

     280,203   
3,260     

Derwent London PLC, REIT

     88,735   
29,894     

Great Portland Estates PLC, REIT

     178,708   
38,196     

Hammerson PLC, REIT

     249,538   
33,118     

Land Securities Group PLC, REIT

     362,457   
52,331     

SEGRO PLC, REIT

     204,634   
       

 

 

 
          1,436,013   
       

 

 

 
    

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(cost $14,946,887)

     13,847,822   
       

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential International Real Estate Fund     15   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Units      Description    Value (Note 1)  

RIGHTS(a)

       

Hong Kong

               
17,000     

New World Development Co. Ltd., expiring 11/22/11
(cost $0)

   $ 5,799   
       

 

 

 
    

TOTAL LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $14,946,887)

     13,853,621   
       

 

 

 
Shares       

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT    3.0%

  

AFFILIATED MONEY MARKET MUTUAL FUND

        
417,115     

Prudential Investment Portfolios 2 - Prudential Core Taxable Money Market Fund
(cost $417,115)(b)

     417,115   
       

 

 

 
    

TOTAL INVESTMENTS    101.3%
(cost $15,364,002; Note 5)

     14,270,736   
    

Liabilities in excess of other assets    (1.3)%

     (189,222
       

 

 

 
    

NET ASSETS    100%

   $ 14,081,514   
       

 

 

 

 

The following abbreviation is used in the Portfolio descriptions:

REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust

(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) Prudential Investments LLC, the manager of the Fund, also serves as manager of the Prudential Investment Portfolios 2 - Prudential Core Taxable Money Market Fund.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.

 

Level 1—quoted prices generally for securities actively traded on a regulated securities exchange and for open-end mutual funds which trade at daily net asset value.

 

Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, foreign currency exchange rates, and amortized cost) generally for debt securities, swaps, forward foreign currency contracts and for foreign stocks priced using vendor modeling tools.

 

Level 3—significant unobservable inputs for securities valued in accordance with Board approved fair valuation procedures.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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The following is a summary of the inputs used as of October 31, 2011 in valuing such portfolio securities:

 

     Level 1      Level 2          Level 3      

Investments in Securities

        

Common Stocks:

        

Australia

   $       $ 2,345,510       $   —   

Belgium

             62,781           

Brazil

     239,079                   

Canada

     1,342,373                   

Finland

             174,828           

France

             921,495           

Germany

             3,740           

Hong Kong

     381,600         2,506,173           

Italy

             71,818           

Japan

             2,366,783           

Netherlands

             514,117           

Norway

             100,016           

Singapore

             1,108,417           

Sweden

             273,079           

United Kingdom

             1,436,013           

Rights—Hong Kong

             5,799           

Affiliated Money Market Mutual Fund

     417,115                   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,380,167       $ 11,890,569       $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

The industry classification of investments and liabilities in excess of other assets shown as a percentage of net assets as of October 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

Diversified Real Estate Activities

     28.0

Retail REITs

     22.6   

Diversified REITs

     13.0   

Real Estate Operating Companies

     12.9   

Office REITs

     6.2   

Real Estate Development

     5.0   

Residential REITs

     3.9   

Industrial REITs

     3.9   

Affiliated Money Market Mutual Fund

     3.0

Specialized REITs

     2.0   

Homebuilding

     0.8   
  

 

 

 
     101.3   

Liabilities in excess of other assets

     (1.3
  

 

 

 
     100.0
  

 

 

 

 

The Fund invested in various derivative instruments during the reporting period. The primary types of risk associated with these derivative instruments were equity risk and foreign exchange risk.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential International Real Estate Fund     17   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

 

The effect of such derivative instruments on the Fund’s financial position and financial performance as reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Statement of Operations is presented in the summary below.

 

Fair values of derivative instruments as of October 31, 2011 as presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

Derivatives not accounted for
as hedging instruments,
carried at fair value

  

Asset Derivatives

    

Liability Derivatives

 
  

Balance
Sheet Location

   Fair
Value
    

Balance
Sheet Location

   Fair
Value
 
Equity contracts    Unaffiliated investments    $ 5,799          $   —   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

The effects of derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations for the period December 21, 2010* through October 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

Amount of Realized Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income

 

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging
instruments, carried at fair value

     Forward
Currency
Contracts
 

Foreign exchange contracts

     $ 549   
    

 

 

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation or (Depreciation) on Derivatives Recognized in Income

 

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging
instruments, carried at fair value

     Rights  

Equity contracts

     $ 5,799   
    

 

 

 

 

For the period ended October 31, 2011, the Fund’s average value at settlement date payable for foreign currency exchange purchase contracts was $4,198.

 

* Commencement of operations.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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Financial Statements

 

OCTOBER 31, 2011   ANNUAL REPORT

 

Prudential International Real Estate Fund


 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

as of October 31, 2011

 

Assets

        

Investments at value:

  

Unaffiliated Investments (cost $14,946,887)

   $ 13,853,621   

Affiliated Investments (cost $417,115)

     417,115   

Foreign currency, at value (cost $6,568)

     6,597   

Dividends receivable

     45,340   

Due from manager

     15,491   

Tax reclaim receivable

     5,271   

Prepaid expenses

     409   
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     14,343,844   
  

 

 

 

Liabilities

        

Payable for investments purchased

     209,233   

Accrued expenses

     52,857   

Distribution fee payable

     183   

Affiliated transfer agent fee payable

     57   
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     262,330   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 14,081,514   
  

 

 

 
          

Net assets were comprised of:

  

Shares of beneficial interest, at par

   $ 1,538   

Paid-in capital in excess of par

     15,194,489   
  

 

 

 
     15,196,027   

Undistributed net investment income

     259,165   

Accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (279,797

Net unrealized depreciation on investments and foreign currencies

     (1,093,881
  

 

 

 

Net Assets, October 31, 2011

   $ 14,081,514   
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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Class A

        

Net asset value and redemption price per share
($813,904 ÷ 88,483 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 9.20   

Maximum sales charge (5.50% of offering price)

     0.54   
  

 

 

 

Maximum offering price to public

   $ 9.74   
  

 

 

 

Class B

        

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($4,452 ÷ 490.4 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 9.08   
  

 

 

 

Class C

        

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($30,396 ÷ 3,341 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 9.10   
  

 

 

 

Class Z

        

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($13,232,762 ÷ 1,446,164 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 9.15   
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential International Real Estate Fund     21   


 

Statement of Operations

 

December 21, 2010* through October 31, 2011

 

Net Investment Income

        

Income

  

Unaffiliated dividend income (net of foreign withholding taxes of $29,194)

   $ 376,716   

Affiliated dividend income

     1,466   
  

 

 

 

Total income

     378,182   
  

 

 

 

Expenses

  

Management fee

     108,953   

Distribution fee—Class A

     760   

Distribution fee—Class B

     41   

Distribution fee—Class C

     123   

Registration fees

     92,000   

Custodian’s fees and expenses

     64,000   

Legal fees and expenses

     43,000   

Reports to shareholders

     25,000   

Audit fee

     25,000   

Trustees’ fees

     8,000   

Transfer agent’s fees and expenses (including affiliated expense of $300) (Note 3)

     1,000   

Loan interest expense (Note 7)

     39   

Miscellaneous

     19,591   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     387,507   

Expense reimbursement (Note 2)

     (239,456
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     148,051   
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     230,131   
  

 

 

 

Realized And Unrealized Loss On Investments And Foreign Currencies

        

Net realized loss on:

  

Investment transactions

     (254,384

Foreign currency transactions

     (18,215
  

 

 

 
     (272,599
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

  

Investments

     (1,093,266

Foreign currencies

     (615
  

 

 

 
     (1,093,881
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investments and foreign currencies

     (1,366,480
  

 

 

 

Net Decrease In Net Assets Resulting From Operations

   $ (1,136,349
  

 

 

 

 

* Commencement of operations.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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Statement of Changes

 

 

     December 21, 2010*
through
October 31, 2011
 

Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets

        

Operations

  

Net investment income

   $ 230,131   

Net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (272,599

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currencies

     (1,093,881
  

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

     (1,136,349
  

 

 

 

Fund share transactions (Note 6)

  

Net proceeds from shares sold

     17,868,451   

Cost of shares reacquired

     (2,650,588
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from Fund share transactions

     15,217,863   
  

 

 

 

Total increase

     14,081,514   

Net Assets

        

Beginning of period

       
  

 

 

 

End of period(a)

   $ 14,081,514   
  

 

 

 

(a) Includes undistributed net investment income of:

   $ 259,165   
  

 

 

 

 

* Commencement of operations.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential International Real Estate Fund     23   


 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

Prudential Investment Portfolios 9 (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (“1940 Act”), as an open-end, management investment company. The Trust currently consists of three portfolios: Prudential International Real Estate Fund, Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund and Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund. These financial statements relate only to Prudential International Real Estate Fund (the “Fund”). The financial statements of the other portfolios are not presented herein. The Trust was organized as a Delaware business trust on September 18, 1998. The Fund commenced investment operations on December 21, 2010. The Fund is non-diversified and its investment objective is to seek capital appreciation and income.

 

Note 1. Accounting Policies

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Trust in the preparation of these financial statements.

 

Securities Valuation: Securities listed on a securities exchange (other than options on securities and indices) are valued at the last sale price on such exchange on the day of valuation or, if there was no sale on such day, at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices, or at the last bid price on such day in the absence of an asked price. Securities traded via NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price (“NOCP”) on the day of valuation, or if there was no NOCP, at the last sale price. Securities that are actively traded in the over-the-counter market, including listed securities for which the primary market is believed by Prudential Investments LLC (“PI” or “Manager”), in consultation with the subadviser, to be over-the-counter, are valued at market value using prices provided by an independent pricing agent or principal market maker. Prices may be obtained from independent pricing services which use information provided by market makers or estimates of market values obtained from yield data relating to investments or securities with similar characteristics. Securities for which reliable market quotations are not readily available, or whose values have been affected by events occurring after the close of the security’s foreign market and before the Fund’s normal pricing time, are valued at fair value in accordance with the Board of Trustees’ approved fair valuation procedures. When determining the fair value of securities, some of the factors influencing the valuation include the nature of any restrictions on disposition of the securities; assessment of the general liquidity of the securities; the issuer’s financial condition and the markets in which it does business; the cost of the investment; the

 

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size of the holding and the capitalization of issuer; the prices of any recent transactions or bids/offers for such securities or any comparable securities; any available analyst media or other reports or information deemed reliable by the investment adviser regarding the issuer or the markets or industry in which it operates. Using fair value to price securities may result in a value that is different from a security’s most recent closing price and from the price used by other mutual funds to calculate their net asset values.

 

Investments in open-end, non exchange-traded mutual funds are valued at their net asset value as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange on the date of valuation.

 

Foreign Currency Translation: The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars on the following basis:

 

(i) market value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities-at the current daily rates of exchange.

 

(ii) purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses-at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.

 

Although the net assets of the Fund are presented at the foreign exchange rates and market values at the close of the fiscal period, the Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of portfolio securities held at the end of the fiscal period. Similarly, the Fund does not isolate the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of portfolio securities sold during the fiscal period. Accordingly, realized foreign currency gains or losses are included in the reported net realized gains or losses on investment transactions. Net realized gains or losses on foreign currency transactions represent net foreign exchange gains or losses from holdings of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on security transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains or losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities (other than investments) at period-end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currencies.

 

Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of domestic origin as a result of, among other

 

Prudential International Real Estate Fund     25   


 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

continued

 

factors, the possibility of political or economic instability, or the level of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets.

 

Forward Currency Contracts: A forward currency contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The Fund enters into forward currency contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings or specific receivables and payables denominated in a foreign currency. The contracts are valued daily at current forward exchange rates and any unrealized gain or loss is included in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies. Gain or loss is realized on the settlement date of the contract equal to the difference between the settlement value of the original and negotiated forward contracts. This gain or loss, if any, is included in net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions. Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. Forward currency contracts involve elements of both market and credit risk in excess of the amounts reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk is the net value of the cash flows to be received from the counterparty at the end of the contract’s life. A master netting agreement between the Fund and the counterparty permits the Fund to offset amounts payable by the Fund to the same counterparty against amounts to be received; and by the receipt of collateral from the counterparty by the Fund to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty. However, there is no assurance that such mitigating factors are easily enforceable.

 

Warrants and Rights: The Fund may hold warrants and rights acquired either through a direct purchase, included as part of a private placement, or pursuant to corporate actions. Warrants and rights entitle the holder to buy a proportionate amount of common stock, or such other security that the issuer may specify, at a specific price and time through the expiration dates. Such warrants and rights are held as long positions by the Fund until exercised, sold or expired. Warrants and rights are valued at fair value in accordance with the Board of Trustees’ approved fair valuation procedures.

 

Securities Transactions and Net Investment Income: Securities transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains or losses on sales of securities are calculated on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, including amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, as required, is recorded on the accrual basis. Expenses

 

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are recorded on the accrual basis which may require the use of certain estimates by management. Net investment income or loss (other than distribution fees, which are charged directly to the respective class) and unrealized and realized gains or losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day.

 

The Fund invests in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), which report information on the source of their distributions annually. A portion of distributions received from REITs during the period is estimated to be income and/or capital gain and a portion is estimated to be return of capital and is recorded as a reduction of their cost. These estimates are adjusted when the actual source of distributions is disclosed by the REITs.

 

Dividends and Distributions: The Fund expects to pay dividends of net investment income and distributions of net realized capital and currency gains, if any, annually.

 

Dividends and distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations and which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Permanent book/tax differences relating to income and gains are reclassified amongst undistributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gain or loss and paid-in capital in excess of par as appropriate.

 

Taxes: It is the Fund’s policy to continue to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable net investment income and capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.

 

Withholding taxes on foreign dividends are recorded, net of reclaimable amounts, at the time the related income is earned.

 

Estimates: The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Note 2. Agreements

 

The Fund has a management agreement with PI. Pursuant to this agreement, PI manages the investment operations of the Fund, administers the Fund’s affairs and supervises the Subadviser’s performance of all investment advisory services. PI has entered into a subadvisory agreement with Prudential Real Estate Investors (“PREI”),

 

Prudential International Real Estate Fund     27   


 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

continued

 

which is a business unit of Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (“PIM”). The subadvisory agreement provides that PREI will furnish investment advisory services in connection with the management of the Fund. In connection therewith, PREI is obligated to keep certain books and records of the Fund. Pursuant to the advisory agreement, PI pays for the services of PREI, the cost of compensation of officers of the Fund, occupancy and certain clerical and accounting costs of the Fund. The Fund bears all other costs and expenses.

 

The management fee paid to PI is computed daily and payable monthly at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

PI has contractually agreed through February 28, 2013 to limit net annual Fund operating expenses (exclusive of distribution and service (12b-1) fees, extraordinary and certain other expenses, such as taxes, interest and brokerage commissions) of each class of shares to 1.35% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

The Fund has a distribution agreement with Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (“PIMS”), which acts as the distributor of the Class A, B, C and Z shares of the Fund. The Fund compensates PIMS for distributing and servicing the Fund’s Class A, B and C shares, pursuant to plans of distribution (the “Distribution Plans”), regardless of expenses actually incurred by PIMS. The distribution fees are accrued daily and payable monthly. No distribution or service fees are paid to PIMS as distributor of the Class Z shares of the Fund.

 

Pursuant to the Distribution Plans, the Fund compensates PIMS for distribution related activities at an annual rate of up to .30%, 1%, and 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A, B, and C shares, respectively. PIMS has contractually agreed through February 28, 2013 to limit such fees to .25% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares.

 

PIMS has advised the Fund that it has received $1,681 in front-end sales charges resulting from sales of Class A shares, during the fiscal period ended October 31, 2011. From these fees, PIMS paid such sales charges to affiliated broker-dealers, which in turn paid commissions to salespersons and incurred other distribution costs.

 

PIMS has advised the Fund that for the period ended October 31, 2011, there were no contingent deferred sales charges imposed.

 

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PI, PIM and PIMS are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Prudential Financial, Inc. (“Prudential”).

 

Note 3. Other Transactions with Affiliates

 

Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (“PMFS”), an affiliate of PI and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential, serves as the Fund’s transfer agent. Transfer agent fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations include certain out-of-pocket expenses paid to non-affiliates, where applicable.

 

The Fund invests in the Prudential Core Taxable Money Market Fund (the “Core Fund”), a series of Prudential Investment Portfolios 2. The Core Fund is a money market mutual fund registered under the 1940 Act, as amended, and managed by PI. Earnings from the Core Fund are disclosed on the Statement of Operations as affiliated dividend income.

 

Note 4. Portfolio Securities

 

Purchases and sales of portfolio securities, other than short-term investments, for the period ended October 31, 2011, were $18,848,435 and $3,631,480, respectively.

 

Note 5. Tax Information

 

Distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations and which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. In order to present undistributed net investment income, accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions and paid-in capital in excess of par on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities that more closely represent their tax character, certain adjustments have been made to undistributed net investment income, accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions and paid-in capital in excess of par. For the period ended October 31, 2011, the adjustments were to increase undistributed net investment income by $29,034, increase accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions by $7,198 and decrease paid-in capital in excess of par by $21,836, due to the differences in the treatment for book and tax purposes of certain transactions involving investments in Passive Foreign Investment Companies, foreign securities and currencies, nondeductible expenses and other book to tax adjustments. Net investment income, net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions and net assets were not affected by this change.

 

For the period ended October 31, 2011, there were no distributions paid by the Fund.

 

Prudential International Real Estate Fund     29   


 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

continued

 

 

As of October 31, 2011, the accumulated undistributed earnings on a tax basis was $354,132 of ordinary income. This differs from the amount shown on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities primarily due to cumulative timing differences between financial and tax reporting.

 

The United States federal income tax basis of the Fund’s investments and the net unrealized depreciation as of October 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

Tax Basis

 

Appreciation

 

Depreciation

 

Net
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

Other
Cost Basis
Adjustments

 

Total Net
Unrealized
Depreciation

$15,548,907   $154,528   $(1,432,699)   $(1,278,171)   $(615)   $(1,278,786)

 

The difference between book basis and tax basis was primarily attributable to deferred losses on wash sales. The other cost basis adjustments are primarily attributable to appreciation (depreciation) of foreign currency and forward currency transactions.

 

For federal income tax purposes, the Fund had a capital loss carryforward as of October 31, 2011 of approximately $190,000 which expires in 2019. Accordingly, no capital gains distributions are expected to be paid to shareholders until net gains have been realized in excess of such carryforward. Under the recently enacted Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (“the Act”), the Fund is permitted to carryforward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 (“post-enactment losses”) for an unlimited period. However, any post-enactment losses are required to be utilized before the utilization of losses incurred prior to the effective date of the Act. As a result of this ordering rule, capital loss carryforwards related to the taxable years beginning prior to the effective date of the Act may have an increased likelihood to expire unused. Additionally, post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under previous law.

 

Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements for the current reporting period.

 

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Note 6. Capital

 

The Fund offers Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares. Class A shares are subject to a maximum front-end sales charge of 5.50%. Investors who purchase Class A shares in an amount of $1 million or more and sell these shares within 12 months of purchase are not subject to an initial sales charge but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1%. The Class A CDSC is waived for purchases by certain retirement and/or benefit plans. Under certain circumstances, an exchange may be made from Class A, Class B or Class C to Class Z shares of the Fund. Class B shares are sold with a CDSC which declines from 5% to zero depending on the period of time the shares are held. Class C shares are sold with a CDSC of 1% on shares redeemed within the first 12 months after purchase. Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares on a quarterly basis approximately seven years after purchase. A special exchange privilege is also available for shareholders who qualified to purchase Class A shares at net asset value. Class Z shares are not subject to any sales or redemption charge and are offered exclusively for sale to a limited group of investors.

 

The Trust has authorized an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest at $.001 par value per share.

 

As of October 31, 2011, Prudential owned 100 Class A shares, 100 Class B shares, 100 Class C shares and 1,000,100 Class Z shares of the Fund.

 

Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:

 

Class A

     Shares      Amount  

Period December 21, 2010* through October 31, 2011:

       

Shares sold

       144,845       $ 1,498,855   

Shares reacquired

       (56,362      (570,029
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       88,483       $ 928,826   
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Class B

               

Period December 21, 2010* through October 31, 2011:

       

Shares sold

       864       $ 8,834   

Shares reacquired

       (374      (3,533
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       490       $ 5,301   
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

* Commencement of operations.

 

Prudential International Real Estate Fund     31   


 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

continued

 

Class C

     Shares      Amount  

Period December 21, 2010* through October 31, 2011:

       

Shares sold

       3,341       $ 32,762   

Shares reacquired

                 
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       3,341       $ 32,762   
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Class Z

               

Period December 21, 2010* through October 31, 2011:

       

Shares sold

       1,655,059       $ 16,328,000   

Shares reacquired

       (208,895      (2,077,026
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       1,446,164       $ 14,250,974   
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

* Commencement of operations.

 

Note 7. Borrowings

 

The Fund, along with other affiliated registered investment companies (the “Companies”), are a party to a Syndicated Credit Agreement (“SCA”) with a group of banks. The purpose of the SCA is to provide an alternative source of temporary funding for capital share redemptions. The SCA provides for a commitment of $750 million for the period December 17, 2010 through December 16, 2011. The Companies pay an annualized commitment fee of .10% of the unused portion of the SCA. Interest on any borrowings under the SCA is paid at contracted market rates. The commitment fee for the unused amount is accrued daily and paid quarterly. The SCA has been renewed of substantially similar terms with an increase in the amount of commitment to $900 million.

 

The Fund utilized the line of credit during the period ended October 31, 2011. The average daily balance for the 3 days the Fund had debt outstanding during the period was $312,333 at a weighted average interest rate of approximately 1.50%.

 

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Note 8. Dividends to Shareholders

 

Subsequent to the fiscal period end, the Fund declared ordinary income dividends on December 12, 2011 to shareholders of record on December 13, 2011. The ex-dividend date was December 14, 2011. The per share amounts declared were as follows:

 

      Ordinary Income  

Class A*

   $ 0.2884   

Class B*

   $ 0.2145   

Class C*

   $ 0.2590   

Class Z*

   $ 0.3114   

 

* Includes $0.0879 of Special Ordinary Income.

 

Note 9. New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In April 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-03 “Reconsideration of Effective control for Repurchase Agreements.” The objective of ASU No. 2011-03 is to improve the accounting for repurchase agreements and other agreements that both entitle and obligate a transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before their maturity. Under previous guidance, whether or not to account for a transaction as a sale was based on, in part, if the entity maintained effective control over the transferred financial assets. ASU No. 2011-03 removes the transferor’s ability criterion from the effective control assessment. This guidance is effective prospectively for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of ASU No. 2011-03 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.

 

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04 “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs.” ASU No. 2011-04 includes common requirements for measurement of and disclosure about fair value between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. ASU No. 2011-04 will require reporting entities to disclose quantitative information about the unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. In addition, ASU No. 2011-04 will require reporting entities to make disclosures about amounts and reasons for all transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements. The new and revised disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of ASU No. 2011-04 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.

 

Prudential International Real Estate Fund     33   


Financial Highlights

 

Class A Shares  
     December 21,
2010(e)
through
October 31,
2011(b)
 
Per Share Operating Performance:        
Net Asset Value, Beginning Of Period     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations:        
Net investment income     .07   
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments     (.87
Total from investment operations     (.80
Net asset value, end of period     $9.20   
Total Return(a):     (8.00)%   
Ratios/Supplemental Data:      
Net assets, end of period (000)     $814   
Average net assets (000)     $353   
Ratios to average net assets(d):        
Expenses, including distribution and service (12b-1) fees(c)     1.60% (f)(h) 
Expenses, excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.35% (f)(h) 
Net investment income     .89% (f)(h) 
For Class A, B, C and Z shares:        
Portfolio turnover rate     30% (g) 

 

(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to generally accepted accounting principles. Total returns for periods less than one full year are not annualized.

(b) Calculations are based on the average daily number of shares outstanding.

(c) The distributor of the Fund has contractually agreed to limit its distribution and service (12b-1) fees to .25% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares.

(d) Does not include expenses of the underlying fund in which the Fund invests.

(e) Commencement of operations.

(f) Annualized.

(g) Not annualized.

(h) Net of expense reimbursement. If the investment manager had not reimbursed expenses, the expense ratios both including and excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees and the net investment loss ratio would have been 3.80%, 3.55% and (1.31)%, respectively.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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Class B Shares  
     December 21,
2010(d)
through
October 31,
2011(b)
 
Per Share Operating Performance:        
Net Asset Value, Beginning Of Period     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations:        
Net investment income     .11   
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments     (1.03
Total from investment operations     (.92
Net asset value, end of period     $9.08   
Total Return(a):     (9.20)%   
Ratios/Supplemental Data:      
Net assets, end of period (000)     $4   
Average net assets (000)     $5   
Ratios to average net assets(c):        
Expenses, including distribution and service (12b-1) fees     2.35% (e)(f) 
Expenses, excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.35% (e)(f) 
Net investment income     1.29% (e)(f) 

 

(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to generally accepted accounting principles. Total returns for periods less than one full year are not annualized.

(b) Calculations are based on the average daily number of shares outstanding.

(c) Does not include expenses of the underlying fund in which the Fund invests.

(d) Commencement of operations.

(e) Annualized.

(f) Net of expense reimbursement. If the investment manager had not reimbursed expenses, the expense ratios both including and excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees and the net investment loss ratio would have been 4.55%, 3.55% and (.91)%, respectively.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential International Real Estate Fund     35   


 

Financial Highlights

 

continued

 

Class C Shares  
     December 21,
2010(d)
through
October 31,
2011(b)
 
Per Share Operating Performance:        
Net Asset Value, Beginning Of Period     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations:        
Net investment income     .14   
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments     (1.04
Total from investment operations     (.90
Net asset value, end of period     $9.10   
Total Return(a):     (9.00)%   
Ratios/Supplemental Data:      
Net assets, end of period (000)     $30   
Average net assets (000)     $23   
Ratios to average net assets(c):        
Expenses, including distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.96% (e)(f) 
Expenses, excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.35% (e)(f) 
Net investment income     1.68% (e)(f) 

 

(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to generally accepted accounting principles. Total returns for periods less than one full year are not annualized.

(b) Calculations are based on the average daily number of shares outstanding.

(c) Does not include expenses of the underlying fund in which the Fund invests.

(d) Commencement of operations.

(e) Annualized.

(f) Net of expense reimbursement. If the investment manager had not reimbursed expenses, the expense ratios both including and excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees and the net investment loss ratio would have been 4.16%, 3.55% and (.52)%, respectively.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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Class Z Shares  
     December 21,
2010(d)
through
October 31,
2011(b)
 
Per Share Operating Performance:        
Net Asset Value, Beginning Of Period     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations:        
Net investment income     .18   
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments     (1.03
Total from investment operations     (.85
Net asset value, end of period     $9.15   
Total Return(a):     (8.50)%   
Ratios/Supplemental Data:      
Net assets, end of period (000)     $13,233   
Average net assets (000)     $12,252   
Ratios to average net assets(c):        
Expenses, including distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.35% (e)(f) 
Expenses, excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.35% (e)(f) 
Net investment income     2.15% (e)(f) 

 

(a) Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to generally accepted accounting principles. Total returns for periods less than one full year are not annualized.

(b) Calculations are based on the average daily number of shares outstanding.

(c) Does not include expenses of the underlying fund in which the Fund invests.

(d) Commencement of operations.

(e) Annualized.

(f) Net of expense reimbursement. If the investment manager had not reimbursed expenses, the expense ratios both including and excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees and the net investment loss ratio would have been 3.55%, 3.55% and (.05)%, respectively.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential International Real Estate Fund     37   


Report of Independent Registered Public

Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Trustees and Shareholders

Prudential Investment Portfolios 9:

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Prudential International Real Estate Fund, a series of Prudential Investment Portfolios 9 (hereafter referred to as the “Fund”), including the portfolio of investments, as of October 31, 2011, and the related statements of operations, changes in net assets and the financial highlights for the period from December 21, 2010 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 2011. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2011, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures when replies from brokers were not received. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of October 31, 2011, and the results of its operations, the changes in its net assets and the financial highlights for the period from December 21, 2010 to October 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

LOGO

 

New York, New York

December 22, 2011

 

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INFORMATION ABOUT BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS

(Unaudited)

Information about Board Members and Officers is set forth below. Board Members who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Board Members.” Board Members who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Fund are referred to as “Interested Board Members.” The Board Members are responsible for the overall supervision of the operations of the Fund and perform the various duties imposed on the directors of investment companies by the 1940 Act.

 

Independent Board

Members(1)

         

 

Name, Address, Age

Position(s)

Portfolios Overseen

  

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five

Years

  

 

Other Directorships Held

 

Kevin J. Bannon (59)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Managing Director (since April 2008) and Chief Investment Officer (since October 2008) of Highmount Capital LLC (registered investment adviser); formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer (April 1993-August 2007) of Bank of New York Company; President (May 2003-May 2007) of BNY Hamilton Family of Mutual Funds.

  

 

Director of Urstadt Biddle Properties (since September 2008).

 

Linda W. Bynoe (59)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

President and Chief Executive Officer (since March 1995) and formerly Chief Operating Officer (December 1989-February 1995) of Telemat Ltd. (management consulting); formerly Vice President (January 1985-June 1989) at Morgan Stanley & Co (broker-dealer).

  

 

Director of Simon Property Group, Inc. (retail real estate) (since May 2003); Director of Anixter International, Inc. (communication products distributor) (since January 2006); Director of Northern Trust Corporation (financial services) (since April 2006); Trustee of Equity Residential (residential real estate) (since December 2009); formerly Director of Dynegy Inc. (power generation) (September 2002-May 2006).

 

Michael S. Hyland, CFA

(66)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Independent Consultant (since February 2005); formerly Senior Managing Director (July 2001-February 2005) of Bear Stearns & Co, Inc.; Global Partner, INVESCO (1999-2001); Managing Director and President of Salomon Brothers Asset Management (1989-1999).

  

 

None.

 

Douglas H. McCorkindale

(72)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Formerly Chairman (February 2001-June 2006), Chief Executive Officer (June 2000-July 2005), President (September 1997-July 2005) and Vice Chairman (March 1984-May 2000) of Gannett Co. Inc. (publishing and media).

  

 

Director of Lockheed Martin Corp. (aerospace and defense) (since May 2001).

Prudential International Real Estate Fund


Independent Board

Members(1)

         

 

Name, Address, Age

Position(s)

Portfolios Overseen

  

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five

Years

  

 

Other Directorships Held

 

Stephen P. Munn (69)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Lead Director (since 2007) and formerly Chairman (1993-2007) of Carlisle Companies Incorporated (manufacturer of industrial products).

  

 

Lead Director (since 2007) of Carlisle Companies Incorporated (manufacturer of industrial products).

 

Richard A. Redeker (68)

Board Member &

Independent Chair

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Retired Mutual Fund Senior Executive (43 years); Management Consultant; Independent Directors Council (organization of 2,800 Independent Mutual Fund Directors)-Executive Committee, Chair of Policy Steering Committee, Governing Council.

  

 

None.

 

Robin B. Smith (72)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Chairman of the Board (since January 2003) of Publishers Clearing House (direct marketing); Member of the Board of Directors of ADLPartner (marketing) (since December 2010); formerly Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (August 1996-January 2003) of Publishers Clearing House.

  

 

Formerly Director of BellSouth Corporation (telecommunications) (1992-2006).

 

Stephen G. Stoneburn (68)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

President and Chief Executive Officer (since June 1996) of Quadrant Media Corp. (publishing company); formerly President (June 1995-June 1996) of Argus Integrated Media, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Managing Director (January 1993-1995) of Cowles Business Media; Senior Vice President of Fairchild Publications, Inc (1975-1989).

  

 

None.

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Interested Board Members(1)        

 

Name, Address, Age

Position(s)

Portfolios Overseen

 

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five

Years

 

 

Other Directorships Held

 

Judy A. Rice* (63)

Board Member & President

Portfolios Overseen: 58

 

 

President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Officer-In-Charge (since February 2003) of Prudential Investments LLC; President, Chief Executive Officer and Officer-In-Charge (since April 2003) of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC; President, Chief Executive Officer (since May 2011) and Executive Vice President (since December 2008) of Prudential Investment Management Services LLC; Member of the Board of Directors of Jennison Associates LLC (since November 2010); formerly Vice President (February 1999-April 2006) of Prudential Investment Management Services LLC; President, COO, CEO and Manager of PIFM Holdco, LLC (since April 2006); formerly President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Officer-In-Charge (May 2003-June 2005) and Director (May 2003-March 2006) and Executive Vice President (June 2005-March 2006) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; Member of Board of Governors of the Investment Company Institute.

 

 

None.

 

Stuart S. Parker* (49)

Board Member & President

Portfolios Overseen: 58

 

 

President of Prudential Investments LLC (since January 2012); Executive Vice President of Jennison Associates LLC and Head of Retail Distribution of Prudential Investments LLC (June 2005 - December 2011).

 

 

None.

 

Scott E. Benjamin (38)

Board Member & Vice

President

Portfolios Overseen: 58

 

 

Executive Vice President (since June 2009) of Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC; Executive Vice President (since September 2009) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President of Product Development and Marketing, Prudential Investments (since February 2006); Vice President of Product Development and Product Management, Prudential Investments (2003-2006).

 

 

None.

* Ms. Rice has announced her retirement as President and Board Member effective December 31, 2011. Ms. Rice has been appointed as Vice President effective January 1, 2012. The Board has appointed Stuart S. Parker as President and Board Member effective January 1, 2012.

Prudential International Real Estate Fund


(1) The year that each individual joined the Fund’s Board is as follows:

Linda W. Bynoe, 2005; Douglas H. McCorkindale, 1998; Richard A. Redeker, 1998; Robin B. Smith, 1998; Stephen G. Stoneburn, 2003; Kevin J. Bannon, 2008; Michael S. Hyland, 2008; Stephen P. Munn, 2008; Judy A. Rice, Board Member since 2000 and President since 2003; Scott E. Benjamin, Board Member since 2010 and Vice President since 2009.

 

Fund Officers(a)(1)

    

 

Name, Address and Age

Position with Fund

  

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years

 

Kathryn L. Quirk (59)

Chief Legal Officer

  

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since September 2004) of Prudential; Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary (since July 2005) of PI and Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC; Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since June 2005) and Secretary (since February 2006) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; formerly Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary (November 2004-August 2005) of PI; formerly Assistant Secretary (June 2005-February 2006) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; formerly Managing Director, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Risk Officer and Corporate Secretary (1997-2002) of Zurich Scudder Investments, Inc.

 

Deborah A. Docs (53)

Secretary

  

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since January 2001) of Prudential; Vice President (since December 1996) and Assistant Secretary (since March 1999) of PI; formerly Vice President and Assistant Secretary (May 2003-June 2005) of AST Investment Services, Inc.

 

Jonathan D. Shain (53)

Assistant Secretary

  

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since August 1998) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since May 2001) of PI; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since February 2001) of PMFS; formerly Vice President and Assistant Secretary (May 2003-June 2005) of AST Investment Services, Inc.

 

Claudia DiGiacomo (37)

Assistant Secretary

  

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since January 2005) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary of PI (since December 2005); Associate at Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP (1999-2004).

 

John P. Schwartz (40)

Assistant Secretary

  

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since April 2005) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary of PI (since December 2005); Associate at Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP (1997-2005).

 

Andrew R. French (49)

Assistant Secretary

  

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since February 2010) of Prudential; formerly Director and Corporate Counsel (2006-2010) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of PI; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of PMFS.

 

Timothy J. Knierim (52)

Chief Compliance Officer

  

 

Chief Compliance Officer of Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (since July 2007); formerly Chief Risk Officer of PIM and PI (2002-2007) and formerly Chief Ethics Officer of PIM and PI (2006-2007).

 

Valerie M. Simpson (53)

Deputy Chief Compliance Officer

  

 

Chief Compliance Officer (since April 2007) of PI and AST Investment Services, Inc.; formerly Vice President-Financial Reporting (June 1999-March 2006) for Prudential Life and Annuities Finance.

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Fund Officers(a)(1)

    

 

Name, Address and Age

Position with Fund

  

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years

 

Theresa C. Thompson (49)

Deputy Chief Compliance Officer

  

 

Vice President, Compliance, PI (since April 2004); and Director, Compliance, PI (2001-2004).

 

Richard W. Kinville (43)

Anti-Money Laundering

Compliance Officer

  

 

Vice President, Corporate Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering Unit (since January 2005) of Prudential; committee member of the American Council of Life Insurers Anti-Money Laundering and Critical Infrastructure Committee (since January 2007); formerly Investigator and Supervisor in the Special Investigations Unit for the New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company (August 1994-January 1999); Investigator in AXA Financial’s Internal Audit Department and Manager in AXA’s Anti-Money Laundering Office (January 1999-January 2005); first chair of the American Council of Life Insurers Anti-Money Laundering and Critical Infrastructure Committee (June 2007-December 2009).

 

Grace C. Torres (52)

Treasurer and Principal Financial and

Accounting Officer

  

 

Assistant Treasurer (since March 1999) and Senior Vice President (since September 1999) of PI; Assistant Treasurer (since May 2003) and Vice President (since June 2005) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Assistant Treasurer (since May 2003) of Prudential Annuities Advisory Services, Inc.; formerly Senior Vice President (May 2003-June 2005) of AST Investment Services, Inc.

 

M. Sadiq Peshimam (47)

Assistant Treasurer

  

 

Vice President (since 2005) of Prudential Investments LLC.

 

Peter Parrella (53)

Assistant Treasurer

  

 

Vice President (since 2007) and Director (2004-2007) within Prudential Mutual Fund Administration; formerly Tax Manager at SSB Citi Fund Management LLC (1997-2004).

(a) Excludes Ms. Rice and Mr. Benjamin, interested Board Members who also serve as President and Vice President, respectively.

(1) The year that each individual became an Officer of the Fund is as follows:

Kathryn L. Quirk, 2005; Deborah A. Docs, 2005; Jonathan D. Shain, 2005; Claudia DiGiacomo, 2005; John P. Schwartz, 2006; Andrew R. French, 2006; Timothy J. Knierim, 2007; Valerie M. Simpson 2007; Theresa C. Thompson, 2008; Richard W. Kinville, 2011, Grace C. Torres, 1998; M. Sadiq Peshimam, 2006; Peter Parrella, 2007.

Explanatory Notes to Tables:

n Board Members are deemed to be “Interested,” as defined in the 1940 Act, by reason of their affiliation with Prudential Investments LLC and/or an affiliate of Prudential Investments LLC.
n Unless otherwise noted, the address of all Board Members and Officers is c/o Prudential Investments LLC, Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077.
n There is no set term of office for Board Members or Officers. The Board Members have adopted a retirement policy, which calls for the retirement of Board Members on December 31 of the year in which they reach the age of 75.
n “Other Directorships Held” includes only directorships of companies required to register or file reports with the SEC under the 1934 Act) (that is, “public companies”) or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.
n “Portfolios Overseen” includes all investment companies managed by Prudential Investments LLC. The investment companies for which PI serves as manager include the Prudential Investments Mutual Funds, The Prudential Variable Contract Accounts, Target Mutual Funds, The Prudential Series Fund, Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc. and the Advanced Series Trust.

Prudential International Real Estate Fund


n    MAIL   n    TELEPHONE   n    WEBSITE

Gateway Center Three

100 Mulberry Street

Newark, NJ 07102

  (800) 225-1852   www.prudentialfunds.com

 

PROXY VOTING
The Board of Trustees of the Fund has delegated to the Fund’s investment subadviser the responsibility for voting any proxies and maintaining proxy recordkeeping with respect to the Fund. A description of these proxy voting policies and procedures is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 225-1852 or by visiting the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the Fund’s website and on the Commission’s website.

 

TRUSTEES
Kevin J. Bannon Scott E. Benjamin Linda W. Bynoe Michael S. Hyland Douglas H. McCorkindale Stephen P. Munn Richard A. Redeker Judy A. Rice Robin B. Smith Stephen G. Stoneburn

 

OFFICERS
Judy A. Rice, President Scott E. Benjamin, Vice President Grace C. Torres, Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer Kathryn L. Quirk, Chief Legal Officer Deborah A. Docs, Secretary Timothy J. Knierim, Chief Compliance Officer  Valerie M. Simpson, Deputy Chief Compliance Officer Theresa C. Thompson, Deputy Chief Compliance Officer Richard W. Kinville, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer Jonathan D. Shain, Assistant Secretary Claudia DiGiacomo, Assistant Secretary John P. Schwartz, Assistant Secretary Andrew R. French, Assistant Secretary M. Sadiq Peshimam, Assistant Treasurer Peter Parrella, Assistant Treasurer

 

MANAGER   Prudential Investments LLC    Gateway Center Three
100 Mulberry Street
Newark, NJ 07102

 

INVESTMENT SUBADVISER   Prudential Real Estate Investors    8 Campus Drive
Parsippany, NJ 07054

 

DISTRIBUTOR   Prudential Investment
Management Services LLC
   Gateway Center Three
100 Mulberry Street
Newark, NJ 07102

 

CUSTODIAN   The Bank of New York Mellon    One Wall Street
New York, NY 10286

 

TRANSFER AGENT   Prudential Mutual Fund
Services LLC
   PO Box 9658
Providence, RI 02940

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
  KPMG LLP    345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154

 

FUND COUNSEL   Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP    787 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019


An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other information about the Fund. An investor may obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus by visiting our website at www.prudentialfunds.com or by calling (800) 225-1852. The prospectus and summary prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

 

E-DELIVERY
To receive your mutual fund documents online, go to www.prudentialfunds.com/edelivery and enroll. Instead of receiving printed documents by mail, you will receive notification via email when new materials are available. You can cancel your enrollment or change your email address at any time by visiting the website address above.

 

SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS WITH TRUSTEES
Shareholders can communicate directly with the Board of Trustees by writing to the Chair of the Board, Prudential International Real Estate Fund, Prudential Investments, Attn: Board of Trustees, 100 Mulberry Street, Gateway Center Three, Newark, NJ 07102. Shareholders can communicate directly with an individual Trustee by writing to the same address. Communications are not screened before being delivered to the addressee.

 

AVAILABILITY OF PORTFOLIO SCHEDULE
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation and location of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (202) 551-8090. The Fund’s schedule of portfolio holdings is also available on the Fund’s website as of the end of each month.

 

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 225-1852.

 

Mutual Funds:

ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FDIC OR ANY
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
  MAY LOSE VALUE   ARE NOT A DEPOSIT OF OR GUARANTEED
BY ANY BANK OR ANY BANK AFFILIATE


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PRUDENTIAL INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE FUND

 

SHARE CLASS   A   B   C   Z
NASDAQ   PUEAX   PUEBX   PUECX   PUEZX
CUSIP   74441J803   74441J886   74441J878   74441J860

 

MF210E    0215363-00001-00


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PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS»MUTUAL FUNDS

 

PRUDENTIAL LARGE-CAP CORE EQUITY FUND

 

ANNUAL REPORT · OCTOBER 31, 2011

 

Fund Type

Large-cap stock

 

Objective

Long-term after-tax growth of capital

 

This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.

 

The views expressed in this report and information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings are for the period covered by this report and are subject to change thereafter.

 

Prudential Investments, Prudential, the Prudential logo, and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.

 

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  LOGO


 

 

December 15, 2011

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

After leading Prudential Investments for the past eight years, I have decided to retire at the end of 2011 from my positions as President of Prudential Investments and President and Trustee of the Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund (the Fund). Effective January 1, 2012, I will become Chairman of Prudential Investments and act as an advisor to the business during 2012 to help facilitate a smooth transition to my successor, Stuart Parker.

 

Stuart, who will become President of Prudential Investments and President and Trustee of the Fund on January 1, 2012, previously served as the Executive Vice President of Retail Mutual Fund Distribution at Prudential Investments. With more than 20 years of investment industry experience, Stuart brings a deep understanding of the needs and challenges facing today’s investors.

 

We hope you find the annual report for the Fund informative. We recognize that ongoing market volatility may make it a difficult time to be an investor. We continue to believe a prudent response to uncertainty is to maintain a diversified portfolio, including stock and bond mutual funds consistent with your tolerance for risk, time horizon, and financial goals.

 

Your financial professional can help you create a diversified investment plan that reflects your personal investor profile and risk tolerance. Keep in mind that diversification and asset allocation strategies do not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets. We encourage you to call your financial professional before making any investment decision.

 

Prudential Investments provides a wide range of mutual funds to choose from that can help you make progress toward your financial goals. Our funds offer the experience, resources, and professional discipline of Prudential Financial’s affiliated asset managers.

 

Finally, I’ve been privileged to have had the opportunity to help you address your investment needs, and I thank you for choosing the Prudential Investments family of mutual funds.

 

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

 

Judy A. Rice, President

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     1   


Your Fund’s Performance

 

Performance data quoted represent past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate, so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the past performance data quoted. An investor may obtain performance data as of the most recent month-end by visiting our website at www.prudentialfunds.com or by calling (800) 225-1852. Class A and Class L shares have a maximum initial sales charge of 5.50% and 5.75%, respectively. Gross operating expenses: Class A, 1.69%; Class B, 2.38%; Class C, 2.39%; Class L, 1.89%; Class M, 2.36%; Class X, 1.63%; Class Z, 1.44%. Net operating expenses: Class A, 1.55%; Class B, 2.27%; Class C, 2.27%; Class L, 1.77%; Class M, 2.30%; Class X, 1.53%; Class Z, 1.42%, after contractual reduction through 2/28/2013 for Class A.

 

Cumulative Total Returns (Without Sales Charges) as of 10/31/11

     One Year     Five Years     Ten Years     Since Inception

Class A

     7.71     –6.17     36.10  

Class B

     6.97        –9.52        26.41     

Class C

     6.97        –9.44        26.53     

Class L

     7.45        N/A         N/A         –8.62% (3/19/07)

Class M

     6.97        N/A         N/A       –10.66    (3/19/07)

Class X

     7.84        N/A         N/A         –7.15    (3/19/07)

Class Z

     8.04        –4.89        39.64     

S&P 500 Index

     8.07        1.25        43.67     

Lipper Average

     5.39        –0.94        39.37     
        

Average Annual Total Returns (With Sales Charges) as of 9/30/11

     One Year     Five Years     Ten Years     Since Inception

Class A

     –5.26     –3.85     1.52  

Class B

     –5.47        –3.65        1.34     

Class C

     –1.49        –3.44        1.35     

Class L

     –5.75        N/A         N/A       –5.57% (3/19/07)

Class M

     –6.47        N/A         N/A       –5.22    (3/19/07)

Class X

     –5.68        N/A         N/A       –4.62    (3/19/07)

Class Z

     0.41        –2.51        2.35     

S&P 500 Index

     1.13        –1.18        2.82     

Lipper Average

     –1.51        –1.77        2.32     

 

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Average Annual Total Returns (With Sales Charges) as of 10/31/11

     One Year     Five Years     Ten Years     Since Inception

Class A

     1.79     –2.38     2.55  

Class B

     1.97        –2.18        2.37     

Class C

     5.97        –1.96        2.38     

Class L

     1.28        N/A         N/A       –3.18% (3/19/07)

Class M

     0.97        N/A         N/A       –2.83    (3/19/07)

Class X

     1.84        N/A         N/A       –2.23    (3/19/07)

Class Z

     8.04        –1.00        3.39     
        

Average Annual Total Returns (Without Sales Charges) as of 10/31/11

     One Year     Five Years     Ten Years     Since Inception

Class A

     7.71     –1.26     3.13  

Class B

     6.97        –1.98        2.37     

Class C

     6.97        –1.96        2.38     

Class L

     7.45        N/A         N/A       –1.93% (3/19/07)

Class M

     6.97        N/A         N/A       –2.41    (3/19/07)

Class X

     7.84        N/A         N/A       –1.59    (3/19/07)

Class Z

     8.04        –1.00        3.39     

 

Growth of a $10,000 Investment

 

LOGO

 

The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund (Class A shares) with a similar investment in the S&P 500 Index by portraying the initial account values at the beginning of the 10-year period for Class A shares (October 31, 2001) and the account values at the end of the current fiscal year

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     3   


Your Fund’s Performance (continued)

 

(October 31, 2011) as measured on a quarterly basis. For purposes of the graph, and unless otherwise indicated, it has been assumed that (a) the maximum applicable front-end sales charge was deducted from the initial $10,000 investment in Class A shares; (b) all recurring fees (including management fees) were deducted; and (c) all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The line graph provides information for Class A shares only. As indicated in the tables provided earlier, performance for Class B, Class C, Class L, Class M, Class X, and Class Z shares will vary due to the differing charges and expenses applicable to each share class (as indicated in the following paragraphs).

 

Total returns and the ending account values in the graph include changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions in a hypothetical investment for the periods shown. The Fund’s total returns do not reflect the deduction of income taxes on an individual’s investment. Taxes may reduce your actual investment returns on income or gains paid by the Fund or any gains you may realize if you sell your shares.

 

Source: Prudential Investments LLC and Lipper Inc. Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of such fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, total returns would be lower.

 

Inception returns are provided for any share class with less than 10 calendar years of returns.

 

The average annual total returns take into account applicable sales charges. Class A and Class L shares are subject to a maximum front-end sales charge of 5.50% and 5.75%, respectively, and a 12b-1 fee of up to 0.30% and 0.50%, respectively, annually. All investors who purchase Class A shares in an amount of $1 million or more and sell these shares within 12 months of purchase are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1%. Under certain limited circumstances, an exchange may be made from Class A or Class C to Class Z shares of the Fund. Class B shares are subject to a declining CDSC of 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, and 1%, respectively, for the first six years after purchase and a 12b-1 fee of 1% annually. Approximately seven years after purchase, Class B will automatically convert to Class A shares on a quarterly basis. Class C shares are not subject to a front-end sales charge, but are subject to a CDSC of 1% for shares sold within 12 months from the date of purchase, and an annual 12b-1 fee of 1%. Class M shares are subject to a CDSC of 6%, which decreases by 1% annually to 2% in the fifth and sixth years and 1% in the seventh year, and a 12b-1 fee of 1% annually. Class M shares will automatically convert to Class A shares approximately eight years after purchase. Class X shares are subject to a CDSC of 6%, which decreases by 1% annually to 4% in the third and fourth years, by 1% annually to 2% in the sixth and seventh years, and to 1% in the eighth year, and a 12b-1 fee of 1% annually. Class X shares will automatically convert to Class A shares approximately ten years after purchase. Class L, Class M, and Class X shares are not offered to new purchasers and are available only through exchanges from the same share class of certain other Prudential Investments mutual funds. Class Z shares are not subject to a sales charge or 12b-1 fees. The returns in the tables and graph reflect the share class expense structure in effect at the close of the fiscal period.

 

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Benchmark Definitions

 

S&P 500 Index

The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 stocks of large U.S. public companies. It gives a broad look at how U.S. stock prices have performed. S&P 500 Index Closest Month-End to Inception cumulative total return as of 10/31/11 is –2.64% for Class L, Class M, and Class X. S&P 500 Index Closest Month-End to Inception average annual total return as of 9/30/11 is –2.86% for Class L, Class M, and Class X.

 

Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Average

The Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Average (Lipper Average) represents returns based on an average return of all funds in the Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds category for the periods noted. Funds in the Lipper Average invest at least 75% of their equity assets in companies with market capitalizations (on a three-year weighted basis) greater than 300% of the dollar-weighted median market capitalization of the middle 1,000 securities of the S&P SuperComposite 1500 Index. Large-cap core funds have wide latitude in the companies in which they invest. These funds typically have a below-average price-to-earnings ratio, price-to-book ratio, and three-year sales-per-share-growth value compared with the S&P 500 Index. Lipper Average Closest Month-End to Inception cumulative total return as of 10/31/11 is –4.93% for Class L, Class M, and Class X. Lipper Average Closest Month-End to Inception average annual total return as of 9/30/11 is –3.50% for Class L, Class M, and Class X.

 

Investors cannot invest directly in an index or average. The returns for the Index would be lower if they included the effects of sales charges, operating expenses of a mutual fund, or taxes. Returns for the Lipper Average reflect the deduction of operating expenses of a mutual fund, but not sales charges or taxes.

 

Five Largest Holdings expressed as a percentage of net assets as of 10/31/11

  

Exxon Mobil Corp., Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

     3.7

Apple, Inc., Computers & Peripherals

     3.5   

Chevron Corp., Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

     2.2   

AT&T, Inc., Diversified Telecommunication Services

     2.1   

Wells Fargo & Co., Commercial Banks

     1.8   

Excludes securities purchased with cash received as a result of securities on loan.

Holdings are subject to change.

 

Five Largest Sectors expressed as a percentage of net assets as of 10/31/11

  

Information Technology

     20.7

Energy

     13.3   

Healthcare

     12.8   

Financials

     12.6   

Industrials

     12.0   

Industry weightings are subject to change.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     5   


Strategy and Performance Overview

 

How did the Fund perform?

The Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund’s Class A shares gained 7.71% for the 12-month reporting period ended October 31, 2011, underperforming the 8.07% gain of the benchmark S&P 500 Index (the Index), and outperforming the 5.39% gain of the Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Average.

 

How is the Fund managed?

Quantitative Management Associates LLC (QMA) manages the Fund. The Fund’s investment objective is to seek superior long-term after-tax growth of capital. This means the Fund seeks investments that will appreciate over time. Since taxes are an influence on net returns, the Fund also tries to limit current and future taxes shareholders may pay on the Fund’s investment income and capital gains. Its goal is to outperform the returns of the S&P 500 Index on an after-tax basis over the long term.

 

The Fund invests in common stock and equity-related securities of large capitalization U.S. companies. The management team considers large capitalization companies to be those whose market capitalizations are within the range of companies included in the Russell 1000 Index or the S&P 500 Index. The team uses a quantitative stock selection model to help decide which common stocks to buy. The model evaluates growth potential, valuation, liquidity and investment risk.

 

As part of its strategy, the Fund seeks to remain fully invested. In order to accomplish this and to efficiently manage the Fund, QMA utilizes futures contracts based on the S&P 500 Index to provide liquidity for the Fund. The futures contracts are used to take a position from cash that has accrued, enabling the Fund to efficiently process large cash flows without requiring it to maintain large cash positions. During the reporting period, the Fund’s exposure to futures contracts did not have a material impact on its performance.

 

What were conditions like in the U.S. stock market?

   

The stock market in the U.S., as measured by the S&P 500 Index, made strong gains for most of the first half of the reporting period, but lost traction in the second half. The highest gains occurred in late April and the deepest losses at the end in September.

 

   

Early in the period, stocks in the Index advanced on positive factors. Companies with international operations recorded strong profits in developing countries. Low interest rates helped companies with healthy balance sheets to use excess cash for acquisitions and to hike dividend payouts.

 

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In late January, a popular anti-government uprising in Tunisia broke out, inspiring similar action in other Middle Eastern and North African countries. This brought the fear factor back into play for investors, causing a brief flight to quality, but stocks held on to gains for the month. In February, regional flare-ups spread to other countries, including oil exporter Libya. Crude oil prices rose steadily, raising a caution flag to the markets. But despite the uncertainty of potential oil-price shocks, investors chose not to unload holdings in large-cap multi-national stocks, as the Index continued to rise.

 

   

In March, Japan’s nuclear disaster, caused by an earthquake and tsunami of historical magnitude, wreaked havoc on international markets, negatively affecting virtually all major indexes, and erasing year-to-date gains in several days. For U.S. equities, the disruption was temporary. The continued confidence in company fundamentals, coupled with positive signs of a U.S. economic recovery, pushed equities forward. The market rebounded, reaching highs for the year in late April.

 

   

In May, the sovereign debt crisis in the euro zone and weakness in the U.S. economy continued to weigh on equities. Plus, sluggishness in developing economies, which have fueled recent international growth, stalled stock markets. U.S. equities continued to experiences losses through May and most of June. This was followed by higher volatility in July.

 

   

In late July, the protracted partisan battle in Congress over extending the U.S. debt ceiling drained investor confidence, and the Index plunged. Congress finally agreed to raise the federal government’s borrowing limit. Soon after, the Standard & Poor’s rating agency downgraded the long-term debt rating of the United States for the first time in U.S. history to AA+ from AAA. The U.S. downgrade was another blow in a year that has experienced severe market shocks.

 

   

A slower economic growth forecast also contributed to the broad selloff in equities, as investors rushed into U.S. Treasurys. The Index fell significantly in August and further in September. All segments of the equity markets suffered. Stocks in large-cap companies were the most resilient, since these companies generally hold less debt, manage expenses efficiently, and have strong cash reserves. October saw the Index rebound sharply, and once again, large-cap stocks generally held up well in the face of widespread uncertainty.

 

How did the sectors of the S&P 500 Index perform?

   

As U.S. economic growth slowed, defensive stocks, those more resistant to the movement of the business cycle, gained ground. Utilities posted the highest return. Consumer staples, healthcare, and telecommunications services also rose.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     7   


Strategy and Performance Overview (continued)

 

 

   

Cyclical stocks, which are more sensitive to economic conditions, were mixed. Consumer discretionary, energy, and information technology posted mild gains. However, industrials, materials, and financials declined.

 

How did the U.S. stock market perform with respect to investment styles?

   

During the reporting period all stock-specific styles declined. Large-cap growth style stocks declined the least. Investors favored growth over value mainly because of more attractive valuations against value stocks. Growth stocks also feature more technology companies with overseas operations and hold more cash. Value-style stocks include many financial companies, which in the current environment have been out of favor.

 

Among slowly growing companies, which stocks or related group of stocks contributed

the most and detracted the most from the Fund’s return?

   

QMA places a heavier emphasis on valuation factors, such as price-to-earnings (P/E) and price-to-book value (P/B) ratios, when evaluating slower growing stocks. In slowly growing companies, financial stocks were among those that detracted the most.

 

   

With renewed concerns regarding the debt crisis in Europe, as well as continuing debt concerns in the U.S., cheap financials were viewed as riskier companies and continued to sell off. Also, many energy companies, which were attractively valued, performed poorly over concern about a slowing economy.

 

   

Adding to the Fund’s return was the portfolio’s underweight in several financials, such as Bank of America, which declined more than 40% over the reporting period. The portfolio was also overweight in LyondellBasell Industries, which advanced nearly 35% as prospects improved for the company and it began buying back its debt.

 

   

The portfolio’s holdings in healthcare also added to returns, as investors began to focus on higher-quality companies during the recent volatile market and economic environment.

 

Among rapidly growing companies, which stocks or related group of stocks contributed

the most and detracted the most from the Fund’s return?

   

For faster-growing stocks, QMA’s process places a heavier weighting on news factors, such as the direction of analyst estimates. This factor performed well over the past 12 months and added to the Fund’s return.

 

   

This process was particularly true among information technology stocks, most notably MasterCard and Visa, which advanced 45% and 20%, respectively, when government regulation was not as stringent as previously expected.

 

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Detracting from the Fund’s return were holdings in several faster-growing energy companies, which, despite having good news, sold off as the economy showed signs of slowing. The Fund was also underweight in Amazon.com, which, despite having downward estimate revisions, advanced 29%, as earnings exceeded expectations.

 

How did the Fund’s tax management strategy affect its performance?

   

Although difficult to quantify, the tax management objective affected performance over the course of the reporting period. Trading in the portfolio is not dictated by tax concerns, but the potential impact that trading can have on taxes is factored into investment decisions.

 

   

For example, a tax management strategy may result in a lower value exposure in the portfolio, as cheaper stocks are more likely to have been sold to realize tax losses. In an environment where value does not perform well, as was the case over the reporting period, this can help performance.

 

   

In any given year, the performance of the Fund may differ from that of one which does not have tax management as one of its objectives. Over the long term, QMA expects the performance differential between funds with and without a tax management objective to be minimal.

 

Did the Fund hold derivatives and did they affect performance?

   

The Fund held futures contracts on the S&P 500.

 

   

The manager utilizes these instruments as a means of holding a position and managing daily cash flows, and not as a means of adding value (see Fund Management section). Subsequently, the effect on performance was minimal.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     9   


Fees and Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemptions, as applicable, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses, as applicable. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested on May 1, 2011, at the beginning of the period, and held through the six-month period ended October 31, 2011. The example is for illustrative purposes only; you should consult the Prospectus for information on initial and subsequent minimum investment requirements.

 

The Fund’s transfer agent may charge additional fees to holders of certain accounts that are not included in the expenses shown in the table on the following page. These fees apply to individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and Section 403(b) accounts. As of the close of the six-month period covered by the table, IRA fees included an annual maintenance fee of $15 per account (subject to a maximum annual maintenance fee of $25 for all accounts held by the same shareholder). Section 403(b) accounts are charged an annual $25 fiduciary maintenance fee. Some of the fees may vary in amount, or may be waived, based on your total account balance or the number of Prudential Investments funds, including the Fund, that you own. You should consider the additional fees that were charged to your Fund account over the six-month period when you estimate the total ongoing expenses paid over the period and the impact of these fees on your ending account value, as these additional expenses are not reflected in the information provided in the expense table. Additional fees have the effect of reducing investment returns.

 

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class in the table on the following page provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information on this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value ÷ $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number on the first line under the heading “Expenses Paid During the Six-Month Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class in the table on the following page provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and

 

10   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Prudential Large-Cap
Core Equity Fund
  Beginning Account
Value
May 1, 2011
    Ending Account
Value
October 31, 2011
    Annualized
Expense Ratio
Based on the
Six-Month Period
    Expenses Paid
During the
Six-Month Period*
 
         
Class A   Actual   $ 1,000.00      $ 919.30        1.33   $ 6.43   
    Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,018.50        1.33   $ 6.77   
         
Class B   Actual   $ 1,000.00      $ 915.80        2.06   $ 9.95   
    Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,014.82        2.06   $ 10.46   
         
Class C   Actual   $ 1,000.00      $ 916.60        2.05   $ 9.90   
    Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,014.87        2.05   $ 10.41   
         
Class L   Actual   $ 1,000.00      $ 918.40        1.56   $ 7.54   
    Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,017.34        1.56   $ 7.93   
         
Class M   Actual   $ 1,000.00      $ 915.80        2.10   $ 10.14   
    Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,014.62        2.10   $ 10.66   
         
Class X   Actual   $ 1,000.00      $ 919.70        1.31   $ 6.34   
    Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,018.60        1.31   $ 6.67   
         
Class Z   Actual   $ 1,000.00      $ 920.40        1.28   $ 6.20   
    Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,018.75        1.28   $ 6.51   

* Fund expenses (net of fee waivers or subsidies, if any) for each share class are equal to the annualized expense ratio for each share class (provided in the table), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the 184 days in the six-month period ended October 31, 2011, and divided by the 365 days in the Fund’s fiscal year ended October 31, 2011 (to reflect the six-month period). Expenses presented in the table include the expenses of any underlying portfolios in which the Fund may invest.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     11   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011

 

Shares      Description    Value (Note 1)  
       

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS    99.3%

  

COMMON STOCKS

  

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY    10.0%

  

Auto Components    0.4%

        
10,500     

TRW Automotive Holdings Corp.(a)

   $ 442,050  

Automobiles    0.9%

        
31,600     

Ford Motor Co.(a)(b)

     369,088   
27,300     

General Motors Co.(a)(b)

     705,705   
       

 

 

 
          1,074,793   

Distributors

        
1,000     

Genuine Parts Co.

     57,430   

Diversified Consumer Services

        
1,500     

Capella Education Co.(a)

     52,215   

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure    1.5%

        
15,700     

McDonald’s Corp.

     1,457,745   
2,400     

Panera Bread Co. (Class A Stock)(a)

     320,856   
600     

Papa John’s International, Inc.(a)

     20,256   
       

 

 

 
          1,798,857   

Household Durables    0.2%

        
800     

Blyth, Inc.

     44,664   
1,200     

Harman International Industries, Inc.

     51,792   
2,400     

Tempur-Pedic International, Inc.(a)

     163,344   
       

 

 

 
          259,800   

Internet & Catalog Retail

        
200     

Amazon.com, Inc.(a)

     42,702   

Leisure Equipment & Products    0.8%

        
13,400     

Polaris Industries, Inc.

     848,756   
5,100     

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

     154,632   
       

 

 

 
          1,003,388   

Media    3.1%

  

34,800     

Comcast Corp. (Class A Stock)

     816,060   
8,600     

DIRECTV (Class A Stock)(a)

     390,956   
5,200     

Dish Network Corp. (Class A Stock)(a)

     125,684   
76,900     

News Corp. (Class A Stock)

     1,347,288  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     13   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Shares      Description    Value (Note 1)  
       

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY (Continued)

  

Media (cont’d.)

        
6,000     

Time Warner, Inc.

   $ 209,940   
19,600     

Viacom, Inc. (Class B Stock)

     859,460   
3,560     

Walt Disney Co. (The)

     124,173   
       

 

 

 
          3,873,561   

Multiline Retail    0.7%

  

16,300     

Kohl’s Corp.

     864,063   

Specialty Retail    1.5%

  

11,700     

Ross Stores, Inc.

     1,026,441   
14,500     

TJX Cos., Inc.

     854,485   
       

 

 

 
          1,880,926   

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods    0.9%

  

16,600     

Coach, Inc.

     1,080,162   
700     

True Religion Apparel, Inc.(a)

     23,744   
       

 

 

 
          1,103,906   

CONSUMER STAPLES    9.7%

  

Beverages    2.1%

  

17,200     

Coca-Cola Co. (The)(b)

     1,175,104   
18,300     

Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.(b)

     490,806  
300     

Molson Coors Brewing Co. (Class B Stock)

     12,702   
13,694     

PepsiCo, Inc.

     862,037   
       

 

 

 
          2,540,649   

Food & Staples Retailing    3.2%

  

30,500     

CVS Caremark Corp.(b)

     1,107,150   
40,100     

Kroger Co. (The)

     929,518   
34,970     

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

     1,983,499   
       

 

 

 
          4,020,167   

Food Products    1.1%

  

19,338     

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

     559,642   
6,300     

Corn Products International, Inc.

     305,550   
4,000     

Smithfield Foods, Inc.(a)

     91,440   
20,800     

Tyson Foods, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     401,440  
       

 

 

 
          1,358,072   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

14   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

Shares      Description    Value (Note 1)  
       

CONSUMER STAPLES (Continued)

  

Household Products    1.2%

  

5,100     

Kimberly-Clark Corp.(b)

   $ 355,521   
18,564     

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

     1,187,910   
       

 

 

 
          1,543,431   

Personal Products    0.7%

  

14,300     

Herbalife Ltd.

     891,748   
1,600     

Medifast, Inc.(a)(b)

     26,304   
       

 

 

 
          918,052   

Tobacco    1.4%

  

13,200     

Altria Group, Inc.

     363,660  
2,300     

Lorillard, Inc.

     254,518   
9,100     

Philip Morris International, Inc.

     635,817   
12,100     

Reynolds American, Inc.

     468,028   
       

 

 

 
          1,722,023   

ENERGY    13.3%

  

Energy Equipment & Services    1.8%

        
1,500     

Halliburton Co.

     56,040  
6,100     

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.(a)

     110,166   
11,300     

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

     600,934   
4,200     

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

     299,586   
25,700     

RPC, Inc.(b)

     477,249  
5,300     

Schlumberger Ltd.

     389,391   
3,300     

SEACOR Holdings, Inc.

     280,995   
       

 

 

 
          2,214,361   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels    11.5%

        
8,800     

Apache Corp.

     876,744   
26,484     

Chevron Corp.

     2,782,144   
24,700     

ConocoPhillips

     1,720,355   
5,400     

Consol Energy, Inc.

     230,904   
5,800     

Devon Energy Corp.

     376,710   
58,274     

Exxon Mobil Corp.

     4,550,617  
13,700     

Hess Corp.

     857,072   
30,500     

Marathon Oil Corp.

     793,915   
15,250     

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

     547,475   
7,200     

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

     669,168   
36,400     

Valero Energy Corp.

     895,440   
       

 

 

 
          14,300,544   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     15   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Shares      Description    Value (Note 1)  
       

FINANCIALS    12.6%

  

Capital Markets    1.3%

        
37,200     

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

   $ 791,616   
1,080     

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

     118,314   
2,100     

Janus Capital Group, Inc.

     13,776   
8,000     

Morgan Stanley

     141,120   
4,500     

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

     136,665   
10,300     

State Street Corp.

     416,017   
       

 

 

 
          1,617,508   

Commercial Banks    3.9%

        
10,700     

BB&T Corp.(b)

     249,738   
18,500     

First Horizon National Corp.

     129,315   
80,900     

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

     419,062   
34,700     

KeyCorp

     244,982   
7,100     

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

     381,341   
59,100     

Regions Financial Corp.

     232,263   
33,800     

SunTrust Banks, Inc.

     666,874   
13,691     

U.S. Bancorp

     350,353   
85,264     

Wells Fargo & Co.

     2,209,190   
       

 

 

 
          4,883,118   

Consumer Finance    1.1%

        
3,000     

Capital One Financial Corp.(b)

     136,980  
27,500     

Discover Financial Services

     647,900  
14,000     

Nelnet, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     300,720  
19,300     

SLM Corp.

     263,831  
       

 

 

 
          1,349,431  

Diversified Financial Services    2.6%

        
71,868     

Bank of America Corp.

     490,859  
12,270     

Citigroup, Inc.

     387,609  
900     

CME Group, Inc.

     248,004  
61,900     

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

     2,151,644  
       

 

 

 
          3,278,116  

Insurance    2.9%

        
4,700     

American International Group, Inc.(a)

     116,043  
24,100     

Assurant, Inc.

     928,814  
9,500     

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (Class B Stock)(a)(b)

     739,670  
12,700     

Lincoln National Corp.

     241,935  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

16   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

Shares      Description    Value (Note 1)  
       

FINANCIALS (Continued)

  

Insurance (cont’d.)

        
16,900     

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)

   $ 986,115  
24,400     

Unum Group

     581,696  
       

 

 

 
          3,594,273  

Real Estate Investment Trusts    0.7%

        
2,000     

Annaly Capital Management, Inc.

     33,700  
3,200     

Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc.

     28,480  
1,500     

Chatham Lodging Trust

     16,875  
2,700     

Commonwealth REIT

     52,245  
11,800     

Hospitality Properties Trust

     283,554  
22,500     

Inland Real Estate Corp.

     168,750  
3,200     

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust

     54,720  
25,100     

Winthrop Realty Trust

     227,155  
       

 

 

 
          865,479  

Real Estate Management & Development    0.1%

        
1,600     

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.

     103,392  

HEALTHCARE    12.8%

  

Biotechnology    2.3%

        
21,500     

Amgen, Inc.

     1,231,305  
7,400     

Biogen Idec, Inc.(a)

     861,064  
11,000     

Celgene Corp.(a)

     713,130  
       

 

 

 
          2,805,499  

Healthcare Equipment & Supplies    1.6%

        
4,100     

Becton Dickinson and Co.

     320,743  
22,400     

Covidien PLC

     1,053,696  
13,800     

Stryker Corp.(b)

     661,158  
       

 

 

 
          2,035,597  

Healthcare Providers & Services    3.2%

        
24,900     

Aetna, Inc.

     990,024  
16,800     

Coventry Health Care, Inc.(a)

     534,408  
4,200     

Humana, Inc.

     356,538  
22,200     

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.(b)

     1,065,378  
14,600     

WellPoint, Inc.

     1,005,940  
       

 

 

 
          3,952,288  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     17   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Shares      Description    Value (Note 1)  
       

HEALTHCARE (Continued)

  

Life Sciences Tools & Services    0.7%

        
18,300     

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.(a)

   $ 919,941  

Pharmaceuticals    5.0%

        
31,700     

Abbott Laboratories

     1,707,679  
18,499     

Johnson & Johnson

     1,191,150  
31,900     

Merck & Co., Inc.

     1,100,550  
114,634     

Pfizer, Inc.

     2,207,851  
       

 

 

 
          6,207,230  

INDUSTRIALS    12.0%

  

Aerospace & Defense    3.0%

        
1,600     

Cubic Corp.

     75,392  
16,400     

General Dynamics Corp.

     1,052,716  
6,800     

Honeywell International, Inc.

     356,320  
1,400     

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.(a)

     41,300  
9,900     

ITT Corp.

     451,440  
1,500     

Lockheed Martin Corp.(b)

     113,850  
13,700     

Northrop Grumman Corp.

     791,175  
1,700     

Precision Castparts Corp.

     277,355  
7,500     

United Technologies Corp.(b)

     584,850  
       

 

 

 
          3,744,398  

Air Freight & Logistics    1.0%

        
7,500     

FedEx Corp.

     613,725  
8,100     

United Parcel Service, Inc. (Class B Stock)

     568,944  
       

 

 

 
          1,182,669  

Construction & Engineering

        
3,100     

URS Corp.(a)

     110,670  

Electrical Equipment    1.0%

        
17,200     

Emerson Electric Co.

     827,664  
700     

Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

     32,144  
4,000     

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

     270,600  
1,800     

Thomas & Betts Corp.(a)

     89,442  
       

 

 

 
          1,219,850  

Industrial Conglomerates    1.8%

        
200     

3M Co.

     15,804  
131,500     

General Electric Co.

     2,197,365  
       

 

 

 
          2,213,169  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

18   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

Shares      Description    Value (Note 1)  
       

INDUSTRIALS (Continued)

  

Machinery    2.8%

  

400     

Caterpillar, Inc.

   $ 37,784  
4,100     

Cummins, Inc.

     407,663  
15,400     

Deere & Co.(b)

     1,168,860  
11,200     

Eaton Corp.

     501,984  
2,200     

Gardner Denver, Inc.

     170,126  
19,800     

Ingersoll-Rand PLC(b)

     616,374  
1,000     

Nacco Industries, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     82,100  
6,400     

Parker Hannifin Corp.

     521,920  
       

 

 

 
          3,506,811  

Professional Services    0.1%

  

2,300     

Equifax, Inc.

     80,845  

Road & Rail    2.3%

  

24,100     

CSX Corp.

     535,261  
15,400     

Norfolk Southern Corp.

     1,139,446  
12,200     

Union Pacific Corp.

     1,214,754  
       

 

 

 
          2,889,461  

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY    20.7%

  

Communications Equipment    2.5%

  

500     

Black Box Corp.

     13,995  
72,950     

Cisco Systems, Inc.

     1,351,764  
4,600     

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

     215,786  
2,900     

Netgear, Inc.(a)

     102,834  
27,900     

QUALCOMM, Inc.

     1,439,640  
       

 

 

 
          3,124,019  

Computers & Peripherals    6.1%

  

10,690     

Apple, Inc.(a)

     4,327,098  
69,400     

Dell, Inc.(a)

     1,097,214  
47,400     

EMC Corp.(a)

     1,161,774  
36,725     

Hewlett-Packard Co.

     977,252  
1,400     

Western Digital Corp.(a)

     37,296  
       

 

 

 
          7,600,634  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components    0.1%

  

4,700     

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (Class A Stock)(a)

     137,428  
800     

SYNNEX Corp.(a)

     23,096  
       

 

 

 
          160,524  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     19   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Shares      Description    Value (Note 1)  
       

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (Continued)

  

Internet Software & Services    1.2%

  

23,300     

Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a)

   $ 627,702  
1,400     

Google, Inc. (Class A Stock)(a)

     829,696  
       

 

 

 
          1,457,398  

IT Services    3.6%

        
4,600     

Fiserv, Inc.(a)

     270,802  
8,970     

International Business Machines Corp.

     1,656,131  
3,400     

Mastercard, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     1,180,616  
2,800     

Unisys Corp.(a)

     72,772  
14,400     

Visa, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     1,342,944  
       

 

 

 
          4,523,265  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment    1.9%

        
49,100     

Applied Materials, Inc.

     604,912  
27,000     

Intel Corp.

     662,580  
36,500     

Texas Instruments, Inc.

     1,121,645  
       

 

 

 
          2,389,137  

Software    5.3%

        
24,800     

Activision Blizzard, Inc.(b)

     332,072  
17,600     

Autodesk, Inc.(a)

     608,960  
7,900     

BMC Software, Inc.(a)

     274,604  
19,200     

Intuit, Inc.

     1,030,464  
53,200     

Microsoft Corp.

     1,416,716  
65,600     

Oracle Corp.

     2,149,712  
41,900     

Symantec Corp.(a)

     712,719  
       

 

 

 
          6,525,247  

MATERIALS    2.6%

  

Chemicals    1.1%

        
900     

A. Schulman, Inc.

     18,999  
3,500     

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

     567,945  
1,800     

Eastman Chemical Co.

     70,722  
18,000     

LyondellBasell Industries NV (Class A Stock)

     591,480  
2,500     

Mosaic Co. (The)

     146,400  
       

 

 

 
          1,395,546  

Containers & Packaging    0.2%

        
11,200     

Sealed Air Corp.

     199,360  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

20   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

Shares      Description    Value (Note 1)  
       

MATERIALS (Continued)

  

Metals & Mining    1.3%

        
42,100     

Alcoa, Inc.

   $ 452,996  
11,100     

Coeur d’Alene Mines Corp.(a)

     283,827  
14,300     

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.

     575,718  
1,700     

Noranda Aluminum Holding Corp.(a)

     15,742  
1,800     

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

     79,542  
15,700     

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

     196,093  
       

 

 

 
          1,603,918  

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES    2.7%

  

Diversified Telecommunication Services    2.6%

        
87,468     

AT&T, Inc.

     2,563,687  
19,100     

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     706,318  
       

 

 

 
          3,270,005  

Wireless Telecommunication Services    0.1%

        
18,400     

MetroPCS Communications, Inc.(a)

     156,400  

UTILITIES    2.9%

  

Electric Utilities    0.9%

  

6,300     

Duke Energy Corp.

     128,646  
6,600     

Entergy Corp.

     456,522  
9,600     

NextEra Energy, Inc.

     541,440  
       

 

 

 
          1,126,608  

Gas Utilities    0.2%

  

10,000     

UGI Corp.

     286,700  

Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders    0.3%

  

30,300     

AES Corp. (The)(a)

     339,966  

Multi-Utilities    1.3%

  

16,000     

Dominion Resources, Inc.

     825,440  
600     

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

     20,220  
13,600     

Sempra Energy

     730,728  
       

 

 

 
          1,576,388  

Water Utilities    0.2%

  

7,600     

American Water Works Co., Inc.

     232,028  
       

 

 

 
    

Total long-term investments
(cost $101,004,869)

     123,597,878  
       

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     21   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Principal
Amount (000)
     Description    Value (Note 1)  
       

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS    8.6%

  

United States Government Security    0.4%

  

$            550     

United States Treasury Bill, 0.097%, 12/15/11
(cost $549,935)(c)(d)

   $ 549,983  
       

 

 

 
Shares              

Affiliated Money Market Mutual Fund    8.2%

  

10,153,823     

Prudential Investment Portfolios 2 - Prudential Core Taxable Money Market Fund
(cost $10,153,823; includes $9,636,954 of cash collateral received for securities on loan) (Note 3)(e)(f)

     10,153,823  
       

 

 

 
    

Total short-term investments
(cost $10,703,758)

     10,703,806  
       

 

 

 
    

Total Investments    107.9%
(cost $111,708,627; Note 5)

     134,301,684  
    

Liabilities in excess of other assets(g)    (7.9%)

     (9,828,440
       

 

 

 
    

Net Assets    100.0%

   $ 124,473,244  
       

 

 

 

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) All or a portion of security is on loan. The aggregate market value of such securities, including those sold and pending settlement, is $9,214,792; cash collateral of $9,636,954 (included in liabilities) was received with which the Fund purchased highly liquid short-term investments.
(c) Rate quoted represents yield-to-maturity as of purchase date.
(d) Represents security, or a portion thereof, segregated as collateral for futures contracts.
(e) Prudential Investments LLC, the manager of the Fund, also serves as manager of the Prudential Investment Portfolios 2 - Prudential Core Taxable Money Market Fund.
(f) Represents security, or a portion thereof, purchased with cash collateral received for securities on loan.
(g) Includes net unrealized appreciation on the following derivative contracts held at reporting period end:

 

Open future contracts outstanding at October 31, 2011:

 

Number of
Contracts
    Type   Expiration
Date
    Value at
Trade
Date
    Value at
October 31,
2011
    Unrealized
Appreciation
 
  Long Position:        
  16      E-mini S&P 500 Futures     Dec. 2011      $ 923,660      $ 999,440      $ 75,780   
         

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.

 

Level 1—quoted prices generally for securities actively traded on a regulated securities exchange and for open-end mutual funds which trade at daily net asset value.

 

Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, foreign currency exchange rates and amortized cost) generally for debt securities, swaps, forward foreign currency contracts and for foreign stocks priced using vendor modeling tools.

 

Level 3—significant unobservable inputs for securities valued in accordance with Board approved fair valuation procedures.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of October 31, 2011 in valuing such portfolio securities:

 

     Level 1      Level 2          Level 3      

Investments in Securities

        

Common Stocks

   $ 123,597,878       $       $   —   

Affiliated Money Market Mutual Fund

     10,153,823                   

United States Government Security

             549,983           

Other Financial Instruments*

        

Futures

     75,780                   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 133,827,481       $ 549,983       $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

* Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are recorded at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument.

 

The industry classification of portfolio holdings and liabilities in excess of other assets shown as a percentage of net assets as of October 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

Information Technology

     20.7

Energy

     13.3  

Healthcare

     12.8  

Financials

     12.6  

Industrials

     12.0  

Consumer Discretionary

     10.0  

Consumer Staples

     9.7  

Affiliated Money Market Mutual Fund (including 7.7% of collateral received for securities on loan)

     8.2  

Utilities

     2.9 %

Telecommunication Services

     2.7  

Materials

     2.6  

United States Government Security

     0.4  
  

 

 

 
     107.9  

Liabilities in excess of other assets

     (7.9 )
  

 

 

 
     100.0
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     23   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

 

The Fund invested in derivative instruments during the reporting period. The primary type of risk associated with these derivative instruments is equity risk. The effect of such derivative instruments on the Fund’s financial position and financial performance as reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Statement of Operations is presented in the summary below.

 

Fair values of derivative instruments as of October 31, 2011 as presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

Derivatives not designated
as hedging instruments,
carried at fair value

  

Asset Derivatives

    

Liability Derivatives

 
  

Balance
Sheet Location

   Fair
Value
    

Balance
Sheet Location

   Fair
Value
 
Equity contracts   

   $   —       Due to broker—variation margin    $ 75,780
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

* Includes cumulative appreciation/depreciation on futures contracts as reported in Portfolio of Investments. Only unsettled variation margin receivable (payable) is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The effects of derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations for the year ended October 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

Amount of Realized Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging
instruments, carried at fair value

     Futures  

Equity contracts

     $ 352,378   
    

 

 

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation or (Depreciation) on Derivatives Recognized in Income

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging
instruments, carried at fair value

     Futures  

Equity contracts

     $ (99,475
    

 

 

 

 

For the year ended October 31, 2011, the Fund’s average value at trade date for futures long position was $4,404,950.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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Financial Statements

 

OCTOBER 31, 2011   ANNUAL REPORT

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund


 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

as of October 31, 2011

 

Assets

        

Investments at value, including securities on loan of $9,214,792:

  

Unaffiliated investments (cost $101,554,804)

   $ 124,147,861   

Affiliated investments (cost $10,153,823)

     10,153,823   

Dividends and interest receivable

     152,411   

Receivable for Fund shares sold

     10,211   

Prepaid expenses

     1,965   
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     134,466,271   
  

 

 

 

Liabilities

        

Payable to broker for collateral for securities on loan

     9,636,954   

Payable for Fund shares reacquired

     166,360   

Accrued expenses

     85,634   

Distribution fee payable

     35,206   

Due to broker—variation margin

     32,752   

Management fee payable

     20,195   

Affiliated transfer agent fee payable

     15,926   
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     9,993,027   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 124,473,244   
  

 

 

 
          

Net assets were comprised of:

  

Share of beneficial interest, at par

   $ 10,593   

Paid-in capital in excess of par

     92,979,166   
  

 

 

 
     92,989,759   

Undistributed net investment income

     829,801   

Accumulated net realized gain on investment and financial futures transactions

     7,984,847   

Net unrealized appreciation on investments

     22,668,837   
  

 

 

 

Net assets, October 31, 2011

   $ 124,473,244   
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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Class A

        

Net asset value and redemption price per share
($61,961,376 ÷ 5,231,771 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)
Maximum sales charge (5.50% of offering price)

   $
 
11.84
0.69
  
  
  

 

 

 

Maximum offering price to public

   $ 12.53   
  

 

 

 

Class B

        

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($4,038,367 ÷ 360,487 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 11.20   
  

 

 

 

Class C

        

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($20,635,876 ÷ 1,841,391 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 11.21   
  

 

 

 

Class L

        

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($3,846,514 ÷ 325,348 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 11.82   
  

 

 

 

Class M

        

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($735,026 ÷ 65,574 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 11.21   
  

 

 

 

Class X

        

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($837,036 ÷ 73,051 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 11.46   
  

 

 

 

Class Z

        

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($32,419,049 ÷ 2,695,470 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 12.03   
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     27   


 

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended October 31, 2011

 

Net Investment Income

        

Income

  

Unaffiliated dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $472)

   $ 4,856,336   

Affiliated dividend income

     10,440   

Affiliated income from securities loaned, net

     8,682   

Interest

     880   
  

 

 

 

Total income

     4,876,338   
  

 

 

 

Expenses

  

Management fee

     1,592,360   

Distribution fee—Class A

     186,847   

Distribution fee—Class B

     48,862   

Distribution fee—Class C

     224,437   

Distribution fee—Class L

     20,906   

Distribution fee—Class M

     23,110   

Distribution fee—Class X

     2,843   

Transfer agent’s fees and expenses (including affiliated expense of $420,000) (Note 3)

     1,420,000   

Reports to shareholders

     170,000   

Registration fees

     115,000   

Custodian’s fees and expenses

     90,000   

Legal fees and expenses

     26,000   

Audit fee

     23,000   

Trustees’ fees

     17,000   

Insurance

     5,000   

Loan interest expense (Note 7)

     31   

Miscellaneous

     15,742   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     3,981,138   

Less: Management fee waiver (Note 2)

     (149,168
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     3,831,970   
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     1,044,368   
  

 

 

 

Realized And Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Investments

        

Net realized gain on:

  

Investment transactions

     48,968,943   

Financial futures transactions

     352,378   
  

 

 

 
     49,321,321   
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

  

Investments

     (22,422,527

Financial futures contracts

     (99,475
  

 

 

 
     (22,522,002
  

 

 

 

Net gain on investments

     26,799,319   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase In Net Assets Resulting From Operations

   $ 27,843,687   
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

     Year Ended October 31,  
     2011      2010  

Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets

                 

Operations

     

Net investment income

   $ 1,044,368       $ 1,333,264   

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     49,321,321         41,025,007   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     (22,522,002      (9,197,450
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     27,843,687         33,160,821   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Dividends from net investment income (Note 1)

     

Class A

     (107,588      (306,462

Class L

             (14,916

Class X

     (2,994      (11,620

Class Z

     (638,260      (1,683,947
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (748,842      (2,016,945
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fund share transactions (Net of share conversions) (Note 6)

     

Net proceeds from shares sold

     116,185,903         153,410,690   

Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     192,729         460,243   

Cost of shares reacquired

     (262,798,860      (253,061,019
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets from Fund share transactions

     (146,420,228      (99,190,086
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Capital Contributions (Note 2)

     

Class X

     247         667   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total decrease

     (119,325,136      (68,045,543

Net Assets:

                 

Beginning of year

     243,798,380         311,843,923   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of year(a)

   $ 124,473,244       $ 243,798,380   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Includes undistributed net investment income of:

   $ 829,801       $ 534,275   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     29   


 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

Prudential Investment Portfolios 9 (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company, registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). The Trust currently consists of three funds: Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund (the “Fund”), Prudential International Real Estate Fund and Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund. These financial statements relate to Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund, a diversified fund. The financial statements of the Prudential International Real Estate Fund and Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund are not presented herein. The Trust was organized as a business trust in Delaware on September 18, 1998. The Fund commenced investment operations on March 3, 1999.

 

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term after-tax growth of capital. It invests in a portfolio of equity-related securities, such as common stock and convertible securities of U.S. companies.

 

Note 1. Accounting Policies

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.

 

Securities Valuation: Securities listed on a securities exchange (other than options on securities and indices) are valued at the last sale price on such exchange on the day of valuation or, if there was no sale on such day, at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices, or at the last bid price on such day in the absence of an asked price. Securities traded via NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price (“NOCP”) on the day of valuation, or if there was no NOCP, at the last sale price. Securities that are actively traded in the over-the-counter market, including listed securities for which the primary market is believed by Prudential Investments LLC (“PI” or “Manager”), in consultation with the subadvisers, to be over-the-counter, are valued at market value using prices provided by an independent pricing agent or principal market maker. Options on securities and indices traded on an exchange are valued at the last sale price as of the close of trading on the applicable exchange or, if there was no sale, at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on such exchange. Futures contracts and options thereon traded on a commodities exchange or board of trade are valued at the last sale price at the close of trading on such exchange or board of trade or, if there was no sale on the applicable commodities exchange or board of trade on such day, at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on such exchange or board of

 

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trade or at the last bid price in the absence of an asked price. Prices may be obtained from independent pricing services which use information provided by market makers or estimates of market values obtained from yield data relating to investments or securities with similar characteristics. Securities for which reliable market quotations are not readily available, or whose values have been affected by events occurring after the close of the security’s foreign market and before the Funds’ normal pricing time, are valued at fair value in accordance with the Board of Trustees’ approved fair valuation procedures. When determining the fair valuation of securities some of the factors influencing the valuation include, the nature of any restrictions on disposition of the securities; assessment of the general liquidity of the securities; the issuer’s financial condition and the markets in which it does business; the cost of the investment; the size of the holding and the capitalization of issuer; the prices of any recent transactions or bids/offers for such securities or any comparable securities; any available analyst media or other reports or information deemed reliable by the investment adviser regarding the issuer or the markets or industry in which it operates. Using fair value to price securities may result in a value that is different from a security’s most recent closing price and from the price used by other mutual funds to calculate their net asset values.

 

Investments in open end, non exchange-traded mutual funds are valued at their net asset value as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange on the date of valuation.

 

Short-term debt securities of sufficient credit quality, which mature in sixty days or less, are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. The amortized cost method includes valuing a security at its cost on the date of purchase and thereafter assuming a constant amortization to maturity of the difference between the principal amount due at maturity and cost. Short-term debt securities, which mature in more than sixty days, are valued at fair value.

 

Securities Lending: The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to broker-dealers. The loans are secured by collateral at least equal at all times to the market value of the securities loaned. Loans are subject to termination at the option of the borrower or the Fund. Upon termination of the loan, the borrower will return to the Fund securities identical to the loaned securities. Should the borrower of the securities fail financially, the Fund has the right to repurchase the securities using the collateral in the open market. The Fund recognizes income, net of any rebate and securities lending agent fees, for lending its securities in the form of fees or interest on the investment of any cash received as collateral. The Fund also continues to receive interest and dividends or amounts equivalent thereto, on the securities loaned and recognizes any unrealized gain or loss in the market price of the securities loaned that may occur during the term of the loan.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     31   


 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

continued

 

 

Financial Futures Contracts: A financial futures contract is an agreement to purchase (long) or sell (short) an agreed amount of securities at a set price for delivery on a future date. Upon entering into a financial futures contract, the Fund is required to pledge to the broker an amount of cash and/or other assets equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. This amount is known as the “initial margin”.

 

Subsequent payments, known as “variation margin”, are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the underlying security. Such variation margin is recorded for financial statement purposes on a daily basis as unrealized gain or loss. When the contract expires or is closed, the gain or loss is realized and is presented in the Statement of Operations as net realized gain or loss on financial futures transactions.

 

The Fund invests in financial futures contracts in order to hedge its existing portfolio securities, or securities the Fund intends to purchase, against fluctuations in value caused by changes in value of equities. The use of futures transactions involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in the price of futures contracts and the underlying hedged assets. Financial futures contracts involve elements of both market and credit risk in excess of the amounts reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

With exchange-traded futures, there is a minimal counterparty credit risk to the Fund since the exchanges’ clearinghouse acts as counterparty to all exchange traded futures and guarantees the futures contracts against default.

 

Securities Transactions and Net Investment Income: Securities transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains or losses on sales of securities are calculated on an identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income, including amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, as required, is recorded on an accrual basis. Expenses are recorded on the accrual basis. Net investment income or loss (other than distribution fees which are charged directly to the respective class) and unrealized and realized gains or losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day.

 

Dividends and Distributions: The Fund expects to pay dividends of net investment income and distributions of net realized capital gains, if any, annually. Dividends and distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with federal

 

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income tax regulations and which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Permanent book/tax differences relating to income and gains are reclassified amongst undistributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gain or loss and paid-capital in excess of par, as appropriate.

 

Taxes: For federal income tax purposes, the Fund is treated as a separate taxpaying entity. It is the Fund’s policy to continue to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable net investment income and capital gains, if any, to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.

 

Withholding taxes on foreign dividends are recorded net of reclaimable amounts, at the time related income is earned.

 

Estimates: The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Note 2. Agreements

 

The Trust has a management agreement for the Fund with PI. Pursuant to this agreement, PI has responsibility for all investment advisory services and supervises the subadvisor’s performance of such services. PI has entered into a subadvisory agreement with Quantitative Management Associates LLC (“QMA”). The subadvisory agreement provides that QMA will furnish investment advisory services in connection with the management of the Fund. PI pays for the services of QMA, the cost of compensation of officers of the Fund, occupancy and certain clerical and bookkeeping costs of the Fund. The Fund bears all other costs and expenses.

 

The management fee paid to PI is computed daily and payable monthly at an annual rate of .65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets up to and including $500 million and .60% of the Fund’s average daily net assets in excess of $500 million. The effective management fee rate was .65% for the year ended October 31, 2011.

 

Effective July 1, 2011, PI has contractually agreed through February 28, 2013 to waive a portion of the Fund’s management fees so that the Fund’s annual operating expenses (exclusive of distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and certain other expenses such as taxes, interest, and brokerage commissions) do not exceed .95% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     33   


 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

continued

 

 

The Fund has distribution agreements with Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (“PIMS”) and Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. (“PAD”). PIMS and PAD are both affiliates of PI and indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Prudential. PIMS serves as the distributor of the Fund’s Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class Z shares. PIMS, together with PAD, serves as co-distributor of the Fund’s Class L, Class M, and Class X shares.

 

The Fund has adopted a separate Distribution and Service plan (each a “Plan” and collectively the “Plans”) for the Class A, Class B, Class C, Class L, Class M, and Class X shares of the Fund in accordance with Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act, as amended. No distribution or service fees are paid to PIMS as distributor for the Fund’s Class Z shares.

 

Under the Plans, the Fund compensates PIMS and PAD a distribution and service fee at the annual rate of .30%, 1.00%, 1.00%, .50%, 1.00%, and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Class A, B, C, L, M, and X shares, respectively. Through February 28, 2013, PIMS has contractually agreed to limit such fees to .25% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares.

 

Management has received the maximum allowable amount of sales charges for Class X in accordance with regulatory limits. As such, any contingent deferred sales charges received by the manager are contributed back into the Fund and included in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets and Financial Highlights as a contribution to capital.

 

During the year ended October 31, 2008, management determined that Class X shareholders had been charged sales charges in excess of regulatory limits. The manager has paid this class for the overcharge which is reflected in the Financial Highlights for the years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007.

 

PIMS has advised the Fund that it received $18,442 in front-end sales charges resulting from sales of Class A shares during the year ended October 31, 2011. From these fees, PIMS paid such sales charges to affiliated broker-dealers, which in turn paid commissions to salespersons and incurred other distribution costs.

 

PIMS has advised the Fund that for the year ended October 31, 2011, it received $152, $7,387, $367, $485 and $1 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon certain redemptions by Class A, B, C, M and X shareholders, respectively.

 

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PI, QMA, PAD and PIMS are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Prudential Financial, Inc. (“Prudential”).

 

Note 3. Other Transactions with Affiliates

 

Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (“PMFS”), an affiliate of PI and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential, serves as the Fund’s transfer agent. Transfer agent fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations include certain out-of-pocket expenses paid to non-affiliates, where applicable.

 

Prudential Investment Management, Inc., (“PIM”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential, is the Fund’s securities lending agent. For the year ended October 31, 2011, PIM has been compensated in the amount of approximately $2,593 for these services.

 

The Fund invests in the Prudential Core Taxable Money Market Fund (the “Core Fund”), a series of the Prudential Investment Portfolios 2 registered under the 1940 Act, as amended, and managed by PI. Earnings from the Core Fund are disclosed on the Statement of Operations as affiliated dividend income.

 

Note 4. Portfolio Securities

 

Purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments, for the year ended October 31, 2011 were $288,899,531 and $431,072,086, respectively.

 

Note 5. Distributions and Tax Information

 

Distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations and which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles, are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

 

For the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010, the tax character of dividends paid as reflected in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets were $748,842 and $2,016,945 from ordinary income, respectively.

 

As of October 31, 2011, the accumulated undistributed earnings on a tax basis were $829,801 of ordinary income and $8,311,378 of long term capital gains.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     35   


 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

continued

 

 

The United States federal income tax basis of the Fund’s investments and the net unrealized appreciation as of October 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

Tax Basis of
Investments

 

Appreciation

 

Depreciation

 

Net
Unrealized

Appreciation

$111,959,378   $24,502,396   $(2,160,090)   $22,342,306

 

The difference between book basis and tax basis is primarily attributable to deferred losses on wash sales.

 

The Fund utilized capital loss carryforward to offset net taxable capital gains realized in the year ended October 31, 2011 of approximately $40,440,000.

 

Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements for the current reporting period. The Fund’s federal and state income and federal excise tax returns for tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue.

 

Note 6. Capital

 

The Fund offers Class A, Class B, Class C, Class L, Class M, Class X and Class Z shares. Class A and Class L shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 5.50% and 5.75%, respectively. All investors who purchase Class A or Class L shares in an amount of $1 million or more and sell these shares within 12 months of purchase are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1%. The Class A CDSC is waived for purchases by certain retirement and/or benefit plans. Class B shares are sold with a contingent deferred sales charge which declines from 5% to zero depending on the period of time the shares are held. Class C shares are sold with a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on shares redeemed within the first 12 months after purchase. Class M and Class X shares are sold with a contingent deferred sales charge which declines from 6% to zero depending on the period of time the shares are held.

 

Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares on a quarterly basis approximately seven years after purchase. In addition, under certain limited

 

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circumstances, an exchange may be made from Class A or Class C to Class Z shares of the Fund. A special exchange privilege is also available for shareholders who qualified to purchase Class A shares at net asset value. Class M and Class X shares will automatically convert to Class A shares approximately eight and ten years after purchase, respectively. Class L shares are closed to new initial purchases (with the exception of reinvested dividends). Class M and Class X shares are closed to new initial purchases. Class L, Class M and Class X shares are only available through exchanges from the same class of shares of certain other Prudential funds. Class Z shares are not subject to any sales or redemption charge and are offered exclusively for sale to a limited group of investors. The Fund has authorized an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest at $.001 par value.

 

Class A

     Shares      Amount  

Year ended October 31, 2011:

       

Shares sold

       226,434      $ 2,718,176  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

       8,951        102,580  

Shares reacquired

       (1,129,537      (13,433,437
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

       (894,152      (10,612,681

Shares issued upon conversion from Class B, M, X and Z

       333,907        3,979,299  

Shares reacquired upon conversion into Class Z

       (64,388      (789,446
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       (624,633    $ (7,422,828
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Year ended October 31, 2010:

       

Shares sold

       469,101      $ 4,918,480  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

       28,657        293,450  

Shares reacquired

       (1,550,323      (16,217,452
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

       (1,052,565      (11,005,522

Shares issued upon conversion from Class B, M and X

       450,243        4,761,625  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       (602,322    $ (6,243,897
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Class B

               

Year ended October 31, 2011:

       

Shares sold

       36,242      $ 410,489  

Shares reacquired

       (73,858      (828,131
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

       (37,616      (417,642

Shares reacquired upon conversion into Class A

       (109,632      (1,218,226
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       (147,248    $ (1,635,868
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Year ended October 31, 2010:

       

Shares sold

       48,796      $ 490,660  

Shares reacquired

       (211,780      (2,125,053
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

       (162,984      (1,634,393

Shares reacquired upon conversion into Class A

       (37,008      (366,457
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       (199,992    $ (2,000,850
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     37   


 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

continued

 

Class C

     Shares      Amount  

Year ended October 31, 2011:

       

Shares sold

       39,452      $ 443,412  

Shares reacquired

       (344,619      (3,901,637
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

       (305,167      (3,458,225

Shares reacquired upon conversion into Class Z

       (1,009      (11,062
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       (306,176    $ (3,469,287
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Year ended October 31, 2010:

       

Shares sold

       65,898      $ 653,393  

Shares reacquired

       (573,791      (5,733,429
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       (507,893    $ (5,080,036
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Class L

               

Year ended October 31, 2011:

       

Shares sold

       660      $ 7,600  

Shares reacquired

       (59,311      (703,599
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       (58,651    $ (695,999
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Year ended October 31, 2010:

       

Shares sold

       6,212      $ 62,655  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

       1,420        14,541  

Shares reacquired

       (124,408      (1,292,185
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       (116,776    $ (1,214,989
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Class M

               

Year ended October 31, 2011:

       

Shares sold

       3,295      $ 37,625  

Shares reacquired

       (135,762      (1,581,318
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

       (132,467      (1,543,693

Shares reacquired upon conversion into Class A

       (193,614      (2,207,754
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       (326,081    $ (3,751,447
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Year ended October 31, 2010:

       

Shares sold

       4,459      $ 43,364  

Shares reacquired

       (138,228      (1,385,341
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

       (133,769      (1,341,977

Shares reacquired upon conversion into Class A

       (343,723      (3,468,763
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       (477,492    $ (4,810,740
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Class X

     Shares      Amount  

Year ended October 31, 2011:

       

Shares sold

       137      $ 1,592  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

       270        2,994  

Shares reacquired

       (15,943      (182,574
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

       (15,536      (177,988

Shares reacquired upon conversion into Class A

       (42,317      (496,947
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       (57,853    $ (674,935
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Year ended October 31, 2010:

       

Shares sold

       22,073      $ 218,933  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

       1,168        11,547  

Shares reacquired

       (25,866      (261,341
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

       (2,625      (30,861

Shares reacquired upon conversion into Class A

       (89,544      (926,405
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       (92,169    $ (957,266
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Class Z

               

Year ended October 31, 2011:

       

Shares sold

       9,171,981      $ 112,567,009  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

       7,501        87,155  

Shares reacquired

       (19,225,188      (242,168,164
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

       (10,045,706      (129,514,000

Shares issued upon conversion from Class A and C

       64,428        800,508  

Shares reacquired upon conversion into Class A

       (4,881      (56,372
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       (9,986,159    $ (128,769,864
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Year ended October 31, 2010:

       

Shares sold

       13,879,842      $ 147,023,205  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

       13,568        140,705  

Shares reacquired

       (21,780,541      (226,046,218
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       (7,887,131    $ (78,882,308
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Note 7. Borrowings

 

The Fund, along with other affiliated registered investment companies (the “Funds”), is a party to a syndicated credit agreement (“SCA”) with a group of banks. The purpose of the SCA is to provide an alternative source of temporary funding for capital share redemptions. The SCA provides for a commitment of $750 million for the period December 17, 2010 through December 16, 2011. The Funds pay an annualized commitment fee of 0.10% of the unused portion of the SCA. Prior to December 17, 2010, the Funds had another Syndicated Credit Agreement (the “Expired SCA”) of a $500 million commitment with an annualized commitment fee of 0.15% of the unused portion. Interest on any borrowings under these SCA’s is paid at

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     39   


 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

continued

 

contracted market rates. The commitment fee for the unused amount is accrued daily and paid quarterly. The SCA has been renewed of substantially similar terms with an increase in the amount of commitment to $900 million.

 

The Fund utilized the line of credit during the year ended October 31, 2011. The average daily balance for the 3 days the Fund had loans outstanding during the period was approximately $252,000 at a weighted average interest rate of 1.49%. At October 31, 2011, the Fund did not have an outstanding loan amount.

 

Note 8. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

Subsequent to the fiscal year end, the Fund declared ordinary income dividends and long-term capital gain distributions on November 29, 2011 to shareholders of record on November 30, 2011. The ex-dividend date was December 1, 2011. The per share amounts declared were as follows:

 

      Ordinary Income        Long-Term
Capital Gains
 

Class A

   $ 0.1146         $ 0.7907   

Class B

   $ 0.0340         $ 0.7907   

Class C

   $ 0.0340         $ 0.7907   

Class L

   $ 0.0879         $ 0.7907   

Class M

   $ 0.0340         $ 0.7907   

Class X

   $ 0.1186         $ 0.7907   

Class Z

   $ 0.1477         $ 0.7907   

 

Note 9. New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In April 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-03 “Reconsideration of Effective control for Repurchase Agreements”. The objective of ASU 2011-03 is to improve the accounting for repurchase agreements and other agreements that both entitle and obligate a transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before their maturity. Under previous guidance, whether or not to account for a transaction as a sale was based on, in part, if the entity maintained effective control over the transferred financial assets. ASU 2011-03 removes the transferor’s ability criterion from the effective control assessment. This guidance is effective prospectively for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. At this time, management is

 

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evaluating the implications of ASU No. 2011-03 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.

 

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04 “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs”. ASU No. 2011-04 includes common requirements for measurement of and disclosure about fair value between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. ASU No. 2011-04 will require reporting entities to disclose quantitative information about the unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. In addition, ASU No. 2011-04 will require reporting entities to make disclosures about amounts and reasons for all transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements. The new and revised disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of ASU No. 2011-04 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     41   


 

Financial Highlights

 

Class A Shares  
     Year Ended October 31,  
     2011(a)     2010(a)     2009(a)     2008(a)     2007  
Per Share Operating Performance:                                        
Net Asset Value, Beginning Of Year     $11.01        $9.71        $9.32        $14.85        $13.01   
Income (loss) from investment operations:                                        
Net investment income     .05        .05        .09        .12        .09   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions     .80        1.30        .40        (5.54     1.82   
Total from investment operations     .85        1.35        .49        (5.42     1.91   
Less Dividends:                                        
Dividends from net investment income     (.02     (.05     (.10     (.11     (.07
Net asset value, end of year     $11.84        $11.01        $9.71        $9.32        $14.85   
Total Return(b):     7.71%        13.92%        5.40%        (36.75)%        14.72%   
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of year (000)     $61,961       $64,473       $62,739       $68,021       $109,231  
Average net assets (000)     $65,724       $64,562       $58,578       $93,917       $95,001  
Ratios to average net assets(c):                                        
Expenses, including distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.55% (d)(e)      1.48%        1.55%        1.34%        1.16%   
Expenses, excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.27% (d)      1.18%        1.25%        1.06%        .91%   
Net investment income     .43% (d)      .45%        1.10%        .94%        .67%   
For Class A, B, C, L, M, X and Z shares:                                        
Portfolio turnover rate     121%        116%        116%        96%        90%   

 

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

(b) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported, and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return may reflect adjustments to conform to generally accepted accounting principles.

(c) Does not include the expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

(d) Net of management fee waiver. If the investment manager had not waived expenses, the expense ratios including and excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees and net investment income ratio would have been 1.67%, 1.39% and .31%, respectively, for the year ended October 31, 2011.

(e) Effective July 1, 2011, the distributor of the Fund contractually agreed to limit its distribution and service (12b-1) fees to .25% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares through February 28, 2013.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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Class B Shares  
     Year Ended October 31,  
     2011(a)     2010(a)     2009(a)     2008(a)     2007  
Per Share Operating Performance:                                        
Net Asset Value, Beginning Of Year     $10.47        $9.26        $8.87        $14.14        $12.42   
Income (loss) from investment operations:                                        
Net investment income (loss)     (.03     (.02     .04        .03        .01   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions     .76        1.23        .37        (5.29     1.71   
Total from investment operations     .73        1.21        .41        (5.26     1.72   
Less Dividends:                                        
Dividends from net investment income     -        -        (.02     (.01     -   
Net asset value, end of year     $11.20        $10.47        $9.26        $8.87        $14.14   
Total Return(b):     6.97%        13.07%        4.67%        (37.22)%        13.85%   
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of year (000)     $4,038       $5,317       $6,555       $9,269       $24,883  
Average net assets (000)     $4,886       $5,904       $6,912       $16,689       $28,960  
Ratios to average net assets(c):                                        
Expenses, including distribution and service (12b-1) fees     2.27% (d)      2.18%        2.25%        2.06%        1.91%   
Expenses, excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.27% (d)      1.18%        1.25%        1.06%        .91%   
Net investment income (loss)     (.28)% (d)      (.22)%        .48%        .25%        (.03)%   

 

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

(b) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported, and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return may reflect adjustments to conform to generally accepted accounting principles.

(c) Does not include the expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

(d) Net of management fee waiver. If the investment manager had not waived expenses, the expense ratios including and excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees and net investment loss ratio would have been 2.38%, 1.38% and (.39)%, respectively, for the year ended October 31, 2011.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     43   


 

Financial Highlights

 

continued

 

Class C Shares  
     Year Ended October 31,  
     2011(a)     2010(a)     2009(a)     2008(a)     2007  
Per Share Operating Performance:                                        
Net Asset Value, Beginning Of Year     $10.48        $9.26        $8.87        $14.14        $12.42   
Income (loss) from investment operations:                                        
Net investment income (loss)     (.03     (.02     .04        .03        (.01
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment     .76        1.24        .37        (5.29     1.73   
Total from investment operations     .73        1.22        .41        (5.26     1.72   
Less Dividends:                                        
Dividends from net investment income     -        -        (.02     (.01     -   
Net asset value, end of year     $11.21        $10.48        $9.26        $8.87        $14.14   
Total Return(b):     6.97%        13.17%        4.67%        (37.22)%        13.85%   
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of year (000)     $20,636       $22,496       $24,601       $30,243       $57,391  
Average net assets (000)     $22,444       $23,934       $24,715       $45,712       $50,597  
Ratios to average net assets(c):                                        
Expenses, including distribution and service (12b-1) fees     2.27% (d)      2.18%        2.25%        2.06%        1.91%   
Expenses, excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.27% (d)      1.18%        1.25%        1.06%        .91%   
Net investment income (loss)     (.28)% (d)      (.24)%        .44%        .23%        (.08)%   

 

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

(b) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported, and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return may reflect adjustments to conform to generally accepted accounting principles.

(c) Does not include the expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

(d) Net of management fee waiver. If the investment manager had not waived expenses, the expense ratios including and excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees and net investment loss ratio would have been 2.39%, 1.39% and (.40)%, respectively, for the year ended October 31, 2011.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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Class L Shares  
     Year Ended October 31,         March 16,
2007(a)
through
October 31,
 
     2011(e)     2010(e)     2009(e)     2008(e)          2007  
Per Share Operating Performance:                                            
Net Asset Value, Beginning Of Period     $11.00        $9.70        $9.30        $14.83            $13.16   
Income (loss) from investment operations:                                            
Net investment income     .03        .03        .08        .09            .03   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions     .79        1.30        .39        (5.54         1.64   
Total from investment operations     .82        1.33        .47        (5.45         1.67   
Less Dividends:                                            
Dividends from net investment income     -        (.03     (.07     (.08         -   
Net asset value, end of period     $11.82        $11.00        $9.70        $9.30            $14.83   
Total Return(b):     7.45%        13.74%        5.21%        (36.94 )%          12.69%   
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                                  
Net assets, end of period (000)     $3,847       $4,222       $4,860       $6,113           $12,962  
Average net assets (000)     $4,181       $4,625       $4,965       $9,856           $8,583  
Ratios to average net assets(c):                                            
Expenses, including distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.77% (f)      1.68%        1.75%        1.56%            1.41% (d) 
Expenses, excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.27% (f)      1.18%        1.25%        1.06%            .91% (d) 
Net investment income     .22% (f)      .27%        .94%        .73%            .31% (d) 

 

(a) Commencement of offering.

(b) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each period reported, and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return may reflect adjustments to conform to generally accepted accounting principles. Total returns for periods less than a full year are not annualized.

(c) Does not include the expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

(d) Annualized.

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

(f) Net of management fee waiver. If the investment manager had not waived expenses, the expense ratios including and excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees and net investment income ratio would have been 1.89%, 1.39% and .10%, respectively, for the year ended October 31, 2011.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     45   


 

Financial Highlights

 

continued

 

Class M Shares  
     Year Ended October 31,         March 16,
2007(a)
through
October 31,
 
     2011(e)     2010(e)     2009(e)     2008(e)          2007  
Per Share Operating Performance:                                            
Net Asset Value, Beginning Of Period     $10.48        $9.26        $8.87        $14.14            $12.59   
Income (loss) from investment operations:                                            
Net investment income (loss)     (.03     (.02     .04        .03            (.02
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions     .76        1.24        .37        (5.29         1.57   
Total from investment operations     .73        1.22        .41        (5.26         1.55   
Less Dividends:                                            
Dividends from net investment income     -        -        (.02     (.01         -   
Net asset value, end of period     $11.21        $10.48        $9.26        $8.87            $14.14   
Total Return(b):     6.97%        13.17%        4.67%        (37.22)%            12.31%   
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of period (000)     $735       $4,103       $8,052       $15,423           $42,909  
Average net assets (000)     $2,311       $5,918       $10,385       $29,289           $29,146  
Ratios to average net assets(c):                                            
Expenses, including distribution and service (12b-1) fees     2.30% (f)      2.18%        2.25%        2.06%            1.91% (d) 
Expenses, excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.30% (f)      1.18%        1.25%        1.06%            .91% (d) 
Net investment income (loss)     (.27)% (f)      (.15)%        .55%        .24%            (.19)% (d) 

 

(a) Commencement of offering.

(b) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each period reported, and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return may reflect adjustments to conform to generally accepted accounting principles. Total returns for periods less than a full year are not annualized.

(c) Does not include the expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

(d) Annualized.

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

(f) Net of management fee waiver. If the investment manager had not waived expenses, the expense ratios including and excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees and net investment loss ratio would have been 2.36%, 1.36% and (.33)%, respectively, for the year ended October 31, 2011.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

46   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


Class X Shares  
     Year Ended October 31,         March 16,
2007(a)
through
October 31,
 
     2011(f)     2010(f)     2009(f)     2008(f)          2007(d)  
Per Share Operating Performance:                                            
Net Asset Value, Beginning Of Period     $10.65        $9.40        $8.97        $14.16            $12.60   
Income (loss) from investment operations:                                            
Net investment income     .05        .06        .12        .13            .04   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions     .78        1.24        .40        (5.28         1.56   
Total from investment operations     .83        1.30        .52        (5.15         1.60   
Less Dividends:                                            
Dividends from net investment income     (.02     (.05     (.10     (.06         (.07
Capital Contributions (Note 2):     - (h)      - (h)      .01        .02            .03   
Net asset value, end of period     $11.46        $10.65        $9.40        $8.97            $14.16   
Total Return(b):     7.84%        13.91%        6.00%        (36.25)%            12.93% (g) 
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                                  
Net assets, end of period (000)     $837       $1,394       $2,096       $2,767           $6,283  
Average net assets (000)     $1,137       $1,689       $2,245       $4,698           $3,939  
Ratios to average net assets(c):                                            
Expenses, including distribution and
service (12b-1) fees
    1.53% (i)      1.43%        1.50%        1.38%            1.29% (e) 
Expenses, excluding distribution and
service (12b-1) fees
    1.28% (i)      1.18%        1.25%        1.06%            .91% (e) 
Net investment income     .46% (i)      .56%        1.46%        1.08%            .42% (e) 

 

(a) Commencement of offering.

(b) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each period reported, and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return may reflect adjustments to conform to generally accepted accounting principles. Total returns for periods less than a full year are not annualized.

(c) Does not include the expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

(d) Certain information has been adjusted to reflect a manager payment for sales charges incurred by shareholders in excess of regulatory limits.

(e) Annualized.

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

(g) Total return has been adjusted to reflect the manager payment for sales charges in excess of regulatory limits.

(h) Less than $.005 per share.

(i) Net of management fee waiver. If the investment manager had not waived expenses, the expense ratios including and excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees and net investment income ratio would have been 1.63%, 1.38% and .36%, respectively, for the year ended October 31, 2011.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     47   


 

Financial Highlights

 

continued

 

Class Z Shares  
     Year Ended October 31,  
     2011(a)     2010(a)     2009(a)     2008(a)     2007  
Per Share Operating Performance:                                        
Net Asset Value, Beginning Of Year     $11.18        $9.87        $9.47        $15.09        $13.21   
Income (loss) from investment operations:                                        
Net investment income     .07        .08        .08        .15        .13   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions     .83        1.30        .45        (5.63     1.85   
Total from investment operations     .90        1.38        .53        (5.48     1.98   
Less Dividends:                                        
Dividends from net investment income     (.05     (.07     (.13     (.14     (.10
Net asset value, end of year     $12.03        $11.18        $9.87        $9.47        $15.09   
Total Return(b):     8.04%        14.09%        5.83%        (36.64)%        15.06%   
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of year (000)     $32,419       $141,793       $202,941       $36,602       $23,950  
Average net assets (000)     $144,295       $145,193       $90,113       $20,386       $21,053  
Ratios to average net assets(c):                                        
Expenses, including distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.42% (d)      1.18%        1.25%        1.06%        .91%   
Expenses, excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.42% (d)      1.18%        1.25%        1.06%        .91%   
Net investment income     .58% (d)      .76%        .96%        1.25%        .93%   

 

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

(b) Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported, and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return may reflect adjustments to conform to generally accepted accounting principles.

(c) Does not include the expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

(d) Net of management fee waiver. If the investment manager had not waived expenses, the expense ratios including and excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees and net investment income ratio would have been 1.44%, 1.44% and .56%, respectively, for the year ended October 31, 2011.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

48   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


Report of Independent Registered Public

Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Trustees and Shareholders

Prudential Investment Portfolios 9:

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund, a series of Prudential Investment Portfolios 9 (hereafter referred to as the “Fund”), including the portfolio of investments, as of October 31, 2011, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2011, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures when replies from brokers were not received. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of October 31, 2011, and the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

LOGO

 

New York, New York

December 22, 2011

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund     49   


Tax Information

 

(Unaudited)

 

We are required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“the Code”) to advise you within 60 days of the Fund’s fiscal year end (October 31, 2011) as to the federal income tax status of dividends paid by the Fund during such fiscal year. We are advising you that during its fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, the Fund paid ordinary income dividends for Class A and Class X shares of $0.02 per share and for Class Z shares of $0.05 per share.

 

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, the Fund designates the maximum amount allowable, but not less than 100% of the ordinary income dividend paid during the year as eligible for the corporate dividends received deduction in accordance with Section 854 of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, the Fund designates the maximum amount allowable, but not less than 100% of the ordinary income dividends paid during the year as qualified dividend income in accordance with Section 854 of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

In January 2012, you will be advised on IRS 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by you in calendar year 2011.

 

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INFORMATION ABOUT BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS

(Unaudited)

Information about Board Members and Officers is set forth below. Board Members who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Board Members.” Board Members who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Fund are referred to as “Interested Board Members.” The Board Members are responsible for the overall supervision of the operations of the Fund and perform the various duties imposed on the directors of investment companies by the 1940 Act.

 

Independent Board

Members(1)

 

Name, Address, Age

Position(s)

Portfolios Overseen

  

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five

Years

  

 

Other Directorships Held

 

Kevin J. Bannon (59)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Managing Director (since April 2008) and Chief Investment Officer (since October 2008) of Highmount Capital LLC (registered investment adviser); formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer (April 1993-August 2007) of Bank of New York Company; President (May 2003-May 2007) of BNY Hamilton Family of Mutual Funds.

  

 

Director of Urstadt Biddle Properties (since September 2008).

 

Linda W. Bynoe (59)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

President and Chief Executive Officer (since March 1995) and formerly Chief Operating Officer (December 1989-February 1995) of Telemat Ltd. (management consulting); formerly Vice President (January 1985-June 1989) at Morgan Stanley & Co (broker-dealer).

  

 

Director of Simon Property Group, Inc. (retail real estate) (since May 2003); Director of Anixter International, Inc. (communication products distributor) (since January 2006); Director of Northern Trust Corporation (financial services) (since April 2006); Trustee of Equity Residential (residential real estate) (since December 2009); formerly Director of Dynegy Inc. (power generation) (September 2002-May 2006).

 

Michael S. Hyland, CFA

(66)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Independent Consultant (since February 2005); formerly Senior Managing Director (July 2001-February 2005) of Bear Stearns & Co, Inc.; Global Partner, INVESCO (1999-2001); Managing Director and President of Salomon Brothers Asset Management (1989-1999).

  

 

None.

 

Douglas H. McCorkindale

(72)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Formerly Chairman (February 2001-June 2006), Chief Executive Officer (June 2000-July 2005), President (September 1997-July 2005) and Vice Chairman (March 1984-May 2000) of Gannett Co. Inc. (publishing and media).

  

 

Director of Lockheed Martin Corp. (aerospace and defense) (since May 2001).

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund    


Independent Board

Members(1)

         

 

Name, Address, Age

Position(s)

Portfolios Overseen

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five

Years

   Other Directorships Held

 

Stephen P. Munn (69)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Lead Director (since 2007) and formerly Chairman (1993-2007) of Carlisle Companies Incorporated (manufacturer of industrial products).

  

 

Lead Director (since 2007) of Carlisle Companies Incorporated (manufacturer of industrial products).

 

Richard A. Redeker (68)

Board Member &

Independent Chair

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Retired Mutual Fund Senior Executive (43 years); Management Consultant; Independent Directors Council (organization of 2,800 Independent Mutual Fund Directors)-Executive Committee, Chair of Policy Steering Committee, Governing Council.

  

 

None.

 

Robin B. Smith (72)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Chairman of the Board (since January 2003) of Publishers Clearing House (direct marketing); Member of the Board of Directors of ADLPartner (marketing) (since December 2010); formerly Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (August 1996-January 2003) of Publishers Clearing House.

  

 

Formerly Director of BellSouth Corporation (telecommunications) (1992-2006).

 

Stephen G. Stoneburn (68)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

President and Chief Executive Officer (since June 1996) of Quadrant Media Corp. (publishing company); formerly President (June 1995-June 1996) of Argus Integrated Media, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Managing Director (January 1993-1995) of Cowles Business Media; Senior Vice President of Fairchild Publications, Inc (1975-1989).

  

 

None.

 

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Interested Board  Members(1)            

 

Name, Address, Age

Position(s)

Portfolios Overseen

  

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five

Years

  

 

Other Directorships Held

 

Judy A. Rice* (63)

Board Member & President

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Officer-In-Charge (since February 2003) of Prudential Investments LLC; President, Chief Executive Officer and Officer-In-Charge (since April 2003) of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC; President, Chief Executive Officer (since May 2011) and Executive Vice President (since December 2008) of Prudential Investment Management Services LLC; Member of the Board of Directors of Jennison Associates LLC (since November 2010); formerly Vice President (February 1999-April 2006) of Prudential Investment Management Services LLC; President, COO, CEO and Manager of PIFM Holdco, LLC (since April 2006); formerly President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Officer-In-Charge (May 2003-June 2005) and Director (May 2003-March 2006) and Executive Vice President (June 2005-March 2006) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; Member of Board of Governors of the Investment Company Institute.

  

 

None.

 

Stuart S. Parker* (49)

Board Member & President

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

President of Prudential Investments LLC (since January 2012); Executive Vice President of Jennison Associates LLC and Head of Retail Distribution of Prudential Investments LLC (June 2005 - December 2011).

  

 

None.

 

Scott E. Benjamin (38)

Board Member & Vice

President

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Executive Vice President (since June 2009) of Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC; Executive Vice President (since September 2009) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President of Product Development and Marketing, Prudential Investments (since February 2006); Vice President of Product Development and Product Management, Prudential Investments (2003-2006).

  

 

None.

* Ms. Rice has announced her retirement as President and Board Member effective December 31, 2011. Ms. Rice has been appointed as Vice President effective January 1, 2012. The Board has appointed Stuart S. Parker as President and Board Member effective January 1, 2012.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund    


(1) The year that each individual joined the Fund’s Board is as follows:

Linda W. Bynoe, 2005; Douglas H. McCorkindale, 1998; Richard A. Redeker, 1998; Robin B. Smith, 1998; Stephen G. Stoneburn, 2003; Kevin J. Bannon, 2008; Michael S. Hyland, 2008; Stephen P. Munn, 2008; Judy A. Rice, Board Member since 2000 and President since 2003; Scott E. Benjamin, Board Member since 2010 and Vice President since 2009.

 

Fund Officers(a)(1)      

 

Name, Address and Age

Position with Fund

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years

 

Kathryn L. Quirk (59)

Chief Legal Officer

  

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since September 2004) of Prudential; Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary (since July 2005) of PI and Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC; Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since June 2005) and Secretary (since February 2006) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; formerly Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary (November 2004-August 2005) of PI; formerly Assistant Secretary (June 2005-February 2006) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; formerly Managing Director, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Risk Officer and Corporate Secretary (1997-2002) of Zurich Scudder Investments, Inc.

 

Deborah A. Docs (53)

Secretary

  

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since January 2001) of Prudential; Vice President (since December 1996) and Assistant Secretary (since March 1999) of PI; formerly Vice President and Assistant Secretary (May 2003-June 2005) of AST Investment Services, Inc.

 

Jonathan D. Shain (53)

Assistant Secretary

  

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since August 1998) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since May 2001) of PI; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since February 2001) of PMFS; formerly Vice President and Assistant Secretary (May 2003-June 2005) of AST Investment Services, Inc.

 

Claudia DiGiacomo (37)

Assistant Secretary

  

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since January 2005) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary of PI (since December 2005); Associate at Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP (1999-2004).

 

John P. Schwartz (40)

Assistant Secretary

  

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since April 2005) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary of PI (since December 2005); Associate at Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP (1997-2005).

 

Andrew R. French (49)

Assistant Secretary

  

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since February 2010) of Prudential; formerly Director and Corporate Counsel (2006-2010) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of PI; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of PMFS.

 

Timothy J. Knierim (52)

Chief Compliance Officer

  

 

Chief Compliance Officer of Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (since July 2007); formerly Chief Risk Officer of PIM and PI (2002-2007) and formerly Chief Ethics Officer of PIM and PI (2006-2007).

 

Valerie M. Simpson (53)

Deputy Chief Compliance Officer

  

 

Chief Compliance Officer (since April 2007) of PI and AST Investment Services, Inc.; formerly Vice President-Financial Reporting (June 1999-March 2006) for Prudential Life and Annuities Finance.

 

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Fund Officers(a)(1)      

 

Name, Address and Age

Position with Fund

  

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years

 

Theresa C. Thompson (49)

Deputy Chief Compliance Officer

  

 

Vice President, Compliance, PI (since April 2004); and Director, Compliance, PI (2001-2004).

 

Richard W. Kinville (43)

Anti-Money Laundering

Compliance Officer

  

 

Vice President, Corporate Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering Unit (since January 2005) of Prudential; committee member of the American Council of Life Insurers Anti-Money Laundering and Critical Infrastructure Committee (since January 2007); formerly Investigator and Supervisor in the Special Investigations Unit for the New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company (August 1994-January 1999); Investigator in AXA Financial’s Internal Audit Department and Manager in AXA’s Anti-Money Laundering Office (January 1999-January 2005); first chair of the American Council of Life Insurers Anti-Money Laundering and Critical Infrastructure Committee (June 2007-December 2009).

 

Grace C. Torres (52)

Treasurer and Principal Financial and

Accounting Officer

  

 

Assistant Treasurer (since March 1999) and Senior Vice President (since September 1999) of PI; Assistant Treasurer (since May 2003) and Vice President (since June 2005) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Assistant Treasurer (since May 2003) of Prudential Annuities Advisory Services, Inc.; formerly Senior Vice President (May 2003-June 2005) of AST Investment Services, Inc.

 

M. Sadiq Peshimam (47)

Assistant Treasurer

  

 

Vice President (since 2005) of Prudential Investments LLC.

 

Peter Parrella (53)

Assistant Treasurer

  

 

Vice President (since 2007) and Director (2004-2007) within Prudential Mutual Fund Administration; formerly Tax Manager at SSB Citi Fund Management LLC (1997-2004).

(a) Excludes Ms. Rice and Mr. Benjamin, interested Board Members who also serve as President and Vice President, respectively.

(1) The year that each individual became an Officer of the Fund is as follows:

Kathryn L. Quirk, 2005; Deborah A. Docs, 2005; Jonathan D. Shain, 2005; Claudia DiGiacomo, 2005; John P. Schwartz, 2006; Andrew R. French, 2006; Timothy J. Knierim, 2007; Valerie M. Simpson 2007; Theresa C. Thompson, 2008; Richard W. Kinville, 2011, Grace C. Torres, 1998; M. Sadiq Peshimam, 2006; Peter Parrella, 2007.

Explanatory Notes to Tables:

 

n

Board Members are deemed to be “Interested,” as defined in the 1940 Act, by reason of their affiliation with Prudential Investments LLC and/or an affiliate of Prudential Investments LLC.

n

Unless otherwise noted, the address of all Board Members and Officers is c/o Prudential Investments LLC, Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077.

n

There is no set term of office for Board Members or Officers. The Board Members have adopted a retirement policy, which calls for the retirement of Board Members on December 31 of the year in which they reach the age of 75.

n

“Other Directorships Held” includes only directorships of companies required to register or file reports with the SEC under the 1934 Act) (that is, “public companies”) or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.

n

“Portfolios Overseen” includes all investment companies managed by Prudential Investments LLC. The investment companies for which PI serves as manager include the Prudential Investments Mutual Funds, The Prudential Variable Contract Accounts, Target Mutual Funds, The Prudential Series Fund, Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc. and the Advanced Series Trust.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund    


Approval of Advisory Agreements

 

The Fund’s Board of Trustees

 

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund (the “Fund”)1 consists of 10 individuals, eight of whom are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (the “Independent Trustees”). The Board is responsible for the oversight of the Fund and its operations, and performs the various duties imposed on the directors of investment companies by the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees have retained independent legal counsel to assist them in connection with their duties. The Chair of the Board is an Independent Trustee. The Board has established three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee, and the Investment Committee. Each committee is chaired by, and composed of, Independent Trustees.

 

Annual Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreements

 

As required under the 1940 Act, the Board determines annually whether to renew the Fund’s management agreement with Prudential Investments LLC (“PI”) and the Fund’s subadvisory agreement with Quantitative Management Associates LLC (“QMA”). In considering the renewal of the agreements, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, met on June 6-8, 2011 and approved the renewal of the agreements through July 31, 2012, after concluding that the renewal of the agreements was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.

 

In advance of the meetings, the Board received materials relating to the agreements, and had the opportunity to ask questions and request further information in connection with its consideration. Among other things, the Board considered comparative fee information from PI and QMA. Also, the Board considered comparisons with other mutual funds in relevant Peer Universes and Peer Groups. The mutual funds included in each Peer Universe or Peer Group were objectively determined by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent provider of mutual fund data. The comparisons placed the Fund in various quartiles over the one-, three-, five- and 10-year periods ending December 31, 2010, with the first quartile being the best 25% of the mutual funds (for performance, the best performing mutual funds and, for expenses, the lowest cost mutual funds). The Board also considered specific information provided by Lipper and QMA at the meetings, as well as additional materials relating to the performance and fees of the Fund.

 

In approving the agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees advised by independent legal counsel, considered the factors it deemed relevant, including the nature, quality and extent of services provided by PI and the subadviser, the

 

 

1 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund is a series of Prudential Investment Portfolios 9.

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund


Approval of Advisory Agreements (continued)

 

performance of the Fund, the profitability of PI and its affiliates, expenses and fees, and the potential for economies of scale that may be shared with the Fund and its shareholders as the Fund’s assets grow. In their deliberations, the Trustees did not identify any single factor which alone was responsible for the Board’s decision to approve the agreements with respect to the Fund. In connection with its deliberations, the Board considered information provided by PI throughout the year at regular Board meetings, presentations from portfolio managers and other information, as well as information furnished at or in advance of the meetings on June 6-8, 2011.

 

The Trustees determined that the overall arrangements between the Fund and PI, which serves as the Fund’s investment manager pursuant to a management agreement, and between PI and QMA, which serves as the Fund’s subadviser pursuant to the terms of a subadvisory agreement with PI, are in the interest of the Fund and its shareholders in light of the services performed, fees charged and such other matters as the Trustees considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment.

 

The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the Trustees’ reaching their determinations to approve the continuance of the agreements are separately discussed below.

 

Nature, Quality and Extent of Services

 

The Board received and considered information regarding the nature, quality and extent of services provided to the Fund by PI and QMA. The Board considered the services provided by PI, including but not limited to the oversight of the subadviser for the Fund, as well as the provision of fund recordkeeping, compliance, and other services to the Fund. With respect to PI’s oversight of the subadviser, the Board noted that PI’s Strategic Investment Research Group (“SIRG”), which is a business unit of PI, is responsible for monitoring and reporting to PI’s senior management on the performance and operations of the subadviser. The Board also considered that PI pays the salaries of all of the officers and non-independent Trustees of the Fund. The Board also considered the investment subadvisory services provided by QMA, as well as adherence to the Fund’s investment restrictions and compliance with applicable Fund policies and procedures. The Board considered PI’s evaluation of the subadviser, as well as PI’s recommendation, based on its review of the subadviser, to renew the subadvisory agreement.

 

The Board reviewed the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of PI’s senior management responsible for the oversight of the Fund and QMA, and also reviewed the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of QMA’s portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. The Board was provided with information pertaining to PI’s and QMA’s organizational structure, senior management, investment operations, and other relevant information pertaining

 

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to both PI and QMA. The Board also noted that it received favorable compliance reports from the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) as to both PI and QMA. The Board noted that QMA is affiliated with PI.

 

The Board concluded that it was satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of the investment management services provided by PI and the subadvisory services provided to the Fund by QMA, and that there was a reasonable basis on which to conclude that the Fund benefits from the services provided by PI and QMA under the management and subadvisory agreements.

 

Performance of the Fund

 

The Board received and considered information about the Fund’s historical performance. The Board considered that the Fund’s gross performance in relation to its Peer Universe (the Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Performance Universe) was in the third quartile over the one-, five- and 10-year periods, and in the fourth quartile over the three-year period. The Board also noted that the Fund outperformed its benchmark index over the five- and 10-year periods, though it underperformed its benchmark index over the one- and three-year periods. The Board noted PI’s explanation that the Fund’s underperformance was attributable to the fact that, during the volatile market environment of the past several years, quantitative investment styles had struggled. The Board further noted that the Fund’s performance was in the first quartile for the first quarter of 2011. The Board concluded that, in light of the foregoing, it would be in the interest of the Fund and its shareholders for the Fund to renew the agreements.

 

Fees and Expenses

 

The Board considered that the Fund’s actual management fee (which reflects any subsidies, expense caps or waivers) ranked in the Expense Group’s second quartile, and that the Fund’s total expenses ranked in the Expense Group’s fourth quartile. The Board considered that PI has agreed to cap the Fund’s operating expenses at 0.95% (exclusive of 12b-1 fees and certain other fees) through February 29, 2012, which would result in the Fund’s total expenses ranking in the Expense Group’s second quartile. The Board concluded that the management fees (including subadvisory fees) and total expenses were reasonable in light of the services provided.

 

Costs of Services and Profits Realized by PI

 

The Board was provided with information on the profitability of PI and its affiliates in serving as the Fund’s investment manager. The Board discussed with PI the methodology utilized in assembling the information regarding profitability and considered its reasonableness. The Board recognized that it is difficult to make

 

Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund


Approval of Advisory Agreements (continued)

 

comparisons of profitability from fund management contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors, including the structure of the particular adviser, the types of funds it manages, its business mix, numerous assumptions regarding allocations and the adviser’s capital structure and cost of capital. The Board did not separately consider the profitability of the subadviser, an affiliate of PI, as its profitability was reflected in the profitability report for PI. Taking these factors into account, the Board concluded that the profitability of PI and its affiliates in relation to the services rendered was not unreasonable.

 

Economies of Scale

 

The Board received and discussed information concerning whether PI realizes economies of scale as the Fund’s assets grow beyond current levels. The Board noted that the management fee schedule for the Fund includes breakpoints, which have the effect of decreasing the fee rate as assets increase, but at the current level of assets, the Fund does not realize the effect of those rate reductions. The Board took note that the Fund’s fee structure would result in benefits to Fund shareholders when (and if) assets reach the levels at which the fee rate is reduced. These benefits will accrue whether or not PI is then realizing any economies of scale.

 

Other Benefits to PI and QMA

 

The Board considered potential ancillary benefits that might be received by PI and QMA and their affiliates as a result of their relationship with the Fund. The Board concluded that potential benefits to be derived by PI included fees received by affiliates of PI for serving as the Fund’s securities lending agent, transfer agency fees received by the Fund’s transfer agent (which is affiliated with PI), and benefits to the reputation as well as other intangible benefits resulting from PI’s association with the Fund. The Board concluded that the potential benefits to be derived by QMA included its ability to use soft dollar credits, as well as the potential benefits consistent with those generally resulting from an increase in assets under management, specifically, potential access to additional research resources and benefits to the reputation. The Board concluded that the benefits derived by PI and QMA were consistent with the types of benefits generally derived by investment managers and subadvisers to mutual funds.

 

After full consideration of these factors, the Board concluded that approval of the agreements was in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders.

 

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n    MAIL   n    TELEPHONE   n    WEBSITE

Gateway Center Three

100 Mulberry Street

Newark, NJ 07102

  (800) 225-1852   www.prudentialfunds.com

 

PROXY VOTING
The Board of Trustees of the Fund has delegated to the Fund’s investment subadviser the responsibility for voting any proxies and maintaining proxy recordkeeping with respect to the Fund. A description of these proxy voting policies and procedures is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 225-1852 or by visiting the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the Fund’s website and on the Commission’s website.

 

TRUSTEES
Kevin J. Bannon Scott E. Benjamin Linda W. Bynoe Michael S. Hyland Douglas H. McCorkindale Stephen P. Munn Richard A. Redeker Judy A. Rice Robin B. Smith Stephen G. Stoneburn

 

OFFICERS
Judy A. Rice, President Scott E. Benjamin, Vice President Grace C. Torres, Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer Kathryn L. Quirk, Chief Legal Officer Deborah A. Docs, Secretary Timothy J. Knierim, Chief Compliance Officer  Valerie M. Simpson, Deputy Chief Compliance Officer Theresa C. Thompson, Deputy Chief Compliance Officer Richard W. Kinville, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer Jonathan D. Shain, Assistant Secretary Claudia DiGiacomo, Assistant Secretary John P. Schwartz, Assistant Secretary Andrew R. French, Assistant Secretary M. Sadiq Peshimam, Assistant Treasurer Peter Parrella, Assistant Treasurer

 

MANAGER   Prudential Investments LLC    Gateway Center Three
100 Mulberry Street
Newark, NJ 07102

 

INVESTMENT SUBADVISER   Quantitative Management
Associates LLC
   Gateway Center Two
100 Mulberry Street
Newark, NJ 07102

 

DISTRIBUTOR   Prudential Investment
Management Services LLC
   Gateway Center Three
100 Mulberry Street
Newark, NJ 07102

 

CUSTODIAN   The Bank of New York Mellon    One Wall Street
New York, NY 10286

 

TRANSFER AGENT   Prudential Mutual Fund
Services LLC
   PO Box 9658
Providence, RI 02940

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
  KPMG LLP    345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154

 

FUND COUNSEL   Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP    787 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019


An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other information about the Fund. An investor may obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus by visiting our website at www.prudentialfunds.com or by calling (800) 225-1852. The prospectus and summary prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

 

E-DELIVERY
To receive your mutual fund documents online, go to www.prudentialfunds.com/edelivery and enroll. Instead of receiving printed documents by mail, you will receive notification via email when new materials are available. You can cancel your enrollment or change your email address at any time by visiting the website address above.

 

SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS WITH TRUSTEES
Shareholders can communicate directly with the Board of Trustees by writing to the Chair of the Board, Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund, Prudential Investments, Attn: Board of Trustees, 100 Mulberry Street, Gateway Center Three, Newark, NJ 07102. Shareholders can communicate directly with an individual Trustee by writing to the same address. Communications are not screened before being delivered to the addressee.

 

AVAILABILITY OF PORTFOLIO SCHEDULE
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation and location of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (202) 551-8090. The Fund’s schedule of portfolio holdings is also available on the Fund’s website as of the end of each month.

 

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 225-1852.

 

Mutual Funds:

ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FDIC OR ANY
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
  MAY LOSE VALUE   ARE NOT A DEPOSIT OF OR GUARANTEED
BY ANY BANK OR ANY BANK AFFILIATE


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PRUDENTIAL LARGE-CAP CORE EQUITY FUND

 

SHARE CLASS   A   B   C   L   M   X   Z
NASDAQ   PTMAX   PTMBX   PTMCX   N/A   N/A   N/A   PTEZX
CUSIP   74441J100   74441J209   74441J308   74441J506   74441J605   74441J704   74441J407

 

MF187E    0215359-00001-00


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PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS»MUTUAL FUNDS

 

PRUDENTIAL ABSOLUTE RETURN BOND FUND

 

ANNUAL REPORT · OCTOBER 31, 2011

 

Fund Type

Absolute return bond

 

Objective

To seek positive returns over the long term, regardless of market conditions

 

This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.

 

The views expressed in this report and information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings are for the period covered by this report and are subject to change thereafter.

 

Prudential Investments, Prudential, the Prudential logo, and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.

 

LOGO

 

LOGO

  LOGO


 

 

December 15, 2011

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

After leading Prudential Investments for the past eight years, I have decided to retire at the end of 2011 from my positions as President of Prudential Investments and President and Trustee of the Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund (the Fund). Effective January 1, 2012, I will become Chairman of Prudential Investments and act as an advisor to the business during 2012 to help facilitate a smooth transition to my successor, Stuart Parker.

 

Stuart, who will become President of Prudential Investments and President and Trustee of the Fund on January 1, 2012, previously served as the Executive Vice President of Retail Mutual Fund Distribution at Prudential Investments. With more than 20 years of investment industry experience, Stuart brings a deep understanding of the needs and challenges facing today’s investors.

 

We hope you find the annual report for the Fund informative. We recognize that ongoing market volatility may make it a difficult time to be an investor. We continue to believe a prudent response to uncertainty is to maintain a diversified portfolio, including stock and bond mutual funds consistent with your tolerance for risk, time horizon, and financial goals.

 

Your financial professional can help you create a diversified investment plan that reflects your personal investor profile and risk tolerance. Keep in mind that diversification and asset allocation strategies do not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets. We encourage you to call your financial professional before making any investment decision.

 

Prudential Investments provides a wide range of mutual funds to choose from that can help you make progress toward your financial goals. Our funds offer the experience, resources, and professional discipline of Prudential Financial’s affiliated asset managers.

 

Finally, I’ve been privileged to have had the opportunity to help you address your investment needs, and I thank you for choosing the Prudential Investments family of mutual funds.

 

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

 

Judy A. Rice, President

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     1   


Your Fund’s Performance

 

Performance data quoted represent past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate, so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the past performance data quoted. An investor may obtain performance data as of the most recent month-end by visiting our website at www.prudentialfunds.com or by calling (800) 225-1852. Class A shares have a maximum initial sales charge of 4.50%. Gross operating expenses: Class A, 2.70%; Class C, 3.39%; Class Q, 2.45%; Class Z, 2.48%. Net operating expenses: Class A, 1.30%; Class C, 2.05%; Class Q, 1.05%; Class Z, 1.05%, after contractual reduction through 2/28/2013.

 

Cumulative Total Returns (Without Sales Charges) as of 10/31/11

  

                    Since Inception  

Class A

                    –1.27

Class C

                    –1.74   

Class Q

                    –1.09   

Class Z

                    –1.14   

BofAML USD LIBOR 3-Month CM Index

                    0.15   

Lipper Average

                    –3.04   
           

Average Annual Total Returns (With Sales Charges) as of 9/30/11

  

                    Since Inception  

Class A

                    N/A    

Class C

                    N/A    

Class Q

                    N/A    

Class Z

                    N/A    

BofAML USD LIBOR 3-Month CM Index

                    N/A    

Lipper Average

                    N/A    
           

Average Annual Total Returns (With Sales Charges) as of 10/31/11

  

                    Since Inception  

Class A

                    N/A    

Class C

                    N/A    

Class Q

                    N/A    

Class Z

                    N/A    
           

 

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Average Annual Total Returns (Without Sales Charges) as of 10/31/11

                    Since Inception

Class A

                  N/A 

Class C

                  N/A 

Class Q

                  N/A 

Class Z

                  N/A 

 

Growth of a $10,000 Investment

 

LOGO

 

The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund (Class A shares) with a similar investment in the BofAML USD LIBOR 3-Month CM Index by portraying the initial account values at the commencement of operations for Class A shares (March 30, 2011) and the account values at the end of the current fiscal year (October 31, 2011) as measured on a quarterly basis. For purposes of the graph, and unless otherwise indicated, it has been assumed that (a) the maximum applicable front-end sales charge was deducted from the initial $10,000 investment in Class A shares; (b) all recurring fees (including management fees) were deducted; and (c) all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The line graph provides information for Class A shares only. As indicated in the tables provided earlier, performance for Class C, Class Q, and Class Z shares will vary due to the differing charges and expenses applicable to each share class (as indicated in the following paragraphs). Without a distribution and service (12b-1) fee waiver of 0.05% for Class A shares in effect through October 31, 2011, the returns shown in the graph and for Class A shares in the tables would have been lower.

 

Total returns and the ending account values in the graph include changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions in a hypothetical investment for the periods shown. The Fund’s total returns do not reflect the deduction of income taxes on an individual’s investment. Taxes may reduce your actual investment returns on income or gains paid by the Fund or any gains you may realize if you sell your shares.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     3   


Your Fund’s Performance (continued)

 

Source: Prudential Investments LLC and Lipper Inc. Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of such fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, total returns would be lower.

 

The performance data featured represents past performance for a period of less than one year. While past performance is never an indication of future results, short periods of performance may be particularly unrepresentative of long-term performance for certain types of funds.

 

Inception date: 3/30/11

 

The average annual total returns take into account applicable sales charges. Class A shares are subject to a maximum front-end sales charge of 4.50%, and an annual 12b-1 fee of up to 0.30%. Investors who purchase Class A shares in an amount of $1 million or more and sell these shares within 12 months of purchase are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1%. The Class A CDSC is waived for purchases by certain retirement and/or benefit plans. Under certain limited circumstances, an exchange may be made from Class A or Class C to Class Z shares of the Fund. Class C shares are not subject to a front-end sales charge, but are subject to a CDSC of 1% for shares sold within 12 months from the date of purchase, and an annual 12b-1 fee of 1%. Class Q and Class Z shares are not subject to a sales charge or 12b-1 fees. The returns in the tables and graph reflect the share class expense structure in effect at the close of the fiscal period.

 

Benchmark Definitions

 

BofAML USD LIBOR 3-Month CM Index

The BofA Merrill Lynch US Dollar 3-Month LIBOR Constant Maturity (CM) Index is an unmanaged index which tracks the performance of a synthetic asset paying LIBOR to a stated maturity. The index is based on the assumed purchase at par of a synthetic instrument having exactly its stated maturity and with a coupon equal to that day’s fixing rate. That issue is assumed to be sold the following business day (priced at a yield equal to the current day fixing rate) and rolled into a new instrument.

 

Lipper Absolute Return Funds Average

Funds in the Lipper Absolute Return Funds Average aim for positive returns in all market conditions. The funds are not benchmarked against a traditional long-only market index but rather have the aim of outperforming a cash or risk-free benchmark.

 

Investors cannot invest directly in an index or average. The returns for the Index would be lower if they included the effects of sales charges, operating expenses of a mutual fund, or taxes. Returns for the Lipper Average reflect the deduction of operating expenses of a mutual fund, but not sales charges or taxes.

 

Distributions and Yields as of 10/31/11

  

  
     Total Distributions
Paid during the Period
     30-Day
SEC Yield
 

Class A

   $ 0.15         3.29

Class C

     0.10         2.70   

Class Q

     0.16         3.69   

Class Z

     0.15         3.68   

 

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Five Largest Holdings expressed as a percentage of net assets as of 10/31/11

  

Fraser Sullivan CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Ser. 2011-6A, Class A1, 144A

     2.8

Trimaran CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Ser. 2006-2A, Class A1L, 144A

     1.9   

LCM LP (Cayman Islands), Ser. 2010-8A, Class A, 144A

     1.4   

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities, Ser. 2005-PWR7, Class A2

     1.4   

Apidos CDO (Cayman Islands), Ser. 2006-4A, Class A1, 144A

     1.4   

Holdings reflect only long-term investments and are subject to change.

 

Credit Quality* expressed as a percentage of net assets as of 10/31/11

  

U.S. Government & Agency

     1.4

Aaa

     36.9   

Aa

     4.3   

A

     9.2   

Baa

     15.1   

Ba

     16.2   

B

     14.7   

Caa

     1.6   

Not Rated

     3.4   

Total Investments

     102.8   

Liabilities in excess of other assets

     –2.8   

Net Assets

     100.0
  

 

 

 

*Source: Moody’s rating, defaulting to S&P when not rated by Moody’s.

Credit Quality is subject to change.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     5   


Strategy and Performance Overview

 

How did the Fund perform?

The Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund Class A shares declined 1.27% for the reporting period, from inception on March 30, 2011 through October 31, 2011. The Class A shares underperformed the 0.15% gain of the BofAML USD 3-month LIBOR Constant Maturity Index (the Index) but outperformed the 3.04% decline of the Lipper Absolute Return Funds Average.

 

How is the Fund Managed?

Prudential Fixed Income manages the Fund, which seeks positive returns over the long term regardless of market conditions. It is designed to potentially mitigate downside risk in a bond portfolio. To achieve these results, portfolio managers apply their expertise in sector and security selection, while using strategies that seek to reduce the impact of interest rate changes on the Fund.

 

The Fund invests at least 80% of its investable assets in a diversified portfolio of U.S. and foreign fixed income securities that may include (but are not limited to) corporate bonds, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and government-related securities. It mostly looks for investment-grade debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars or foreign currencies. However, the Fund can also invest in high yield corporate bonds, commonly called “junk” bonds as they are rated below investment grade.

 

How did the U.S. fixed income market perform?

The U.S. fixed income market was characterized by dramatic changes in investor risk appetite that occurred in response to momentous economic and political developments around the world. Yet all sectors of the U.S. fixed income market finished the period in the black.

 

   

The period began on an upbeat note, but the second quarter of 2011 was marked by increasing anxiety. Rising gas prices sapped consumption. Supply chain disruptions emanating from Japan in the aftermath of an earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster, along with weather-related events in the United States, caused production slowdowns. Moreover, employment growth in the United States weakened dramatically in May, and a sovereign-debt crisis in the euro zone worsened. Against this negative economic backdrop, yields on U.S. Treasury securities declined and pushed up their prices, as bond prices move inversely to yields.

 

   

The flight to quality gained momentum in the third quarter of 2011. Investors increasingly sought refuge in Treasury securities and the U.S. dollar in response to signs of slower global economic growth and deepening concerns about the European sovereign-debt crisis. The Treasury securities rally strengthened in

 

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September after the Federal Reserve announced it would, in October, begin selling $400 billion of short-term U.S. Treasuries and buying their longer-term counterparts in an effort to put downward pressure on longer-term rates. After the announcement, Treasury securities soared in value, even though Standard & Poor’s had recently downgraded the U.S. long-term credit rating to AA+ from AAA.

 

   

All other sectors of the U.S. fixed income market, such as investment-grade corporate bonds and commercial mortgage-backed securities, underperformed similar-maturity Treasury securities for the third quarter. Nevertheless, investor risk tolerance increased in October. Prices of Treasury securities declined, while investment-grade and high yield corporate bonds gained in value, as signs of strength in the U.S. economy quieted fear that it might lapse into a double-dip recession. Also, European leaders appeared to make progress on containing the region’s sovereign-debt crisis.

 

Which strategy made the largest positive contribution to the Fund’s performance?

The Fund’s interest rate strategy made the largest positive contribution to its performance versus the Index.

 

   

The Fund utilized interest rate swaps to shorten its duration, which measures the approximate price volatility of a bond portfolio for a given change in interest rates. This strategy helped reduce the impact of interest rate fluctuations on the Fund. Yet the Fund still had a longer duration than the Index, which benefited it as declining rates drove bond prices higher during the period.

 

Which strategy detracted most from the Fund’s return?

The Fund’s sector allocation strategy avoided Treasury securities and emphasized spread sectors, which provides extra yield (spread) over similar-maturity Treasury securities to compensate for their greater credit risk. This approach detracted most from the Fund’s return, as spread sectors sharply underperformed comparable Treasury securities during the turbulent third quarter. Subsequently, in October, when the Fund did not recover all the ground it had lost during the third quarter, it ended the period with a slight loss.

 

   

Investment-grade corporate bonds were a major detractor, largely due to the Fund’s emphasis on debt securities of banks that were pressured by uncertainty over their exposures to the euro-zone crisis.

 

   

Emerging market bonds detracted from the Fund’s return. These debt securities, as well as emerging market currencies, were hit particularly hard in the third quarter by the European sovereign-debt crisis and the potential for a double-dip recession in the United States.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     7   


Fees and Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemptions, as applicable, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses, as applicable. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested on May 1, 2011, at the beginning of the period, and held through the six-month period ended October 31, 2011. The example is for illustrative purposes only; you should consult the Prospectus for information on initial and subsequent minimum investment requirements.

 

The Fund’s transfer agent may charge additional fees to holders of certain accounts that are not included in the expenses shown in the table on the following page. These fees apply to individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and Section 403(b) accounts. As of the close of the six-month period covered by the table, IRA fees included an annual maintenance fee of $15 per account (subject to a maximum annual maintenance fee of $25 for all accounts held by the same shareholder). Section 403(b) accounts are charged an annual $25 fiduciary maintenance fee. Some of the fees may vary in amount, or may be waived, based on your total account balance or the number of Prudential Investments funds, including the Fund, that you own. You should consider the additional fees that were charged to your Fund account over the six-month period when you estimate the total ongoing expenses paid over the period and the impact of these fees on your ending account value, as these additional expenses are not reflected in the information provided in the expense table. Additional fees have the effect of reducing investment returns.

 

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class in the table on the following page provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information on this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value ÷ $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number on the first line under the heading “Expenses Paid During the Six-Month Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class in the table on the following page provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and

 

8   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Prudential Absolute
Return Bond Fund
  Beginning Account
Value
May 1, 2011
    Ending Account
Value
October 31, 2011
    Annualized
Expense Ratio
Based on the
Six-Month Period
    Expenses Paid
During the
Six-Month Period*
 
         
Class A   Actual   $ 1,000.00      $ 982.70        1.30   $ 6.50   
    Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,018.65        1.30   $ 6.61   
         
Class C   Actual   $ 1,000.00      $ 977.40        2.05   $ 10.22   
    Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,014.87        2.05   $ 10.41   
         
Class Q   Actual   $ 1,000.00      $ 981.80        1.05   $ 5.24   
    Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.91        1.05   $ 5.35   
         
Class Z   Actual   $ 1,000.00      $ 981.30        1.05   $ 5.24   
    Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.91        1.05   $ 5.35   

* Fund expenses (net of fee waivers or subsidies, if any) for each share class are equal to the annualized expense ratio for each share class (provided in the table), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the 184 days in the six-month period ended October 31, 2011, and divided by the 365 days in the Fund’s fiscal year ended October 31, 2011 (to reflect the six-month period). Expenses presented in the table include the expenses of any underlying portfolios in which the Fund may invest.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     9   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011

 

Description   Moody’s
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value (Note 1)  
         

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS    100.6%

     

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES    23.2%

       

Collateralized Loan Obligations, Debt Obligations and Other Asset-Backed Securities    13.8%

  

Apidos CDO (Cayman Islands),
Ser. 2006-4A, Class A1, 144A(a)

  Aaa   0.672%     10/27/18      $ 500      $ 475,507   

Ser. 2011-8A, Class A1, 144A(a)

  Aaa   2.094     10/17/21        250        246,758   

Fraser Sullivan CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands),
Ser. 2011-6A, Class A1, 144A(a)

  Aaa   2.020     11/22/22        1,000        987,500   

Fuel Trust,
Sec’d. Notes, 144A

  Baa2   4.207     04/15/16        200        200,778   

Hewett’s Island CDO Ltd. (Cayman Islands),
Ser. 2004-1A, Class A1, 144A(a)

  Aaa   0.687     12/15/16        262        256,445   

LCM LP (Cayman Islands),
Ser. 2010-8A, Class A, 144A(a)

  AAA(b)   2.001     01/14/21        500        488,415   

Monument Park CDO Ltd. (Cayman Islands),
Ser. 2004-1A, Class A1, 144A(a)

  Aaa   0.959     01/20/16        272        263,918   

Morningside Park CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands),
Ser. 2010-1A, Class A, 144A(a)

  Aaa   2.001     10/14/20        250        241,750   

Mountain Capital CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands),
Ser. 2005-4A, Class A1L, 144A(a)

  Aaa   0.597     03/15/18        494        472,469   

Rosedale CLO Ltd.
(Cayman Islands),
Ser. I-A, Class A1S, 144A(a)

  Aaa   0.666     07/24/21        234        224,512   

Stanfield Vantage CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands),
Ser. 2005-1A, Class A1, 144A(a)

  Aaa   0.653     03/21/17        308        297,890   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     11   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Description   Moody’s
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value (Note 1)  
         

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (Continued)

     

Collateralized Loan Obligations and Other Asset-Backed Securities (cont’d.)

  

Trimaran CLO Ltd.
(Cayman Islands),
Ser. 2006-2A, Class A1L, 144A(a)

  Aaa   0.504%     11/01/18      $ 700      $ 662,201   
         

 

 

 
            4,818,143   

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities    9.4%

  

               

Argent Securities, Inc.,
Ser. 2003-W5, Class M1(a)

  Baa1   0.945     10/25/33        173        131,688   

Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities Trust,
Ser. 2003-3, Class A2(a)

  Aa2   0.835     06/25/43        263        227,124   

Chase Funding Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates,
Ser. 2002-3, Class 2A1(a)

  A1   0.885     08/25/32        336        248,053   

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc.,
Ser. 2005-OPT1, Class M1(a)

  Aa3   0.665     02/25/35        317        244,999   

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates,
Ser. 2004-1, Class M1(a)

  Baa1   0.995     03/25/34        390        274,420   

Credit-Based Asset Servicing and Securitization LLC,
Ser. 2003-CB3, Class AF1

  A2   3.379     12/25/32        301        248,646   

Ser. 2003-CB5, Class M1(a)

  Ba1   1.265     11/25/33        364        277,653   

Finance America Mortgage Loan Trust,
Ser. 2003-1, Class M1(a)

  A2   1.295     09/25/33        387        306,424   

HSBC Home Equity Loan Trust,
Ser. 2006-2, Class A2(a)

  Aaa   0.425     03/20/36        255        238,086   

Ser. 2007-3, Class A4(a)

  Aa2   1.745     11/20/36        250        196,248   

Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I,
Ser. 2004-WMC1,
Class M1(a)

  B1   1.175     06/25/34        314        230,944   

Residential Asset Securities Corp.,
Ser. 2005-KS8, Class M1(a)

  Baa3   0.655     08/25/35        300        260,236   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

12   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

Description   Moody’s
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value (Note 1)  
         

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (Continued)

     

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (cont’d.)

  

Specialty Underwriting & Residential Finance,
Ser. 2003-BC4, Class M1(a)

  Ba3   1.145%     11/25/34      $ 297      $ 225,880   

Structured Asset Securities Corp.,
Ser. 2005-WF4, Class M1(a)

  Baa3   0.645     11/25/35        250        165,478   
         

 

 

 
            3,275,879   
         

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
(cost $8,277,038)

            8,094,022   
         

 

 

 

BANK LOANS(a)    7.6%

  

   

Automotive    1.1%

                               

Autoparts Holdings Ltd.

  B1   6.500     07/29/17        75        74,813   

Chrysler Group LLC

  Ba2   6.000     05/24/17        150        141,084   

Delphi Corp.

  Baa3   3.500     03/31/17        171        170,518   
         

 

 

 
            386,415   

Banking    0.3%

                               

JBS USA LLC

  Ba3   4.250     05/25/18        100        97,755   

Capital Goods    0.8%

                               

Dealer Computer Services, Inc.

  Ba2   3.750     04/21/18        100        99,176   

Hertz Corp.

  Ba1   3.750     03/12/18        100        92,500   

Terex Corp.

  Ba2   5.500     04/28/17        100        99,938   
         

 

 

 
            291,614   

Chemicals    0.6%

                               

Ashland, Inc.

  Baa3   3.750     11/30/18        100        100,313   

Houghton International, Inc.

  B1   6.750     01/31/16        99        99,249   
         

 

 

 
            199,562   

Consumer    0.3%

                               

Visant Corp.

  Ba3   5.250     12/22/16        99        94,026   

Electric    0.4%

                               

AES Corp.

  Ba1   4.250     05/27/18        100        99,251   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     13   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Description   Moody’s
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value (Note 1)  
         

BANK LOANS(a) (Continued)

     

Electric (cont’d.)

                               

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Co. LLC

  B2   4.891%     10/10/17      $ 48      $ 32,663   
         

 

 

 
            131,914   

Foods    0.5%

                               

Dole Food Co., Inc.

  Ba2   5.000     07/08/18        32        32,432   

Dole Food Co., Inc.

  Ba2   5.000     07/08/18        17        17,464   

OSI Restaurant Partners, Inc.

  B3   2.483     06/14/13        45        42,857   

OSI Restaurant Partners, Inc.

  B3   2.563     06/14/14        104        99,159   
         

 

 

 
            191,912   

Gaming    0.2%

                               

Venetian Macau Ltd.

  Ba3   4.750     05/25/12        27        26,774   

Venetian Macau Ltd.

  Ba3   4.750     05/25/13        47        46,218   
         

 

 

 
            72,992   

Healthcare & Pharmaceutical    1.9%

  

       

Capsugel Holdings US, Inc.

  B1   5.250     08/01/18        100        100,125   

Drumm Investors LLC

  B1   5.000     05/04/18        100        90,601   

HCA, Inc.

  Ba3   3.619     03/31/17        200        193,750   

HCR Healthcare LLC

  Ba3   5.000     04/06/18        100        89,301   

PTS Acquisitions Corp.

  Ba3   2.496     04/10/14        50        47,378   

RPI Finance Trust

  Baa2   4.000     05/31/18        150        148,409   
         

 

 

 
            669,564   

Real Estate Investment Trusts    0.3%

  

       

C.B. Richard Ellis Services, Inc.

  Ba1   3.742     09/04/19        100        97,007   

Retailers    0.3%

                               

Nieman Marcus Group, Inc.

  B2   4.750     05/16/18        100        96,982   

Technology    0.9%

                               

CDW LLC

  B2   4.250     07/15/17        100        94,625   

First Data Corp.

  B1   4.358     03/24/18        141        121,290   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

14   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

Description   Moody’s
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value (Note 1)  
         

BANK LOANS(a) (Continued)

     

Technology (cont’d.)

  

Sensata Technologies, Inc.

  B1   4.000%     05/12/18      $ 100      $ 99,043   
         

 

 

 
            314,958   
         

 

 

 

TOTAL BANK LOANS
(cost $2,726,689)

            2,644,701   
         

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES    24.8%

  

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc.,
Ser. 2006-1, Class A2(a)

  Aaa   5.334     09/10/45        172        172,033   

Ser. 2006-6, Class A2

  Aaa   5.309     10/10/45        376        375,749   

Ser. 2007-1, Class A3

  Aaa   5.449     01/15/49        272        285,969   

Ser. 2007-5, Class A3

  AAA(b)   5.620     02/10/51        30        31,260   

Banc of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage, Inc.,
Ser. 2007-1, Class AAB

  Aaa   5.422     01/15/49        40        42,566   

Ser. 2007-2, Class A3(a)

  AAA(b)   5.618     04/10/49        200        215,295   

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities,
Ser. 2005-PWR7, Class A2

  Aaa   4.945     02/11/41        478        478,858   

Ser. 2006-PW11, Class A4(a)

  AAA(b)   5.452     03/11/39        200        222,715   

Ser. 2006-PW14, Class A2

  AAA(b)   5.123     12/11/38        80        79,775   

Ser. 2007-PW17, Class A3

  AAA(b)   5.736     06/11/50        200        211,276   

Ser. 2007-T26, Class A2

  AAA(b)   5.330     01/12/45        200        201,126   

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust,

         

Ser. 2007-C6, Class A3(a)

  Aaa   5.697     12/10/49        200        214,209   

Citigroup/Deutsche Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust,

         

Ser. 2006-CD2, Class A2

  Aaa   5.408     01/15/46        140        140,264   

Ser. 2006-CD3, Class A2

  Aaa   5.560     10/15/48        233        235,698   

Ser. 2007-CD4, Class A2B

  Aaa   5.205     12/11/49        200        203,591   

Ser. 2007-CD4, Class A3

  Aaa   5.293     12/11/49        200        212,395   

Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates, Ser. 2007-C3, Class A2(a)

  Aaa   5.714     06/15/39        167        168,448   

Ser. 2007-C4, Class A3(a)

  Aaa   5.795     09/15/39        200        210,047   

CW Capital Cobalt Ltd.,
Ser. 2007-C2, Class A2

  Aaa   5.334     04/15/47        226        230,202   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     15   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Description   Moody’s
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value (Note 1)  
         

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (Continued)

  

   

GE Capital Commercial Mortgage Corp.,
Ser. 2007-C1, Class AAB

  Aaa   5.477%     12/10/49      $ 155      $ 162,817   

Greenwich Capital Commercial Funding Corp.,
Ser. 2005-GG3, Class A3

  Aaa   4.569     08/10/42        200        204,213   

Ser. 2006-GG7, Class A2(a)

  Aaa   6.032     07/10/38        87        86,709   

Ser. 2007-GG9, Class A2

  Aaa   5.381     03/10/39        409        411,030   

GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II,
Ser. 2006-GG6, Class A2(a)

  AAA(b)   5.506     04/10/38        74        75,044   

Ser. 2006-GG8, Class A2

  Aaa   5.479     11/10/39        65        65,035   

Ser. 2006-GG8, Class A3

  Aaa   5.542     11/10/39        200        207,725   

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp.,
Ser. 2004-CBX, Class AJ(a)

  Aa1   4.951     01/12/37        200        198,150   

Ser. 2005-LDP4, Class AM(a)

  Aa2   4.999     10/15/42        200        205,206   

Ser. 2006-LDP6, Class ASB(a)

  Aaa   5.490     04/15/43        160        169,629   

Ser. 2007-LD11, Class A3(a)

  Aaa   5.817     06/15/49        218        234,370   

Ser. 2007-LD12, Class A2

  Aaa   5.827     02/15/51        397        405,713   

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust,
Ser. 2005-C3, Class A3

  Aaa   4.647     07/15/30        111        111,405   

Ser. 2006-C3, Class A4(a)

  Aaa   5.661     03/15/39        200        223,228   

Ser. 2006-C6, Class A2

  Aaa   5.262     09/15/39        12        12,043   

Ser. 2007-C2, Class A2

  AAA(b)   5.303     02/15/40        263        264,805   

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust,
Ser. 2007-C1, Class A3(a)

  A+(b)   5.828     06/12/50        200        213,610   

Merrill Lynch/Countrywide Commercial Mortgage Trust,

         

Ser. 2006-4, Class A2(a)

  Aaa   5.112     12/12/49        102        102,213   

Morgan Stanley Capital I,
Ser. 2006-HQ9, Class A2

  AAA(b)   5.618     07/12/44        144        143,912   

Ser. 2007-HQ11, Class A2

  Aaa   5.359     02/12/44        120        120,183   

Ser. 2007-HQ11, Class A31

  Aaa   5.439     02/12/44        160        167,312   

Ser. 2007-IQ14, Class AAB(a)

  Aaa   5.654     04/15/49        200        212,383   

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust,

         

Ser. 2006-C27, Class A2

  Aaa   5.624     07/15/45        271 (c)      270   

Ser. 2006-C29, Class A3

  Aaa   5.313     11/15/48        125        131,038   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

16   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

Description   Moody’s
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value (Note 1)  
         

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (Continued)

  

   

Ser. 2007-C30, Class A3

  Aaa   5.246%     12/15/43      $ 400      $ 402,825   

Ser. 2007-C33, Class A2(a)

  Aaa   5.854     02/15/51        186        188,172   
         

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
(cost $8,621,905)

            8,650,516   
         

 

 

 

CORPORATE BONDS    37.5%

         

Aerospace & Defense    0.1%

                               

BE Aerospace, Inc.,

         

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  Ba3   8.500     07/01/18        35        38,238   

Airlines    0.7%

                               

Continental Airlines 2007-1 Class A Pass Through Trust,

         

Pass-thru Certs., Ser. A

  Baa1   5.983     04/19/22        112        113,768   

Delta Air Lines 2011-1 Class A Pass-Through Trust,

         

Pass-thru Certs., Ser. A

  Baa2   5.300     04/15/19        130        130,650   
         

 

 

 
            244,418   

Banking    5.5%

                               

Abbey National Treasury Services PLC (United Kingdom),
Gtd. Notes

  A1   2.875     04/25/14        50        47,926   

American Express Co.,
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  A3   8.125     05/20/19        130        167,328   

Bank of America Corp.,
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  Baa1   5.875     01/05/21        130        127,287   

Capital One Financial Corp.,
Sub. Notes

  Baa2   6.150     09/01/16        110        116,809   

Citigroup, Inc.,
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  A3   6.125     05/15/18        130        144,049   

Sub. Notes

  Baa1   5.000     09/15/14        100        101,899   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The),
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  A1   5.125     01/15/15        100        104,473   

Sub. Notes

  A2   5.625     01/15/17        130        134,632   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     17   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Description   Moody’s
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value (Note 1)  
         

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

     

Banking (cont’d.)

  

HSBC Bank PLC (United Kingdom),
Sr. Notes, 144A

  Aa2   3.500%     06/28/15      $ 120      $ 123,822   

JPMorgan Chase & Co.,
Jr. Sub Notes, Ser. 1(a)

  Baa1   7.900     04/29/49        130        139,972   

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  Aa3   3.150     07/05/16        15        15,026   

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  Aa3   6.000     01/15/18        130        145,467   

Lloyds TSB Bank PLC (United Kingdom),
Gtd. Notes., 144A, MTN

  A1   5.800     01/13/20        100        102,379   

Morgan Stanley,
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, MTN

  A2   5.625     09/23/19        130        128,365   

PNC Funding Corp.,
Gtd. Notes

  A3   2.700     09/19/16        50        50,607   

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC (The) (United Kingdom),
Gtd. Notes

  A2   4.875     03/16/15        100        101,624   

Santander Holdings USA, Inc.,
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  Baa1   4.625     04/19/16        35        34,467   

US Bancorp,
Jr. Sub Notes

  A2   3.442     02/01/16        130        133,419   
         

 

 

 
            1,919,551   

Building Materials & Construction    0.3%

                       

Country Garden Holdings Co. (Cayman Islands),
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

  Ba3   11.750     09/10/14        100        97,000   

Cable    4.0%

                               

Charter Communications Operating LLC,
Sec’d. Notes, 144A

  Ba2   8.000     04/30/12        300        306,750   

CSC Holdings LLC,
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

  Ba3   6.750     11/15/21        50        50,000   

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  Ba3   8.500     04/15/14        250        274,375   

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  Ba3   8.625     02/15/19        35        39,725   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

18   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

Description   Moody’s
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value (Note 1)  
         

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

     

Cable (cont’d.)

  

DIRECTV Holdings LLC/DIRECTV Financing Co., Inc.,
Gtd. Notes

  Baa2   3.500%     03/01/16      $ 130      $ 135,298   

Echostar DBS Corp.,
Gtd. Notes

  Ba2   6.625     10/01/14        200        208,500   

UPC Holding BV (Netherlands),
Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

  B2   9.875     04/15/18        150        163,125   

Videotron Ltee (Canada),
Gtd. Notes

  Ba1   9.125     04/15/18        200        220,000   
         

 

 

 
            1,397,773   

Capital Goods    0.7%

                               

Case New Holland, Inc.,
Gtd. Notes

  Ba2   7.750     09/01/13        100        106,500   

MHP SA (Luxembourg),
Gtd. Notes, 144A

  B3   10.250     04/29/15        100        94,500   

Xylem, Inc.,
Gtd. Notes, 144A

  Baa2   4.875     10/01/21        50        51,786   
         

 

 

 
            252,786   

Chemicals    1.1%

                               

Dow Chemical Co. (The),
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  Baa3   5.900     02/15/15        120        133,541   

Lyondell Chemical Co.,
Sec’d. Notes

  Ba3   11.000     05/01/18        100        111,375   

Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc.,
Gtd. Notes

  B1   7.500     11/15/14        150        151,875   
         

 

 

 
            396,791   

Consumer    0.5%

                               

Sealy Mattress Co.,

         

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

  Ba3   10.875     04/15/16        140        153,650   

VF Corp.,

         

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  A3   3.500     09/01/21        25        25,356   
         

 

 

 
            179,006   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     19   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Description   Moody’s
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value (Note 1)  
         

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

     

Electric    0.4%

                               

DTE Energy Co.,

         

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes(a)

  Baa2   1.031%     06/03/13      $ 50      $ 49,979   

EDP Finance BV (Netherlands),

         

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

  Baa3   5.375     11/02/12        100        99,777   
         

 

 

 
            149,756   

Energy - Other    2.2%

                               

Alliance Oil Co. Ltd. (Bermuda),

         

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

  B+(b)   9.875     03/11/15        100        102,500   

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.,

         

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  Ba1   6.375     09/15/17        100        117,675   

Cameron International Corp.,

         

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes(a)

  Baa1   1.257     06/02/14        125        125,585   

Dolphin Energy Ltd. (United Arab Emirates),

         

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

  A1   5.888     06/15/19        88        96,427   

Forest Oil Corp.,

         

Gtd. Notes

  B1   8.500     02/15/14        200        216,000   

Weatherford International Ltd. (Bermuda),
Gtd. Notes

  Baa2   5.150     03/15/13        100        104,616   
         

 

 

 
            762,803   

Foods    2.4%

                               

Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc.,

         

Gtd. Notes

  Baa1   7.750     01/15/19        100        130,736   

ARAMARK Corp.,

         

Gtd. Notes

  B3   8.500     02/01/15        200        207,500   

Dole Food Co., Inc.,

         

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

  B2   13.875     03/15/14        100        116,750   

Kraft Foods, Inc.,

         

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  Baa2   6.125     02/01/18        120        141,540   

Smithfield Foods, Inc.,

         

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

  Ba2   10.000     07/15/14        100        116,250   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

20   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

Description   Moody’s
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value (Note 1)  
         

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

     

Foods (cont’d.)

  

Stater Brothers Holdings, Inc.,

         

Gtd. Notes

  B2   7.750%     04/15/15      $ 125      $ 129,062   
         

 

 

 
            841,838   

Gaming    1.6%

                               

Marina District Finance Co., Inc.,

         

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

  B2   9.875     08/15/18        100        98,750   

MGM Resorts International,

         

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

  Ba3   11.125     11/15/17        200        227,000   

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

  Ba3   13.000     11/15/13        100        115,250   

Yonkers Racing Corp.,

         

Sec’d. Notes, 144A
(original cost $139,688; purchased 04/12/11)(d)(e)

  B1   11.375     07/15/16        125        128,437   
         

 

 

 
            569,437   

Healthcare & Pharmaceutical    1.2%

  

               

Apria Healthcare Group, Inc.,

         

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

  Ba3   11.250     11/01/14        125        121,563   

HCA, Inc.,
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  B3   7.190     11/15/15        100        98,000   

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, MTN

  B3   9.000     12/15/14        200        206,500   
         

 

 

 
            426,063   

Insurance    1.8%

                               

Allied World Assurance Co. Holdings Ltd. (Bermuda),

         

Gtd. Notes

  Baa1   7.500     08/01/16        100        114,238   

American International Group, Inc.,

         

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  Baa1   6.400     12/15/20        130        136,155   

AON Corp.,

         

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  Baa2   3.125     05/27/16        110        111,710   

Liberty Mutual Group, Inc.,

         

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

  Baa2   6.700     08/15/16        115        123,873   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     21   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Description   Moody’s
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value (Note 1)  
         

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

     

Insurance (cont’d.)

  

Markel Corp.,

         

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  Baa2   7.125%     09/30/19      $ 130      $ 148,997   
         

 

 

 
            634,973   

Lodging    0.4%

                               

Wyndham Worldwide Corp.,
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  Baa3   5.750     02/01/18        120        125,913   

Media & Entertainment    2.5%

                       

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA (Luxembourg),
Gtd. Notes

  Caa2   11.250     06/15/16        100        105,500   

Lamar Media Corp.,
Gtd. Notes

  Ba3   9.750     04/01/14        175        192,500   

LIN Television Corp.,
Gtd. Notes

  Caa1   6.500     05/15/13        275        275,000   

Nielsen Finance LLC/Nielsen Finance Co.,
Gtd. Notes

  B2   11.625     02/01/14        250        287,500   
         

 

 

 
            860,500   

Metals    2.6%

                               

ArcelorMittal (Luxembourg),
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  Baa3   9.850     06/01/19        50        59,317   

Bumi Capital Pte Ltd. (Singapore),
Sr. Sec’d. Notes, RegS

  Ba3   12.000     11/10/16        100        105,000   

Century Aluminum Co.,
Sec’d. Notes

  B(b)   8.000     05/15/14        125        126,562   

Indo Integrated Energy II BV (Netherlands),
Sr. Sec’d. Notes, RegS

  B1   9.750     11/05/16        100        108,500   

Raspadskaya OJSC Via Raspadskaya Securities Ltd. (Ireland),
Sec’d. Notes

  B1   7.500     05/22/12        100        100,875   

Steel Dynamics, Inc.,
Gtd. Notes

  Ba2   6.750     04/01/15        150        152,625   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

22   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

Description   Moody’s
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value (Note 1)  
         

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

     

Metals (cont’d.)

  

Gtd. Notes

  Ba2   7.375%     11/01/12      $ 250      $ 259,063   
         

 

 

 
            911,942   

Non-Captive Finance    1.8%

                               

American General Finance Corp.,
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes,
Ser. H, MTN

  B3   5.375     10/01/12        100        95,000   

CIT Group, Inc.,
Sec’d. Notes, 144A

  B2   7.000     05/02/17        150        149,625   

General Electric Capital Corp.,
Sub. Notes

  Aa3   5.300     02/11/21        130        138,354   

International Lease Finance Corp.,
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  B1   5.750     05/15/16        25        23,587   

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  B1   6.250     05/15/19        25        23,533   

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  B1   8.625     09/15/15        90        94,500   

SLM Corp.,
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, MTN

  Ba1   8.000     03/25/20        100        104,000   
         

 

 

 
            628,599   

Paper    1.7%

                               

Georgia-Pacific LLC,
Gtd. Notes, 144A
(original cost $35,100; purchased 04/20/11)(d)(e)

  Baa3   5.400     11/01/20        35        39,021   

Graphic Packaging International, Inc.,
Gtd. Notes

  B2   9.500     06/15/17        150        163,875   

International Paper Co.,
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  Baa3   9.375     05/15/19        100        128,232   

Rock-Tenn Co.,
Gtd. Notes

  Ba2   9.250     03/15/16        150        159,375   

Verso Paper Holdings LLC/Verso Paper, Inc.,
Sr. Sec’d. Notes

  Ba2   11.500     07/01/14        100        105,000   
         

 

 

 
            595,503   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     23   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Description   Moody’s
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value (Note 1)  
         

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

     

Real Estate Investment Trusts    0.4%

                       

Mack-Cali Realty LP,
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  Baa2   4.600%     06/15/13      $ 130      $ 133,541   

Retailers    0.5%

                               

Sally Holdings LLC/Sally Capital, Inc.,
Gtd. Notes

  B2   9.250     11/15/14        150        153,938   

Technology    2.7%

                               

Applied Materials, Inc.,
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  A3   2.650     06/15/16        25        25,758   

Fiserv, Inc.,
Gtd. Notes

  Baa2   3.125     06/15/16        35        35,549   

NXP BV/NXP Funding LLC (Netherlands),

         

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, Ser. EXcH(a)

  B2   3.153     10/15/13        300        294,000   

Seagate Technology International (Cayman Islands),

         

Sec’d. Notes, 144A

  Baa3   10.000     05/01/14        100        113,750   

SunGard Data Systems, Inc.,
Gtd. Notes

  Caa1   10.625     05/15/15        150        161,625   

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

  B3   4.875     01/15/14        100        100,500   

Unisys Corp.,

         

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

  Ba1   12.750     10/15/14        100        112,250   

Xerox Corp.,

         

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes(a)

  Baa2   1.110     05/16/14        100        99,099   
         

 

 

 
            942,531   

Telecommunications    1.7%

                               

AT&T, Inc.,

         

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  A2   2.400     08/15/16        75        76,671   

Digicel Ltd. (Bermuda),

         

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

  B1   12.000     04/01/14        100        113,000   

Embarq Corp.,
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes (original cost $135,646; purchased 05/04/11 - 05/11/11)(d)(e)

  Baa3   7.082     06/01/16        120        130,053   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

24   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

Description   Moody’s
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value (Note 1)  
         

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

     

Telecommunications (cont’d.)

  

MTS International Funding Ltd. (Ireland),
Sec’d. Notes, 144A

  Ba2   8.625%     06/22/20      $ 100      $ 109,250   

Nextel Communications, Inc.,
Gtd. Notes, Ser. E

  B1   6.875     10/31/13        60        59,250   

Telefonica Emisiones SAU (Spain),
Gtd. Notes

  Baa1   3.992     02/16/16        120        118,054   
         

 

 

 
            606,278   

Tobacco    0.7%

                               

Altria Group, Inc.,
Gtd. Notes

  Baa1   9.950     11/10/38        60        91,158   

Lorillard Tobacco Co.,
Gtd. Notes

  Baa2   3.500     08/04/16        15        15,058   

Reynolds American, Inc.,
Gtd. Notes

  Baa3   6.750     06/15/17        115        132,888   
         

 

 

 
            239,104   
         

 

 

 

TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS
(cost $13,208,017)

            13,108,282   
         

 

 

 

MUNICIPAL BOND    0.4%

         

State of Illinois
(cost $125,919)

  A1   3.321     01/01/13        125        127,344   
         

 

 

 

NON-CORPORATE FOREIGN AGENCIES    2.6%

  

   

Corp. Andina de Fomento (Supranational),
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  A1   3.750     01/15/16        70        70,240   

Export-Import Bank of Korea (South Korea),
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  A1   4.125     09/09/15        100        102,556   

Gazprom OAO Via Gazprom International SA (Luxembourg),
Gtd. Notes, 144A

  BBB+(b)   7.201     02/01/20        68        74,983   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     25   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Description   Moody’s
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value (Note 1)  
         

NON-CORPORATE FOREIGN AGENCIES (Continued)

     

KazMunayGas National Co. (Kazakhstan),
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A, MTN

  Baa3   8.375%     07/02/13      $ 100      $ 106,500   

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. Ltd. (South Korea),
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

  A1   6.250     06/17/14        100        108,761   

NAK Naftogaz Ukraine (Ukraine),
Gtd. Notes

  NR   9.500     09/30/14        95        94,050   

National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (South Korea),
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A, MTN

  A1   3.500     02/08/17        200        195,658   

Petroleos de Venezuela SA (Venezuela),
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, Ser. 2014

  NR   4.900     10/28/14        200        152,000   
         

 

 

 

TOTAL NON-CORPORATE FOREIGN AGENCIES
(cost $922,842)

            904,748   
         

 

 

 

SOVEREIGNS    3.1%

         

Argentina Bonos (Argentina),
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

  NR   7.000     10/03/15        200        177,295   

Indonesia Government International Bond (Indonesia),
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, RegS

  Ba1   6.750     03/10/14        200        217,500   

Ireland Government Bond (Ireland),
Bonds

  Ba1   4.500     04/18/20      EUR 45        49,191   

Mexican Bonos (Mexico), Bonds, Ser. M 30

  Baa1   10.000     11/20/36      MXN 500        48,093   

Poland Government Bond (Poland), Bonds, Ser. 1019

  A2   5.500     10/25/19      PLN 00        62,730   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

26   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

Description   Moody’s
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value (Note 1)  
         

SOVEREIGNS (Continued)

     

Republic of Ghana (Ghana), Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

  B(b)   8.500%     10/04/17      $ 200      $ 224,000   

South Africa Government Bond (South Africa),
Bonds, Ser. R213

  A3   7.000     02/28/31      ZAR  1,730        181,731   

Turkey Government Bond (Turkey),
Bonds(f)

  B1   6.770     11/16/11      TRY 230        129,671   
         

 

 

 

TOTAL SOVEREIGNS
(cost $1,131,303)

            1,090,211   
         

 

 

 

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS    1.4%

     

U.S. Treasury Note

    1.000     08/31/16        30        30,056   

U.S. Treasury Note

    1.000     10/31/16        395        394,861   

U.S. Treasury Note

    2.125     08/15/21        85        84,629   
         

 

 

 

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS
(cost $505,459)

            509,546   
         

 

 

 

TOTAL LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $35,519,172)

            35,129,370   
         

 

 

 
                 

Shares

       

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT    2.2%

  

   

AFFILIATED MONEY MARKET MUTUAL FUND

  

               

Prudential Investment Portfolios 2 - Prudential Core Taxable Money Market Fund(g)
(cost $783,730)

          783,730        783,730   
         

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS    102.8%
(cost $36,302,902; Note 5)

            35,913,100   

Liabilities in excess of other assets(h)    (2.8)%

            (981,741
         

 

 

 

NET ASSETS    100.0%

          $ 34,931,359   
         

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     27   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

 

The following abbreviations are used in the portfolio descriptions:

144A—Security was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and may not be resold subject to that rule except to qualified institutional buyers. Unless otherwise noted, 144A securities are deemed to be liquid.

RegS—Regulation S. Security was purchased pursuant to Regulation S and may not be offered, sold or delivered within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933.

AUD—Australian Dollar

BBR—New Zealand Bank Bill Rate

BBSW—Bank Bill Swap Reference Rate

BRL—Brazilian Real

CAD—Canadian Dollar

CDO—Collateralized Debt Obligation

CHF—Swiss Franc

CLO—Collateralized Loan Obligation

CLP—Chilean Peso

CNY—Chinese Yuan Renminbi

COP—Columbian Peso

CZK—Czech Koruna

EUR—Euro

GBP—British Pound

HUF—Hungarian Forint

IDR—Indonesian Rupiah

ILS—Israeli New Shekel

INR—Indian Rupee

JIBAR—Johannesburg Interbank Agreed Rate

KRW—South Korean Won

LIBOR—London Interbank Offered Rate

MTN—Medium Term Note

MXN—Mexican Peso

MYR—Malaysian Ringgit

NOK—Norwegian Krone

NR—Not Rated by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s

NZD—New Zealand Dollar

PEN— Peruvian Nuevo Sol

PHP—Philippine Peso

PLN—Polish Zloty

PRIBOR—Prague Interbank Offered Rate

RON—Romanian New Lei

RUB—Russian Rouble

SEK—Swedish Krona

SGD—Singapore Dollar

THB—Thai Baht

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

28   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

TRY—Turkish Lira

TWD—New Taiwan Dollar

ZAR—South African Rand

The ratings reflected are as of October 31, 2011. Ratings of certain bonds may have changed subsequent to that date.
# Principal amount is shown in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.
(a) Variable rate instrument. The interest rate shown reflects the rate in effect at October 31, 2011.
(b) Standard & Poor’s Rating.
(c) Amount is actual; not rounded to thousands.
(d) Indicates a security that has been deemed illiquid.
(e) Indicates a restricted security; the aggregate original cost of such securities is $310,434. The aggregate value of $297,511 is approximately 0.9% of net assets.
(f) Represents zero coupon bond. Rate shown reflects the effective yield at October 31, 2011.
(g) Prudential Investments LLC, the manager of the Fund, also serves as manager of the Prudential Investment Portfolios 2 - Prudential Core Taxable Money Market Fund.
(h) Includes net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the following derivative contracts held at reporting period end:

 

Forward foreign currency contracts outstanding at October 31, 2011:

 

Foreign Currency
Contracts

 

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
    Value at
Settlement
Date
Payable
    Value at
October 31,
2011
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Purchased:

         

Australian Dollar
Expiring 11/18/11

  Goldman Sachs Group LP   AUD  387,394      $ 397,186      $ 407,380      $ 10,194   

Brazilian Real

         

Expiring 01/19/12

  Citibank NA   BRL 128,721        69,900        73,610        3,710   

Expiring 01/19/12

  Citibank NA   BRL 124,420        70,100        71,151        1,051   

Expiring 01/19/12

  Citibank NA   BRL 121,721        70,900        69,607        (1,293

Expiring 01/19/12

  Citibank NA   BRL 66,637        35,100        38,107        3,007   

Expiring 01/19/12

  Citibank NA   BRL 65,403        34,900        37,401        2,501   

Expiring 01/19/12

  Citibank NA   BRL 65,350        34,900        37,371        2,471   

Expiring 01/19/12

  Citibank NA   BRL 65,246        34,900        37,311        2,411   

Expiring 01/19/12

  Citibank NA   BRL 64,908        35,000        37,118        2,118   

Expiring 01/19/12

  Citibank NA   BRL 64,602        35,100        36,943        1,843   

Expiring 01/19/12

  Citibank NA   BRL 64,435        35,000        36,848        1,848   

Expiring 01/19/12

  Citibank NA   BRL 61,969        35,100        35,438        338   

British Pound

         

Expiring 11/22/11

  Citibank NA   GBP 55,359        88,000        88,993        993   

Canadian Dollar

         

Expiring 11/17/11

  Goldman Sachs Group LP   CAD 53,597        53,100        53,751        651   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     29   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Foreign Currency
Contracts

 

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
    Value at
Settlement
Date
Payable
    Value at
October 31,
2011
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Purchased (cont’d.):

         

Expiring 11/17/11

  Morgan Stanley   CAD 253,799      $ 249,188      $ 254,529      $ 5,341   

Expiring 11/17/11

  Morgan Stanley   CAD 53,567        52,800        53,721        921   

Chilean Peso

         

Expiring 12/02/11

  Citibank NA   CLP 33,452,550        71,933        68,025        (3,908

Expiring 12/02/11

  Citibank NA   CLP 25,325,520        54,300        51,499        (2,801

Expiring 12/02/11

  Citibank NA   CLP 18,292,835        34,900        37,198        2,298   

Expiring 12/02/11

  Citibank NA   CLP 17,963,750        35,000        36,529        1,529   

Expiring 12/02/11

  Citibank NA   CLP 17,823,750        35,000        36,244        1,244   

Expiring 01/09/12

  Citibank NA   CLP 36,178,970        70,600        73,208        2,608   

Expiring 01/09/12

  Citibank NA   CLP 27,677,680        52,400        56,006        3,606   

Expiring 01/09/12

  Citibank NA   CLP 27,321,360        52,800        55,285        2,485   

Expiring 01/09/12

  Citibank NA   CLP 27,057,440        52,600        54,751        2,151   

Expiring 01/09/12

  Citibank NA   CLP 26,950,905        53,100        54,535        1,435   

Expiring 01/09/12

  Citibank NA   CLP 18,685,460        34,900        37,810        2,910   

Expiring 01/09/12

  Citibank NA   CLP 18,504,500        35,000        37,444        2,444   

Expiring 01/09/12

  Citibank NA   CLP 18,497,000        34,900        37,428        2,528   

Expiring 01/09/12

  Citibank NA   CLP 18,144,945        35,100        36,716        1,616   

Expiring 01/09/12

  Citibank NA   CLP 17,593,875        35,100        35,601        501   

Chinese Yuan Renminbi

         

Expiring 08/02/12

  Morgan Stanley   CNY 1,112,831        175,900        175,795        (105

Expiring 08/02/12

  UBS AG   CNY 2,291,628        361,000        362,010        1,010   

Expiring 08/02/12

  UBS AG   CNY 2,194,275        344,200        346,631        2,431   

Expiring 08/02/12

  UBS AG   CNY 556,345        87,900        87,886        (14

Colombian Peso

         

Expiring 11/01/11

  Morgan Stanley   COP 128,833,200        71,100        69,043        (2,057

Expiring 11/01/11

  Morgan Stanley   COP 95,375,020        53,300        51,112        (2,188

Expiring 12/06/11

  Citibank NA   COP 176,718,250        99,700        94,664        (5,036

Expiring 12/06/11

  Citibank NA   COP  167,732,100        87,600        89,850        2,250   

Expiring 12/06/11

  Citibank NA   COP 132,675,050        70,600        71,071        471   

Expiring 12/06/11

  Citibank NA   COP 102,586,100        52,400        54,953        2,553   

Expiring 12/06/11

  Citibank NA   COP 96,974,370        54,300        51,947        (2,353

Expiring 12/06/11

  Citibank NA   COP 69,004,280        34,900        36,964        2,064   

Expiring 12/06/11

  Citibank NA   COP 68,499,975        34,900        36,694        1,794   

Expiring 12/06/11

  Citibank NA   COP 68,299,300        34,900        36,586        1,686   

Expiring 12/06/11

  Citibank NA   COP 65,445,900        34,600        35,058        458   

Expiring 12/06/11

  Citibank NA   COP 48,248,040        27,200        25,845        (1,355

Expiring 12/06/11

  Citibank NA   COP 33,331,960        18,204        17,855        (349

Expiring 12/06/11

  UBS AG   COP 117,733,500        64,600        63,067        (1,533

Czech Koruna

         

Expiring 11/21/11

  Citibank NA   CZK 1,806,915        98,647        100,541        1,894   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

30   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

Foreign Currency
Contracts

 

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
    Value at
Settlement
Date
Payable
    Value at
October 31,
2011
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Purchased (cont’d.):

         

Euro

         

Expiring 11/22/11

  UBS AG   EUR 27,401      $ 37,958      $ 37,906      $ (52

Hungarian Forint

         

Expiring 11/21/11

  Citibank NA   HUF 11,333,235        52,800        51,279        (1,521

Expiring 11/21/11

  JPMorgan Chase Securities   HUF 11,208,150        52,900        50,713        (2,187

Indian Rupee

         

Expiring 12/23/11

  Morgan Stanley   INR 5,873,115        127,000        119,486        (7,514

Expiring 12/23/11

  Morgan Stanley   INR 4,232,385        87,900        86,106        (1,794

Expiring 12/23/11

  Morgan Stanley   INR 2,603,608        53,200        52,969        (231

Expiring 12/23/11

  UBS AG   INR 3,373,568        70,400        68,634        (1,766

Expiring 12/23/11

  UBS AG   INR 2,507,000        54,500        51,004        (3,496

Expiring 12/23/11

  UBS AG   INR 1,736,046        35,100        35,319        219   

Expiring 12/23/11

  UBS AG   INR 1,734,291        35,100        35,284        184   

Indonesian Rupiah

         

Expiring 12/27/11

  Morgan Stanley   IDR 468,344,900        52,700        52,575        (125

Expiring 12/27/11

  UBS AG   IDR 631,022,800        70,600        70,837        237   

Expiring 12/27/11

  UBS AG   IDR 326,315,000        34,900        36,631        1,731   

Expiring 12/27/11

  UBS AG   IDR 321,429,000        34,900        36,083        1,183   

Israeli New Shekel

         

Expiring 11/16/11

  Goldman Sachs Group LP   ILS 322,313        90,500        88,844        (1,656

Expiring 11/16/11

  JPMorgan Chase Securities   ILS 376,010        106,600        103,645        (2,955

Expiring 11/16/11

  JPMorgan Chase Securities   ILS 255,331        70,400        70,381        (19

Expiring 11/16/11

  JPMorgan Chase Securities   ILS 193,077        52,700        53,221        521   

Expiring 11/16/11

  JPMorgan Chase Securities   ILS 134,501        36,200        37,075        875   

Expiring 11/16/11

  JPMorgan Chase Securities   ILS 127,332        35,500        35,098        (402

Expiring 11/16/11

  UBS AG   ILS 193,223        52,800        53,261        461   

Malaysian Ringgit

         

Expiring 11/14/11

  UBS AG   MYR 192,992        64,000        62,853        (1,147

Expiring 11/14/11

  UBS AG   MYR 157,535        51,600        51,306        (294

Expiring 12/20/11

  UBS AG   MYR 217,606        70,400        70,740        340   

Expiring 12/23/11

  UBS AG   MYR 166,842        52,400        54,230        1,830   

Expiring 12/23/11

  UBS AG   MYR 163,031        53,200        52,991        (209

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     31   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Foreign Currency
Contracts

 

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
    Value at
Settlement
Date
Payable
    Value at
October 31,
2011
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Purchased (cont’d.):

         

Expiring 12/23/11

  UBS AG   MYR 111,446      $ 34,900      $ 36,224      $ 1,324   

Expiring 12/23/11

  UBS AG   MYR 110,999        34,900        36,079        1,179   

Expiring 12/23/11

  UBS AG   MYR 110,583        35,100        35,943        843   

Expiring 12/23/11

  UBS AG   MYR 109,095        35,000        35,460        460   

Mexican Peso

         

Expiring 11/17/11

  JPMorgan Chase Securities   MXN 2,645,900        196,308        198,204        1,896   

Expiring 11/17/11

  JPMorgan Chase Securities   MXN 713,745        53,100        53,467        367   

Expiring 11/17/11

  JPMorgan Chase Securities   MXN 239,491        17,700        17,940        240   

Expiring 11/17/11

  Morgan Stanley   MXN 708,410        52,900        53,067        167   

New Taiwan Dollar

         

Expiring 12/09/11

  Morgan Stanley   TWD 2,112,000        70,400        70,649        249   

Expiring 12/09/11

  UBS AG   TWD 2,277,107        80,300        76,172        (4,128

Expiring 12/09/11

  UBS AG   TWD 2,121,883        70,600        70,979        379   

Expiring 12/09/11

  UBS AG   TWD 1,587,678        52,600        53,110        510   

Expiring 12/09/11

  UBS AG   TWD 1,419,500        50,000        47,484        (2,516

Expiring 12/09/11

  UBS AG   TWD 1,067,813        37,500        35,719        (1,781

Expiring 12/09/11

  UBS AG   TWD 1,066,038        38,100        35,660        (2,440

New Zealand Dollar

         

Expiring 11/18/11

  JPMorgan Chase Securities   NZD 380,662        302,651        307,460        4,809   

Expiring 11/18/11

  UBS AG   NZD 44,326        35,200        35,802        602   

Norwegian Krone

         

Expiring 11/21/11

  Citibank NA   NOK 197,263        35,200        35,384        184   

Expiring 11/21/11

  UBS AG   NOK 1,826,221        323,131        327,574        4,443   

Peruvian Nuevo Sol

         

Expiring 01/13/12

  Citibank NA   PEN 192,192        70,400        70,563        163   

Expiring 01/13/12

  Citibank NA   PEN 97,423        34,900        35,769        869   

Philippine Peso

         

Expiring 11/09/11

  UBS AG   PHP  2,096,535        48,700        49,147        447   

Expiring 11/22/11

  Citibank NA   PHP 5,425,000        128,600        127,069        (1,531

Expiring 11/22/11

  UBS AG   PHP 4,716,585        111,900        110,476        (1,424

Expiring 01/06/12

  Morgan Stanley   PHP 2,276,208        52,800        53,214        414   

Expiring 01/06/12

  UBS AG   PHP 2,293,548        52,400        53,620        1,220   

Expiring 01/06/12

  UBS AG   PHP 2,289,152        52,600        53,517        917   

Expiring 01/06/12

  UBS AG   PHP 2,277,054        52,600        53,234        634   

Expiring 01/06/12

  UBS AG   PHP 1,528,969        34,900        35,745        845   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

32   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

Foreign Currency
Contracts

 

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
    Value at
Settlement
Date
Payable
    Value at
October 31,
2011
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Purchased (cont’d.):

         

Polish Zloty

         

Expiring 11/21/11

  Citibank NA   PLN 78,412      $ 25,594      $ 24,592      $ (1,002

Expiring 11/21/11

  JPMorgan Chase Securities   PLN 126,280        38,992        39,604        612   

Romanian Leu

         

Expiring 11/21/11

  JPMorgan Chase Securities   RON 165,066        52,800        52,511        (289

Russian Rouble

         

Expiring 11/08/11

  Morgan Stanley   RUB 4,282,904        144,400        140,990        (3,410

Expiring 11/08/11

  Morgan Stanley   RUB 3,200,325        106,500        105,353        (1,147

Expiring 11/08/11

  Morgan Stanley   RUB 1,416,333        50,942        46,625        (4,317

Expiring 12/16/11

  Citibank NA   RUB 1,617,627        52,700        52,893        193   

Expiring 12/21/11

  Barclays Capital   RUB 1,610,364        53,200        52,602        (598

Expiring 12/21/11

  Citibank NA   RUB 3,362,149        105,100        109,823        4,723   

Expiring 12/21/11

  Citibank NA   RUB 2,260,145        70,300        73,826        3,526   

Expiring 12/21/11

  Citibank NA   RUB 2,181,540        70,600        71,259        659   

Expiring 12/21/11

  Citibank NA   RUB 1,658,594        54,300        54,177        (123

Expiring 12/21/11

  Citibank NA   RUB 1,146,116        34,900        37,437        2,537   

Expiring 12/21/11

  Citibank NA   RUB 1,145,942        34,900        37,432        2,532   

Expiring 12/21/11

  Citibank NA   RUB 1,138,644        35,100        37,193        2,093   

Expiring 12/21/11

  Citibank NA   RUB 1,105,034        35,200        36,095        895   

Expiring 12/21/11

  Morgan Stanley   RUB 1,590,574        53,200        51,955        (1,245

Singapore Dollar

         

Expiring 11/18/11

  UBS AG   SGD 609,164        481,174        485,464        4,290   

South African Rand

         

Expiring 11/28/11

  Citibank NA   ZAR 276,572        35,723        34,707        (1,016

Expiring 11/28/11

  Citibank NA   ZAR 410,359        53,200        51,496        (1,704

Expiring 11/28/11

  Citibank NA   ZAR 561,086        70,600        70,411        (189

South Korean Won

         

Expiring 11/30/11

  Morgan Stanley   KRW 59,867,200        52,700        53,900        1,200   

Expiring 11/30/11

  Morgan Stanley   KRW 40,360,320        35,200        36,338        1,138   

Expiring 11/30/11

  UBS AG   KRW  116,147,700        108,600        104,572        (4,028

Expiring 11/30/11

  UBS AG   KRW 78,102,325        72,100        70,318        (1,782

Expiring 11/30/11

  UBS AG   KRW 61,963,000        52,400        55,787        3,387   

Expiring 11/30/11

  UBS AG   KRW  61,542,000        52,600        55,408        2,808   

Expiring 11/30/11

  UBS AG   KRW 61,315,820        52,600        55,205        2,605   

Expiring 11/30/11

  UBS AG   KRW 41,107,500        35,000        37,010        2,010   

Swedish Krona

         

Expiring 11/21/11

  Goldman Sachs Group LP   SEK 461,633        70,800        70,751        (49

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     33   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Foreign Currency
Contracts

 

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
    Value at
Settlement
Date
Payable
    Value at
October 31,
2011
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Purchased (cont’d.):

         

Expiring 11/21/11

  Goldman Sachs Group LP   SEK 232,835      $ 35,200      $ 35,685      $ 485   

Expiring 11/21/11

  Morgan Stanley   SEK  1,644,391        246,184        252,022        5,838   

Swiss Franc

         

Expiring 11/21/11

  UBS AG   CHF 62,075        70,700        70,738        38   

Thai Baht

         

Expiring 11/30/11

  Citibank NA   THB 2,599,862        86,202        84,329        (1,873

Expiring 11/30/11

  Morgan Stanley   THB 2,162,688        70,400        70,149        (251

Expiring 11/30/11

  UBS AG   THB 1,627,970        52,600        52,805        205   

Expiring 11/30/11

  UBS AG   THB 1,627,444        52,600        52,788        188   

Expiring 11/30/11

  UBS AG   THB 1,091,020        35,000        35,388        388   

Turkish Lira

         

Expiring 11/17/11

  Goldman Sachs Group LP   TRY 63,181        35,400        35,592        192   

Expiring 11/28/11

  Morgan Stanley   TRY 38,446        21,200        21,604        404   

Expiring 11/28/11

  UBS AG   TRY 129,310        70,600        72,666        2,066   

Expiring 11/28/11

  UBS AG   TRY 125,719        70,800        70,648        (152

Expiring 11/28/11

  UBS AG   TRY 95,684        53,100        53,770        670   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $ 10,647,817      $ 10,722,250      $ 74,433   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign Currency
Contracts

 

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
    Value at
Settlement
Date
Receivable
    Value at
October 31,
2011
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Sold:

         

Australian Dollar

         

Expiring 11/18/11

  JPMorgan Chase Securities   AUD 101,490      $ 107,200      $ 106,727      $ 473   

Expiring 11/18/11

  Morgan Stanley   AUD 52,248        53,177        54,944        (1,767

Brazilian Real

         

Expiring 01/19/12

  Citibank NA   BRL 178,169        98,300        101,887        (3,587

Expiring 01/19/12

  Citibank NA   BRL 95,364        48,842        54,534        (5,692

Expiring 01/19/12

  Citibank NA   BRL 94,939        52,700        54,292        (1,592

Expiring 01/19/12

  Citibank NA   BRL 64,082        35,200        36,646        (1,446

Expiring 01/19/12

  UBS AG   BRL 129,043        70,400        73,794        (3,394

Expiring 01/19/12

  UBS AG   BRL 111,071        61,878        63,517        (1,639

Expiring 01/19/12

  UBS AG   BRL 99,023        52,700        56,627        (3,927

Canadian Dollar

         

Expiring 11/17/11

  Morgan Stanley   CAD 70,930        70,600        71,134        (534

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

34   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

Foreign Currency
Contracts

 

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
    Value at
Settlement
Date
Receivable
    Value at
October 31,
2011
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Sold (cont’d.):

         

Chilean Peso

         

Expiring 12/02/11

  Citibank NA   CLP 32,690,550      $ 67,501      $ 66,475      $ 1,026   

Expiring 12/02/11

  Citibank NA   CLP 26,505,060        49,533        53,897        (4,364

Expiring 12/02/11

  Citibank NA   CLP 26,087,520        54,400        53,048        1,352   

Expiring 12/02/11

  UBS AG   CLP 27,575,275        52,700        56,073        (3,373

Expiring 01/09/12

  Citibank NA   CLP 73,415,945        140,900        148,557        (7,657

Chinese Yuan Renminbi

         

Expiring 08/02/12

  Morgan Stanley   CNY 1,502,974        236,950        237,426        (476

Expiring 08/02/12

  UBS AG   CNY 1,503,211        236,950        237,463        (513

Expiring 08/02/12

  UBS AG   CNY 560,640        87,600        88,565        (965

Expiring 08/02/12

  UBS AG   CNY 453,365        72,100        71,618        482   

Expiring 08/02/12

  UBS AG   CNY 334,537        53,300        52,847        453   

Colombian Peso

         

Expiring 11/01/11

  Citibank NA   COP  125,292,700        67,109        67,145        (36

Expiring 11/01/11

  Citibank NA   COP 98,915,520        54,400        53,009        1,391   

Expiring 12/06/11

  Citibank NA   COP 249,165,790        136,511        133,472        3,039   

Expiring 12/06/11

  Citibank NA   COP 130,306,330        72,100        69,802        2,298   

Expiring 12/06/11

  Citibank NA   COP 93,534,000        52,400        50,104        2,296   

Expiring 12/06/11

  Citibank NA   COP 65,445,900        33,183        35,058        (1,875

Expiring 12/06/11

  Morgan Stanley   COP 99,218,000        53,200        53,149        51   

Czech Koruna

         

Expiring 11/21/11

  Citibank NA   CZK 958,840        53,600        53,352        248   

Euro

         

Expiring 11/22/11

  Citibank NA   EUR 64,215        89,400        88,836        564   

Hungarian Forint

         

Expiring 11/21/11

  Citibank NA   HUF 23,051,399        106,300        104,299        2,001   

Indonesian Rupiah

         

Expiring 12/27/11

  UBS AG   IDR 383,670,000        42,000        43,070        (1,070

Indian Rupee

         

Expiring 12/23/11

  UBS AG   INR 5,215,584        105,600        106,109        (509

Expiring 12/23/11

  UBS AG   INR 2,949,975        61,638        60,016        1,622   

Expiring 12/23/11

  UBS AG   INR 2,923,140        61,800        59,470        2,330   

Expiring 12/23/11

  UBS AG   INR 2,390,369        48,398        48,631        (233

Expiring 12/23/11

  UBS AG   INR 2,088,240        42,000        42,485        (485

Expiring 12/23/11

  UBS AG   INR 1,672,520        35,791        34,027        1,764   

Expiring 12/23/11

  UBS AG   INR 1,382,097        27,406        28,118        (712

Expiring 12/23/11

  UBS AG   INR 834,480        18,000        16,977        1,023   

Israeli New Shekel

         

Expiring 11/16/11

  Citibank NA   ILS 191,341        51,922        52,742        (820

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     35   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Foreign Currency
Contracts

 

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
    Value at
Settlement
Date
Receivable
    Value at
October 31,
2011
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Sold (cont’d.):

         

Expiring 11/16/11

  Citibank NA   ILS 169,674      $ 45,507      $ 46,770      $ (1,263

Expiring 11/16/11

  Goldman Sachs Group LP   ILS 130,972        36,300        36,102        198   

Expiring 11/16/11

  JPMorgan Chase Securities   ILS 376,010        104,011        103,645        366   

Expiring 11/16/11

  JPMorgan Chase Securities   ILS 351,128        94,900        96,787        (1,887

Malaysian Ringgit

         

Expiring 11/14/11

  UBS AG   MYR 292,991        96,700        95,421        1,279   

Expiring 11/14/11

  UBS AG   MYR 57,535        18,833        18,738        95   

Expiring 12/20/11

  UBS AG   MYR 217,606        68,269        70,740        (2,471

Expiring 12/23/11

  UBS AG   MYR 279,837        88,500        90,957        (2,457

Mexican Peso

         

Expiring 11/17/11

  Citibank NA   MXN 953,671        70,700        71,440        (740

Expiring 11/17/11

  Citibank NA   MXN 471,052        35,700        35,287        413   

Expiring 11/17/11

  JPMorgan Chase Securities   MXN  1,459,198        105,700        109,308        (3,608

Expiring 11/17/11

  JPMorgan Chase Securities   MXN 968,095        70,400        72,520        (2,120

New Taiwan Dollar

         

Expiring 12/09/11

  UBS AG   TWD 2,121,883        71,099        70,979        120   

Expiring 12/09/11

  UBS AG   TWD 2,112,000        69,705        70,649        (944

Expiring 12/09/11

  UBS AG   TWD 1,587,678        52,485        53,110        (625

Expiring 12/09/11

  UBS AG   TWD 1,499,400        52,500        50,157        2,343   

Expiring 12/09/11

  UBS AG   TWD 1,426,508        50,300        47,718        2,582   

Expiring 12/09/11

  UBS AG   TWD 1,066,038        37,092        35,660        1,432   

Expiring 12/09/11

  UBS AG   TWD 1,060,805        37,438        35,485        1,953   

Expiring 12/09/11

  UBS AG   TWD 777,707        27,164        26,015        1,149   

New Zealand Dollar

         

Expiring 11/18/11

  UBS AG   NZD 88,197        71,500        71,237        263   

Norwegian Krone

         

Expiring 11/21/11

  Citibank NA   NOK 388,482        71,500        69,683        1,817   

Expiring 11/21/11

  UBS AG   NOK 394,871        71,500        70,829        671   

Peruvian Nuevo Sol

         

Expiring 01/13/12

  Citibank NA   PEN 289,615        105,487        106,331        (844

Philippine Peso

         

Expiring 11/09/11

  UBS AG   PHP 2,096,535        48,130        49,147        (1,017

Expiring 11/22/11

  UBS AG   PHP 4,492,343        104,900        105,224        (324

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

36   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

Foreign Currency
Contracts

 

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
    Value at
Settlement
Date
Receivable
    Value at
October 31,
2011
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Sold (cont’d.):

         

Expiring 11/22/11

  UBS AG   PHP 3,145,780      $ 72,400      $ 73,683      $ (1,283

Expiring 11/22/11

  UBS AG   PHP 2,503,463        57,604        58,638        (1,034

Expiring 01/06/12

  UBS AG   PHP 3,011,123        70,900        70,396        504   

Polish Zloty

         

Expiring 11/21/11

  Citibank NA   PLN 228,503        70,400        71,663        (1,263

Expiring 11/21/11

  Citibank NA   PLN 182,169        57,200        57,132        68   

Romanian Leu

         

Expiring 11/21/11

  Citibank NA   RON 165,066        52,786        52,511        275   

Russian Rouble

         

Expiring 11/08/11

  Citibank NA   RUB 7,483,229        250,372        246,343        4,029   

Expiring 11/08/11

  Morgan Stanley   RUB 1,416,333        48,224        46,625        1,599   

Expiring 12/16/11

  Citibank NA   RUB 1,617,627        50,712        52,893        (2,181

Expiring 12/21/11

  Citibank NA   RUB 4,464,417        140,900        145,828        (4,928

Expiring 12/21/11

  Citibank NA   RUB 2,260,145        68,328        73,826        (5,498

Expiring 12/21/11

  Citibank NA   RUB 1,658,594        53,598        54,177        (579

Singapore Dollar

         

Expiring 11/18/11

  Goldman Sachs Group LP   SGD 246,297        196,600        196,283        317   

Expiring 11/18/11

  JPMorgan Chase Securities   SGD 112,369        88,014        89,551        (1,537

South African Rand

         

Expiring 11/28/11

  UBS AG   ZAR 1,217,173        153,414        152,744        670   

South Korean Won

         

Expiring 11/30/11

  UBS AG   KRW  68,048,930        61,700        61,267        433   

Expiring 11/30/11

  UBS AG   KRW 66,583,545        56,667        59,947        (3,280

Expiring 11/30/11

  UBS AG   KRW 59,617,550        54,500        53,676        824   

Swedish Krona

         

Expiring 11/21/11

  Citibank NA   SEK 451,264        70,900        69,162        1,738   

Thailand Baht

         

Expiring 11/30/11

  UBS AG   THB 3,789,232        121,567        122,907        (1,340

Expiring 11/30/11

  UBS AG   THB 2,719,890        87,900        88,222        (322

Expiring 11/30/11

  UBS AG   THB 1,509,642        49,685        48,967        718   

Expiring 11/30/11

  UBS AG   THB 1,090,220        36,100        35,362        738   

Turkish Lira

         

Expiring 11/17/11

  Citibank NA   TRY 125,604        70,900        70,758        142   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     37   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Foreign Currency
Contracts

 

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
    Value at
Settlement
Date
Receivable
    Value at
October 31,
2011
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Sold (cont’d.):

         

Expiring 11/28/11

  JPMorgan Chase Securities   TRY  231,389      $ 129,323      $ 130,029      $ (706
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $ 6,792,703      $ 6,832,471      $ (39,768
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ 34,665   
         

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swap agreements outstanding at October 31, 2011:

 

Counterparty

  Termination
Date
    Notional
Amount
(000)#
    Fixed
Rate
  Floating
Rate
  Fair
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    09/06/13      $ 3,950      0.518%   3 month LIBOR   $ (917   $   —      $ (917

Barclays Bank PLC(a)

    09/21/13        2,450      0.493   3 month LIBOR     2,203               2,203   

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    09/23/13        1,000      0.503   3 month LIBOR     (713            (713

Barclays Bank PLC(a)

    09/26/13        1,400      0.524   3 month LIBOR     438               438   

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    10/04/13        1,750      0.559   3 month LIBOR     553               553   

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    10/06/13        500      0.605   3 month LIBOR     602               602   

Barclays Bank PLC(a)

    07/01/14        600      1.095   3 month LIBOR     (9,167            (9,167

Barclays Bank PLC(a)

    08/05/14        900      0.821   3 month LIBOR     (5,028            (5,028

Barclays Bank PLC(a)

    09/26/14        2,000      0.640   3 month LIBOR     2,793               2,793   

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    12/31/15        1,700      1.705   3 month LIBOR     47,616               47,616   

Barclays Bank PLC(a)

    06/21/16        100      1.870   3 month LIBOR     (3,249            (3,249

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    08/15/16        2,350      1.220   3 month LIBOR     2,324               2,324   

Barclays Bank PLC(a)

    09/06/16        3,200      1.165   3 month LIBOR     10,364               10,364   

Barclays Bank PLC(a)

    09/16/16        500      1.205   3 month LIBOR     978               978   

Barclays Bank PLC(a)

    09/19/16        1,000      1.245   3 month LIBOR     192               192   

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    09/26/16        3,000      1.113   3 month LIBOR     (21,499            (21,499

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    09/27/16        1,400      1.115   3 month LIBOR     (9,251            (9,251

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    10/04/16        400      1.255   3 month LIBOR     (281            (281

Barclays Bank PLC(a)

    10/07/16        450      1.301   3 month LIBOR     (626            (626

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    08/30/18        2,000      1.867   3 month LIBOR     13,462               13,462   

Barclays Bank PLC(a)

    09/26/18        1,400      1.555   3 month LIBOR     23,132               23,132   

Barclays Bank PLC(a)

    09/27/18        750      1.538   3 month LIBOR     13,304               13,304   

Barclays Bank PLC(a)

    09/29/18        300      1.710   3 month LIBOR     1,889               1,889   

Barclays Bank PLC(a)

    08/10/21        400      2.568   3 month LIBOR     (11,858            (11,858

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    09/21/21        500      2.160   3 month LIBOR     (5,760            (5,760

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    09/23/21        175      2.134   3 month LIBOR     (2,460            (2,460

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    10/03/21        150      2.133   3 month LIBOR     (2,266            (2,266

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

38   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

Counterparty

  Termination
Date
    Notional
Amount
(000)#
    Fixed
Rate
  Floating
Rate
  Fair
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Barclays Bank PLC(a)

    10/05/21      $ 250      2.084%   3 month LIBOR   $ 4,923      $   —      $ 4,923   

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    10/06/21        100      1.960   3 month LIBOR     (3,112            (3,112

Barclays Bank PLC(a)

    10/11/21        200      2.285   3 month LIBOR     344               344   

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    09/06/41        220      3.005   3 month LIBOR     3,160               3,160   

Barclays Bank PLC(a)

    09/06/41        100      3.244   3 month LIBOR     (6,186            (6,186

Barclays Bank PLC(a)

    10/04/41        70      2.740   3 month LIBOR     3,031               3,031   

Citibank NA(a)

    04/26/13        2,000      0.845   3 month LIBOR     (9,478            (9,478

Citibank NA(b)

    07/28/13        4,000      0.625   3 month LIBOR     12,608               12,608   

Citibank NA(a)

    05/10/14        1,000      1.288   3 month LIBOR     (22,268            (22,268

Citibank NA(a)

    05/13/14        1,000      1.258   3 month LIBOR     (21,267            (21,267

Citibank NA(a)

    04/08/16        2,000      2.520   3 month LIBOR     (123,392            (123,392

Citibank NA(a)

    04/27/16        2,000      2.313   3 month LIBOR     (103,199            (103,199

Citibank NA(a)

    05/18/16        1,000      2.040   3 month LIBOR     (47,721            (47,721

Citibank NA(a)

    06/30/16        2,000      1.821   3 month LIBOR     (68,610            (68,610

Citibank NA(b)

    10/17/16        370      1.425   3 month LIBOR     2,514               2,514   

Citibank NA(b)

    10/18/16        460      1.440   3 month LIBOR     3,423               3,423   

Citibank NA(a)

    04/19/21        1,000      3.514   3 month LIBOR     (111,070            (111,070

Citibank NA(a)

    05/24/21        600      3.247   3 month LIBOR     (59,982            (59,982

Citibank NA(a)

    06/30/21        1,000      3.078   3 month LIBOR     (81,257            (81,257

Citibank NA(b)

    09/08/21        700      2.150   3 month LIBOR     (7,937            (7,937

Citibank NA(b)

    09/22/21        200      2.180   3 month LIBOR     (1,953            (1,953

Citibank NA(a)

    10/06/21        300      2.049   3 month LIBOR     6,895               6,895   

Citibank NA(b)

    10/06/21        140      2.033   3 month LIBOR     (3,426            (3,426

Citibank NA(a)

    10/07/21        250      2.108   3 month LIBOR     4,414               4,414   

Citibank NA(a)

    10/07/21        200      2.083   3 month LIBOR     3,990               3,990   

Citibank NA(b)

    10/20/21        200      2.308   3 month LIBOR     (75            (75

Citibank NA(a)

    10/17/41        90      2.920   3 month LIBOR     675               675   

Goldman Sachs International(a)

    09/21/18        1,000      1.670   3 month LIBOR     8,378               8,378   

Morgan Stanley Capital Services(b)

    11/02/11        16,500      0.443   3 month LIBOR     550               550   

Morgan Stanley Capital Services(a)

    07/22/13        11,000      0.647   3 month LIBOR     (39,406            (39,406

Morgan Stanley Capital Services(b)

    06/08/21        400      4.640   3 month LIBOR     21,374               21,374   

Morgan Stanley Capital Services(b)

    08/11/21        390      2.590   3 month LIBOR     12,330               12,330   

Morgan Stanley Capital Services(a)

    08/11/21        200      2.425   3 month LIBOR     (2,365            (2,365

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     39   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

Counterparty

  Termination
Date
    Notional
Amount
(000)#
    Fixed
Rate
  Floating
Rate
  Fair
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Citibank NA(b)

    09/07/21      AUD  200      4.945%   6 month BBSW   $ (2,792   $   —      $ (2,792

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    04/05/16      CZK 2,100      2.950   6 month PRIBOR     7,998               7,998   

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    07/05/13      MXN  4,200      5.480   28 day Mexican
Interbank Rate
    5,012               5,012   

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    09/20/21      MXN 1,600      6.790   28 day Mexican
Interbank Rate
    3,411               3,411   

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    06/20/21      NZD 100      4.980   3 month BBR     2,995               2,995   

Barclays Bank PLC(b)

    06/17/16      ZAR  1,100      7.580   3 month JIBAR     6,431               6,431   
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ (554,265   $      $ (554,265
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Fund pays the fixed rate and receives the floating rate.
(b) Fund pays the floating rate and receives the fixed rate.
# Notional amount is shown in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.

 

Level 1—quoted prices generally for securities actively traded on a regulated securities exchange and for open-end mutual funds which trade at daily net asset value.

 

Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, foreign currency exchange rates and amortized cost) generally for debt securities, swaps, forward foreign currency contracts and for foreign stocks priced using vendor modeling tools.

 

Level 3—significant unobservable inputs for securities valued in accordance with Board approved fair valuation procedures.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

40   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of October 31, 2011 in valuing such portfolio securities:

 

     Level 1      Level 2     Level 3  

Investments in Securities

       

Asset-Backed Securities

       

CLO’s, CDO’s and Other Asset-Backed Securities

   $       $ 4,273,495      $ 544,648   

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

             3,275,879          

Bank Loans

             2,282,626        362,075   

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

             8,650,516          

Corporate Bonds

             13,108,282          

Municipal Bond

             127,344          

Non-Corporate Foreign Agencies

             904,748          

Sovereigns

             1,090,211          

U.S. Treasury Obligations

             509,546          

Affiliated Money Market Mutual Fund

     783,730                  

Other Financial Instruments*

       

Forward Currency Contracts

             34,665          

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

             (554,265       
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 783,730       $ 33,703,047      $ 906,723   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

The following is a reconciliation of assets in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:

 

     CLO’s, CDO’s and Other
Asset-Backed
Securities
    Bank
Loans
 

Balance as of 03/30/11 (commencement of investment operations)

   $      $   

Realized gain (loss)

              

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)**

     (3,552     (10,052

Purchases

     548,200        372,127   

Sales

              

Accrued discount/premium

              

Transfers into Level 3

              

Transfers out of Level 3

              
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of 10/31/11

   $ 544,648      $ 362,075   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are recorded at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument.
** Of which, $(13,604) was included in Net Assets relating to securities held at the reporting period end.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     41   


 

Portfolio of Investments

 

as of October 31, 2011 continued

 

 

The industry classification of portfolio holdings and liabilities in excess of other assets shown as a percentage of net assets as of October 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

     24.8

Collateralized Loan Obligations, CDO’s and Other Asset-Backed Securities

     13.8   

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

     9.4   

Banking

     5.8   

Cable

     4.0   

Technology

     3.6   

Healthcare & Pharmaceutical

     3.1   

Sovereigns

     3.1   

Foods

     2.9   

Metals

     2.6   

Non-Corporate Foreign Agency

     2.6   

Media & Entertainment

     2.5   

Affiliated Money Market Mutual Fund

     2.2   

Energy—Other

     2.2   

Gaming

     1.8   

Insurance

     1.8   

Non-Captive Finance

     1.8   

Chemicals

     1.7   

Paper

     1.7

Telecommunications

     1.7   

Capital Goods

     1.5   

U.S. Treasury Obligations

     1.4   

Automotive

     1.1   

Consumer

     0.8   

Electric

     0.8   

Retailers

     0.8   

Airlines

     0.7   

Real Estate Investment Trusts

     0.7   

Tobacco

     0.7   

Lodging

     0.4   

Municipal Bond

     0.4   

Building Materials & Construction

     0.3   

Aerospace & Defense

     0.1   
  

 

 

 
     102.8   

Liabilities in excess of other assets

     (2.8
  

 

 

 
     100.0
  

 

 

 

 

The Fund invested in derivative instruments during the reporting period. The primary types of risk associated with these derivative instruments are foreign exchange risk, credit and interest rate risk. The effect of such derivative instruments on the Fund’s financial position and financial performance as reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Statement of Operations is presented in the summary below.

 

Fair values of derivative instruments as of October 31, 2011 as presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

Derivatives not designated
as hedging instruments,
carried at fair value

  

Asset Derivatives

    

Liability Derivatives

 
  

Balance
Sheet Location

   Fair
Value
    

Balance
Sheet Location

   Fair
Value
 
Foreign exchange contracts    Unrealized appreciation on forward currency contracts    $ 208,937       Unrealized depreciation on forward currency contracts    $ 174,272   
Interest rate contracts    Unrealized appreciation on swap agreements      234,306       Unrealized depreciation on swap agreements      788,571   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total

      $ 443,243          $ 962,843   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

42   Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


 

 

 

 

The effects of derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations for the period March 30, 2011* through October 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

Amount of Realized Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging
instruments, carried at fair value

  Futures     Forward
Currency
Contracts
    Swaps     Total  

Credit contracts

  $      $      $ 51,374      $ 51,374   

Foreign exchange contracts

           (39,417            (39,417

Interest rate contracts

    (33,924            (77,416     (111,340
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ (33,924   $ (39,417   $ (26,042   $ (99,383
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation or (Depreciation) on Derivatives Recognized in Income

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging
instruments, carried at fair value

  Forward
Currency
Contracts
     Swaps     Total  

Foreign exchange contracts

  $ 34,381       $      $ 34,381   

Interest rate contracts

            (554,265     (554,265
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 34,381       $ (554,265   $ (519,884
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Commencement of operations.

 

As of October 31, 2011, the Fund’s average volume of derivatives activities is as follows:

 

Futures
Short
Position
(Value at
Trade Date)
    Forward
Currency
Contracts—
Purchased
(Value at
Settlement
Date Payable)
    Forward
Currency
Contracts—
Sold
(Value at
Settlement
Date  Receivable)
    Interest
Rate
Swaps
(Notional
Amount in
USD (000))
    Credit
Default
Swaps
(Notional
Amount in
USD (000))
    Inflation
Swap
(Notional
Amount in
USD (000))
 
$ 207,109      $ 6,723,500      $ 3,009,553      $ 42,882      $ 833      $ 157   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     43   


 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

as of October 31, 2011

 

Assets

        

Investments at value:

  

Unaffiliated Investments (cost $35,519,172)

   $ 35,129,370   

Affiliated Investments (cost $783,730)

     783,730   

Cash

     685,766   

Receivable for investments sold

     1,361,812   

Dividends and interest receivable

     285,488   

Unrealized appreciation on swap agreements

     234,306   

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

     208,937   

Receivable for Fund shares sold

     23,831   

Prepaid expenses

     1,481   

Foreign tax reclaim receivable

     692   
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     38,715,413   
  

 

 

 

Liabilities

        

Payable for investments purchased

     1,743,581   

Payable for Fund shares reacquired

     914,123   

Unrealized depreciation on swap agreements

     788,571   

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

     174,272   

Accrued expenses

     134,818   

Management fee payable

     20,561   

Distribution fee payable

     4,043   

Due to custodian

     3,749   

Affiliated transfer agent fee payable

     336   
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     3,784,054   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 34,931,359   
  

 

 

 
          

Net assets were comprised of:

  

Shares of beneficial interest, at par

   $ 3,588   

Paid-in capital in excess of par

     35,823,911   
  

 

 

 
     35,827,499   

Distributions in excess of net investment income

     (78,080

Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     91,626   

Net unrealized depreciation on investments and foreign currencies

     (909,686
  

 

 

 

Net assets, October 31, 2011

   $ 34,931,359   
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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Class A

        

Net asset value and redemption price per share

  

($2,709,052 ÷ 278,743 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 9.72   

Maximum sales charge (4.50% of offering price)

     0.46   
  

 

 

 

Maximum offering price to public

   $ 10.18   
  

 

 

 

Class C

        

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($4,029,532 ÷ 414,133 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 9.73   
  

 

 

 

Class Q

        

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($989 ÷ 101.6 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 9.73   
  

 

 

 

Class Z

        

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
($28,191,786 ÷ 2,894,623 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 9.74   
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     45   


 

Statement of Operations

 

For the Period March 30, 2011* through October 31, 2011

 

Net Investment Income

        

Income

  

Unaffiliated interest income

   $ 703,239   

Affiliated dividend income

     7,407   
  

 

 

 

Total income

     710,646   
  

 

 

 

Expenses

  

Management fee

     149,191   

Distribution fee—Class A

     3,314   

Distribution fee—Class C

     13,338   

Custodian’s fees and expenses

     90,000   

Registration fees

     68,000   

Audit fee

     60,000   

Legal fees and expenses

     39,000   

Reports to shareholders

     33,000   

Trustees’ fees

     7,000   

Transfer agent’s fees and expenses (including affiliated expense of $800) (Note 3)

     3,000   

Miscellaneous

     10,457   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     476,300   

Expense reimbursement (Note 2)

     (264,546
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     211,754   
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     498,892   
  

 

 

 

Realized And Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Investment And Foreign Currency Transactions

        

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions

     100,267   

Foreign currency transactions

     (66,876

Financial futures transactions

     (33,924

Swap agreement transactions

     (26,042
  

 

 

 
     (26,575
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

  

Investments

     (389,802

Foreign currencies

     34,381   

Swap agreements

     (554,265
  

 

 

 
     (909,686
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (936,261
  

 

 

 

Net Decrease In Net Assets Resulting From Operations

   $ (437,369
  

 

 

 

 

* Commencement of investment operations.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

     March 30, 2011*
through
October 31, 2011
 

Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets

        

Operations

  

Net investment income

   $ 498,892   

Net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (26,575

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and
foreign currencies

     (909,686
  

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

     (437,369
  

 

 

 

Dividends from net investment income (Note 1)

  

Class A

     (36,420

Class C

     (26,946

Class Q

     (16

Class Z

     (407,867
  

 

 

 
     (471,249
  

 

 

 

Fund share transactions (Note 6)

  

Net proceeds from shares sold

     39,453,377   

Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     457,824   

Cost of shares reacquired

     (4,071,224
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from Fund share transactions

     35,839,977   
  

 

 

 

Total increase

     34,931,359   

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of period

       
  

 

 

 

End of period(a)

   $ 34,931,359   
  

 

 

 

 

* Commencement of investment operations.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     47   


Notes to Financial Statements

 

Prudential Investment Portfolios 9 (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company, registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). The Trust currently consists of three funds: Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund, Prudential International Real Estate Fund and Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund (the “Fund”). These financial statements relate to Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund, a diversified fund. The financial statements of the Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund and Prudential International Real Estate Fund are not presented herein. The Trust was organized as a business trust in Delaware on September 18, 1998. The Fund commenced investment operations on March 30, 2011.

 

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek positive returns over the long term, regardless of market conditions. It invests at least 80% of its investable assets in debt securities, including mortgage-related securities, asset-backed securities, floating rate loans, municipal securities, U.S. Government securities, corporate securities and foreign securities.

 

Note 1. Accounting Policies

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.

 

Securities Valuation: Securities listed on a securities exchange (other than options on securities and indices) are valued at the last sale price on such exchange on the day of valuation or, if there was no sale on such day, at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices, or at the last bid price on such day in the absence of an asked price. Securities traded via NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price (“NOCP”) on the day of valuation, or if there was no NOCP, at the last sale price. Securities that are actively traded in the over-the-counter market, including listed securities for which the primary market is believed by Prudential Investments LLC (“PI” or “Manager”), in consultation with the subadvisers, to be over-the-counter, are valued at market value using prices provided by an independent pricing agent or principal market maker. Futures contracts and options thereon traded on a commodities exchange or board of trade are valued at the last sale price at the close of trading on such exchange or board of trade or, if there was no sale on the applicable commodities exchange or board of trade on such day, at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on such exchange or board of

 

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trade or at the last bid price in the absence of an asked price. Prices may be obtained from independent pricing services which use information provided by market makers or estimates of market values obtained from yield data relating to investments or securities with similar characteristics. Securities for which reliable market quotations are not readily available, or whose values have been affected by events occurring after the close of the security’s foreign market and before the Funds’ normal pricing time, are valued at fair value in accordance with the Board of Trustees’ approved fair valuation procedures. When determining the fair valuation of securities some of the factors influencing the valuation include, the nature of any restrictions on disposition of the securities; assessment of the general liquidity of the securities; the issuer’s financial condition and the markets in which it does business; the cost of the investment; the size of the holding and the capitalization of issuer; the prices of any recent transactions or bids/offers for such securities or any comparable securities; any available analyst media or other reports or information deemed reliable by the investment adviser regarding the issuer or the markets or industry in which it operates. Using fair value to price securities may result in a value that is different from a security’s most recent closing price and from the price used by other mutual funds to calculate their net asset values.

 

Investments in open-end, non-exchange-traded mutual funds are valued at their net asset value as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange on the date of valuation.

 

Short-term debt securities of sufficient credit quality, which mature in sixty days or less, are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. The amortized cost method includes valuing a security at its cost on the date of purchase and thereafter assuming a constant amortization to maturity of the difference between the principal amount due at maturity and cost. Short-term debt securities, which mature in more than sixty days, are valued at fair value.

 

Foreign Currency Translation: The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars on the following basis:

 

(i) market value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities-at the current rates of exchange;

 

(ii) purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses-at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.

 

The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of long term securities held at the end of the period. Similarly, the Fund

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     49   


 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

continued

 

does not isolate the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of portfolio securities sold during the period. Accordingly, realized foreign currency gains or losses are included in the reported net realized gains or losses on investment transactions. Net realized gains or losses on foreign currency transactions represent net foreign exchange gains or losses from the holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement date on security transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains or losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities (other than investments) at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currencies.

 

Financial Futures Contracts: A financial futures contract is an agreement to purchase (long) or sell (short) an agreed amount of securities at a set price for delivery on a future date. Upon entering into a financial futures contract, the Fund is required to pledge to the broker an amount of cash and/or other assets equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. This amount is known as the “initial margin.” Subsequent payments, known as “variation margin,” are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the underlying security. Such variation margin is recorded for financial statement purposes on a daily basis as unrealized gain (loss). When the contract expires or is closed, the gain (loss) is realized and is presented in the Statement of Operations as net realized gain (loss) on financial futures transactions. Financial futures contracts involve elements of risk in excess of the amounts reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The Fund invests in financial futures contracts in order to hedge its existing portfolio securities, or securities the Fund intends to purchase, against fluctuations in value caused by changes in prevailing interest rates, value of equities or foreign currency exchange rates. Should interest rates move unexpectedly, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the financial futures contracts and may realize a loss. The use of futures transactions involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in the price of futures contracts, interest rates and the underlying hedged assets.

 

With exchange-traded futures, there is a minimal counterparty credit risk to the Fund since the exchanges’ clearinghouse acts as counterparty to all exchange traded futures and guarantees the futures contracts against default.

 

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Forward Currency Contracts: A forward currency contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate between two parties. The Fund enters into forward currency contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings or specific receivables and payables denominated in a foreign currency. The contracts are valued daily at current forward exchange rates and any unrealized gain or loss is included in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies. Gain or loss is realized on the settlement date of the contract equal to the difference between the settlement value of the original and negotiated forward contracts. This gain or loss, if any, is included in net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions. Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. Forward currency contracts involve risks from currency exchange rate and credit risk in excess of the amounts reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk is the net value of the cash flows to be received from the counterparty at the end of the contract’s life. A master netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty which may permit the Fund to offset amounts payable by the Fund to the same counterparty against amounts to be received; and by the receipt of collateral from the counterparty by the Fund to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty. However, there is no assurance that such mitigating factors are easily enforceable.

 

Swap Agreements: The Fund entered into interest rate swap agreements. A swap agreement is an agreement to exchange the return generated by one instrument for the return generated by another instrument. The swap agreements are valued daily at current market value and any change in value is included in the net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments. Payments received or paid by the Fund are recorded as realized gains or losses upon termination or maturity of the swap. Risk of loss may exceed amounts recognized on the statements of assets and liabilities. Swap agreements outstanding at period end, if any, are listed on the Portfolio of Investments.

 

Interest Rate Swaps: Interest rate swaps represent an agreement between counterparties to exchange cash flows based on the difference between two interest rates, applied to a notional principal amount for a specified period. The Fund is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The Fund used interest rate swaps to maintain its ability to generate steady cash flow by receiving a stream of fixed rate payments and to increase exposure to prevailing market rates by receiving floating rate payments using interest rate swap contracts. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk is the discounted net value of the cash flows to be received from the counterparty over the

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     51   


 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

continued

 

contract’s remaining life. A master netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty permits the Fund to offset amounts payable by the Fund to the same counterparty against amounts to be received; and by the receipt of collateral from the counterparty by the Fund to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty. However, there is no assurance that such mitigating factors are easily enforceable.

 

In addition to each instrument’s primary underlying risk exposure (e.g. interest rate), swap agreements involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, market and documentation risk. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for these agreements, that the counterparty to the agreement may default on its obligation to perform or disagree as to the meaning of the contractual terms in the agreement, and that there will be unfavorable changes in net interest rates. In connection with these agreements, securities in the portfolio may be identified as collateral or received as collateral from the counterparty in accordance with the terms of the respective swap agreements to provide or receive assets of value and serve as recourse in the event of default or bankruptcy/insolvency of either party. Such over-the-counter derivative agreements include conditions which when materialized, give the counterparty the right to cause an early termination of the transactions under those agreements. Any election by the counterparty for early termination of the contract(s) may impact the amounts reported on financial statements.

 

As of October 31, 2011, the Fund has not met conditions under such agreements, which give the counterparty the right to call for an early termination.

 

Forward currency contracts, financial futures contracts and swaps involve elements of both market and credit risk in excess of the amounts reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

Concentration of Risk: The ability of issuers of debt securities (other than those issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government) held by the Fund to meet their obligations may be affected by the economic or political developments in a specific industry, region or country. Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of domestic origin as a result of, among other factors, the possibility of political and economic instability or the level of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets.

 

Restricted Securities: The Fund may hold up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including those which are restricted as to disposition under securities law

 

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(“restricted securities”). Restricted securities are valued pursuant to the valuation procedures noted above.

 

Securities Transactions and Net Investment Income: Securities transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains or losses on sales of securities are calculated on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts on debt securities as adjustments to interest income. Net investment income or loss (other than distribution fees, which are charged to the respective class) and unrealized and realized gains or losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day.

 

Dividends and Distributions: The Fund declares dividends of net investment income daily and payment is made monthly. Distributions of net realized capital and currency gains, if any, are made annually. Dividends and distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends and distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. Permanent book/tax differences relating to income and gains are reclassified amongst distribution in excess of net investment income, accumulated net realized gain or loss and paid-in-capital in excess of par, as appropriate.

 

Taxes: For federal income tax purposes it is the Fund’s policy to continue to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable net income and capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.

 

Withholding taxes on foreign interest are recorded, net of reclaimable amounts, at the time the related income is earned.

 

Estimates: The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those amounts.

 

Note 2. Agreements

 

The Fund has a management agreement with PI. Pursuant to this agreement, PI has responsibility for all investment advisory services and supervises the subadvisor’s performance of such services. PI has entered into a subadvisory agreement with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (“PIM”). The subadvisory agreement

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     53   


 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

continued

 

provides that PIM will furnish investment advisory services in connection with the management of the Fund. In connection therewith, PIM is obligated to keep certain books and records of the Fund. PI pays for the services of PIM, the cost of compensation of officers of the Fund, occupancy and certain clerical and bookkeeping costs of the Fund. The Fund bears all other costs and expenses.

 

The management fee paid to PI is computed daily and payable monthly at an annual rate of .80% of the average daily net assets.

 

PI has contractually agreed through February 28, 2013 to limit net annual Fund operating expenses (excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees, extraordinary and certain other expenses such as taxes, interest and brokerage commissions) to each class of shares to 1.05% of the Fund’s daily average net assets.

 

The Fund has a distribution agreement with Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (“PIMS”) who acts as the distributor of the Class A, Class C, Class Q and Class Z shares. The Fund compensates PIMS for distributing and servicing the Fund’s Class A and Class C shares, pursuant to plans of distribution (the “Class A and C Plans”), regardless of expenses actually incurred by PIMS. The distribution fees are accrued daily and payable monthly. No distribution or service fees are paid to PIMS as distributor of the Class Q and Class Z shares of the Fund.

 

Pursuant to the Class A and C Plans, the Fund compensates PIMS for distribution related activities at an annual rate of up to .30% and 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A and C shares, respectively. PIMS has contractually agreed to limit such expenses to .25% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares through February 28, 2013.

 

PIMS has advised the Fund that it received $26,179 in front-end sales charges resulting from sales of Class A shares during the period ended October 31, 2011. From these fees, PIMS paid such sales charges to affiliated broker-dealers, which in turn paid commissions to salespersons and incurred other distribution costs. PIMS has advised the Fund that for the period ended October 31, 2011, it has received $1,107, in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon certain redemptions by Class C shareholders, respectively.

 

PI and PIMS are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Prudential Financial, Inc. (“Prudential”).

 

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Note 3. Other Transactions with Affiliates

 

Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (“PMFS”), an affiliate of PI and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential, serves as the Fund’s transfer agent. Transfer agent fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations include certain out-of-pocket expenses paid to non-affiliates, where applicable.

 

The Fund invests in the Prudential Core Taxable Money Market Fund (the “Core Fund”), a series of the Prudential Investment Portfolios 2 registered under the 1940 Act, and managed by PI. Earnings from the Core Fund are disclosed on the Statement of Operations as affiliated dividend income.

 

Note 4. Portfolio Securities

 

Purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments and government securities, for the period ended October 31, 2011 were $63,178,492 and $28,274,427, respectively.

 

Note 5. Distributions and Tax Information

 

Distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations and which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. In order to present distributions in excess of net investment income, accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions and paid-in capital in excess of par on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities that more closely represent their tax character, certain adjustments have been made to distributions in excess of net investment income, accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions and paid-in capital in excess of par. For the fiscal period ended October 31, 2011, the adjustments were to increase distributions in excess of net investment income by $105,723, to increase accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions by $118,201 and to decrease paid-in capital in excess of par by $12,478, primarily due to the difference between financial and tax reporting purposes of premium amortization, certain transactions involving foreign currencies, paydown gains (losses), swaps and other book to tax adjustments. Net investment income, net realized loss and net assets were not affected by this change.

 

As of October 31, 2011, the accumulated undistributed ordinary income on a tax basis was $91,626.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     55   


 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

continued

 

 

For the fiscal period ended October 31, 2011 the tax character of dividends paid as reflected in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets was $471,249 from ordinary income.

 

The United States federal income tax basis of the Fund’s investments and the net unrealized depreciation as of October 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

Tax Basis

 

Appreciation

 

Depreciation

 

Net
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

Other Cost
Basis
Adjustments

 

Total Net
Unrealized
Depreciation

$36,399,113   $178,200   $(664,213)   $(486,013)   $(499,218)   $(985,231)

 

The difference between book basis and tax basis were primarily attributable to the difference in the treatment of premium amortization. The other cost basis adjustments are primarily attributable to appreciation (depreciation) of swaps, futures and forward currency transactions.

 

Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions and has concluded that as of October 31, 2011, no provision for income tax would be required in the Fund’s financial statements for the current reporting period.

 

Note 6. Capital

 

The Fund offers Class A, Class C, Class Q and Class Z shares. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 4.50%. All investors who purchase Class A shares in an amount of $1 million or more and sell these shares within 12 months of purchase are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1%. The Class A CDSC is waived for purchases by certain retirement and/or benefit plans. Class C shares are sold with a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on shares redeemed during the first 12 months after purchase. Under certain limited circumstances, an exchange may be made from Class A or Class C to Class Z shares of the Fund. A special exchange privilege is also available for shareholders who qualified to purchase Class A shares at net asset value. Class Q and Z shares are not subject to any sales or redemption charge and are offered exclusively for sale to a limited group of investors.

 

At October 31, 2011, Prudential Financial, Inc. through its affiliates owned 102 Class A shares, 101 Class C shares, 101.6 Class Q shares and 2,537,610 Class Z shares of the Fund.

 

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The Trust has authorized an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest at $.001 par value.

 

Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:

 

Class A

     Shares      Amount  

Period ended October 31, 2011*:

       

Shares sold

       512,866       $ 5,075,110   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

       3,438         33,502   

Shares reacquired

       (237,561      (2,329,557
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       278,743       $ 2,779,055   
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Class C

               

Period ended October 31, 2011*:

       

Shares sold

       427,911       $ 4,243,233   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

       2,487         24,212   

Shares reacquired

       (16,265      (158,670
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       414,133       $ 4,108,775   
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Class Q

               

Period ended October 31, 2011*:

       

Shares sold

       100.0       $ 1,000   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

       1.6         16   
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       101.6       $ 1,016   
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Class Z

               

Period ended October 31, 2011*:

       

Shares sold

       3,017,842       $ 30,134,034   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

       40,769         400,094   

Shares reacquired

       (163,988      (1,582,997
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       2,894,623       $ 28,951,131   
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

* Commenced operations on March 30, 2011.

 

Note 7. Borrowings

 

The Fund, along with other affiliated registered investment companies (the “Funds”), is a party to a Syndicated Credit Agreement (“SCA”) with a group of banks. The purpose of the SCA is to provide an alternative source of temporary funding for capital share redemptions. The SCA provides for a commitment of $750 million for the period December 17, 2010 through December 16, 2011. The Funds pay an annualized commitment fee of 0.10% of the unused portion of the SCA. Prior to December 17, 2010, the Funds had another Syndicated Credit Agreement (the “Expired SCA”) of a $500 million commitment with an annualized commitment fee of

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     57   


 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

continued

 

0.15% of the unused portion. Interest on any borrowings under these SCA’s is paid at contracted market rates. The commitment fee for the unused amount is accrued daily and paid quarterly. The SCA has been renewed of substantially similar terms with an increase in the amount of commitment to $900 million.

 

The Fund did not utilize the SCA during the period ended October 31, 2011.

 

Note 8. New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In April 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-03 “Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements.” The objective of ASU No. 2011-03 is to improve the accounting for repurchase agreements and other agreements that both entitle and obligate a transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before their maturity. Under previous guidance, whether or not to account for a transaction as a sale was based on, in part, if the entity maintained effective control over the transferred financial assets. ASU No. 2011-03 removes the transferor’s ability criterion from the effective control assessment. This guidance is effective prospectively for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of ASU No. 2011-03 and its impact on the financial statements has not been determined.

 

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04 “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs.” ASU No. 2011-04 includes common requirements for measurement of and disclosure about fair value between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. ASU No. 2011-04 will require reporting entities to disclose quantitative information about the unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. In addition, ASU No. 2011-04 will require reporting entities to make disclosures about amounts and reasons for all transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements. The new and revised disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of ASU No. 2011-04 and its impact on the financial statements has not been determined.

 

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Note 9. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

 

Subsequent to the fiscal period end, the Fund declared a short-term capital gain distribution on December 21, 2011 to shareholders of record on December 22, 2011. The ex-dividend date was December 23, 2011. The per share amounts declared were for Class A, C, Q and Z $0.0246. per share, respectively.

 

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     59   


 

Financial Highlights

 

 

Class A Shares  
     March 30,
2011(a)
through
October 31,
2011(h)
 
Per Share Operating Performance:        
Net Asset Value, Beginning Of Period     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations:        
Net investment income     .18   
Net realized and unrealized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions     (.31
Total from investment operations     (.13
Less Dividends:        
Dividends from net investment income     (.15
Net asset value, end of period     $9.72   
Total Return(b):     (1.27)%   
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of period (000)     $2,709   
Average net assets (000)     $2,240   
Ratios to average net assets(c):        
Expenses, including distribution and service (12b-1) fees(d)     1.30% (e)(f) 
Expenses, excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.05% (e)(f) 
Net investment income     2.90% (e)(f) 
For Class A, C, Q and Z shares:        
Portfolio turnover rate     112% (g) 

 

(a) Commencement of operations.

(b) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of reporting period, and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return may reflect adjustments to conform to generally accepted accounting principles. Total return for period less than a full year is not annualized.

(c) Does not include expenses of the underlying portfolios in which the Fund invests.

(d) The distributor of the Fund has contractually agreed to limit its distribution and service (12b-1) fees to .25% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares.

(e) Net of expense waiver/reimbursement. If the investment manager had not waived/reimbursed expenses, the expense ratios including and excluding distribution and services (12b-1) fees and net investment income ratio would be 2.65%, 2.40% and 1.55%, respectively, for the period ended October 31, 2011.

(f) Annualized.

(g) Not annualized.

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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Class C Shares  
     March 30,
2011(a)
through
October 31,
2011(f)
 
Per Share Operating Performance:        
Net Asset Value, Beginning Of Period     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations:        
Net investment income     .13   
Net realized and unrealized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions     (.30
Total from investment operations     (.17
Less Dividends:        
Dividends from net investment income     (.10
Net asset value, end of period     $9.73   
Total Return(b):     (1.74)%   
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of period (000)     $4,030   
Average net assets (000)     $2,254   
Ratios to average net assets(c):        
Expenses, including distribution and service (12b-1) fees     2.05% (d)(e) 
Expenses, excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.05% (d)(e) 
Net investment income     2.17% (d)(e) 

 

(a) Commencement of operations.

(b) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of reporting period, and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return may reflect adjustments to conform to generally accepted accounting principles. Total return for period less than a full year is not annualized.

(c) Does not include expenses of the underlying portfolios in which the Fund invests.

(d) Net of expense waiver/reimbursement. If the investment manager had not waived/reimbursed expenses, the expense ratios including and excluding distribution and services (12b-1) fees and net investment loss ratio would be 3.39%, 2.39% and .83%, respectively, for the period ended October 31, 2011.

(e) Annualized.

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     61   


 

Financial Highlights

 

continued

 

Class Q Shares  
     March 30,
2011(a)
through
October 31,
2011(f)
 
Per Share Operating Performance:        
Net Asset Value, Beginning Of Period     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations:        
Net investment income     .16   
Net realized and unrealized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions     (.27
Total from investment operations     (.11
Less Dividends:        
Dividends from net investment income     (.16
Net asset value, end of period     $9.73   
Total Return(b):     (1.09)%   
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of period (000)     $1   
Average net assets (000)     $1   
Ratios to average net assets(c):        
Expenses, including distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.05% (d)(e) 
Expenses, excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.05% (d)(e) 
Net investment income     2.74% (d)(e) 

 

(a) Commencement of operations.

(b) Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of reporting period, and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return may reflect adjustments to conform to generally accepted accounting principles. Total return for periods less than a full year is not annualized.

(c) Does not include expenses of the underlying portfolios in which the Fund invests.

(d) Net of expense waiver/reimbursement. If the investment manager had not waived/reimbursed expenses, the expense ratios including and excluding distribution and services (12b-1) fees and net investment loss ratio would be 2.45%, 2.45% and 1.34%, respectively, for the period ended October 31, 2011.

(e) Annualized.

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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Class Z Shares  
     March 30,
2011(a)
through
October 31,
2011(f)
 
Per Share Operating Performance:        
Net Asset Value, Beginning Of Period     $10.00   
Income (loss) from investment operations:        
Net investment income     .16   
Net realized and unrealized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions     (.27
Total from investment operations     (.11
Less Dividends:        
Dividends from net investment income     (.15
Net asset value, end of period     $9.74   
Total Return(b):     (1.14)%   
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of period (000)     $28,192   
Average net assets (000)     $27,018   
Ratios to average net assets(c):        
Expenses, including distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.05% (d)(e) 
Expenses, excluding distribution and service (12b-1) fees     1.05% (d)(e) 
Net investment income     2.70% (d)(e) 

 

(a) Commencement of operations.

(b) Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of reporting period, and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to generally accepted accounting principles. Total return for period less than a full year is not annualized.

(c) Does not include expenses of the underlying portfolios in which the Fund invests.

(d) Net of expense waiver/reimbursement. If the investment manager had not waived/reimbursed expenses, the expense ratios including and excluding distribution and services (12b-1) fees and net investment loss ratio would be 2.48%, 2.48% and 1.26%, respectively, for the period ended October 30, 2011.

(e) Annualized.

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     63   


Report of Independent Registered Public

Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Trustees and Shareholders

Prudential Investment Portfolios 9:

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund, a series of Prudential Investment Portfolios 9 (hereafter referred to as the “Fund”), including the portfolio of investments, as of October 31, 2011, and the related statements of operations, changes in net assets and the financial highlights for the period March 30, 2011 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 2011. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2011, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures when replies from brokers were not received. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of October 31, 2011, and the results of its operations, the changes in its net assets and the financial highlights for the period March 30, 2011 to October 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

LOGO

 

New York, New York

December 22, 2011

 

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Tax Information

 

(Unaudited)

 

For the fiscal period ended October 31, 2011, the Fund designates the maximum amount allowable but not less than 83.50% as interest related dividends in accordance with Section 871(k)(1) and 881(e)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

In January 2012, you will be advised on IRS 1099DIV or substitute Form 1099, as to the federal tax status of the dividends received by you in calendar year 2011.

 

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund     65   


INFORMATION ABOUT BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS

(Unaudited)

Information about Board Members and Officers is set forth below. Board Members who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Board Members.” Board Members who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Fund are referred to as “Interested Board Members.” The Board Members are responsible for the overall supervision of the operations of the Fund and perform the various duties imposed on the directors of investment companies by the 1940 Act.

 

Independent Board

Members(1)

           

 

Name, Address, Age

Position(s)

Portfolios Overseen

  

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five

Years

  

 

Other Directorships Held

 

Kevin J. Bannon (59)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Managing Director (since April 2008) and Chief Investment Officer (since October 2008) of Highmount Capital LLC (registered investment adviser); formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer (April 1993-August 2007) of Bank of New York Company; President (May 2003-May 2007) of BNY Hamilton Family of Mutual Funds.

  

 

Director of Urstadt Biddle Properties (since September 2008).

 

Linda W. Bynoe (59)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

President and Chief Executive Officer (since March 1995) and formerly Chief Operating Officer (December 1989-February 1995) of Telemat Ltd. (management consulting); formerly Vice President (January 1985-June 1989) at Morgan Stanley & Co (broker-dealer).

  

 

Director of Simon Property Group, Inc. (retail real estate) (since May 2003); Director of Anixter International, Inc. (communication products distributor) (since January 2006); Director of Northern Trust Corporation (financial services) (since April 2006); Trustee of Equity Residential (residential real estate) (since December 2009); formerly Director of Dynegy Inc. (power generation) (September 2002-May 2006).

 

Michael S. Hyland, CFA

(66)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Independent Consultant (since February 2005); formerly Senior Managing Director (July 2001-February 2005) of Bear Stearns & Co, Inc.; Global Partner, INVESCO (1999-2001); Managing Director and President of Salomon Brothers Asset Management (1989-1999).

  

 

None.

 

Douglas H. McCorkindale

(72)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Formerly Chairman (February 2001-June 2006), Chief Executive Officer (June 2000-July 2005), President (September 1997-July 2005) and Vice Chairman (March 1984-May 2000) of Gannett Co. Inc. (publishing and media).

  

 

Director of Lockheed Martin Corp. (aerospace and defense) (since May 2001).

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Independent Board

Members(1)

         

 

Name, Address, Age

Position(s)

Portfolios Overseen

  

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five

Years

  

 

Other Directorships Held

 

Stephen P. Munn (69)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Lead Director (since 2007) and formerly Chairman (1993-2007) of Carlisle Companies Incorporated (manufacturer of industrial products).

  

 

Lead Director (since 2007) of Carlisle Companies Incorporated (manufacturer of industrial products).

 

Richard A. Redeker (68)

Board Member &

Independent Chair

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Retired Mutual Fund Senior Executive (43 years); Management Consultant; Independent Directors Council (organization of 2,800 Independent Mutual Fund Directors)-Executive Committee, Chair of Policy Steering Committee, Governing Council.

  

 

None.

 

Robin B. Smith (72)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Chairman of the Board (since January 2003) of Publishers Clearing House (direct marketing); Member of the Board of Directors of ADLPartner (marketing) (since December 2010); formerly Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (August 1996-January 2003) of Publishers Clearing House.

  

 

Formerly Director of BellSouth Corporation (telecommunications) (1992-2006).

 

Stephen G. Stoneburn (68)

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

President and Chief Executive Officer (since June 1996) of Quadrant Media Corp. (publishing company); formerly President (June 1995-June 1996) of Argus Integrated Media, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Managing Director (January 1993-1995) of Cowles Business Media; Senior Vice President of Fairchild Publications, Inc (1975-1989).

  

 

None.

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund


Interested Board Members(1)            

 

Name, Address, Age

Position(s)

Portfolios Overseen

  

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five

Years

  

 

Other Directorships Held

 

Judy A. Rice* (63)

Board Member & President

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Officer-In-Charge (since February 2003) of Prudential Investments LLC; President, Chief Executive Officer and Officer-In-Charge (since April 2003) of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC; President, Chief Executive Officer (since May 2011) and Executive Vice President (since December 2008) of Prudential Investment Management Services LLC; Member of the Board of Directors of Jennison Associates LLC (since November 2010); formerly Vice President (February 1999-April 2006) of Prudential Investment Management Services LLC; President, COO, CEO and Manager of PIFM Holdco, LLC (since April 2006); formerly President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Officer-In-Charge (May 2003-June 2005) and Director (May 2003-March 2006) and Executive Vice President (June 2005-March 2006) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; Member of Board of Governors of the Investment Company Institute.

  

 

None.

 

Stuart S. Parker* (49)

Board Member & President

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

President of Prudential Investments LLC (since January 2012); Executive Vice President of Jennison Associates LLC and Head of Retail Distribution of Prudential Investments LLC (June 2005 - December 2011).

  

 

None.

 

Scott E. Benjamin (38)

Board Member & Vice President

Portfolios Overseen: 58

  

 

Executive Vice President (since June 2009) of Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC; Executive Vice President (since September 2009) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President of Product Development and Marketing, Prudential Investments (since February 2006); Vice President of Product Development and Product Management, Prudential Investments (2003-2006).

  

 

None.

*Ms. Rice has announced her retirement as President and Board Member effective December 31, 2011. Ms. Rice has been appointed as Vice President effective January 1, 2012. The Board has appointed Stuart S. Parker as President and Board Member effective January 1, 2012.

    Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


(1) The year that each individual joined the Fund’s Board is as follows:

Linda W. Bynoe, 2005; Douglas H. McCorkindale, 1998; Richard A. Redeker, 1998; Robin B. Smith, 1998; Stephen G. Stoneburn, 2003; Kevin J. Bannon, 2008; Michael S. Hyland, 2008; Stephen P. Munn, 2008; Judy A. Rice, Board Member since 2000 and President since 2003; Scott E. Benjamin, Board Member since 2010 and Vice President since 2009.

 

Fund Officers(a)(1)      

 

Name, Address and Age

Position with Fund

  

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years

 

Kathryn L. Quirk (59)

Chief Legal Officer

  

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since September 2004) of Prudential; Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary (since July 2005) of PI and Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC; Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since June 2005) and Secretary (since February 2006) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; formerly Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary (November 2004-August 2005) of PI; formerly Assistant Secretary (June 2005-February 2006) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; formerly Managing Director, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Risk Officer and Corporate Secretary (1997-2002) of Zurich Scudder Investments, Inc.

 

Deborah A. Docs (53)

Secretary

  

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since January 2001) of Prudential; Vice President (since December 1996) and Assistant Secretary (since March 1999) of PI; formerly Vice President and Assistant Secretary (May 2003-June 2005) of AST Investment Services, Inc.

 

Jonathan D. Shain (53)

Assistant Secretary

  

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since August 1998) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since May 2001) of PI; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since February 2001) of PMFS; formerly Vice President and Assistant Secretary (May 2003-June 2005) of AST Investment Services, Inc.

 

Claudia DiGiacomo (37)

Assistant Secretary

  

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since January 2005) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary of PI (since December 2005); Associate at Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP (1999-2004).

 

John P. Schwartz (40)

Assistant Secretary

  

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since April 2005) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary of PI (since December 2005); Associate at Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP (1997-2005).

 

Andrew R. French (49)

Assistant Secretary

  

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since February 2010) of Prudential; formerly Director and Corporate Counsel (2006-2010) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of PI; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of PMFS.

 

Timothy J. Knierim (52)

Chief Compliance Officer

  

 

Chief Compliance Officer of Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (since July 2007); formerly Chief Risk Officer of PIM and PI (2002-2007) and formerly Chief Ethics Officer of PIM and PI (2006-2007).

 

Valerie M. Simpson (53)

Deputy Chief Compliance Officer

  

 

Chief Compliance Officer (since April 2007) of PI and AST Investment Services, Inc.; formerly Vice President-Financial Reporting (June 1999-March 2006) for Prudential Life and Annuities Finance.

Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund


Fund Officers(a)(1)      

 

Name, Address and Age

Position with Fund

  

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years

 

Theresa C. Thompson (49)

Deputy Chief Compliance Officer

  

 

Vice President, Compliance, PI (since April 2004); and Director, Compliance, PI (2001-2004).

 

Richard W. Kinville (43)

Anti-Money Laundering

Compliance Officer

  

 

Vice President, Corporate Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering Unit (since January 2005) of Prudential; committee member of the American Council of Life Insurers Anti-Money Laundering and Critical Infrastructure Committee (since January 2007); formerly Investigator and Supervisor in the Special Investigations Unit for the New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company (August 1994-January 1999); Investigator in AXA Financial’s Internal Audit Department and Manager in AXA’s Anti-Money Laundering Office (January 1999-January 2005); first chair of the American Council of Life Insurers Anti-Money Laundering and Critical Infrastructure Committee (June 2007-December 2009).

 

Grace C. Torres (52)

Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

  

 

Assistant Treasurer (since March 1999) and Senior Vice President (since September 1999) of PI; Assistant Treasurer (since May 2003) and Vice President (since June 2005) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Assistant Treasurer (since May 2003) of Prudential Annuities Advisory Services, Inc.; formerly Senior Vice President (May 2003-June 2005) of AST Investment Services, Inc.

 

M. Sadiq Peshimam (47)

Assistant Treasurer

  

 

Vice President (since 2005) of Prudential Investments LLC.

 

Peter Parrella (53)

Assistant Treasurer

  

 

Vice President (since 2007) and Director (2004-2007) within Prudential Mutual Fund Administration; formerly Tax Manager at SSB Citi Fund Management LLC (1997-2004).

(a) Excludes Ms. Rice and Mr. Benjamin, interested Board Members who also serve as President and Vice President, respectively.

(1) The year that each individual became an Officer of the Fund is as follows:

Kathryn L. Quirk, 2005; Deborah A. Docs, 2005; Jonathan D. Shain, 2005; Claudia DiGiacomo, 2005; John P. Schwartz, 2006; Andrew R. French, 2006; Timothy J. Knierim, 2007; Valerie M. Simpson 2007; Theresa C. Thompson, 2008; Richard W. Kinville, 2011, Grace C. Torres, 1998; M. Sadiq Peshimam, 2006; Peter Parrella, 2007.

Explanatory Notes to Tables:

 

n

Board Members are deemed to be “Interested,” as defined in the 1940 Act, by reason of their affiliation with Prudential Investments LLC and/or an affiliate of Prudential Investments LLC.

n

Unless otherwise noted, the address of all Board Members and Officers is c/o Prudential Investments LLC, Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077.

n

There is no set term of office for Board Members or Officers. The Board Members have adopted a retirement policy, which calls for the retirement of Board Members on December 31 of the year in which they reach the age of 75.

n

“Other Directorships Held” includes only directorships of companies required to register or file reports with the SEC under the 1934 Act) (that is, “public companies”) or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.

n

“Portfolios Overseen” includes all investment companies managed by Prudential Investments LLC. The investment companies for which PI serves as manager include the Prudential Investments Mutual Funds, The Prudential Variable Contract Accounts, Target Mutual Funds, The Prudential Series Fund, Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc. and the Advanced Series Trust.

        Visit our website at www.prudentialfunds.com


n    MAIL   n    TELEPHONE   n    WEBSITE

Gateway Center Three

100 Mulberry Street

Newark, NJ 07102

  (800) 225-1852   www.prudentialfunds.com

 

PROXY VOTING
The Board of Trustees of the Fund has delegated to the Fund’s investment subadviser the responsibility for voting any proxies and maintaining proxy recordkeeping with respect to the Fund. A description of these proxy voting policies and procedures is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 225-1852 or by visiting the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the Fund’s website and on the Commission’s website.

 

TRUSTEES
Kevin J. Bannon Scott E. Benjamin Linda W. Bynoe Michael S. Hyland Douglas H. McCorkindale Stephen P. Munn Richard A. Redeker Judy A. Rice Robin B. Smith Stephen G. Stoneburn

 

OFFICERS
Judy A. Rice, President Scott E. Benjamin, Vice President Grace C. Torres, Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer Kathryn L. Quirk, Chief Legal Officer Deborah A. Docs, Secretary Timothy J. Knierim, Chief Compliance Officer  Valerie M. Simpson, Deputy Chief Compliance Officer Theresa C. Thompson, Deputy Chief Compliance Officer Richard W. Kinville, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer Jonathan D. Shain, Assistant Secretary Claudia DiGiacomo, Assistant Secretary John P. Schwartz, Assistant Secretary Andrew R. French, Assistant Secretary M. Sadiq Peshimam, Assistant Treasurer Peter Parrella, Assistant Treasurer

 

MANAGER   Prudential Investments LLC    Gateway Center Three
100 Mulberry Street
Newark, NJ 07102

 

INVESTMENT SUBADVISER   Prudential Investment
Management, Inc.
   Gateway Center Three
100 Mulberry Street
Newark, NJ 07102

 

DISTRIBUTOR   Prudential Investment
Management Services LLC
   Gateway Center Three
100 Mulberry Street
Newark, NJ 07102

 

CUSTODIAN   The Bank of New York Mellon    One Wall Street
New York, NY 10286

 

TRANSFER AGENT   Prudential Mutual Fund
Services LLC
   PO Box 9658
Providence, RI 02940

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
  KPMG LLP    345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154

 

FUND COUNSEL   Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP    787 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019


An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other information about the Fund. An investor may obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus by visiting our website at www.prudentialfunds.com or by calling (800) 225-1852. The prospectus and summary prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

 

E-DELIVERY
To receive your mutual fund documents online, go to www.prudentialfunds.com/edelivery and enroll. Instead of receiving printed documents by mail, you will receive notification via email when new materials are available. You can cancel your enrollment or change your email address at any time by visiting the website address above.

 

SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS WITH TRUSTEES
Shareholders can communicate directly with the Board of Trustees by writing to the Chair of the Board, Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund, Prudential Investments, Attn: Board of Trustees, 100 Mulberry Street, Gateway Center Three, Newark, NJ 07102. Shareholders can communicate directly with an individual Trustee by writing to the same address. Communications are not screened before being delivered to the addressee.

 

AVAILABILITY OF PORTFOLIO SCHEDULE
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation and location of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (202) 551-8090. The Fund’s schedule of portfolio holdings is also available on the Fund’s website as of the end of each month.

 

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 225-1852.

 

Mutual Funds:

ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FDIC OR ANY
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
  MAY LOSE VALUE   ARE NOT A DEPOSIT OF OR GUARANTEED
BY ANY BANK OR ANY BANK AFFILIATE


LOGO

 

 

PRUDENTIAL ABSOLUTE RETURN BOND FUND

 

SHARE CLASS   A   C   Q   Z
NASDAQ   PADAX   PADCX   PADQX   PADZX
CUSIP   74441J852   74441J845   74441J837   74441J829

 

MF213E    0215337-00001-00


Item 2 – Code of Ethics — See Exhibit (a)

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics (the “Section 406 Standards for Investment Companies – Ethical Standards for Principal Executive and Financial Officers”) that applies to the registrant’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer; the registrant’s Principal Financial Officer also serves as the Principal Accounting Officer.

The registrant hereby undertakes to provide any person, without charge, upon request, a copy of the code of ethics. To request a copy of the code of ethics, contact the registrant 800-225-1852, and ask for a copy of the Section 406 Standards for Investment Companies - Ethical Standards for Principal Executive and Financial Officers.

Item 3 – Audit Committee Financial Expert –

The registrant’s Board has determined that Mr. Stephen P. Munn, member of the Board’s Audit Committee is an “audit committee financial expert,” and that he is “independent,” for purposes of this Item.

Item 4 – Principal Accountant Fees and Services –

(a) Audit Fees

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, KPMG LLP (“KPMG”), the Registrant’s principal accountant, billed the Registrant $116,000 and $22,000, respectively, for professional services rendered for the audit of the Registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings.

(b) Audit-Related Fees

None.

(c) Tax Fees

None.

(d) All Other Fees

None.

(e) (1) Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures


THE PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUNDS

AUDIT COMMITTEE POLICY

on

Pre-Approval of Services Provided by the Independent Accountants

The Audit Committee of each Prudential Mutual Fund is charged with the responsibility to monitor the independence of the Fund’s independent accountants. As part of this responsibility, the Audit Committee must pre-approve any independent accounting firm’s engagement to render audit and/or permissible non-audit services, as required by law. In evaluating a proposed engagement of the independent accountants, the Audit Committee will assess the effect that the engagement might reasonably be expected to have on the accountant’s independence. The Committee’s evaluation will be based on:

 

   

a review of the nature of the professional services expected to be provided,

 

   

a review of the safeguards put into place by the accounting firm to safeguard independence, and

 

   

periodic meetings with the accounting firm.

Policy for Audit and Non-Audit Services Provided to the Funds

On an annual basis, the scope of audits for each Fund, audit fees and expenses, and audit-related and non-audit services (and fees proposed in respect thereof) proposed to be performed by the Fund’s independent accountants will be presented by the Treasurer and the independent accountants to the Audit Committee for review and, as appropriate, approval prior to the initiation of such services. Such presentation shall be accompanied by confirmation by both the Treasurer and the independent accountants that the proposed services will not adversely affect the independence of the independent accountants. Proposed services shall be described in sufficient detail to enable the Audit Committee to assess the appropriateness of such services and fees, and the compatibility of the provision of such services with the auditor’s independence. The Committee shall receive periodic reports on the progress of the audit and other services which are approved by the Committee or by the Committee Chair pursuant to authority delegated in this Policy.

The categories of services enumerated under “Audit Services”, “Audit-related Services”, and “Tax Services” are intended to provide guidance to the Treasurer and the independent accountants as to those categories of services which the Committee believes are generally consistent with the independence of the independent accountants and which the Committee (or the Committee Chair) would expect upon the presentation of specific proposals to pre-approve. The enumerated categories are not intended as an exclusive list of audit, audit-related or tax services, which the Committee (or the Committee Chair) would consider for pre-approval.

Audit Services

The following categories of audit services are considered to be consistent with the role of the Fund’s independent accountants:

 

   

Annual Fund financial statement audits

 

   

Seed audits (related to new product filings, as required)

 

   

SEC and regulatory filings and consents


Audit-related Services

The following categories of audit-related services are considered to be consistent with the role of the Fund’s independent accountants:

 

   

Accounting consultations

 

   

Fund merger support services

 

   

Agreed Upon Procedure Reports

 

   

Attestation Reports

 

   

Other Internal Control Reports

Individual audit-related services that fall within one of these categories and are not presented to the Audit Committee as part of the annual pre-approval process will be subject to pre-approval by the Committee Chair (or any other Committee member on whom this responsibility has been delegated) so long as the estimated fee for those services does not exceed $50,000.

Tax Services

The following categories of tax services are considered to be consistent with the role of the Fund’s independent accountants:

 

   

Tax compliance services related to the filing or amendment of the following:

 

   

Federal, state and local income tax compliance; and,

 

   

Sales and use tax compliance

 

   

Timely RIC qualification reviews

 

   

Tax distribution analysis and planning

 

   

Tax authority examination services

 

   

Tax appeals support services

 

   

Accounting methods studies

 

   

Fund merger support services

 

   

Tax consulting services and related projects

Individual tax services that fall within one of these categories and are not presented to the Audit Committee as part of the annual pre-approval process will be subject to pre-approval by the Committee Chair (or any other Committee member on whom this responsibility has been delegated) so long as the estimated fee for those services does not exceed $50,000.

Other Non-audit Services

Certain non-audit services that the independent accountants are legally permitted to render will be subject to pre-approval by the Committee or by one or more Committee members to whom the Committee has delegated this authority and who will report to the full Committee any pre-approval decisions made pursuant to this Policy. Non-audit services presented for pre-approval pursuant to this paragraph will be accompanied by a confirmation from both the Treasurer and the independent accountants that the proposed services will not adversely affect the independence of the independent accountants.


Proscribed Services

The Fund’s independent accountants will not render services in the following categories of non-audit services:

 

   

Bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting records or financial statements of the Fund

 

   

Financial information systems design and implementation

 

   

Appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions, or contribution-in-kind reports

 

   

Actuarial services

 

   

Internal audit outsourcing services

 

   

Management functions or human resources

 

   

Broker or dealer, investment adviser, or investment banking services

 

   

Legal services and expert services unrelated to the audit

 

   

Any other service that the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board determines, by regulation, is impermissible.

Pre-approval of Non-Audit Services Provided to Other Entities Within the Prudential Fund Complex

Certain non-audit services provided to Prudential Investments LLC or any of its affiliates that also provide ongoing services to the Prudential Mutual Funds will be subject to pre-approval by the Audit Committee. The only non-audit services provided to these entities that will require pre-approval are those related directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Funds. Individual projects that are not presented to the Audit Committee as part of the annual pre-approval process will be subject to pre-approval by the Committee Chair (or any other Committee member on whom this responsibility has been delegated) so long as the estimated fee for those services does not exceed $50,000. Services presented for pre-approval pursuant to this paragraph will be accompanied by a confirmation from both the Treasurer and the independent accountants that the proposed services will not adversely affect the independence of the independent accountants.

Although the Audit Committee will not pre-approve all services provided to Prudential Investments LLC and its affiliates, the Committee will receive an annual report from the Fund’s independent accounting firm showing the aggregate fees for all services provided to Prudential Investments and its affiliates.

(e) (2) Percentage of services referred to in 4(b) – 4(d) that were approved by the audit committee

Not applicable.

(f) Percentage of hours expended attributable to work performed by other than full time employees of principal accountant if greater than 50%.


The percentage of hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees was 0%.

(g) Non-Audit Fees

Not applicable to Registrant for the fiscal years 2011 and 2010. The aggregate non-audit fees billed by KPMG for services rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for the fiscal years 2011 and 2010 was $0 and $0, respectively.

(h) Principal Accountant’s Independence

Not applicable as KPMG has not provided non-audit services to the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(ii) of Regulation S-X.

 

Item 5 –   Audit Committee of Listed Registrants – Not applicable.
Item 6 –   Schedule of Investments – The schedule is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.
Item 7 –   Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies – Not applicable.
Item 8 –   Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies – Not applicable.
Item 9 –   Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers – Not applicable.
Item 10 –   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders – Not applicable.
Item 11 –   Controls and Procedures

 

  (a) It is the conclusion of the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer that the effectiveness of the registrant’s current disclosure controls and procedures (such disclosure controls and procedures having been evaluated within 90 days of the date of this filing) provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the registrant has been recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and that the information required to be disclosed by the registrant has been accumulated and communicated to the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer in order to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

  (b) There has been no significant change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


Item 12 – Exhibits

 

         (a)   (1)   Code of Ethics – Attached hereto as Exhibit EX-99.CODE-ETH
           (2)   Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act – Attached hereto as Exhibit EX-99.CERT.
           (3)   Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1. – Not applicable.
         (b)   Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act – Attached hereto as Exhibit EX-99.906CERT.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Registrant:   Prudential Investment Portfolios 9
By:  

/s/ Deborah A. Docs

  Deborah A. Docs
  Secretary
Date:   December 20, 2011

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By:  

/s/ Judy A. Rice

  Judy A. Rice
  President and Principal Executive Officer
Date:   December 20, 2011
By:  

/s/ Grace C. Torres

  Grace C. Torres
  Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer
Date:   December 20, 2011