N-CSR 1 d90353dncsr.htm PGIM ETF TRUST PGIM ETF Trust

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:   811-23324
Exact name of registrant as specified in charter:   PGIM ETF Trust
Address of principal executive offices:   655 Broad Street, 17th Floor
    Newark, New Jersey 07102
Name and address of agent for service:   Andrew R. French
    655 Broad Street, 17th Floor
    Newark, New Jersey 07102
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:   800-225-1852
Date of fiscal year end:   8/31/2020
Date of reporting period:   8/31/2020

 


Item 1 – Reports to Stockholders

 


LOGO

 

PGIM ULTRA SHORT BOND ETF (NYSE Arca: PULS)

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT

AUGUST 31, 2020

 

COMING SOON: PAPERLESS SHAREHOLDER REPORTS

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semiannual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website (pgim.com/investments), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank).

 

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You should contact your financial intermediary or follow instructions included with this notice to elect to continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held in your account.

 

LOGO

 

To enroll in e-delivery, go to pgim.com/investments/resource/edelivery


Table of Contents

 

Letter from the President

     3  

Your Fund’s Performance

     4  

Growth of a $10,000 Investment

     5  

Strategy and Performance Overview

     7  

Fees and Expenses

     10  

Holdings and Financial Statements

     13  

Approval of Advisory Agreements

        

 

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.

 

Exchange-traded funds are distributed by Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (PIMS), member SIPC. PGIM Fixed Income is a unit of PGIM, Inc. (PGIM), a registered investment adviser. PIMS and PGIM are Prudential Financial companies. © 2020 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities. PGIM and the PGIM logo are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.

 

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Letter from the President

 

LOGO

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

We hope you find the annual report for the PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF informative and useful. The report covers performance for the 12-month period that ended August 31, 2020.

 

During the first half of the period, the global economy remained healthy—particularly in the US—fueled by rising corporate profits and strong job growth. The outlook changed dramatically in March as the coronavirus outbreak quickly and substantially shut down economic activity worldwide, leading to significant job losses and a steep decline in global growth and earnings. Responding to this disruption, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) cut the federal funds rate target to near zero and flooded capital markets with liquidity; and Congress passed stimulus bills worth approximately $3 trillion that offered an economic lifeline to consumers and businesses.

 

While stocks climbed throughout the first half of the period, they fell significantly in March amid a spike in volatility, ending the 11-year-long equity bull market. With stores and factories closing and consumers staying at home to limit the spread of the virus, investors sold stocks on fears that corporate earnings would take a serious hit. As states reopened their economies in the spring and early summer, a strong equity market rally helped stocks around the globe post gains during the period.

 

The bond market overall—including US and global bonds as well as emerging market debt—rose during the period as investors sought safety in fixed income. A significant rally in interest rates pushed the 10-year US Treasury yield down to a record low. In March, the Fed took several aggressive actions to keep the bond markets running smoothly, restarting many of the relief programs that proved to be successful in helping end the global financial crisis in 2008-09.

 

Regarding your investments with PGIM, we believe it is important to maintain a diversified portfolio of funds consistent with your tolerance for risk, time horizon, and financial goals. Your financial advisor can help you create a diversified investment plan that may include funds covering all the basic asset classes and that reflects your personal investor profile and risk tolerance. However, diversification and asset allocation strategies do not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

 

At PGIM Investments, we consider it a great privilege and responsibility to help investors participate in opportunities across global markets while meeting their toughest investment challenges. PGIM is a top-10 global investment manager with more than $1 trillion in assets under management. This scale and investment expertise allow us to deliver actively managed funds and strategies to meet the needs of investors around the globe.

 

Thank you for choosing our family of funds.

 

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

 

Stuart S. Parker, President

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF

October 15, 2020

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     3  


Your Fund’s Performance (unaudited)

 

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 sold or 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 pgim.com/investments or by calling (800) 225-1852.

 

    Average Annual Total Returns as of 8/31/20
    One Year (%)   Since Inception (%)
Net Asset Value (NAV)   1.99   2.44 (4/5/18)
Market Price*   2.00   2.45 (4/5/18)
ICE BofA 3-Month T Bill Index
  1.26   1.83             
ICE BofA USD 3-Month Deposit Offered Rate Constant Maturity Index
    1.74   2.22             

*The market price is determined using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the listing exchange, as of the time that the Fund’s NAV is calculated. The first day of secondary market trading is typically several days after the date on which the Fund commenced investment operations; therefore, the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the period from inception of investment operations to the first day of secondary market trading to calculate the market price returns.

Since inception returns for the Indexes are measured from the closest month-end to the Fund’s inception date.

The returns in the table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or following the sale or redemption of Fund shares.

Market returns do not include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market transactions. If brokerage commissions were included, market returns would be lower. Market and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, have been reinvested in the Fund at market price and NAV, respectively.

 

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Growth of a $10,000 Investment (unaudited)

 

LOGO

 

The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund with a similar investment in the ICE BofA 3-Month T Bill Index and the ICE BofA USD 3-Month Deposit Offered Rate Constant Maturity Index by portraying the initial account values at the commencement of operations (April 5, 2018) and the account values at the end of the current fiscal year (August 31, 2020) as measured on a quarterly basis. The Fund assumes an initial investment on April 5, 2018, while the benchmark and the Index assume that the initial investment occurred on March 31, 2018. For purposes of the graph, and unless otherwise indicated, it has been assumed that (a) all recurring fees (including management fees) were deducted; and (b) all dividends and distributions were reinvested.

 

Past performance does not predict future performance. Total returns and the ending account values in the graphs 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.

 

Benchmark Definitions

 

ICE BofA 3-Month T Bill Index—The ICE BofA 3-Month US Treasury Bill Index tracks the performance of US dollar-denominated US Treasury bills publicly issued in the US domestic market with a remaining term to final maturity of 3 months.

 

ICE BofA USD 3-Month Deposit Offered Rate Constant Maturity Index—The ICE BofA US Dollar 3-Month Deposit Offered Rate Constant Maturity Index is an unmanaged index that 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 current day 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.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     5  


Your Fund’s Performance (continued)

 

ICE BOFA IS LICENSING THE BOFA INDICES “AS IS,” MAKES NO WARRANTIES REGARDING THE SAME, DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE SUITABILITY, QUALITY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, AND/OR COMPLETENESS OF THE ICE BOFA INDICES OR ANY DATA INCLUDED IN, RELATED TO, OR DERIVED THEREFROM, ASSUMES NO LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR USE, AND DOES NOT SPONSOR, ENDORSE, OR RECOMMEND THE FUND, OR ANY OF ITS PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.

 

Investors cannot invest directly in an index. The returns for the Indexes would be lower if they included the effects of sales charges, operating expenses of a mutual fund, or taxes that may be paid by an investor.

 

Credit Quality expressed as a percentage of total investments as of 8/31/20 (%)  
AAA     34.9  
AA     10.8  
A     21.8  
BBB     23.5  
Not Rated     –1.0  
Cash and Cash Equivalents     10.0  
Total Investments     100.0  

 

Credit ratings reflect the highest rating assigned by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO) such as Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s), S&P Global Ratings (S&P), or Fitch, Inc. (Fitch). Credit ratings reflect the common nomenclature used by both S&P and Fitch. Where applicable, ratings are converted to the comparable S&P/Fitch rating tier nomenclature. These rating agencies are independent and are widely used. The Not Rated category consists of securities that have not been rated by a NRSRO and may include derivative instruments that could have a negative value. Credit ratings are subject to change.

Negative weightings may result from specific circumstances (including timing differences between trade and settle dates of securities purchased by the funds) and/or the use of certain financial instruments, including derivatives, which may be used to gain or reduce market exposure and/or risk management.

 

Distributions and Yields as of 8/31/20
  Total Dividends Paid

for 12 Months ($)

   SEC 30-Day
Subsidized
Yield* (%)
   SEC 30-Day
Unsubsidized
Yield** (%)
    1.20    1.02    1.02

 

*SEC 30-Day Subsidized Yield (%)—A standardized yield calculation created by the Securities and Exchange Commission, it reflects the income earned during a 30-day period, after the deduction of the Fund’s net expenses (net of any expense waivers or reimbursements). The investor experience is represented by the SEC 30-Day Subsidized Yield.

**SEC 30-Day Unsubsidized Yield (%)—A standardized yield calculation created by the Securities and Exchange Commission, it reflects the income earned during a 30-day period, after the deduction of the Fund’s gross expenses. The investor experience is represented by the SEC 30-Day Subsidized Yield.

 

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Strategy and Performance Overview (unaudited)

 

How did the Fund perform?

The PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF (the Fund) returned 1.99% based on net asset value (NAV) in the 12-month reporting period that ended August 31, 2020, outperforming the 1.74% return of the ICE BofA USD 3-Month Deposit Offered Rate Constant Maturity Index (the Index).

 

What were the market conditions?

   

As 2019 progressed, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) delivered a series of 0.25% rate cuts in July, September, and October to the federal funds target rate, which ended the year in a range of 1.50%-1.75%. The cuts came in response to slowing global growth, worsening trade conflicts between the United States and China, and persistently below-target inflation rates. While US gross domestic product (GDP) grew 2.1% in the fourth quarter of 2019 and consumer spending remained strong, the US outlook faced risks from global and domestic headwinds, including weaker economic growth abroad, persistent trade war uncertainties, and global political risks.

 

   

At the start of 2020, the global economy appeared poised to stabilize and perhaps even improve, with manufacturing bottoming out across a number of countries and a pipeline of monetary stimulus in place following a global round of central bank easing in the second half of 2019. The optimism generated by the US-China trade deal, a positive turn in the global tech cycle, and central banks’ bias to ease further, if needed, shifted perceived economic risks from being skewed to the downside to being more balanced, as possible upside risks came into view. In January, news about a new coronavirus originating in China hit headlines, with person-to-person transmission reported in January marking a turning point. Financial markets then witnessed a dramatic turn of events, perhaps best exemplified by the sharp drop in US Treasury yields.

 

   

With the economy decelerating rapidly and financial markets selling off sharply due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdowns, the Fed reacted by cutting its federal funds target rate by 0.50% on March 3 and then by another 1.00% on March 15, leaving it in a range of 0.00%-0.25%. It quickly deployed—and then moved beyond—its playbook from the global financial crisis in 2008-09, reopening its swap lines, unleashing unlimited quantitative easing purchases, and injecting huge quantities of liquidity into the markets. For its part, Congress approved $2.5 trillion of spending and tax breaks to provide help for the unemployed, cash to many households, and resources for small businesses.

 

   

The economy sustained an historic contraction through the first half of 2020, with GDP declining at an annualized rate of 5% and 31.4%, respectively, in the first and second quarters. In response, yields in the short-maturity segment of the bond market, where the Fund focuses its investments, dropped to a greater degree than they did at the longer end. The yield on the three-month Treasury bill declined from 1.96% to 0.10% during the

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     7  


Strategy and Performance Overview (continued)

 

  reporting period, while the six-month Treasury bill yield dropped from 1.86% to 0.12%. After declining significantly during the period, the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) curve held in August as the three-month rate was steady at 0.25%, while the one-year rate declined one basis point (bp) to 0.44%. (One basis point equals 0.01%.)

 

   

In the short-term credit markets, investment-grade credit spreads widened sharply in March before tightening during the last five months of the period. (Credit spreads are yield differentials between corporate bonds and US Treasuries of comparable maturity.) The Bloomberg Barclays 1-3 Year Credit Index, a proxy for the short-term spread market, outperformed similar short-duration Treasuries by 0.53% during the period.

 

What worked?

   

The Fund emphasized spread assets—including short-term investment-grade debt of financial, consumer cyclical and non-cyclical, and utility companies—ranging across the rating spectrum from AAA to BBB. Other spread sector assets included commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), and to a lesser extent, emerging markets debt.

 

   

Overall, positioning in investment-grade corporates was the largest contributor to performance. Positioning in CMBS and emerging markets was also positive.

 

   

The duration of the Fund was tactically managed during the reporting period. Overall, duration positioning added to performance. (Duration measures the sensitivity of the price—the value of principal—of a bond to a change in interest rates.)

 

Did the Fund use derivatives?

During the reporting period, the Fund used interest rate swaps and futures to help manage duration positioning and yield curve exposure. These instruments allowed the Fund to capture higher yields available farther out on the short-term portion of the yield curve and in spread-sector assets versus Treasuries while mitigating interest rate risk.

 

Current outlook

   

While financial market functioning has largely been restored by the Fed’s aggressive actions, the economy is still operating at a level well below its pre-COVID-19 pace. At the conclusion of its July 20, 2020 meeting, the Fed reiterated its intent to provide monetary support for as long as needed for what is expected to be a long, drawn-out recovery. The Fed has already given guidance that the federal funds rate is expected to remain at its current near-zero level until the economy is well on its way to achieving the Fed’s inflation and employment mandates. In a recently announced change to its framework for conducting monetary policy, the Fed confirmed that it will now be targeting an inflation rate of 2%, on average, over time while permitting periods of

 

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overshooting 2% to make up for previous undershoots. Thus, the federal funds rate is expected to stay at its current level for at least the next several years.

 

   

The Fund continues to emphasize well-researched, short-term credit sectors as PGIM Fixed Income expects these assets to offer the most value from a total return perspective. Within investment-grade corporates, PGIM Fixed Income favors shorter maturities that should benefit from the Fed’s bond-buying program and is looking to take advantage of spread compression in select higher-yielding BBB-rated bonds. For structured products, PGIM Fixed Income believes high-quality spreads may revisit their post-crisis tights. With emerging market spreads and yields at significantly wider levels and expectations for developed market rates to remain low for an extended period, PGIM Fixed Income expects emerging market assets to maintain their longer-term value.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     9  


Fees and Expenses (unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur ongoing costs, including investment management fees. 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 funds.

 

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 held through the six-month period ended August 31, 2020. The example is for illustrative purposes only.

 

Actual Expenses

The first line 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 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 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, brokerage commissions paid on purchases and sales of Fund shares. Therefore, the ending account values and expenses paid for the period are 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.

 

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PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF   Beginning Account
Value
March 1, 2020
    Ending Account
Value
August 31, 2020
    Annualized
Expense Ratio
based on the
Six-Month Period
    Expenses Paid
During the
Six-Month Period*
 
Actual   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,006.80       0.15   $ 0.76  
Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,024.38       0.15   $ 0.76  

 

*Fund expenses (net of fee waivers or subsidies, if any) are equal to the annualized expense ratio (provided in the table), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the 184 days in the six-month period ended August 31, 2020, and divided by the 366 days in the Fund’s fiscal year ended August 31, 2020 (to reflect the six-month period). Expenses presented in the table include the expenses of any underlying portfolios in which the Fund may invest.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     11  


Schedule of Investments

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description  

Interest

Rate

    Maturity
Date
   

Principal

Amount (000)#

    Value  

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS    85.5%

 

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES    19.4%

 

Automobile ABS 0.6%

 

Honda Auto Receivables Owner Trust, Series 2020-1, Class A3

    1.610     04/22/24       5,500     $ 5,628,427  

Collateralized Loan Obligations    18.8%

 

Adams Mill CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2014-1A, Class A1R, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.100%

    1.375 (c)      07/15/26       538       535,913  

AGL Core CLO 4 Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2020-4A, Class A, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 2.210%

    2.893 (c)      04/20/28       8,000       8,002,967  

Allegro CLO IV Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2016- 1A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.150%

    1.425 (c)      01/15/30       6,924       6,885,943  

Anchorage Capital CLO 8 Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2016-8A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.000%

    1.247 (c)      07/28/28       295       293,734  

Apres Static CLO 2 Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2020-1A, Class A, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 2.500%

    2.934 (c)      04/15/28       4,000       4,050,356  

Atlas Senior Loan Fund III Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2013-1A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.830%

    1.110 (c)      11/17/27       6,032       5,958,075  

Atlas Senior Loan Fund V Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2014-1A, Class AR2, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.260%

    1.531 (c)      07/16/29       4,945       4,906,080  

Atrium XII (Cayman Islands), Series 12A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.830%

    1.088 (c)      04/22/27       8,179       8,131,219  

Ballyrock CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2016- 1A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.350%

    1.625 (c)      10/15/28       625       623,762  

Battalion CLO VII Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2014-7A, Class A1RR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.040%

    1.313 (c)      07/17/28       2,300       2,283,989  

Battalion CLO X Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2016-10A, Class A1R, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.250%

    1.514 (c)      01/24/29       2,500       2,482,339  

Brookside Mill CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2013-1A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.820%

    1.093 (c)      01/17/28       5,717       5,674,067  

Canyon CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2020- 1A, Class A, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.920%

    2.319 (c)      07/15/28       8,000       8,007,442  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     13  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description  

Interest

Rate

    Maturity
Date
   

Principal

Amount (000)#

    Value  

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (Continued)

 

Collateralized Loan Obligations (cont’d.)

 

Catamaran CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands),

       

Series 2013-1A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.850%

    1.095 %(c)      01/27/28       395     $ 390,762  

Series 2014-2A, Class A1R, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.400%

    1.672 (c)      10/18/26       225       223,905  

Cathedral Lake CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2016-4A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.250%

    1.522 (c)      10/20/28       2,750       2,723,742  

CIFC Funding Ltd. (Cayman Islands),

 

Series 2013-3RA, Class A1, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.980%

    1.244 (c)      04/24/31       2,000       1,972,640  

Series 2017-1A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.010%

    1.281 (c)      04/23/29       5,000       4,969,280  

Crown City CLO I (Cayman Islands), Series 2020- 1A, Class A1, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 2.050%

    2.357 (c)      07/20/30       4,500       4,503,596  

Crown Point CLO 9 Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2020-9A, Class A, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 2.050%

    2.366 (c)      07/14/32       1,000       1,000,007  

Elevation CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands),

       

Series 2014-2A, Class A1R, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.230%

    1.505 (c)      10/15/29       1,250       1,232,362  

Series 2015-4A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.990%

    1.262 (c)      04/18/27       354       352,671  

Ellington CLO IV Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2019-4A, Class A, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.840%

    2.115 (c)      04/15/29       3,080       3,006,770  

Flagship CLO VIII Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2014-8A, Class ARR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.850%

    1.121 (c)      01/16/26       294       292,310  

Flatiron CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2015- 1A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.890%

    1.165 (c)      04/15/27       401       398,103  

Greywolf CLO II Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2013-1A, Class A1R, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.230%

    1.505 (c)      10/15/29       10,000       9,941,210  

HPS Loan Management Ltd. (Cayman Islands),

       

Series 10A-16, Class A1R, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.140%

    1.412 (c)      01/20/28       1,500       1,492,105  

Series 11A-17, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.020%

    1.521 (c)      05/06/30       3,500       3,453,265  

JMP Credit Advisors CLO IV Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2017-1A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.280%

    1.553 (c)      07/17/29       1,231       1,221,411  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

14  


Description  

Interest

Rate

    Maturity
Date
   

Principal

Amount (000)#

    Value  

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (Continued)

 

Collateralized Loan Obligations (cont’d.)

 

KKR CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 11, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.180%

    1.455 %(c)      01/15/31       1,000     $ 992,340  

KVK CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2018-1A, Class A, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.930%

    1.183 (c)      05/20/29       479       472,101  

Limerock CLO III LLC (Cayman Islands), Series 2014-3A, Class A1R, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.200%

    1.472 (c)      10/20/26       71       70,257  

Madison Park Funding XXX Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2018-30A, Class A, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.750%

    1.025 (c)      04/15/29       7,325       7,233,430  

Man GLG US CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2018-2A, Class A1R, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.240%

    1.515 (c)      10/15/28       2,000       1,982,640  

Midocean Credit CLO V (Cayman Islands), Series 2016-5A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.120%

    1.392 (c)      07/19/28       9,500       9,434,042  

Mountain View CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2013-1A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.250%

    1.516 (c)      10/12/30       474       467,214  

Mountain View CLO XIV Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2019-1A, Class A1, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.490%

    1.765 (c)      04/15/29       425       421,825  

Oaktree CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2015- 1A, Class A1R, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.870%

    1.142 (c)      10/20/27       3,377       3,359,715  

Ocean Trails CLO 8 (Cayman Islands), Series 2020- 8A, Class A1, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.950%

    2.225 (c)      07/15/29       5,000       4,999,865  

Ocean Trails CLO VI (Cayman Islands), Series 2016-6A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.150%

    1.425 (c)      07/15/28       4,108       4,072,557  

OCP CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2017-13A, Class A1A, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.260%

    1.535 (c)      07/15/30       4,400       4,382,550  

OZLM VI Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2014-6A, Class A1S, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.080%

    1.353 (c)      04/17/31       4,961       4,881,159  

OZLM XII Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2015-12A, Class A1R, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.050%

    1.318 (c)      04/30/27       273       271,895  

OZLM XIII Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2015-13A, Class A1R, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.080%

    1.348 (c)      07/30/27       334       331,366  

Palmer Square CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands),

       

Series 2014-1A, Class A1R2, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.130%

    1.403 (c)      01/17/31       1,250       1,233,679  

Series 2015-2A, Class A1R2, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.100%

    1.372 (c)      07/20/30       1,400       1,382,680  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     15  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description  

Interest

Rate

    Maturity
Date
   

Principal

Amount (000)#

    Value  

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (Continued)

 

Collateralized Loan Obligations (cont’d.)

 

Race Point VIII CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2013-8A, Class AR2, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.040%

    1.293 %(c)      02/20/30       9,873     $ 9,724,777  

Regatta Funding LP (Cayman Islands), Series 2013- 2A, Class A1R2, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.250%

    1.525 (c)      01/15/29       750       748,049  

Saratoga Investment Corp. CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2013-1A, Class AFR2, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.250%

    1.522 (c)      01/20/30       1,000       986,150  

SCOF-2 Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2015-2A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.180%

    1.455 (c)      07/15/28       2,250       2,247,593  

Sound Point CLO XI Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2016-1A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.100%

    1.372 (c)      07/20/28       500       496,039  

TCW CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands),

       

Series 2017-1A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR

+ 1.030%

    1.300 (c)      07/29/29       5,500       5,423,293  

Series 2020-1A, Class A1, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR

+ 2.300%

    3.060 (c)      04/20/28       8,000       8,060,627  

TICP CLO I Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2015-1A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.800%

    1.072 (c)      07/20/27       426       422,046  

TICP CLO III-2 Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2018- 3R, Class A, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.840%

    1.112 (c)      04/20/28       2,464       2,445,489  

TICP CLO VI Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2016- 6A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.200%

    1.475 (c)      01/15/29       1,400       1,396,563  

Trinitas CLO V Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2016- 5A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.390%

    1.635 (c)      10/25/28       2,000       1,989,912  

Venture XXI CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2015-21A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.880%

    1.155 (c)      07/15/27       992       982,959  

Vibrant CLO V Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2016- 5A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.250%

    1.522 (c)      01/20/29       1,250       1,241,876  

Wellfleet CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands),

       

Series 2015-1A, Class AR3, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.280%

    1.552 (c)      07/20/29       6,742       6,709,552  

Series 2016-2A, Class A1R, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.140%

    1.412 (c)      10/20/28       5,751       5,706,249  

West CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands),

       

Series 2014-1A, Class A1R, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.920%

    1.192 (c)      07/18/26       27       26,936  

Series 2014-2A, Class A1AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.870%

    1.141 (c)      01/16/27       76       75,902  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

16  


Description  

Interest

Rate

    Maturity
Date
   

Principal

Amount (000)#

    Value  

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (Continued)

 

Collateralized Loan Obligations (cont’d.)

 

Westcott Park CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2016-1A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.210%

    1.482 %(c)      07/20/28       4,100     $ 4,079,532  

Zais CLO 5 Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2016-2A, Class A1, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.530%

    1.805 (c)      10/15/28       645       637,955  

Zais CLO 7 Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2017-2A, Class A, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.290%

    1.565 (c)      04/15/30       246       240,114  

Zais CLO 8 Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2018-1A, Class A, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.950%

    1.225 (c)      04/15/29       881       863,335  
       

 

 

 
    195,504,288  
       

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
(cost $201,221,452)

 

    201,132,715  
       

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES    14.8%

 

BANK,

       

Series 2017-BNK5, Class A1

    1.909       06/15/60       1,300       1,305,656  

Series 2017-BNK7, Class A1

    1.984       09/15/60       77       76,876  

Series 2017-BNK9, Class A1

    2.322       11/15/54       689       697,810  

Series 2018-BN14, Class A1

    3.277       09/15/60       552       569,155  

BBCMS Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-C1, Class A1

    2.010       02/15/50       212       212,567  

Benchmark Mortgage Trust,

       

Series 2018-B1, Class A1

    2.560       01/15/51       701       708,507  

Series 2018-B2, Class A2

    3.662       02/15/51       975       1,018,802  

Series 2018-B3, Class A2

    3.848       04/10/51       960       1,019,950  

Series 2018-B4, Class A1

    3.125       07/15/51       661       677,604  

Series 2018-B5, Class A2

    4.077       07/15/51       800       859,526  

CCUBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2017- C1, Class A1

    2.288 (cc)      11/15/50       4,444       4,487,233  

CD Mortgage Trust,

       

Series 2016-CD1, Class A1

    1.443       08/10/49       12       12,413  

Series 2017-CD3, Class A1

    1.965       02/10/50       57       56,863  

CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust,

       

Series 2016-C4, Class A1

    1.501       05/10/58       180       179,687  

Series 2016-C7, Class A1

    1.971       12/10/54       306       306,035  

CGMS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2017- B1, Class A1

    2.008       08/15/50       719       722,243  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust,

       

Series 2014-GC21, Class AAB

    3.477       05/10/47       412       430,454  

Series 2016-C1, Class A1

    1.506       05/10/49       354       353,912  

Series 2016-P4, Class A2

    2.450       07/10/49       10,000       10,030,570  

Series 2016-P5, Class A1

    1.410       10/10/49       285       285,437  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     17  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description  

Interest

Rate

    Maturity
Date
   

Principal

Amount (000)#

    Value  

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (Continued)

 

Series 2016-P6, Class A1

    1.884     12/10/49       635     $ 635,978  

Series 2017-C4, Class A1

    2.121       10/12/50       411       414,388  

Series 2017-P8, Class A1

    2.065       09/15/50       574       577,259  

COMM Mortgage Trust,

       

Series 2012-CR4, Class A3

    2.853       10/15/45       2,704       2,784,993  

Series 2012-CR5, Class A4

    2.771       12/10/45       4,750       4,903,803  

Series 2013-CR11, Class ASB

    3.660       08/10/50       739       767,288  

Series 2013-CR7, Class ASB

    2.739       03/10/46       488       499,264  

Series 2013-CR8, Class A4

    3.334       06/10/46       2,582       2,694,752  

Series 2013-CR8, Class A5

    3.612 (cc)      06/10/46       5,081       5,409,882  

Series 2014-CR17, Class ASB

    3.598       05/10/47       563       587,247  

Series 2015-CR22, Class A3

    3.207       03/10/48       2,000       2,045,775  

Series 2015-CR24, Class ASB

    3.445       08/10/48       3,639       3,835,510  

Series 2015-CR27, Class A2

    2.223       10/10/48       140       139,788  

Series 2015-DC1, Class A2

    2.870       02/10/48       194       194,998  

Series 2015-LC23, Class A2

    3.221       10/10/48       811       812,245  

Series 2016-DC2, Class A1

    1.820       02/10/49       108       108,281  

Series 2017-COR2, Class A1

    2.111       09/10/50       154       154,815  

CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust,

       

Series 2015-C3, Class A2

    3.033       08/15/48       5,940       5,936,283  

Series 2016-C6, Class A3

    2.956       01/15/49       1,558       1,559,825  

Series 2017-C8, Class A1

    1.930       06/15/50       1,171       1,176,691  

DBJPM Mortgage Trust,

       

Series 2016-C3, Class A1

    1.502       08/10/49       1,903       1,905,271  

Series 2016-C3, Class A2

    1.886       08/10/49       1,085       1,090,266  

FNMA-Aces, Series 2017-M1, Class A1

    2.497 (cc)      10/25/26       900       922,830  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust,

       

Series 2013-GC14, Class A3

    3.526       08/10/46       7       7,343  

Series 2014-GC22, Class AAB

    3.467       06/10/47       723       752,174  

Series 2015-GC34, Class A2

    2.075       10/10/48       391       392,503  

Series 2016-GS3, Class A1

    1.429       10/10/49       438       438,123  

Series 2016-GS3, Class A2

    2.484       10/10/49       4,552       4,567,038  

Series 2016-GS4, Class A1

    1.731       11/10/49       425       425,033  

Series 2017-GS5, Class A1

    2.045       03/10/50       1,579       1,580,682  

Series 2017-GS7, Class A1

    1.950       08/10/50       1,367       1,371,511  

Series 2018-GS9, Class A1

    2.861       03/10/51       1,801       1,832,391  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust,

       

Series 2012-C6, Class ASB

    3.144       05/15/45       1,154       1,175,863  

Series 2012-C8, Class A3

    2.829       10/15/45       3,024       3,114,336  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust,

       

Series 2013-C12, Class A4

    3.363       07/15/45       2,904       3,051,222  

Series 2013-C12, Class ASB

    3.157       07/15/45       657       667,348  

Series 2014-C18, Class A4A2

    3.794       02/15/47       5,582       5,931,192  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

18  


Description  

Interest

Rate

    Maturity
Date
   

Principal

Amount (000)#

    Value  

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (Continued)

 

JPMCC Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2017-JP7, Class A1

    1.969 %       09/15/50       464     $ 467,020  

JPMDB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2017-C7, Class A1

    2.081       10/15/50       123       124,091  

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust,

       

Series 2012-C6, Class A4

    2.858       11/15/45       1,540       1,581,239  

Series 2013-C12, Class ASB

    3.824       10/15/46       2,020       2,095,929  

Series 2013-C9, Class AAB

    2.657       05/15/46       722       736,442  

Series 2014-C14, Class A3

    3.669       02/15/47       81       81,343  

Series 2016-C31, Class A1

    1.511       11/15/49       317       317,838  

Series 2017-C34, Class A1

    2.109       11/15/52       560       563,936  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust,

       

Series 2016-BNK2, Class A1

    1.424       11/15/49       56       56,459  

Series 2016-UB11, Class A1

    1.445       08/15/49       161       160,872  

Series 2016-UB12, Class A2

    2.932       12/15/49       4,500       4,555,078  

Series 2018-H3, Class A2

    3.997       07/15/51       1,000       1,069,340  

UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust,

       

Series 2012-C1, Class A3

    3.400       05/10/45       1,356       1,395,685  

Series 2017-C4, Class A1

    2.129       10/15/50       120       120,914  

Series 2017-C5, Class A1

    2.139       11/15/50       586       591,294  

Series 2017-C6, Class A1

    2.344       12/15/50       5,230       5,287,765  

Series 2018-C11, Class A1

    3.211       06/15/51       53       53,979  

Series 2018-C8, Class A1

    2.659       02/15/51       1,959       1,987,427  

Series 2018-C8, Class A2

    3.713       02/15/51       1,050       1,096,892  

UBS-Barclays Commercial Mortgage Trust,

       

Series 2012-C3, Class A4

    3.091       08/10/49       9,828       10,168,486  

Series 2012-C4, Class A5

    2.850       12/10/45       10,000       10,354,627  

Series 2013-C5, Class A4

    3.185       03/10/46       8,311       8,634,409  

Series 2013-C6, Class A4

    3.244       04/10/46       6,654       6,956,733  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust,

       

Series 2015-NXS2, Class A2

    3.020       07/15/58       210       213,173  

Series 2015-P2, Class A2B

    4.894 (cc)      12/15/48       3,293       3,318,731  

Series 2016-BNK1, Class A1

    1.321       08/15/49       56       56,287  

Series 2016-C35, Class A1

    1.392       07/15/48       154       153,534  

Series 2016-C37, Class A1

    1.944       12/15/49       493       493,647  

Series 2016-NXS6, Class A1

    1.417       11/15/49       1,919       1,920,407  

Series 2017-C42, Class A1

    2.338       12/15/50       1,093       1,102,126  
       

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
(cost $153,733,168)

 

    154,191,194  
       

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     19  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description  

Interest

Rate

    Maturity
Date
   

Principal

Amount (000)#

    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS    50.1%

       

Advertising    0.8%

                               

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The),
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.750 %       10/01/21       8,496     $ 8,789,506  

Aerospace & Defense    0.2%

                               

Lockheed Martin Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.350       09/15/21       1,556       1,605,222  

Northrop Grumman Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    2.080       10/15/20       768       769,634  
       

 

 

 
    2,374,856  

Agriculture    0.8%

                               

BAT International Finance PLC (United Kingdom), Gtd. Notes, 144A

    3.500       06/15/22       5,000       5,245,954  

Philip Morris International, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    1.125       05/01/23       3,000       3,051,825  
       

 

 

 
    8,297,779  

Airlines    0.8%

                               

Southwest Airlines Co., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    4.750       05/04/23       7,500       7,996,432  

Apparel    0.8%

                               

VF Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    2.050       04/23/22       8,000       8,203,213  

Auto Manufacturers    2.1%

                               

American Honda Finance Corp.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, MTN, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.290%

    0.600 (c)      12/10/21       750       749,403  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, MTN, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.470%

    0.747 (c)      01/08/21       1,200       1,201,578  

BMW US Capital LLC,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    1.850       09/15/21       1,668       1,686,377  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    3.800       04/06/23       4,000       4,322,162  

Gtd. Notes, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.410%

    0.676 (c)      04/12/21       893       893,887  

Gtd. Notes, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.500%

    0.754 (c)      08/13/21       1,465       1,466,983  

Daimler Finance North America LLC,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    3.000       02/22/21       1,500       1,516,591  

Gtd. Notes, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.450%

    0.706 (c)      02/22/21       4,690       4,690,324  

Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.940%

    1.181 (c)      03/02/21       2,855       2,855,607  

Toyota Motor Credit Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, MTN, SOFR + 0.400%

    0.470 (c)      10/23/20       2,400       2,400,697  
       

 

 

 
    21,783,609  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

20  


Description  

Interest

Rate

    Maturity
Date
   

Principal

Amount (000)#

    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Banks    11.7%

 

ABN AMRO Bank NV (Netherlands), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.570%

    0.821 %(c)      08/27/21       500     $ 502,399  

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. (Australia), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.320%

    0.563 (c)      11/09/20       450       450,233  

Banco del Estado de Chile (Chile),

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    3.875       02/08/22       4,045       4,209,255  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    4.125       10/07/20       2,232       2,238,641  

Bangkok Bank PCL (Thailand), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    4.800       10/18/20       300       301,420  

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

    5.000       05/13/21       1,225       1,265,096  

Bank of Montreal (Canada), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.460%

    0.726 (c)      04/13/21       275       275,725  

Bank of Nova Scotia (The) (Canada),
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    1.625       05/01/23       6,000       6,175,448  

Barclays Bank PLC (United Kingdom),
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    1.700       05/12/22       5,000       5,089,794  

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (Canada), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, SOFR + 0.800%

    0.889 (c)      03/17/23       6,000       6,038,258  

Citibank NA, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, BKNT, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.530%

    3.165 (c)      02/19/22       3,000       3,038,035  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (Australia), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.700%

    1.010 (c)      03/10/22       5,000       5,036,950  

Cooperatieve Rabobank UA (Netherlands), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.125       04/26/21       2,000       2,037,362  

Credit Suisse AG (Switzerland), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, SOFR + 0.450%

    0.525 (c)      02/04/22       5,000       5,007,062  

DIB Sukuk Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.664       02/14/22       2,400       2,469,688  

Fifth Third Bank NA, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, BKNT

    1.800       01/30/23       5,000       5,152,238  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The),

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    5.750       01/24/22       3,000       3,219,986  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.000%

    1.313 (c)      03/15/21       925       929,185  

Huntington National Bank (The), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    1.800       02/03/23       6,000       6,173,894  

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. (China), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, BKNT

    2.905       11/13/20       550       552,066  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA (Italy), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.500       02/24/21       8,000       8,189,366  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC (United Kingdom), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.800%

    1.106 (c)      06/21/21       1,400       1,406,575  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (Japan), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    2.623       07/18/22       1,000       1,038,346  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     21  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description  

Interest

Rate

    Maturity
Date
   

Principal

Amount (000)#

    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Banks (cont’d.)

                               

Morgan Stanley, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    2.750     05/19/22       3,000     $ 3,115,462  

National Australia Bank Ltd. (Australia), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    2.500       01/12/21       1,600       1,612,939  

National Securities Clearing Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    1.200       04/23/23       3,000       3,059,372  

PNC Bank NA,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, BKNT, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.250%

    0.508 (c)      01/22/21       500       500,372  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, BKNT, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.325%

    0.581 (c)      02/24/23       3,000       3,004,828  

QIB Sukuk Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    2.754       10/27/20       2,000       2,002,534  

RHB Bank Bhd (Malaysia), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, EMTN

    2.503       10/06/21       1,300       1,320,062  

Royal Bank of Canada (Canada), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, GMTN, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.730%

    0.979 (c)      02/01/22       5,050       5,094,793  

Santander UK PLC (United Kingdom), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.660%

    0.940 (c)      11/15/21       1,000       1,006,109  

Skysea International Capital Management Ltd. (British Virgin Islands), Gtd. Notes, EMTN

    4.875       12/07/21       4,300       4,506,984  

Toronto-Dominion Bank (The) (Canada), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, MTN, SOFR + 0.480%

    0.558 (c)      01/27/23       7,138       7,155,800  

Truist Bank,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, BKNT, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.590%

    0.870 (c)      05/17/22       3,000       3,015,106  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, BKNT, SOFR + 0.730%

    0.821 (c)      03/09/23       2,000       2,010,099  

UBS AG (Switzerland), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    1.750       04/21/22       7,500       7,652,694  

UBS Group AG (Switzerland), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    2.950       09/24/20       2,000       2,003,309  

US Bank NA, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, BKNT, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.440%

    0.696 (c)      05/23/22       3,700       3,716,523  
       

 

 

 
    121,574,008  

Chemicals    1.1%

                               

CNAC HK Finbridge Co. Ltd. (Hong Kong), Gtd. Notes

    4.125       03/14/21       3,750       3,803,585  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.766       11/15/20       2,630       2,647,628  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.710%

    0.990 (c)      11/15/20       2,000       2,002,120  

Nutrien Ltd. (Canada), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    1.900       05/13/23       3,000       3,102,457  
       

 

 

 
    11,555,790  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

22  


Description  

Interest

Rate

    Maturity
Date
   

Principal

Amount (000)#

    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Coal    0.3%

                               

Korea Resources Corp. (South Korea),
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.000     04/24/22       3,200     $ 3,300,373  

Commercial Services    0.9%

                               

PayPal Holdings, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    1.350       06/01/23       5,000       5,119,826  

Verisk Analytics, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    5.800       05/01/21       4,000       4,134,471  
       

 

 

 
    9,254,297  

Computers    1.9%

                               

Apple, Inc.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    1.700       09/11/22       5,000       5,139,940  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.500%

    0.743 (c)      02/09/22       2,163       2,177,300  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.680%

    0.998 (c)      03/12/21       5,000       5,007,736  

IBM Credit LLC,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    2.650       02/05/21       2,000       2,019,342  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.470%

    0.726 (c)      11/30/20       1,000       1,001,082  

International Business Machines Corp.,Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.400%

    0.654 (c)      05/13/21       5,000       5,013,298  
       

 

 

 
    20,358,698  

Diversified Financial Services    1.5%

                               

AIG Global Funding, Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.650%

    0.908 (c)      01/22/21       4,000       4,008,383  

American Express Co., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.525%

    0.805 (c)      05/17/21       2,000       2,005,843  

BOC Aviation Ltd. (Singapore), Sr. Unsec’d.
Notes, 144A

    2.375       09/15/21       5,000       5,037,276  

Capital One Bank USA NA, Subordinated

    3.375       02/15/23       4,000       4,234,941  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.320%

    0.567 (c)      05/21/21       350       350,636  
       

 

 

 
    15,637,079  

Electric    3.9%

                               

Abu Dhabi National Energy Co. PJSC
(United Arab Emirates),

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.875       12/13/21       2,000       2,130,128  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.625       06/22/21       2,500       2,555,917  

American Electric Power Co., Inc.,
Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.650       12/01/21       4,000       4,161,143  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     23  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description  

Interest

Rate

    Maturity
Date
   

Principal

Amount (000)#

    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Electric (cont’d.)

                               

CenterPoint Energy, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.600 %       11/01/21       750     $ 776,998  

CMS Energy Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    5.050       03/15/22       4,250       4,484,076  

Consolidated Edison, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    2.000       05/15/21       6,500       6,565,168  

DTE Energy Co., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    2.250       11/01/22       8,000       8,282,446  

Duke Energy Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.500%

    0.765 (c)      05/14/21       250       250,683  

NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes

    2.900       04/01/22       2,500       2,596,822  

Gtd. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.480%

    0.729 (c)      05/04/21       3,925       3,933,958  

Saudi Electricity Global Sukuk Co.
(Cayman Islands), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    4.211       04/03/22       1,800       1,887,892  

WEC Energy Group, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.100       03/08/22       2,500       2,602,094  
       

 

 

 
    40,227,325  

Food    3.0%

                               

General Mills, Inc.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.200       04/16/21       3,080       3,134,884  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.540%

    0.811 (c)      04/16/21       3,400       3,407,921  

McCormick & Co., Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    2.700       08/15/22       7,685       7,998,335  

Mondelez International, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    0.625       07/01/22       8,000       8,035,376  

Nestle Holdings, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    3.100       09/24/21       3,500       3,594,814  

Tyson Foods, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    2.250       08/23/21       4,775       4,856,056  
       

 

 

 
    31,027,386  

Hand/Machine Tools    0.4%

 

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., Gtd. Notes

    3.400       12/01/21       4,000       4,115,801  

Healthcare-Products    0.5%

 

Medtronic, Inc., Gtd. Notes

    3.150       03/15/22       707       737,344  

Stryker Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    2.625       03/15/21       4,000       4,040,826  
       

 

 

 
    4,778,170  

Holding Companies-Diversified    0.2%

 

Swire Pacific MTN Financing Ltd.
(Cayman Islands), Gtd. Notes, EMTN

    4.500       02/28/22       2,000       2,086,966  

Insurance    3.2%

 

AIA Group Ltd. (Hong Kong), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.520%

    0.826 (c)      09/20/21       600       598,713  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    2.750       03/15/23       4,853       5,127,239  

Chubb INA Holdings, Inc., Gtd. Notes

    2.300       11/03/20       4,000       4,006,899  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

24  


Description  

Interest

Rate

    Maturity
Date
   

Principal

Amount (000)#

    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Insurance (cont’d.)

 

Jackson National Life Global Funding, Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.480%

    0.795 % (c)      06/11/21       7,000     $ 7,019,420  

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.500       12/29/20       8,500       8,586,227  

Metropolitan Life Global Funding I,

       

Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    3.375       01/11/22       1,250       1,300,994  

Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    3.450       10/09/21       750       776,178  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.230%

    0.507 (c)      01/08/21       2,500       2,501,917  

New York Life Global Funding,

       

Sec’d. Notes, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.320%

    0.569 (c)      08/06/21       500       501,195  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.440%

    0.706 (c)      07/12/22       3,000       3,015,589  
       

 

 

 
    33,434,371  

Lodging    0.1%

 

Marriott International, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.600%

    0.846 (c)      12/01/20       800       797,654  

Machinery-Constructions & Mining    0.0%

 

Caterpillar Financial Services Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, MTN, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.350%

    0.668 (c)      12/07/20       600       600,226  

Machinery-Diversified    1.2%

 

John Deere Capital Corp.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, MTN, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.260%

    0.570 (c)      09/10/21       400       400,678  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, MTN, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.490%

    0.803 (c)      06/13/22       5,000       5,028,486  

Otis Worldwide Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.450%

    0.754 (c)      04/05/23       6,700       6,700,272  
       

 

 

 
    12,129,436  

Media    0.4%

 

Comcast Corp., Gtd. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.330%

    0.626 (c)      10/01/20       750       750,251  

Walt Disney Co. (The), Gtd. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.390%

    0.636 (c)      09/01/22       3,000       3,001,881  
       

 

 

 
    3,752,132  

Miscellaneous Manufacturer    0.3%

 

Textron, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.650       03/01/21       3,000       3,037,574  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     25  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description  

Interest

Rate

    Maturity
Date
   

Principal

Amount (000)#

    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Oil & Gas    3.3%

 

CNOOC Finance 2012 Ltd. (British Virgin Islands), Gtd. Notes, 144A

    3.875     05/02/22       2,000     $ 2,093,781  

Exxon Mobil Corp.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    1.571       04/15/23       4,000       4,122,641  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.330%

    0.610 (c)      08/16/22       4,000       4,017,288  

Korea National Oil Corp. (South Korea), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    2.125       04/14/21       3,000       3,025,906  

Phillips 66, Gtd. Notes

    3.700       04/06/23       4,800       5,165,977  

Reliance Industries Ltd. (India), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    4.500       10/19/20       1,300       1,305,429  

Saudi Arabian Oil Co. (Saudi Arabia), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    2.750       04/16/22       1,980       2,034,465  

Total Capital International SA (France), Gtd. Notes

    2.218       07/12/21       4,400       4,466,773  

Valero Energy Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    2.700       04/15/23       8,000       8,360,864  
       

 

 

 
    34,593,124  

Pharmaceuticals    2.4%

 

AbbVie, Inc.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.375       11/14/21       3,730       3,858,947  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.650%

    0.897 (c)      11/21/22       3,000       3,014,522  

Bayer US Finance II LLC, Gtd. Notes, 144A

    3.500       06/25/21       1,800       1,838,567  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.380%

    0.660 (c)      05/16/22       2,000       2,006,041  

Cigna Corp., Gtd. Notes

    3.900       02/15/22       4,020       4,222,292  

GlaxoSmithKline Capital PLC (United Kingdom), Gtd. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.350%

    0.615 (c)      05/14/21       3,295       3,300,229  

McKesson Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.650       11/30/20       4,738       4,777,491  

Zoetis, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.450       11/13/20       2,235       2,245,178  
       

 

 

 
    25,263,267  

Pipelines    2.5%

 

Enterprise Products Operating LLC,

       

Gtd. Notes

    2.800       02/15/21       8,753       8,842,617  

Gtd. Notes

    3.500       02/01/22       750       781,129  

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, Gtd. Notes

    3.500       03/01/21       5,000       5,049,257  

Kinder Morgan, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.000       02/15/21       4,000       4,063,411  

MPLX LP, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.900%

    1.213 (c)      09/09/21       7,000       6,990,134  
       

 

 

 
    25,726,548  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

26  


Description  

Interest

Rate

    Maturity
Date
   

Principal

Amount (000)#

    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Real Estate    0.8%

 

Ontario Teachers’ Cadillac Fairview Properties

Trust (Canada), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    3.125     03/20/22       6,775     $ 6,924,686  

Sinochem Overseas Capital Co. Ltd.
(British Virgin Islands), Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.500       11/12/20       1,610       1,620,408  
       

 

 

 
    8,545,094  

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)    1.4%

 

ERP Operating LP, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    4.625       12/15/21       7,605       7,928,633  

Kimco Realty Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.400       11/01/22       5,935       6,270,603  
       

 

 

 
    14,199,236  

Retail    1.3%

 

AutoZone, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.700       04/15/22       3,000       3,132,330  

Home Depot, Inc. (The),

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    2.625       06/01/22       3,250       3,376,626  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.310%

    0.556 (c)      03/01/22       1,500       1,502,862  

McDonald’s Corp.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, MTN

    2.625       01/15/22       2,193       2,260,436  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, MTN, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.430%

    0.677 (c)      10/28/21       1,900       1,903,965  

Starbucks Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    1.300       05/07/22       1,000       1,015,736  

Walmart, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.125       06/23/21       500       511,607  
       

 

 

 
    13,703,562  

Semiconductors    0.5%

 

Intel Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.350%

    0.603 (c)      05/11/22       5,000       5,020,210  

Software    0.1%

 

Infor, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    1.450       07/15/23       1,200       1,221,508  

Telecommunications    0.4%

 

Rogers Communications, Inc. (Canada), Gtd. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.600%

    0.906 (c)      03/22/22       4,200       4,224,625  

Transportation    1.2%

 

FedEx Corp., Gtd. Notes

    3.400       01/14/22       3,000       3,117,668  

Ryder System, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, MTN

    2.875       06/01/22       3,000       3,114,932  

United Parcel Service, Inc.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.150%

    0.446 (c)      04/01/21       2,500       2,501,178  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.380%

    0.660 (c)      05/16/22       4,000       4,017,345  
       

 

 

 
    12,751,123  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     27  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description  

Interest

Rate

    Maturity
Date
   

Principal

Amount (000)#

    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Trucking & Leasing    0.1%

 

Aviation Capital Group LLC, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes,

144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.950%

    1.196 % (c)      06/01/21       1,000     $ 970,065  
       

 

 

 

TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS
(cost $512,333,638)

 

    521,331,043  
       

 

 

 

Banks    0.5%

 

Bank of Nova Scotia (Canada), 3 Month LIBOR + 0.280%

    0.586 (c)      09/21/20       500       500,087  

Credit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank (France), 3 Month LIBOR + 0.480%

    0.779 (c)      09/17/21       920       921,719  

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (Japan), 3 Month LIBOR + 0.350%

    0.616 (c)      07/12/21       1,000       1,001,724  

3 Month LIBOR + 0.355%

    0.635 (c)      05/13/21       3,000       3,005,325  
       

 

 

 

TOTAL CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT
(cost $5,417,676)

 

    5,428,855  
       

 

 

 

SOVEREIGN BONDS    0.7%

 

Indonesia Government International Bond (Indonesia), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    4.875       05/05/21       1,750       1,798,143  

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

    6.125       03/09/21       2,300       2,365,286  

Qatar Government International Bond (Qatar), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    2.375       06/02/21       2,500       2,528,977  
       

 

 

 

TOTAL SOVEREIGN BONDS
(cost $6,614,135)

 

    6,692,406  
       

 

 

 

TOTAL LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $879,320,069)

 

    888,776,213  
       

 

 

 
               

Shares

       

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS    13.9%

 

   

AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUND    8.8%

 

   

PGIM Core Ultra Short Bond Fund
(cost $91,427,244)(w)

 

    91,427,244       91,427,244  
               

Principal
Amount (000)#

       

TIME DEPOSIT    0.0%

 

   

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (Cayman Islands) (cost $6,771)

    0.010       09/01/20       7       6,771  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

28  


Description  

Interest

Rate

    Maturity
Date
   

Principal

Amount (000)#

    Value  

COMMERCIAL PAPER    5.0%

 

   

Boeing Co. 144A

    2.205 %(s)      11/18/20       10,000     $ 9,974,259  

Glencore Funding LLC 144A

    0.480 (s)      09/28/20       8,000       7,997,393  

HSBC Bank PLC (United Kingdom) 144A

    0.756 (c)      11/02/20       2,000       2,000,677  

Marriott International, Inc. 144A

    1.847 (s)      09/04/20       5,000       4,999,634  

Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp. 144A

    1.963 (s)      12/15/20       4,000       3,975,985  

Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp. 144A

    1.942 (s)      12/11/20       4,000       3,977,424  

Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp. 144A

    1.973 (s)      12/14/20       1,500       1,491,128  

Pepsico Inc.

    2.281 (s)      10/30/20       1,600       1,599,707  

VW Credit, Inc. 144A

    1.988 (s)      01/29/21       7,000       6,989,371  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. 144A

    2.097 (s)      09/15/20       4,500       4,499,662  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. 144A

    2.096 (s)      09/10/20       4,500       4,499,791  
       

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMERCIAL PAPER
(cost $51,928,256)

 

    52,005,031  
       

 

 

 

CORPORATE NOTE    0.1%

 

   

Pharmaceuticals    0.1%

 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., 3 Month LIBOR +

0.200% (cost $1,000,000)

    0.480 (c)      11/16/20       1,000       1,000,270  
       

 

 

 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $144,362,271)

 

      144,439,316  
       

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS    99.4%
(cost $1,023,682,340)

 

      1,033,215,529  

Other assets in excess of liabilities    0.6%

 

      6,672,641  
       

 

 

 

NET ASSETS    100.0%

 

    $ 1,039,888,170  
       

 

 

 

 

The following abbreviations are used in the annual report:

    

(A)—Annual payment frequency for swaps

    

(Q)—Quarterly payment frequency for swaps

    

(S)—Semiannual payment frequency for swaps

    

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.

    

BKNT—Bank Note

    

CLO—Collateralized Loan Obligation

    

EMTN—Euro Medium Term Note

    

FEDL01—1 Day Overnight FED Funds Effective Rate

    

GMTN—Global Medium Term Note

    

LIBOR—London Interbank Offered Rate

    

MTN—Medium Term Note

    

SOFR—Secured Overnight Financing Rate Data

#

Principal or notional amount is shown in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.

(c)

Variable rate instrument. The interest rate shown reflects the rate in effect at August 31, 2020.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     29  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

(cc)

Variable rate instrument. The rate shown is based on the latest available information as of August 31, 2020. Certain variable rate securities are not based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer or agent and are based on current market conditions. These securities do not indicate a reference rate and spread in their description.

(s)

Represents zero coupon bond. Rate represents yield to maturity at purchase date.

(w)

PGIM Investments LLC, the manager of the Fund, also serves as manager of the PGIM Core Ultra Short Bond Fund.

 

Futures contracts outstanding at August 31, 2020:

 

Number of
contracts
    Type   Expiration
Date
    Current
Notional

Amount
    Value /
Unrealized
Appreciation

(Depreciation)
 
  Short Positions:      
  61     2 Year U.S. Treasury Notes     Dec. 2020     $ 13,477,664     $ (4,913
       

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swap agreements outstanding at August 31, 2020:

 

Notional

Amount

(000)#

    Termination
Date
    Fixed
Rate
   

Floating Rate

  Value at
Trade
Date
    Value at
August 31,
2020
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 

Centrally cleared swap agreements:

 
  28,850       11/02/20       2.806%(S)     3 Month LIBOR(1)(Q)   $ (32,602   $ (385,763   $ (353,161
  37,080       05/09/21       2.855%(S)     3 Month LIBOR(1)(Q)     (238,882     (985,657     (746,775
  44,290       03/11/21       2.850%(S)     3 Month LIBOR(1)(Q)     (205,059     (1,168,195     (963,136
  20,295       07/27/21       2.929%(S)     3 Month LIBOR(1)(Q)     (170,323     (544,144     (373,821
  14,930       10/04/21       3.046%(S)     3 Month LIBOR(1)(Q)     (140,401     (632,709     (492,308
  29,445       12/21/20       3.008%(S)     3 Month LIBOR(1)(Q)     (76,464     (399,922     (323,458
  26,525       01/11/22       2.672%(S)     3 Month LIBOR(1)(Q)     (260,935     (965,743     (704,808
  24,945       04/01/22       2.265%(S)     3 Month LIBOR(1)(Q)     (185,855     (1,028,618     (842,763
  11,000       04/12/22       2.357%(S)     3 Month LIBOR(1)(Q)     (128,394     (472,570     (344,176
  26,765       10/02/21       1.898%(S)     3 Month LIBOR(1)(Q)     (57,371     (682,705     (625,334
  3,250       06/15/22       1.873%(S)     3 Month LIBOR(1)(Q)     18,951       (106,741     (125,692
  9,235       11/10/20       1.943%(S)     3 Month LIBOR(1)(Q)     (2,126     (83,528     (81,402
  22,000       08/22/22       1.421%(S)     3 Month LIBOR(1)(Q)     (19,613     (527,547     (507,934
  19,000       09/03/22       1.919%(S)     3 Month LIBOR(1)(Q)     (150,870     (814,464     (663,594
  25,000       01/30/23       1.467%(S)     3 Month LIBOR(1)(Q)     (20,070     (778,169     (758,099
  9,900       02/12/22       1.420%(S)     3 Month LIBOR(1)(Q)     2,077       (177,695     (179,772
  7,500       05/11/22       2.300%(S)     FEDL01(1)(A)     (210,321     (343,484     (133,163
  2,000       12/10/22       0.362%(S)     FEDL01(1)(A)     28       (17,779     (17,807
  8,000       07/02/22       (0.001)%(S)     FEDL01(1)(A)     154       6,537       6,383  
  5,000       04/13/23       (0.013)%(S)     FEDL01(1)(A)     153       6,310       6,157  
  7,000       01/14/23       (0.006)%(S)     FEDL01(1)(A)     156       6,591       6,435  
  3,810       05/11/23       2.250%(S)     FEDL01(1)(A)     (252,149     (233,646     18,503  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ (2,129,916   $ (10,329,641   $ (8,199,725
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

The Fund pays the fixed rate and receives the floating rate.

(2)

The Fund pays the floating rate and receives the fixed rate.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

30  


Summary of Collateral for Centrally Cleared/Exchange-traded Derivatives:

 

Cash and securities segregated as collateral to cover requirements for open centrally cleared/exchange-traded derivatives are listed by broker as follows:

 

Broker

  Cash and/or
Foreign Currency
  Securities
Market Value
 
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.   $2,659,000   $   —  

 

Fair Value Measurements:

 

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—unadjusted quoted prices generally in active markets for identical securities.

 

Level 2—quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates and yield curves, prepayment speeds, foreign currency exchange rates and other observable inputs.

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of August 31, 2020 in valuing such portfolio securities:

 

        Level 1             Level 2             Level 3      

Investments in Securities

     

Assets

     

Asset-Backed Securities

     

Automobile

  $     $ 5,628,427     $  

Collateralized Loan Obligations

          195,504,288        

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

          154,191,194        

Corporate Bonds

          521,331,043        

Certificates of Deposit

          5,428,855        

Sovereign Bonds

          6,692,406        

Affiliated Mutual Fund

    91,427,244              

Time Deposit

          6,771        

Commercial Paper

          52,005,031        

Corporate Note

          1,000,270        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 91,427,244     $ 941,788,285     $     —  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     31  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

        Level 1             Level 2             Level 3      

Other Financial Instruments*

     

Assets

     

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swap Agreements

  $     $ 37,478     $  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $     $ 37,478     $  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

     

Futures Contracts

  $ (4,913   $     $  

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swap Agreements

          (8,237,203      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ (4,913   $ (8,237,203   $     —  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*  

Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Schedule of Investments, such as futures, forwards and centrally cleared swap contracts, which are recorded at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument, and OTC swap contracts which are recorded at fair value.

 

Industry Classification:

 

The industry classification of investments and other assets in excess of liabilities shown as a percentage of net assets as of August 31, 2020 were as follows (unaudited):

 

Collateralized Loan Obligations

    18.8

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

    14.8  

Banks

    12.2  

Affiliated Mutual Fund

    8.8  

Commercial Paper

    5.0  

Electric

    3.9  

Oil & Gas

    3.3  

Insurance

    3.2  

Food

    3.0  

Pharmaceuticals

    2.5  

Pipelines

    2.5  

Auto Manufacturers

    2.1  

Computers

    1.9  

Diversified Financial Services

    1.5  

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

    1.4  

Retail

    1.3  

Transportation

    1.2  

Machinery-Diversified

    1.2  

Chemicals

    1.1  

Commercial Services

    0.9  

Advertising

    0.8  

Real Estate

    0.8  

Agriculture

    0.8  

Apparel

    0.8

Airlines

    0.8  

Sovereign

    0.7  

Automobile ABS

    0.6  

Semiconductors

    0.5  

Healthcare-Products

    0.5  

Telecommunications

    0.4  

Hand/Machine Tools

    0.4  

Media

    0.4  

Coal

    0.3  

Miscellaneous Manufacturer

    0.3  

Aerospace & Defense

    0.2  

Holding Companies-Diversified

    0.2  

Software

    0.1  

Trucking & Leasing

    0.1  

Lodging

    0.1  

Machinery-Constructions & Mining

    0.0

Time Deposit

    0.0
 

 

 

 
    99.4  

Other assets in excess of liabilities

    0.6  
 

 

 

 
    100.0
 

 

 

 

 

*

Less than +/- 0.05%.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

32  


Effects of Derivative Instruments on the Financial Statements and Primary Underlying Risk Exposure:

 

The Fund invested in derivative instruments during the reporting period. The primary type of risk associated with these derivative instruments is interest rate contracts risk. See the Notes to Financial Statements for additional detail regarding these derivative instruments and their risks. 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 August 31, 2020 as presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

Derivatives not accounted

for as hedging instruments,

carried at fair value

 

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 
 

Statement of Assets and
Liabilities Location

  Fair
Value
   

Statement of Assets and
Liabilities Location

  Fair
Value
 
Interest rate contracts   Due from/to broker—variation margin futures*   $     Due from/to broker—variation margin futures*   $ (4,913
Interest rate contracts   Due from/to broker—variation margin swaps*     37,478     Due from/to broker—variation margin swaps*     (8,237,203
   

 

 

     

 

 

 
    $ 37,478       $ (8,242,116
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the schedule of open futures and centrally cleared swap contracts. 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 period ended August 31, 2020 are as follows:

 

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

 

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging

instruments, carried at fair value

  Futures     Swaps  

Interest rate contracts

  $ (258,839   $ (489,960
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging

instruments, carried at fair value

  Futures     Swaps  

Interest rate contracts

  $ (4,913   $ (5,417,056
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     33  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

For the period ended August 31, 2020 the Fund’s average volume of derivative activities is as follows:

 

Futures  Contracts-
Long Positions(1)
    Futures Contracts-
Short Positions(1)
    Interest Rate
Swap Agreements(1)
 
$        —     $ 9,499,427     $ 362,757,000  

 

(1)

Notional Amount in USD.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

34  


Statement of Assets & Liabilities

as of August 31, 2020

 

Assets

 

Investments at value:

 

Unaffiliated investments (cost $932,255,096)

   $ 941,788,285  

Affiliated investments (cost $91,427,244)

     91,427,244  

Cash

     4  

Interest and dividends receivable

     4,124,716  

Deposit with broker for centrally cleared/exchange-traded derivatives

     2,659,000  

Due from broker—variation margin swaps

     11,020  

Receivable for investments sold

     6,071  

Other assets

     411  
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     1,040,016,751  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities

        

Management fee payable

     128,581  
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     128,581  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,039,888,170  
  

 

 

 
          

Net assets were comprised of:

  

Common stock, at par

   $ 20,825  

Paid-in capital in excess of par

     1,046,228,908  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

     (6,361,563
  

 

 

 

Net assets, August 31, 2020

   $ 1,039,888,170  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share,
($1,039,888,170 / 20,825,000 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)

   $ 49.93  
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     35  


Statement of Operations

Year Ended August 31, 2020

 

Net Investment Income (Loss)

        

Income

  

Interest income

   $ 19,705,256  

Affiliated dividend income

     337,836  

Income from securities lending, net (including affiliated income of $1,877)

     1,877  
  

 

 

 

Total income

     20,044,969  
  

 

 

 

Expenses

  

Management fee

     1,324,911  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     1,324,911  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

     18,720,058  
  

 

 

 

Realized And Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Investments

        

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions (including affiliated of $410)

     (7,564,209

Futures transactions

     (258,839

Swap agreement transactions

     (489,960
  

 

 

 
     (8,313,008
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

  

Investments

     7,365,699  

Futures

     (4,913

Swap agreements

     (5,417,056
  

 

 

 
     1,943,730  
  

 

 

 

Net gain (loss) on investment transactions

     (6,369,278
  

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets Resulting From Operations

   $ 12,350,780  
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

36  


Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    

Year
Ended

August 31, 2020

    

Year
Ended

August 31, 2019

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

 

Operations

 

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 18,720,058      $ 6,839,166  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     (8,313,008      985,575  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on investments

     1,943,730        (584,275
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     12,350,780        7,240,466  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions

     

Distributions from distributable earnings

     (19,849,756      (6,192,897
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fund share transactions

     

Net proceeds from shares sold

     901,617,907        549,371,823  

Cost of shares reacquired

     (417,220,526      (40,056,360
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund
share transactions

     484,397,381        509,315,463  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     476,898,405        510,363,032  

Net Assets:

                 

Beginning of period

     562,989,765        52,626,733  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 1,039,888,170      $ 562,989,765  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     37  


Notes to Financial Statements

 

1. Organization

 

PGIM ETF Trust (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), and operated as an exchange-traded fund. The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on October 23, 2017 and consists of six separate series: PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF, PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF, PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF, PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF, PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF and PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF.

 

These financial statements relate only to PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF (the “Fund”). The Fund is classified as a diversified fund for purposes of the 1940 Act.

 

The investment objective of the Fund is to seek total return through a combination of current income and capital appreciation, consistent with preservation of capital.

 

2. Accounting Policies

 

The Fund follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946 Financial Services—Investment Companies. The following accounting policies conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Fund consistently follows such policies in the preparation of its financial statements.

 

Securities Valuation: The Fund holds securities and other assets and liabilities that are fair valued at the close of each day (generally, 4:00 PM Eastern time) the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for trading. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has adopted valuation procedures for security valuation under which fair valuation responsibilities have been delegated to PGIM Investments LLC (“PGIM Investments” or the “Manager”). Pursuant to the Board’s delegation, the Manager has established a Valuation Committee responsible for supervising the fair valuation of portfolio securities and other assets and liabilities. The valuation procedures permit the Fund to utilize independent pricing vendor services, quotations from market makers, and alternative valuation methods when market quotations are either not readily available or not deemed representative of fair value. A record of the Valuation Committee’s actions is subject to the Board’s review, approval, and ratification at its next regularly scheduled quarterly meeting.

 

For the fiscal reporting year end, securities and other assets and liabilities were fair valued at the close of the last U.S. business day. Trading in certain foreign securities may occur when the NYSE is closed (including weekends and holidays). Because such foreign

 

38  


securities trade in markets that are open on weekends and U.S. holidays, the values of some of the Fund’s foreign investments may change on days when investors cannot purchase or redeem Fund shares.

 

Various inputs determine how the Fund’s investments are valued, all of which are categorized according to the three broad levels (Level 1, 2, or 3) detailed in the Schedule of Investments and referred to herein as the “fair value hierarchy” in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820 - Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.

 

Derivative instruments, such as futures, that are traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price as of the close of trading on the applicable exchange where the security principally trades. Securities traded via NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. To the extent these securities are valued at the last sale price or NASDAQ official closing price, they are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. In the event that no sale or official closing price on valuation date exists, these securities are generally valued at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices, or at the last bid price in the absence of an ask price. These securities are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

Investments in open-end funds (other than exchange-traded funds) are valued at their net asset values as of the close of the NYSE on the date of valuation. These securities are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy since they may be purchased or sold at their net asset values on the date of valuation.

 

Fixed income securities traded in the OTC market are generally classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Such fixed income securities are typically valued using the market approach which generally involves obtaining data from an approved independent third-party vendor source. The Fund utilizes the market approach as the primary method to value securities when market prices of identical or comparable instruments are available. The third-party vendors’ valuation techniques used to derive the evaluated bid price are based on evaluating observable inputs, including but not limited to, yield curves, yield spreads, credit ratings, deal terms, tranche level attributes, default rates, cash flows, prepayment speeds, broker/dealer quotations and reported trades. Certain Level 3 securities are also valued using the market approach when obtaining a single broker quote or when utilizing transaction prices for identical securities that have been used in excess of five business days. During the reporting period, there were no changes to report with respect to the valuation approach and/or valuation techniques discussed above.

 

OTC and centrally cleared derivative instruments are generally classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Such derivative instruments are typically valued using the market approach and/or income approach which generally involves obtaining data from an approved independent third-party vendor source. The Fund utilizes the market approach when quoted prices in broker-dealer markets are available but also includes consideration of alternative valuation approaches, including the income approach. In the absence of reliable market quotations, the income approach is typically utilized for purposes of valuing derivatives such as interest rate swaps based on a discounted cash flow analysis whereby

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     39  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

the value of the instrument is equal to the present value of its future cash inflows or outflows. Such analysis includes projecting future cash flows and determining the discount rate (including the present value factors that affect the discount rate) used to discount the future cash flows. In addition, the third-party vendors’ valuation techniques used to derive the evaluated derivative price is based on evaluating observable inputs, including but not limited to, underlying asset prices, indices, spreads, interest rates and exchange rates. Certain derivatives may be classified as Level 3 when valued using the market approach by obtaining a single broker quote or when utilizing unobservable inputs in the income approach. During the reporting period, there were no changes to report with respect to the valuation approach and/or valuation techniques discussed above.

 

Securities and other assets that cannot be priced according to the methods described above are valued based on pricing methodologies approved by the Board. In the event that unobservable inputs are used when determining such valuations, the securities will be classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

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 size of the holding and the capitalization of the issuer; the prices of any recent transactions or bids/offers for such securities or any comparable securities; any available analyst media or other reports or information deemed reliable by the Manager 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 unaffiliated mutual funds to calculate their net asset values.

 

Illiquid Securities: Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Trust has adopted a Board approved Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) that requires, among other things, that the Fund limit its illiquid investments that are assets to no more than 15% of net assets. Illiquid securities are those that, because of the absence of a readily available market or due to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, may not reasonably be expected to be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. The Fund may find it difficult to sell illiquid securities at the time considered most advantageous by its subadviser and may incur transaction costs that would not be incurred in the sale of securities that were freely marketable.

 

Restricted Securities: Securities acquired in unregistered, private sales from the issuing company or from an affiliate of the issuer are considered restricted as to disposition under federal securities law (“restricted securities”). Such restricted securities are valued

 

40  


pursuant to the valuation procedures noted above. Restricted securities that would otherwise be considered illiquid investments pursuant to the LRMP because of legal restrictions on resale to the general public may be traded among qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. Therefore, these Rule 144A securities, as well as commercial paper that is sold in private placements under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, may be classified higher than “illiquid” under the LRMP (i.e. “moderately liquid” or “less liquid” investments). However, the liquidity of the Fund’s investments in restricted securities could be impaired if trading does not develop or declines.

 

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 futures transactions.

 

The Fund invested in financial futures contracts in order to hedge its existing portfolio securities, or securities the Fund intends to purchase, against fluctuations in value caused by changes in prevailing interest rates. Should interest rates move unexpectedly, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the financial futures contracts and may realize a loss. The use of futures transactions involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in the price of futures contracts, interest rates and the underlying hedged assets. Since futures contracts are exchange-traded, there is 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.

 

Swap Agreements: The Fund entered into certain types of swap agreements detailed in the disclosures below. A swap agreement is an agreement to exchange the return generated by one instrument for the return generated by another instrument. Swap agreements are negotiated in the OTC market and may be executed either directly with a counterparty (“OTC-traded”) or through a central clearing facility, such as a registered exchange. Swap agreements are valued daily at current market value and any change in value is included in the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements. Centrally cleared swaps pay or receive an amount known as “variation margin”, based on daily changes in the valuation of the swap contract. For OTC-traded, upfront premiums paid and received are shown as swap premiums paid and swap premiums received in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Risk of loss may exceed amounts recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Swap agreements outstanding at year end, if any, are listed on the Schedule of Investments. The cash amounts pledged for swaps contracts are considered restricted cash and are included in “Due from broker-variation margin swaps” and “Deposit with broker for centrally cleared/exchange-traded derivatives” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     41  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

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 in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. 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. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk is the discounted net present value of the cash flows to be received from the counterparty over the contract’s remaining life.

 

Master Netting Arrangements: The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, is subject to various Master Agreements, or netting arrangements, with select counterparties. These are agreements which a subadviser may have negotiated and entered into on behalf of all or a portion of the Fund. 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 master netting arrangements, the right to set-off exists when all the conditions are met such that each of the parties owes the other determinable amounts, the reporting party has the right to set-off the amount owed with the amount owed by the other party, the reporting party intends to set-off and the right of set-off is enforceable by law. During the reporting period, there was no intention to settle on a net basis and all amounts are presented on a gross basis on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

Securities Lending: The Fund lends its portfolio securities to banks and broker-dealers. The loans are secured by collateral at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. Collateral pledged by each borrower is invested in an affiliated money market fund and is marked to market daily, based on the previous day’s market value, such that the value of the collateral exceeds the value of the loaned securities. In the event of significant appreciation in value of securities on loan on the last business day of the reporting period, the financial statements may reflect a collateral value that is less than the market value of the loaned securities. Such shortfall is remedied as described above. 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 in the open market using the collateral. 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 borrower receives all interest and dividends from the securities loaned and such payments are passed back to the lender in amounts equivalent thereto. The Fund also continues to recognize any unrealized gain

 

42  


(loss) in the market price of the securities loaned and on the change in the value of the collateral invested that may occur during the term of the loan. In addition, realized gain (loss) is recognized on changes in the value of the collateral invested upon liquidation of the collateral. Net earnings from securities lending are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

 

Securities Transactions and Net Investment Income: Securities transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains (losses) from investment and currency transactions are calculated on the specific identification method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-date, or for certain foreign securities, when the Fund becomes aware of such dividends. Interest income, including amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, as required, is recorded on the accrual basis. Expenses are recorded on an accrual basis, which may require the use of certain estimates by management that may differ from actual.

 

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, interest and capital gains, if any, are recorded, net of reclaimable amounts, at the time the related income is earned.

 

Dividends and Distributions: The Fund expects to pay dividends from net investment income monthly and distributions from 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-date. Permanent book/tax differences relating to income and gain (loss) are reclassified between total distributable earnings (loss) and paid-in capital in excess of par, as appropriate.

 

Estimates: The preparation of 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.

 

3. Agreements

 

Pursuant to a management agreement with the Trust on behalf of the Fund (the Management Agreement), PGIM Investments, subject to the supervision of the Board and in conformity with the stated policies of the Fund, manages both the investment operations of the Fund and the composition of the Fund’s portfolio, including the purchase, retention and disposition of assets. In connection therewith, the Manager is obligated to keep certain books and records of the Fund. The Manager is authorized to enter into subadvisory agreements for investment advisory services in connection with the management of the Fund. The Manager will continue to have responsibility for all investment advisory services performed pursuant to any such subadvisory agreements. PGIM Investments will review the performance of the investment subadviser(s) and make recommendations to the Board

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     43  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

with respect to the retention of investment subadvisers and the renewal of contracts. The Manager also administers the Fund’s business affairs and, in connection therewith, furnishes the Fund with office facilities, together with those ordinary clerical and bookkeeping services which are not being furnished by the Fund’s custodian (the Custodian). The management services of PGIM Investments to the Fund are not exclusive under the terms of the Management Agreement and PGIM Investments is free to, and does, render management services to others.

 

The Board has approved a unitary management fee structure for the Fund. Under the unitary fee structure, the Manager is responsible for paying all operating expenses of the fund, except for certain expenses including but not limited to interest expenses, taxes, brokerage expenses, future Rule 12b-1 fees (if any) and acquired fund fees and expenses. For more information on the unitary management fee structure please refer to the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

 

The unitary fee paid to the Manager is accrued daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate of 0.15% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Manager has contractually agreed, beginning from the inception of the Fund, to waive any management fees it receives from the Fund in an amount equal to the subadvisory fees paid by the Fund to the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund due to the Fund’s investment of its excess overnight cash in the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund. This waiver will remain in effect for as long as the Fund remains invested or intends to invest in the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund.

 

The Manager has entered into a subadvisory agreement (Subadvisory Agreement) with PGIM, Inc. and PGIM Limited, the Fund’s investment subadvisers (collectively, the “subadviser”). PGIM, Inc. provides subadvisory services to the Fund through PGIM Fixed Income, a business unit of PGIM, Inc. The Subadvisory Agreement provides that the subadviser will furnish investment advisory services in connection with the management of the Fund. In connection therewith, the subadviser is obligated to keep certain books and records of the Fund. Under the Subadvisory Agreement, the subadviser, subject to the supervision of PGIM Investments, is responsible for managing the assets of the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions. The subadviser determines what securities and other instruments are purchased and sold for the Fund and is responsible for obtaining and evaluating financial data relevant to the Fund. PGIM Investments continues to have responsibility for all investment advisory services pursuant to the Management Agreement and supervises the subadviser’s performance of such services. The Manager pays for the services of the subadviser.

 

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (“BBH”) serves as the Custodian, Transfer Agent, Administrative Agent and Securities Lending Agent for the Trust. Pursuant to a Custodian

 

44  


Agreement, BBH maintains certain financial accounting books and records pursuant to an agreement with the Trust. Subcustodians provide custodial services for any non-US assets held outside the United States. Pursuant to an Administrative and Transfer Agency Agreement, BBH maintains certain books and records and provides transfer agency, administrative, legal, tax support and accounting and financial reporting services for the maintenance and operations of the Trust. As the transfer and dividend disbursing agent of the Trust, BBH provides customary transfer agency services to the Trust, including the handling of shareholder communications, the processing of shareholder transactions, the maintenance of shareholder account records, the payment of dividends and distributions, and related functions. For these services, BBH receives compensation from the Manager and is reimbursed for expenses, including custodian and administration fees and certain out-of-pocket expenses including, but not limited to, postage, stationery, printing, allocable communication expenses and other costs. The Manager is responsible for compensating BBH under the Custodian and Administrative and Transfer Agency Agreements. As securities lending agent, BBH is responsible for marketing to approved borrowers available securities from the Fund’s portfolio. As administered by BBH, available securities from the Fund’s portfolio are furnished to borrowers through security-by-security loans effected by BBH as lending agent on behalf of the Fund. BBH is responsible for the administration and management of the Fund’s securities lending program, including the preparation and execution of a participant agreement with each borrower governing the terms and conditions of any securities loan, ensuring that securities loans are properly coordinated and documented with the Fund’s custodian, ensuring that loaned securities are daily valued and that the corresponding required cash collateral is delivered by the borrower(s), and arranging for the investment of cash collateral received from borrowers in accordance with the Fund’s investment guidelines. BBH receives as compensation for its services a portion of the amount earned by the Fund for lending securities.

 

Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (“PIMS” or the “Distributor”), acts as the distributor of the Fund, pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement (“Distribution Agreement”) between the Trust and the Distributor. The Distributor is a subsidiary of Prudential. Shares are continuously offered for sale by the Distributor only. Although the Distributor does not receive any fees under the Distribution Agreement, the Manager or its affiliates may pay the Distributor for certain distribution related services.

 

PGIM Investments, PGIM, Inc., PGIM Limited and PIMS are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Prudential Financial, Inc. (“Prudential”).

 

4. Other Transactions with Affiliates

 

The Fund may invest its overnight sweep cash in the PGIM Core Ultra Short Bond Fund (the “Core Fund”), and its securities lending cash collateral in the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund (the “Money Market Fund”), each a series of Prudential Investment Portfolios 2, registered under the 1940 Act and managed by PGIM Investments. Through the Fund’s investments in the mentioned underlying funds, PGIM Investments and/or its affiliates are paid fees or reimbursed for providing their services. In addition to the realized and

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     45  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

unrealized gains on investments in the Core Fund and Money Market Fund, earnings from such investments are disclosed on the Statement of Operations as “Affiliated dividend income” and “Income from securities lending, net”, respectively.

 

The Fund may enter into certain securities purchase or sale transactions under Board approved Rule 17a-7 procedures. Rule 17a-7 is an exemptive rule under the 1940 Act, that subject to certain conditions, permits purchase and sale transactions among affiliated investment companies, or between an investment company and a person that is affiliated solely by reason of having a common (or affiliated) investment adviser, common directors, and/or common officers. Pursuant to the Rule 17a-7 procedures and consistent with guidance issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) prepares a quarterly summary of all such transactions for submission to the Board, together with the CCO’s written representation that all such 17a-7 transactions were effected in accordance with the Fund’s Rule 17a-7 procedures. For the year ended August 31, 2020, no 17a-7 transactions were entered into by the Fund.

 

5. Portfolio Securities

 

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of portfolio securities (excluding short-term investments and U.S. Government securities) for the year ended August 31, 2020, were $890,011,866 and $320,650,981 respectively.

 

A summary of the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of shares of affiliated investments for the year ended August 31, 2020, is presented as follows:

 

Value,
Beginning
of Period

  Cost of
Purchases
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Change in
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
    Realized
Gain
(Loss)
    Value,
End of
Period
    Shares,
End of
Period
    Income  

PGIM Core Ultra Short Bond Fund*

 

$9,860,408   $ 926,545,836     $ 844,979,000     $             —     $     $ 91,427,244       91,427,244     $ 337,836  

PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund*

 

    4,756,993       4,757,403             410                   1,877 ** 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$9,860,408   $ 931,302,829     $ 849,736,403     $     $ 410     $ 91,427,244       91,427,244     $ 339,713  

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

The Fund did not have any capital gain distributions during the reporting period.

**

The amount, or a portion thereof, represents the affiliated securities lending income shown on the Statement of Operations.

 

46  


6. 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-date.

 

For the year ended August 31, 2020, the tax character of dividends paid by the Fund was $19,849,756 of ordinary income. For the year ended August 31, 2019, the tax character of dividends paid by the Fund was $6,192,897 of ordinary income

 

As of August 31, 2020, the accumulated undistributed earnings on a tax basis was of $1,776,668 of ordinary income.

 

The United States federal income tax basis of the Fund’s investments and the net unrealized depreciation as of August 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

Tax Basis

 

Gross

Unrealized

Appreciation

 

Gross

Unrealized

Depreciation

 

Net

Unrealized

Depreciation

$1,025,131,066   $14,671,738   $(14,791,913)   $(120,175)

 

The difference between book basis and tax basis was primarily attributable to deferred losses on wash sales, swaps, differences in the treatment of premium amortization for book and tax purposes and other cost basis adjustments.

 

For federal income tax purposes, the Fund had a capital loss carryforward as of August 31, 2020 of $8,018,000 which can be carried forward for an unlimited period. No capital gains distributions are expected to be paid to shareholders until net gains have been realized in excess of such losses.

 

The Manager has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal, state and local 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. Since tax authorities can examine previously filed tax returns, the Fund’s U.S. federal and state tax returns for each of the three fiscal years up to the most recent fiscal year ended August 31, 2020 are subject to such review.

 

7. Capital and Ownership

 

The Fund is an exchange-traded fund, commonly known as an “ETF”. Individual shares of the Fund may only be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through brokers or other financial intermediaries. Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”), and because the shares of the Fund trade at market prices rather than NAV, shares of the Fund may trade at a price greater than NAV (a premium) or less than NAV (a discount). The Fund will issue and redeem its shares at NAV only in a large specified number of shares called a “Creation Unit” or multiples thereof to

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     47  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

investors who have entered into an agreement with the Distributor and are authorized to transact with the Trust in Creation Units (“Authorized Participants”). A Creation Unit consists of 25,000 shares of the Fund. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in return for a specified amount of cash and/ or designated portfolio of securities. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not individually redeemable. Authorized Participants transacting in Creation Units including non-standard orders and whole or partial cash purchases or redemptions may also pay variable transaction fees to compensate the Fund for certain transaction costs (e.g. brokerage costs) relating to investing in portfolio securities. Such variable transaction fees, if any, are currently being waived by the Fund. In addition, fixed transaction fees are imposed for the transfer and other costs associated with the creation or redemption of Creation Units. Authorized Participants are responsible for paying these fixed transaction fees to BBH. For the year ended August 31, 2020, these fixed transaction fees are being paid by PGIM Investments. For the reporting period ended August 31, 2020, PGIM Investments paid $66,150 of fixed transaction fees to BBH.

 

The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, $0.001 par value per share.

 

As of August 31, 2020, Prudential, through its affiliated entities, including affiliated funds (if applicable), owned shares of the Fund as follows:

 

Fund

   Number of Shares      Percentage of
Outstanding Shares
 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond Fund ETF

     2,497,880        12.0

 

At the reporting period end, the number of shareholders holding greater than 5% of the Fund is as follows:

 

    Affiliated     Unaffiliated  

Fund

  Number of
Shareholders
    Percentage of
Outstanding
Shares
    Number of
Shareholders
    Percentage of
Outstanding
Shares
 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond Fund ETF

    1       12.0     4       59.0

 

Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:

 

Reporting period ended August 31, 2020:

 

       Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

       18,025,000      $ 901,617,907  

Shares reacquired

       (8,425,000      (417,220,526
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       9,600,000      $ 484,397,381  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

48  


Reporting period ended August 31, 2019:

 

       Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

       10,975,000      $ 549,371,823  

Shares reacquired

       (800,000      (40,056,360
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       10,175,000      $ 509,315,463  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

8. Borrowings

 

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, along with other affiliated registered investment companies (the “Participating 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 table below provides details of the current SCA in effect at the reporting period-end as well as the prior SCA.

 

    

Current SCA

  

Prior SCA

Term of Commitment

   10/3/2019 – 10/1/2020    10/4/2018 – 10/2/2019

Total Commitment

   $1,222,500,000*    $900,000,000

Annualized Commitment Fee on the Unused Portion of the SCA

   0.15%    0.15%

Annualized Interest Rate on Borrowings

  

1.20% plus the higher of (1) the effective federal funds rate, (2) the one-month LIBOR

rate or (3) zero percent

  

1.25% plus the higher of (1) the effective federal funds rate, (2) the one-month LIBOR

rate or (3) zero percent

 

*

Effective March 31, 2020, the SCA’s total commitment was increased from $900,000,000 to $1,162,500,000 and subsequently, effective April 7, 2020 was increased to $1,222,500,000.

 

Subsequent to the reporting period end, the SCA has been renewed effective October 2, 2020 and will provide a commitment of $1,200,000,000 through September 30, 2021. The commitment fee paid by the Participating Funds will continue to be 0.15% of the unused portion of the SCA. The interest on borrowings under the renewed SCA will be paid monthly and at a per annum interest rate of 1.30% plus the higher of (1) the effective federal funds rate, (2) the one-month LIBOR rate or (3) zero percent.

 

Certain affiliated registered investment companies that are parties to the SCA include portfolios that are subject to a predetermined mathematical formula used to manage certain benefit guarantees offered under variable annuity contracts. The formula may result in large scale asset flows into and out of these portfolios. Consequently, these portfolios may be more likely to utilize the SCA for purposes of funding redemptions. It may be possible for those portfolios to fully exhaust the committed amount of the SCA, thereby requiring the Manager to allocate available funding per a Board-approved methodology designed to treat the Participating Funds in the SCA equitably.

 

The Fund utilized the SCA during the reporting period ended August 31, 2020. The average daily balance for the 10 days that the Fund had loans outstanding during the

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     49  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

period was approximately $8,716,800, borrowed at a weighted average interest rate of 2.16%. The maximum loan outstanding amount during the period was $14,214,000. At August 31, 2020, the Fund did not have an outstanding loan amount.

 

9. Risks of Investing in the Fund

 

The Fund’s risks include, but are not limited to, some or all of the risks discussed below. For further information on the Fund’s risks, please refer to the Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.

 

Authorized Participant Concentration Risk: Only an Authorized Participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. The Fund has a limited number of intermediaries that act as Authorized Participants and none of these Authorized Participants is or will be obligated to engage in creation or redemption transactions. To the extent that these intermediaries exit the business or are unable to or choose not to proceed with creation and/ or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other Authorized Participant creates or redeems, shares of the Fund may trade at a substantial discount or premium to NAV, may trade at larger spreads and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting.

 

Bond Obligations Risk: The Fund’s holdings, share price, yield and total return may fluctuate in response to bond market movements. The value of bonds may decline for issuer-related reasons, including management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods and services. Certain types of fixed-income obligations also may be subject to “call and redemption risk”, which is the risk that the issuer may call a bond held by the Fund for redemption before it matures and the Fund may not be able to reinvest at the same level and therefore would earn less income.

 

ETF Shares Trading Risk: Fund shares are listed for trading on the Exchange and the shares are bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The market prices of the shares of the Fund are expected to fluctuate in response to changes in the Fund’s NAV, the intraday value of the Fund’s holdings and supply and demand for shares of the Fund. We cannot predict whether shares of the Fund will trade above, below or at their NAV. Trading on the Exchange, including trading of Fund shares, may be halted in certain circumstances and shareholders may not be able to sell Fund shares at the time or price desired. During periods of stressed market conditions, the market for the shares of the Fund may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the markets for the Fund’s portfolio investments. This adverse effect on the liquidity of the Fund’s shares could lead to differences between the market price of the Fund’s shares and the NAV of those shares. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange to maintain the listing of shares of the Fund will continue to be met. At times, trading in the securities of

 

50  


ETFs has become volatile and unpredictable and the price of ETF shares has diverged from market driven fundamentals.

 

Interest Rate Risk: The value of an investment may go down when interest rates rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. When interest rates fall, the issuers of debt obligations may prepay principal more quickly than expected, and the Fund may be required to reinvest the proceeds at a lower interest rate. This is referred to as “prepayment risk”. When interest rates rise, debt obligations may be repaid more slowly than expected, and the value of the Fund’s holdings may fall sharply. This is referred to as “extension risk”. The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk as a result of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board’s policies. The Fund’s investments may lose value if short-term or long-term interest rates rise sharply or in a manner not anticipated by the subadviser.

 

LIBOR Risk: Many financial instruments use or may use a floating rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” which is the offered rate for short-term Eurodollar deposits between major international banks. On July 27, 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. There remains uncertainty regarding the future utilization of LIBOR and the nature of any replacement rate. As such, the potential impact of a transition away from LIBOR on the Fund or the financial instruments in which the Fund invests cannot yet be determined. The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and/or net asset value. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021.

 

Liquidity Risk: The Fund may invest in instruments that trade in lower volumes and are less liquid than other investments. Liquidity risk exists when particular investments made by the Fund are difficult to purchase or sell. Liquidity risk includes the risk that the Fund may make investments that may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. If the Fund is forced to sell these investments to pay redemption proceeds or for other reasons, the Fund may lose money. In addition, when there is no willing buyer and investments may not reasonably be expected to be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment, the Fund may incur higher transaction costs when executing trade orders of a given size. The reduction in dealer market-making capacity in the fixed-income markets that has occurred in recent years also has the potential to reduce liquidity. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     51  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Market and Credit Risk: Securities markets may be volatile and the market prices of the Fund’s securities may decline. Securities fluctuate in price based on changes in an issuer’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions. If the market prices of the securities owned by the Fund fall, the value of an investment in the Fund will decline. Additionally, the Fund may also be exposed to credit risk in the event that an issuer or guarantor fails to perform or that an institution or entity with which the Fund has unsettled or open transactions defaults.

 

Derivatives Risk: Derivatives involve special risks and costs and may result in losses to the Fund. The successful use of derivatives requires sophisticated management, and, to the extent that derivatives are used, the Fund will depend on the subadviser’s ability to analyze and manage derivatives transactions. The prices of derivatives may move in unexpected ways, especially in abnormal market conditions. Some derivatives are “leveraged” and therefore may magnify or otherwise increase investment losses to the Fund. The Fund’s use of derivatives may also increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders. Other risks arise from the potential inability to terminate or sell derivatives positions. A liquid secondary market may not always exist for the Fund’s derivatives positions. In fact, many over-the-counter derivative instruments will not have liquidity beyond the counterparty to the instrument. Over-the-counter derivative instruments also involve the risk that the other party will not meet its obligations to the Fund.

 

Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risks: International wars or conflicts and geopolitical developments in foreign countries, along with instability in regions such as Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, possible terrorist attacks in the United States or around the world, public health epidemics such as the outbreak of infectious diseases like the recent outbreak of coronavirus globally or the 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa of the Ebola virus, and other similar events could adversely affect the U.S. and foreign financial markets, including increases in market volatility, reduced liquidity in the securities markets and government intervention, and may cause further long-term economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide generally.

 

52  


Financial Highlights

    

Year Ended
August 31,

2020

          

Year Ended
August 31,

2019

          

April 5,

2018(e)

through
August 31,

2018

 
Per Share Operating Performance(a):                                        
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period     $50.15               $50.12               $50.00  
Income (loss) from investment operations:                                        
Net investment income (loss)     1.06               1.40               0.53  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments     (0.08             (0.02             0.01  
Total from investment operations     0.98               1.38               0.54  
Less Dividends and Distributions:                                        
Dividends from net investment income     (1.20             (1.35             (0.42
Net asset value, end of period     $49.93               $50.15               $50.12  
Total Return(b):     1.99%               2.80%               1.08%  
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of period (000)     $1,039,888               $562,990               $52,627  
Average net assets (000)     $883,274               $246,678               $33,209  
Ratios to average net assets(c):                                        
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement     0.15%               0.15%               0.15% (d) 
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement     0.15%               0.15%               0.15% (d) 
Net investment income (loss)     2.12%               2.77%               2.58% (d) 
Portfolio turnover rate(f)     47%               7%               145%  

 

(a)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)

Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of the 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.

(c)

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

(d)

Annualized.

(e)

Commencement of operations.

(f)

The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may be higher.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     53  


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF and Board of Trustees

PGIM ETF Trust:

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF, a series of PGIM ETF Trust, (the Fund), including the schedule of investments, as of August 31, 2020, the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the related notes (collectively, the financial statements) and the financial highlights for each year and period indicated herein. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of August 31, 2020, 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 year and period indicated herein, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

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 are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Such procedures also included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2020, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, and brokers, or by other appropriate auditing procedures when replies were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more PGIM and/or Prudential Retail investment companies since 2003.

 

New York, New York

October 15, 2020

 

54  


Fund Liquidity Risk Management Program (unaudited)

 

Consistent with Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act (the “Liquidity Rule”), the Fund has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “LRMP”). The Fund’s LRMP seeks to assess and manage the Fund’s liquidity risk, which is defined as the risk that the Fund is unable to meet investor redemption requests without significantly diluting the remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has approved PGIM Investments LLC (“PGIM Investments”), the Fund’s investment manager, to serve as the administrator of the Fund’s LRMP. As part of its responsibilities as administrator, PGIM Investments has retained a third party to perform certain functions, including providing market data and liquidity classification model information.

 

The Fund’s LRMP includes a number of processes designed to support the assessment and management of its liquidity risk. In particular, the Fund’s LRMP includes no less than annual assessments of factors that influence the Fund’s liquidity risk; no less than monthly classifications of the Fund’s investments into one of four liquidity classifications provided for in the Liquidity Rule; a 15% of net assets limit on the acquisition of “illiquid investments” (as defined under the Liquidity Rule); establishment of a minimum percentage of the Fund’s assets to be invested in investments classified as “highly liquid” (as defined under the Liquidity Rule) if the Fund does not invest primarily in highly liquid investments; and regular reporting to the Board.

 

At a meeting of the Board on March 3-5, 2020, PGIM Investments provided a written report (“LRMP Report”) to the Board addressing the operation, adequacy, and effectiveness of the Fund’s LRMP, including any material changes to the LRMP for the period from the inception of the Fund’s LRMP on December 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019 (“Reporting Period”). The LRMP Report concluded that the Fund’s LRMP was reasonably designed to assess and manage the Fund’s liquidity risk and was adequately and effectively implemented during the Reporting Period. There were no material changes to the LRMP during the Reporting Period. The LRMP Report further concluded that the Fund’s investment strategies continue to be appropriate given the Fund’s status as an open-end fund.

 

There can be no assurance that the LRMP will achieve its objectives in the future. Additional information regarding risks of investing in the Fund, including liquidity risks presented by the Fund’s investment portfolio, is found in the Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF     55  


Federal Income Tax Information (unaudited)

 

For the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund reports the maximum amount allowable but not less than 58.23% as interest-related dividends in accordance with Sections 871(k)(1) and 881(e)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

In January 2021, you will be advised on IRS Form 1099-DIV or substitute 1099-DIV, as to the federal tax status of the dividends received by you in calendar year 2020.

 

56  


INFORMATION ABOUT BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS (unaudited)

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

 

Independent Board Members        
       

Name

Year of Birth

Position(s)
Portfolios Overseen

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

  

Other Directorships

Held During

Past Five Years

  

Length of

Board Service

       

Ellen S. Alberding

1958

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 95

   President and Board Member, The Joyce Foundation (charitable foundation) (since 2002); Vice Chair, City Colleges of Chicago (community college system) (2011-2015); Trustee, National Park Foundation (charitable foundation for national park system) (2009-2018); Trustee, Economic Club of Chicago (2009-2016); Trustee, Loyola University (since 2018).    None.    Since December 2017
       

Kevin J. Bannon

1952

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 95

   Retired; Managing Director (April 2008-May 2015) and Chief Investment Officer (October 2008-November 2013) of Highmount Capital LLC (registered investment adviser); formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer (April 1993-August 2007) of Bank of New York Company; President (May 2003-May 2007) of BNY Hamilton Family of Mutual Funds.    Director of Urstadt Biddle Properties (equity real estate investment trust) (since September 2008).    Since December 2017

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF


Independent Board Members

           
       

Name

Year of Birth

Position(s)
Portfolios Overseen

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

  

Other Directorships

Held During

Past Five Years

  

Length of

Board Service

       

Linda W. Bynoe

1952

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 95

   President and Chief Executive Officer (since March 1995) and formerly Chief Operating Officer (December 1989-February 1995) of Telemat Limited LLC (formerly, Telemat Ltd). (management consulting); formerly Vice President (January 1985-June 1989) at Morgan Stanley & Co. (broker-dealer).    Director of Anixter International, Inc. (communication products distributor) (since January 2006–June 2020); Director of Northern Trust Corporation (financial services) (since April 2006); Trustee of Equity Residential (residential real estate) (since December 2009).    Since December 2017
       

Barry H. Evans

1960

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 94

   Retired; formerly President (2005 – 2016), Global Chief Operating Officer (2014– 2016), Chief Investment Officer – Global Head of Fixed Income (1998-2014), and various portfolio manager roles (1986-2006), Manulife Asset Management U.S.    Formerly Director, Manulife Trust Company (2011-2018); formerly Director, Manulife Asset Management Limited (2015-2017); formerly Chairman of the Board of Directors of Manulife Asset Management U.S. (2005-2016); formerly Chairman of the Board, Declaration Investment Management and Research (2008-2016).    Since December 2017
       

Keith F. Hartstein

1956

Board Member & Independent Chair

Portfolios Overseen: 95

   Executive Committee of the IDC Board of Governors (since October 2019); Retired; Member (since November 2014) of the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council (IDC) (organization of independent mutual fund directors); formerly President and Chief Executive Officer (2005-2012), Senior Vice President (2004-2005), Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing (1997-2004), and various executive management positions (1990-1997), John Hancock Funds, LLC (asset management); Chairman, Investment Company Institute’s Sales Force Marketing Committee (2003-2008).    None.    Since December 2017

 

Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


Independent Board Members          
       

Name

Year of Birth

Position(s)

Portfolios Overseen

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

  

Other Directorships

Held During

Past Five Years

  

Length of

Board Service

       

Laurie Simon Hodrick

1962

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 94

   A. Barton Hepburn Professor Emerita of Economics in the Faculty of Business, Columbia Business School (since 2018); Visiting Professor of Law, Stanford Law School (since 2015); Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University (since 2015); Sole Member, ReidCourt LLC (since 2008) (a consulting firm); formerly A. Barton Hepburn Professor of Economics in the Faculty of Business, Columbia Business School (1996-2017); formerly Managing Director, Global Head of Alternative Investment Strategies, Deutsche Bank (2006-2008).    Independent Director, Synnex Corporation (since April 2019) (information technology); Independent Director, Kabbage, Inc. (since July 2018) (financial services); Independent Director, Corporate Capital Trust (2017-2018) (a business development company).    Since December 2017
       

Michael S. Hyland, CFA

1945

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 95

   Retired (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.    Since December 2017
       

Brian K. Reid

1961

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 94

   Retired; formerly Chief Economist for the Investment Company Institute (ICI) (2005-2017); formerly Senior Economist and Director of Industry and Financial Analysis at the ICI (1998-2004); formerly Senior Economist, Industry and Financial Analysis at the ICI (1996-1998); formerly Staff Economist at the Federal Reserve Board (1989-1996); Director, ICI Mutual Insurance Company (2012-2017).    None.   

Since March

2018

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF


Independent Board Members          
       

Name

Year of Birth

Position(s)

Portfolios Overseen

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

  

Other Directorships

Held During

Past Five Years

  

Length of

Board Service

       

Grace C. Torres

1959

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 94

   Retired; formerly Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of the PGIM Funds, Target Funds, Advanced Series Trust, Prudential Variable Contract Accounts and The Prudential Series Fund (1998-June 2014); Assistant Treasurer (March 1999-June 2014) and Senior Vice President (September 1999-June 2014) of PGIM Investments LLC; Assistant Treasurer (May 2003-June 2014) and Vice President (June 2005-June 2014) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Assistant Treasurer (May 2003-June 2014) of Prudential Annuities Advisory Services, Inc.    Formerly Director (July 2015-January 2018) of Sun Bancorp, Inc. N.A. and Sun National Bank; Director (since January 2018) of OceanFirst Financial Corp. and OceanFirst Bank.    Since December 2017

 

Interested Board Members          
       

Name

Year of Birth

Position(s)

Portfolios Overseen

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

  

Other Directorships

Held During

Past Five Years

  

Length of

Board Service

       

Stuart S. Parker

1962

Board Member & President

Portfolios Overseen: 96

   President of PGIM Investments LLC (formerly known as Prudential Investments LLC) (since January 2012); Executive Vice President of Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (since December 2012); formerly Executive Vice President of Jennison Associates LLC and Head of Retail Distribution of PGIM Investments LLC (June 2005-December 2011).    None.    Since December 2017

 

Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


Interested Board Members          
       

Name

Year of Birth

Position(s)

Portfolios Overseen

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

  

Other Directorships

Held During

Past Five Years

  

Length of

Board Service

       

Scott E. Benjamin

1973

Board Member & Vice President

Portfolios Overseen: 96

   Executive Vice President (since June 2009) of PGIM Investments LLC; Vice President (since June 2012) of Prudential Investment Management Services LLC; Executive Vice President (since September 2009) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President of Product Development and Marketing, PGIM Investments (since February 2006); formerly Vice President of Product Development and Product Management, PGIM Investments LLC (2003-2006).    None.    Since December 2017

 

Fund Officers(a)            
     

Name

Date of Birth

Fund Position

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years   

Length of

Service as Fund

Officer

     

Claudia DiGiacomo

1974

Chief Legal Officer

   Chief Legal Officer of PGIM Investments LLC (since August 2020); Chief Legal Officer of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (since August 2020); Chief Legal Officer of PIFM Holdco, LLC (since August 2020); Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since January 2005) of Prudential; and Corporate Counsel of AST Investment Services, Inc. (since August 2020); formerly Associate at Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP (1999-2004).    Since December 2017
     

Dino Capasso

1974

Chief Compliance Officer

   Chief Compliance Officer (July 2019-Present) of PGIM Investments LLC; Chief Compliance Officer (July 2019-Present) of the PGIM Funds, Target Funds, Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund, Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc., PGIM Global High Yield Fund, Inc., and PGIM High Yield Bond Fund, Inc.; Vice President and Deputy Chief Compliance Officer (June 2017-2019) of PGIM Investments LLC; formerly, Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel (January 2016-June 2017), and Vice President and Counsel (February 2012-December 2015) of Pacific Investment Management Company LLC.    Since March 2018

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF


Fund Officers(a)            
     

Name

Date of Birth

Fund Position

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years   

Length of
Service as Fund

Officer

     

Andrew R. French

1962

Secretary

   Vice President (since December 2018 - present) of PGIM Investments LLC; Formerly, Vice President and Corporate Counsel (2010-2018) of Prudential; formerly Director and Corporate Counsel (2006-2010) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of PGIM Investments LLC; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC.   

Since December

2017

     

Diana N. Huffman

1982

Assistant Secretary

   Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since September 2015) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since August 2020) of PGIM Investments LLC; formerly Associate at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP (2009-2015).   

Since March

2019

     

Melissa Gonzalez

1980

Assistant Secretary

   Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since September 2018) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since August 2020) of PGIM Investments LLC; formerly Director and Corporate Counsel (March 2014-September 2018) of Prudential.   

Since March

2020

     

Patrick E. McGuinness

1986

Assistant Secretary

   Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since August 2020) of PGIM Investments LLC; Director and Corporate Counsel (since February 2017) of Prudential; and Corporate Counsel (2012 – 2017) of IIL, Inc.   

Since June

2020

     

Christian J. Kelly

1975

Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

   Vice President, Head of Fund Administration of PGIM Investments LLC (since November 2018); formerly, Director of Fund Administration of Lord Abbett & Co. LLC (2009-2018), Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Lord Abbett Family of Funds (2017-2018); Director of Accounting, Avenue Capital Group (2008-2009); Senior Manager, Investment Management Practice of Deloitte & Touche LLP (1998-2007).   

Since January

2019

     

Lana Lomuti

1967

Assistant Treasurer

   Vice President (since 2007) and Director (2005-2007), within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; formerly Assistant Treasurer (December 2007-February 2014) of The Greater China Fund, Inc.   

Since December

2017

     

Russ Shupak

1973

Assistant Treasurer

   Vice President (since 2017) and Director (2013-2017), within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.   

Since October

2019

     

Deborah Conway

1969

Assistant Treasurer

   Vice President (since 2017) and Director (2007-2017), within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.   

Since October

2019

     

Elyse M. McLaughlin

1974

Assistant Treasurer

   Vice President (since 2017) and Director (2011-2017), within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.   

Since October

2019

 

Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


Fund Officers(a)          
     

Name

Date of Birth

Fund Position

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years   

Length of Service as Fund

Officer

     

Charles H. Smith

1973

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer

   Vice President, Corporate Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering Unit (since January 2015) of Prudential; committee member of the American Council of Life Insurers Anti-Money Laundering and Critical Infrastructure Committee (since January 2016); formerly Global Head of Economic Sanctions Compliance at AIG Property Casualty (February 2007-December 2014); Assistant Attorney General at the New York State Attorney General’s Office, Division of Public Advocacy. (August 1998-January 2007).    Since December 2017

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

Explanatory Notes to Tables:

 

 

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

 

 

Unless otherwise noted, the address of all Board Members and Officers is c/o PGIM Investments LLC, 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4410.

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

As used in the Fund Officers table “Prudential” means The Prudential Insurance Company of America.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF


Approval of Advisory Agreements (unaudited)

 

The Fund’s Board of Trustees

 

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF1 (the “Fund”) consists of eleven individuals, nine 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 Trustees 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 Director. The Board has established four standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee, and two Investment Committees. 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 PGIM Investments LLC (“PGIM Investments”) and the Fund’s subadvisory agreement with PGIM Limited (“PGIML”) and PGIM, Inc. on behalf of its PGIM Fixed Income unit (“PGIM Fixed Income”). In considering the renewal of the agreements, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, met on May 27, 2020 and on June 9-11, 2020 and approved the renewal of the agreements through July 31, 2021, 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 requested and 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 PGIM Investments, PGIML and PGIM Fixed Income. Also, the Board considered comparisons with other mutual funds in relevant Peer Universes and Peer Groups, as is further discussed below.

 

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 PGIM Investments, the subadvisers and, as relevant, its affiliates, the performance of the Fund, the profitability of PGIM Investments 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 PGIM Investments throughout

 

1 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF is a series of PGIM ETF Trust.

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF


Approval of Advisory Agreements (continued)

 

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 May 27, 2020 and on June 9-11, 2020.

 

The Trustees determined that the overall arrangements between the Fund and PGIM Investments, which serves as the Fund’s investment manager pursuant to a management agreement, and between PGIM Investments and each of PGIML and PGIM Fixed Income, which serve as the Fund’s subadvisers pursuant to the terms of a subadvisory agreement with PGIM Investments, are in the best interests 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 PGIM Investments, PGIML and PGIM Fixed Income. The Board noted that PGIML and PGIM Fixed Income are affiliated with PGIM Investments. The Board considered the services provided by PGIM Investments, including but not limited to the oversight of the subadvisers for the Fund, as well as the provision of fund recordkeeping, compliance and other services to the Fund, and PGIM Investments’ role as administrator of the Fund’s liquidity risk management program. With respect to PGIM Investments’ oversight of the subadvisers, the Board noted that PGIM Investments’ Strategic Investment Research Group (“SIRG”), which is a business unit of PGIM Investments, is responsible for monitoring and reporting to PGIM Investments’ senior management on the performance and operations of the subadvisers. The Board also considered that PGIM Investments pays the salaries of all of the officers and interested Trustees of the Fund who are part of Fund management. The Board also considered the investment subadvisory services provided by PGIML and PGIM Fixed Income, including investment research and security selection, as well as adherence to the Fund’s investment restrictions and compliance with applicable Fund policies and procedures. The Board considered PGIM Investments’ evaluation of the subadvisers, as well as PGIM Investments’ recommendation, based on its review of the subadvisers, to renew the subadvisory agreement.

 

The Board considered the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of PGIM Investments’ senior management responsible for the oversight of the Fund, PGIML and PGIM Fixed Income, and also considered the qualifications, backgrounds and

 

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responsibilities of the PGIML and PGIM Fixed Income portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. The Board was provided with information pertaining to PGIML’s, PGIM Investments’ and PGIM Fixed Income’s organizational structure, senior management, investment operations, and other relevant information pertaining to PGIM Investments, PGIML and PGIM Fixed Income. The Board also noted that it received favorable compliance reports from the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) as to PGIM Investments, PGIML and PGIM Fixed Income.

 

The Board concluded that it was satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of the investment management services provided by PGIM Investments, and the subadvisory services provided to the Fund by PGIML and PGIM Fixed Income, and that there was a reasonable basis on which to conclude that the Fund benefits from the services provided by PGIM Investments, PGIML and PGIM Fixed Income under the management agreement and the subadvisory agreement.

 

Costs of Services and Profits Realized by PGIM Investments

 

The Board was provided with information on the profitability of PGIM Investments and its affiliates in serving as the Fund’s investment manager. The Board discussed with PGIM Investments the methodology utilized in assembling the information regarding profitability and considered its reasonableness. The Board recognized that it is difficult to make 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. However, the Board considered that the cost of services provided by PGIM Investments exceeded the management fees received by PGIM Investments, resulting in an operating loss to PGIM Investments for the year ended December 31, 2019. Taking these factors into account, the Board concluded that the profitability of PGIM Investments and its affiliates in relation to the services rendered was not unreasonable.

 

Economies of Scale

 

The Board received and discussed information concerning economies of scale that PGIM Investments may realize as the Fund’s assets grow beyond current levels. During the course of time, the Board has considered information regarding the launch date of the Fund, the management fees of the Fund compared to those of similarly managed funds and PGIM Investments’ investment in the Fund over time. The Board noted that economies of scale can be shared with the Fund in other ways, including low management fees from inception, additional technological and personnel investments to enhance shareholder services, and maintaining existing expense structures in the face of a rising cost

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF


Approval of Advisory Agreements (continued)

 

environment. The Board also considered PGIM Investments’ assertion that it continually evaluates the management fee schedule of the Fund and the potential to share economies of scale through breakpoints or fee waivers as asset levels increase.

 

The Board recognized the inherent limitations of any analysis of economies of scale, stemming largely from the Board’s understanding that most of PGIM Investments’ costs are not specific to individual funds, but rather are incurred across a variety of products and services.

 

Other Benefits to PGIM Investments, PGIML and PGIM Fixed Income

 

The Board considered potential ancillary benefits that might be received by PGIM Investments, PGIML, PGIM Fixed Income and their affiliates as a result of their relationship with the Fund. The Board concluded that potential benefits to be derived by PGIM Investments included transfer agency fees received by the Fund’s transfer agent (which is affiliated with PGIM Investments), as well as benefits to its reputation or other intangible benefits resulting from PGIM Investments’ association with the Fund. The Board concluded that the potential benefits to be derived by PGIML and PGIM Fixed Income included the 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 its reputation. The Board concluded that the benefits derived by PGIM Investments, PGIML and PGIM Fixed Income were consistent with the types of benefits generally derived by investment managers and subadvisers to mutual funds.

 

Performance of the Fund / Fees and Expenses

 

The Board considered certain additional factors and made related conclusions relating to the historical performance of the Fund for the one-year period ended December 31, 2019. The Board considered that the Fund commenced operations on April 5, 2018 and that longer-term performance was not yet available.

 

The Board also considered the Fund’s actual management fee, as well as the Fund’s net total expense ratio, for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019. The Board considered the management fee for the Fund as compared to the management fee charged by PGIM Investments to other funds and the fee charged by other advisers to comparable mutual funds in a Peer Group. The actual management fee represents the fee rate actually paid by Fund shareholders and includes any fee waivers or reimbursements. The net total expense ratio for the Fund represents the actual expense ratio incurred by Fund shareholders.

 

The mutual funds included in the Peer Universe, which was used to consider performance, and the Peer Group, which was used to consider expenses and fees, were objectively

 

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determined by Broadridge, an independent provider of mutual fund data. In certain circumstances, PGIM Investments also provided supplemental Peer Universe or Peer Group information for reasons addressed with the Board. The comparisons placed the Fund in various quartiles over various periods, 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 section below summarizes key factors considered by the Board and the Board’s conclusions regarding the Fund’s performance, fees and overall expenses. The table sets forth net performance comparisons (which reflect the impact on performance of fund expenses, or any subsidies, expense caps or waivers that may be applicable) with the Peer Universe, actual management fees with the Peer Group (which reflect the impact of any subsidies or fee waivers), and net total expenses with the Peer Group, each of which were key factors considered by the Board.

 

Net Performance    1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years
  

2nd Quartile

   N/A    N/A    N/A
Actual Management Fees: 2nd Quartile
Net Total Expenses: 1st Quartile

 

   

The Board noted that the Fund outperformed both of its benchmark indices over the one-year period ended December 31, 2019.

   

The Board noted that the Fund does not yet have a three-year performance record and that, therefore, the subadvisers should have more time to develop that record.

   

The Board and PGIM Investments agreed to retain the Fund’s existing contractual fee waiver, pursuant to which PGIM Investments waives any management fees it receives from the Fund in an amount equal to the subadvisory fees paid by the Fund to the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund.

   

The Board concluded that, in light of the above, it would be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders to continue to allow the Fund to create a longer-term performance record, and to renew the agreements.

   

The Board concluded that the management fees (including subadvisory fees) and total expenses were reasonable in light of the services provided.

 

*    *    *

 

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

 

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF


 MAIL    TELEPHONE    WEBSITE

655 Broad Street

Newark, NJ 07102

 

(800) 225-1852

 

pgim.com/investments

 

PROXY VOTING
The Board of Trustees of the Fund has delegated to the Fund’s 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 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 Securities and Exchange Commission’s website.

 

TRUSTEES
Ellen S. Alberding Kevin J. Bannon Scott E. Benjamin Linda W. Bynoe Barry H. Evans Keith F. Hartstein Laurie Simon Hodrick Michael S. Hyland Stuart S. Parker Brian K. Reid Grace C. Torres

 

OFFICERS
Stuart S. Parker, President Scott E. Benjamin, Vice President Christian J. Kelly, Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer Claudia DiGiacomo, Chief Legal Officer Dino Capasso, Chief Compliance Officer Charles H. Smith, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer Andrew R. French, Secretary Melissa Gonzalez, Assistant Secretary Diana N. Huffman, Assistant Secretary Patrick McGuinness, Assistant Secretary Lana Lomuti, Assistant Treasurer Russ Shupak, Assistant Treasurer Elyse McLaughlin, Assistant Treasurer Deborah Conway, Assistant Treasurer

 

MANAGER   PGIM Investments LLC  

655 Broad Street

Newark, NJ 07102

 

SUBADVISER   PGIM Fixed Income  

655 Broad Street

Newark, NJ 07102

  PGIM Limited  

Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand

Trafalgar Square

London, WC2N 5HR

United Kingdom

 

DISTRIBUTOR   Prudential Investment
Management Services LLC
 

655 Broad Street

Newark, NJ 07102

 

CUSTODIAN/TRANSFER AGENT   Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.  

50 Post Office Square

Boston, MA 02110

 

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 the prospectus and summary prospectus by visiting our website at pgim.com/investments or by calling (800) 225-1852. The prospectus and summary prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

 

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

 

SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS WITH TRUSTEES
Shareholders can communicate directly with the Board of Trustees by writing to the Chair of the Board, PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF, PGIM Investments, Attn: Board of Trustees, 655 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102. Shareholders can communicate directly with an individual Trustee by writing to that Trustee at 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 as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT filings are available on the Commission’s website at sec.gov.

 

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.

 

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

 

PGIM ULTRA SHORT BOND ETF

 

TICKER SYMBOL   PULS

 

ETF1000E    


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PGIM ACTIVE HIGH YIELD BOND ETF (NYSE Arca: PHYL)

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT

AUGUST 31, 2020

 

COMING SOON: PAPERLESS SHAREHOLDER REPORTS

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semiannual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website (pgim.com/investments), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank).

 

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You should contact your financial intermediary or follow instructions included with this notice to elect to continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held in your account.

 

LOGO

 

To enroll in e-delivery, go to pgim.com/investments/resource/edelivery


Table of Contents

 

Letter from the President

     3  

Your Fund’s Performance

     4  

Growth of a $10,000 Investment

     5  

Strategy and Performance Overview

     7  

Fees and Expenses

     9  

Holdings and Financial Statements

     11  

Approval of Advisory Agreements

        

 

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.

 

Exchange-traded funds are distributed by Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (PIMS), member SIPC. PGIM Fixed Income is a unit of PGIM, Inc. (PGIM), a registered investment adviser. PIMS and PGIM are Prudential Financial companies. © 2020 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities. PGIM and the PGIM logo are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.

 

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Letter from the President

 

LOGO

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

We hope you find the annual report for the PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF informative and useful. The report covers performance for the 12-month period that ended August 31, 2020.

 

During the first half of the period, the global economy remained healthy—particularly in the US—fueled by rising corporate profits and strong job growth. The outlook changed dramatically in March as the coronavirus outbreak quickly and substantially shut down economic activity worldwide, leading to significant job losses and a steep decline in global growth and earnings. Responding to this disruption, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) cut the federal funds rate target to near zero and flooded capital markets with liquidity; and Congress passed stimulus bills worth approximately $3 trillion that offered an economic lifeline to consumers and businesses.

 

While stocks climbed throughout the first half of the period, they fell significantly in March amid a spike in volatility, ending the 11-year-long equity bull market. With stores and factories closing and consumers staying at home to limit the spread of the virus, investors sold stocks on fears that corporate earnings would take a serious hit. As states reopened their economies in the spring and early summer, a strong equity market rally helped stocks around the globe post gains during the period.

 

The bond market overall—including US and global bonds as well as emerging market debt—rose during the period as investors sought safety in fixed income. A significant rally in interest rates pushed the 10-year US Treasury yield down to a record low. In March, the Fed took several aggressive actions to keep the bond markets running smoothly, restarting many of the relief programs that proved to be successful in helping end the global financial crisis in 2008-09.

 

Regarding your investments with PGIM, we believe it is important to maintain a diversified portfolio of funds consistent with your tolerance for risk, time horizon, and financial goals. Your financial advisor can help you create a diversified investment plan that may include funds covering all the basic asset classes and that reflects your personal investor profile and risk tolerance. However, diversification and asset allocation strategies do not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

 

At PGIM Investments, we consider it a great privilege and responsibility to help investors participate in opportunities across global markets while meeting their toughest investment challenges. PGIM is a top-10 global investment manager with more than $1 trillion in assets under management. This scale and investment expertise allow us to deliver actively managed funds and strategies to meet the needs of investors around the globe.

 

Thank you for choosing our family of funds.

 

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

 

Stuart S. Parker, President

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF

October 15, 2020

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     3  


Your Fund’s Performance (unaudited)

 

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 sold or 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 pgim.com/investments or by calling (800) 225-1852.

 

    Average Annual Total Returns
as of 8/31/20
    One Year (%)   Since Inception (%)
Net Asset Value (NAV)   5.24   6.93 (9/24/18)
Market Price*   5.51   7.24 (9/24/18)
Bloomberg Barclays US High Yield Very Liquid Index   4.13   5.61              

 

*The market price is determined using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the listing exchange, as of the time that the Fund’s NAV is calculated. The first day of secondary market trading is typically several days after the date on which the Fund commenced investment operations; therefore, the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the period from inception of investment operations to the first day of secondary market trading to calculate the market price returns.

 

Since inception returns for the Index are measured from the closest month-end to the Fund’s inception date.

The returns in the table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or following the redemption or sale of Fund shares.

Market returns do not include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market transactions. If brokerage commissions were included, market returns would be lower. Market and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, have been reinvested in the Fund at market price and NAV, respectively.

 

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Growth of a $10,000 Investment (unaudited)

 

LOGO

 

The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund with a similar investment in the Bloomberg Barclays US High Yield Very Liquid Index by portraying the initial account values at the commencement of operations (September 24, 2018) and the account values at the end of the current fiscal year (August 31, 2020) as measured on a quarterly basis. The Fund assumes an initial investment on September 24, 2018, while the benchmark and the Index assume that the initial investment occurred on September 30, 2018. For purposes of the graph, and unless otherwise indicated, it has been assumed that (a) all recurring fees (including management fees) were deducted; and (b) all dividends and distributions were reinvested.

 

Past performance does not predict future performance. Total returns and the ending account values in the graphs 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.

 

Benchmark Definitions

 

Bloomberg Barclays US High Yield Very Liquid Index (VLI)—The Bloomberg Barclays US High Yield Very Liquid Index is a component of the US Corporate High Yield Index that is designed to track a more liquid component of the USD-denominated, high yield, fixed rate corporate bond market. The Index uses the same eligibility criteria as the US Corporate High Yield Index, but includes only the three largest bonds from each issuer that have a minimum amount outstanding of USD500mn and less than five years from issue date. The Index also limits the exposure of each issuer to 2% of the total market value and redistributes any excess market value index-wide on a pro rata basis.

 

Investors cannot invest directly in an index. The returns for the Index would be lower if they included the effects of sales charges, operating expenses of a mutual fund, or taxes that may be paid by an investor.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     5  


Your Fund’s Performance (continued)

 

Credit Quality expressed as a percentage of total investments as of 8/31/20 (%)  
AAA     2.8  
BBB     3.5  
BB     40.7  
B     33.9  
CCC     15.0  
C     0.2  
Not Rated     1.6  
Cash/Cash Equivalents     2.3  
Total Investments     100.0  

 

Credit ratings reflect the highest rating assigned by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO) such as Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s), S&P Global Ratings (S&P), or Fitch, Inc. (Fitch). Credit ratings reflect the common nomenclature used by both S&P and Fitch. Where applicable, ratings are converted to the comparable S&P/Fitch rating tier nomenclature. These rating agencies are independent and are widely used. Credit ratings are subject to change.

 

Distributions and Yields as of 8/31/20
  Total Dividends
Paid for
12 Months ($)
   SEC 30-Day
Subsidized
Yield* (%)
   SEC 30-Day
Unsubsidized
Yield** (%)
    2.97    5.28    5.28

 

*SEC 30-Day Subsidized Yield (%)—A standardized yield calculation created by the Securities and Exchange Commission, it reflects the income earned during a 30-day period, after the deduction of the Fund’s net expenses (net of any expense waivers or reimbursements). The investor experience is represented by the SEC 30-Day Subsidized Yield.

**SEC 30-Day Unsubsidized Yield (%)—A standardized yield calculation created by the Securities and Exchange Commission, it reflects the income earned during a 30-day period, after the deduction of the Fund’s gross expenses. The investor experience is represented by the SEC 30-Day Subsidized Yield.

 

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Strategy and Performance Overview (unaudited)

 

How did the Fund perform?

The PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF (the Fund) returned 5.24% based on net asset value in the 12-month reporting period that ended August 31, 2020, outperforming the 4.13% return of the Bloomberg Barclays US High Yield Very Liquid Index (the Index).

 

What were the market conditions?

   

Following several stable months, the last part of the reporting period was dominated by the global outbreak of COVID-19, its economic impact, and the resulting decline in risk sentiment around the globe. After generating gains throughout the latter part of 2019, high yield bonds declined sharply during the first quarter of 2020 as credit spreads widened to levels not seen since the 2008-09 financial crisis. (Credit spreads are yield differentials between corporate bonds and US Treasuries of comparable maturity.) Though US high yield bond spreads have tightened from their widest level in March, they remain significantly wider than pre-COVID levels.

 

   

Throughout most of the period, the asset class benefited from stable credit fundamentals, low corporate default rates, and record-high equity prices. The signing of a phase-one US-China trade deal and stable monetary policy further boosted sentiment toward the end of 2019 and throughout most of January 2020. However, this optimism proved short-lived, as high yield bonds came under heavy pressure in February and March when growing concerns around COVID-19 and a sharp sell-off in oil prices sparked a collapse in the asset class.

 

   

Following a difficult March, high yield bonds began to stabilize following unprecedented fiscal and monetary responses, including the Federal Reserve’s (the Fed’s) announcement that it would purchase recently fallen angels (i.e., previously investment-grade corporate bonds that have been downgraded to below investment grade) and high yield bond exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Risk-on sentiment saw spreads decline sharply over the last five months of the period, with the market rebounding sharply from March lows.

 

   

During the second quarter of 2020, high yield bonds responded positively to the fiscal and monetary stimulus programs aimed at stabilizing the US economy and financial markets. Spreads tightened by 233 basis points (bps) to end the quarter at 644 bps as mutual fund flows turned strongly positive, with five of the largest weekly inflows on record occurring during the quarter. (One basis point equals 0.01%.)

 

   

In July and August 2020, US high yield again posted strong gains on the back of government and central bank support, a gradual reopening of the economy, optimism around COVID-19 vaccine development, and improving economic data. US high yield bond spreads ended the period at 502 bps. By quality, higher-rated bonds generally fared better than their lower-quality peers heading into and coming out of the COVID-19-related market volatility, with BB-rated bonds outperforming B-rated bonds and CCC-rated bonds. However, this dynamic shifted during the last month of the period, as CCC-rated bonds generally outperformed their higher-rated peers in August.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     7  


Strategy and Performance Overview (continued)

 

What worked?

   

Having more beta in the Fund relative to the Index, on average, over the reporting period was a significant contributor to returns.

 

   

The Fund benefited from strong security selection within the telecom, consumer non-cyclical, and metals & mining industries.

 

   

Overweights to Digicel Ltd. (telecom), CenturyLink Inc. (telecom), and Calpine Corp. (electric utilities) relative to the Index were among the Fund’s largest single-name contributors.

 

   

The Fund benefited from underweights relative to the Index to real estate investment trusts and transportation & environmental services, coupled with overweights to the automotive, electric utilities, chemical, and technology industries.

 

What didn’t work?

   

Overall industry selection hurt performance, with an overweight to upstream energy relative to the Index detracting the most.

 

   

Security selection within media & entertainment, upstream and midstream energy, and building materials & home construction was a drag on performance.

 

   

The largest single name detractors from returns were overweights relative to the Index to Chesapeake Energy Corp. (energy), AMC Entertainment (gaming, lodging & leisure), and Extraction Oil & Gas (energy), as well as an underweight relative to the Index to Occidental Petroleum Corp. (energy).

 

Did the Fund use derivatives?

   

The Fund utilized US Treasury futures to hedge interest rate risk relative to the Index to help immunize any impact from fluctuations in interest rates.

 

   

The Fund also held positions in a credit default swap index (CDX) to hedge credit risk and help manage the overall beta of the portfolio.

 

Current outlook

   

PGIM Fixed Income remains constructive on high yield over the medium term given the enormous monetary and fiscal responses seen to date, including the Fed’s decision to purchase recently fallen angels and high yield bond ETFs. It also believes current spread levels adequately compensate for an expected increase in defaults over the next two years. Over the near term, it believes the market is vulnerable to uncertainty around a second wave of COVID-19, the US elections in November, slowing inflows, and new supply used to fund corporate losses.

 

   

Key positioning themes include underweights relative to the Index to the consumer non-cyclical and insurance sectors. Overweights relative to the Index include consumer cyclicals, electric utilities, and technology.

 

8   Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


Fees and Expenses (unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur ongoing costs, including investment management fees. 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 funds.

 

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 held through the six-month period ended August 31, 2020. The example is for illustrative purposes only.

 

Actual Expenses

The first line 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 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 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, brokerage commissions paid on purchases and sales of Fund shares. Therefore, the ending account values and expenses paid for the period are 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.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     9  


Fees and Expenses (continued)

 

       
PGIM Active High Yield
Bond ETF
  Beginning Account
Value
March 1, 2020
    Ending Account
Value
August 31, 2020
    Annualized
Expense Ratio
based on the
Six-Month Period
    Expenses Paid
During the
Six-Month Period*
 

Actual

Hypothetical

  $

$

1,000.00

1,000.00

 

 

  $

$

1,035.00

1,022.47

 

 

   

0.53

0.53


  $

$

2.71

2.69

 

 

 

*Fund expenses (net of fee waivers or subsidies, if any) are equal to the annualized expense ratio (provided in the table), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the 184 days in the six-month period ended August 31, 2020, and divided by the 366 days in the Fund’s fiscal year ended August 31, 2020 (to reflect the six-month period). Expenses presented in the table include the expenses of any underlying portfolios in which the Fund may invest.

 

10   Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


Schedule of Investments

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS    96.8%

 

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES    2.8%

 

Collateralized Loan Obligations    2.8%

 

AGL Core CLO 4 Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2020-4A, Class A, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 2.210%

    2.893 %(c)      04/20/28       250     $ 250,093  

JMP Credit Advisors CLO IV Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2017-1A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.280%

    1.553 (c)      07/17/29       246       244,282  

Ocean Trails CLO VI (Cayman Islands), Series 2016-6A, Class AR, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 1.150%

    1.425 (c)      07/15/28       247       245,335  

Zais CLO 8 Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Series 2018-1A, Class A, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 0.950%

    1.225 (c)      04/15/29       245       239,815  
       

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
(cost $984,549)

 

    979,525  
       

 

 

 

BANK LOANS    4.5%

 

   

Computers    0.1%

 

Everi Payments, Inc., Term Loan, 3 Month LIBOR + 10.500%

    11.500 (c)      05/09/24       25       25,500  

Diversified/Conglomerate Services    0.1%

 

Intrado Corp., Initial Term B Loan, 3 Month LIBOR + 4.000%

    5.000 (c)      10/10/24       50       44,294  

Electric    0.1%

 

Tech Data Corp., Non-FILO Term Loan, 1 Month LIBOR + 3.500%

    3.656 (c)      06/30/25       25       25,031  

Electric & Gas Marketing    0.3%

 

Heritage Power LLC, Term Loan, 3 Month LIBOR + 6.000%

    7.000 (c)      07/30/26       99       93,791  

Entertainment    0.5%

 

Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Inc., 2020 Buyback Term Loan, 2 Month LIBOR + 12.000%

    13.000 (c)      10/04/23       4       4,341  

Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Inc., 2020 Initial Term Loan, 3 Month LIBOR + 12.000%

    13.000 (c)      10/04/23       46       53,159  

Scientific Games International, Inc., Initial Term B-5 Loan, 3 Month LIBOR + 2.750%

    3.472 (c)      08/14/24       74       69,243  

Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc., Term B-1 Facility Loan, 1 Month LIBOR + 8.000%

    9.000 (c)      05/11/26       50       53,062  
       

 

 

 
    179,805  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     11  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

BANK LOANS (Continued)

 

Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals    0.1%

 

Mallinckrodt International Finance SA, 2017 Term B Loan (Luxembourg), 3 Month LIBOR + 2.750%

    3.500 %(c)      09/24/24       50     $ 43,066  

Infrastructure Software    1.5%

 

McAfee LLC, Initial Loan (Second Lien), 1 Month LIBOR + 8.500%

    9.500 (c)      09/29/25       269       271,437  

McAfee LLC, Term B USD Loan, 1 Month LIBOR + 3.750%

    3.906 (c)      09/30/24       242       239,802  
       

 

 

 
    511,239  

Oil & Gas    0.5%

 

Chesapeake Energy Corp., Class A Term Loan, 2 Month LIBOR + 8.000%(d)

    9.000 (c)      06/24/24       200       129,313  

CITGO Petroleum Corp., 2019 Incremental Term B Loan, 3 Month LIBOR + 5.000%

    6.000 (c)      03/28/24       68       64,640  
       

 

 

 
    193,953  

Software    0.6%

 

Informatica LLC, Initial Loan (Second Lien)

    7.125       02/25/25       25       25,281  

Playtika Holding Corp., Term B Loan, 3 Month LIBOR + 6.000%

    7.072 (c)      12/10/24       122       122,762  

TIBCO Software Inc., Term Loan (Second Lien), 1 Month LIBOR + 7.250%

    7.410 (c)      03/03/28       50       48,333  
       

 

 

 
    196,376  
       

 

 

 

Specialty Chemicals    0.5%

 

Solenis Holdings LLC, Initial Dollar Term Loan (First Lien), 3 Month LIBOR + 4.000%

    4.256 (c)      06/26/25       99       97,098  

Solenis Holdings LLC, Initial Term Loan (Second Lien), 3 Month LIBOR + 8.500%

    8.756 (c)      06/26/26       100       89,711  
       

 

 

 
    186,809  

Telecommunications    0.2%

 

Xplornet Communications, Inc., Initial Term Loan, 1 Month LIBOR + 4.750%

    4.906 (c)      06/10/27       75       73,906  
       

 

 

 

TOTAL BANK LOANS
(cost $1,644,067)

 

    1,573,770  
       

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

12  


Description   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS    89.5%

 

Advertising    0.6%

 

National CineMedia LLC, Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.875     04/15/28       50     $ 40,300  

National Cinemedia LLC, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    5.750       08/15/26       50       32,500  

Outfront Media Capital LLC/Outfront Media Capital Corp., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.250       06/15/25       25       25,907  

Terrier Media Buyer, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    8.875       12/15/27       120       124,310  
       

 

 

 
    223,017  

Aerospace & Defense    3.1%

 

Boeing Co.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    5.150       05/01/30       125       139,921  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    5.805       05/01/50       175       209,085  

Bombardier, Inc. (Canada),

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    7.500       12/01/24       400       302,875  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    7.875       04/15/27       175       127,032  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    8.750       12/01/21       50       48,046  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    6.875       05/01/25       25       28,406  

Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    7.500       04/15/25       50       50,515  

SSL Robotics LLC, Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    9.750       12/31/23       75       84,734  

TransDigm, Inc., Gtd. Notes

    6.500       05/15/25       100       100,665  
       

 

 

 
    1,091,279  

Agriculture    0.5%

 

Vector Group Ltd.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    10.500       11/01/26       25       25,969  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.125       02/01/25       150       152,169  
       

 

 

 
    178,138  

Apparel    0.5%

 

William Carter Co., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.500       05/15/25       100       106,542  

Wolverine World Wide, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.000       09/01/26       50       50,087  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.375       05/15/25       25       26,618  
       

 

 

 
    183,247  

Auto Manufacturers    2.9%

 

Allison Transmission, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    4.750       10/01/27       50       52,471  

Ford Motor Co.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    4.750       01/15/43       325       300,017  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    5.291       12/08/46       175       165,788  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    9.000       04/22/25       210       245,677  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    9.625       04/22/30       45       58,944  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     13  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

       

Auto Manufacturers (cont’d.)

 

Navistar International Corp.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.625 %       11/01/25       140     $ 142,600  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    9.500       05/01/25       50       56,955  
       

 

 

 
    1,022,452  

Auto Parts & Equipment    1.6%

 

Adient Global Holdings Ltd. (Jersey, Channel Islands), Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.875       08/15/26       200       187,343  

Adient US LLC, Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    9.000       04/15/25       25       27,968  

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes

    6.250       04/01/25       25       25,778  

Gtd. Notes

    6.250       03/15/26       100       102,194  

Cooper-Standard Automotive, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.625       11/15/26       50       27,961  

Dana Financing Luxembourg Sarl (Luxembourg), Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.500       06/01/26       100       105,387  

Dana, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    5.625       06/15/28       10       10,571  

Titan International, Inc., Sr. Sec’d. Notes

    6.500       11/30/23       75       56,039  
       

 

 

 
    543,241  

Banks    0.2%

 

CIT Group, Inc.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    4.750       02/16/24       25       26,384  

Subordinated

    6.125       03/09/28       50       58,909  
       

 

 

 
    85,293  

Building Materials    2.3%

 

Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    8.000       04/15/26       125       132,440  

Forterra Finance LLC/FRTA Finance Corp., Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.500       07/15/25       25       26,580  

Griffon Corp., Gtd. Notes

    5.750       03/01/28       50       53,098  

JELD-WEN, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.625       12/15/25       25       25,413  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.250       05/15/25       25       26,920  

Masonite International Corp. (Canada), Gtd.
Notes, 144A

    5.375       02/01/28       30       32,148  

Patrick Industries, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.500       10/15/27       50       55,203  

Standard Industries, Inc.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    3.375       01/15/31       25       24,899  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    4.375       07/15/30       50       52,953  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    4.750       01/15/28       75       79,245  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.000       02/15/27       120       125,666  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

14  


Description   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Building Materials (cont’d.)

 

Summit Materials LLC/Summit Materials Finance Corp., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.250 %       01/15/29       15     $ 15,710  

US Concrete, Inc., Gtd. Notes

    6.375       06/01/24       150       154,809  
       

 

 

 
    805,084  

Chemicals    3.9%

 

Ashland LLC, Gtd. Notes

    6.875       05/15/43       75       93,659  

Atotech Alpha 2 BV (Netherlands), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, Cash coupon 8.750% or PIK 9.500%, 144A

    8.750       06/01/23       200       202,678  

Chemours Co. (The),

       

Gtd. Notes

    5.375       05/15/27       50       50,577  

Gtd. Notes

    6.625       05/15/23       75       75,423  

Gtd. Notes

    7.000       05/15/25       100       102,834  

Cornerstone Chemical Co., Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.750       08/15/24       50       46,687  

Hexion, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.875       07/15/27       105       105,197  

Minerals Technologies, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.000       07/01/28       25       25,978  

NOVA Chemicals Corp. (Canada), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.250       06/01/27       120       116,065  

Olin Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    9.500       06/01/25       25       29,168  

Rain CII Carbon LLC/CII Carbon Corp., Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    7.250       04/01/25       75       74,632  

TPC Group, Inc., Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    10.500       08/01/24       135       114,654  

Tronox Finance PLC (United Kingdom), Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.750       10/01/25       95       96,373  

Tronox, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.500       04/15/26       45       46,531  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.500       05/01/25       50       53,947  

Venator Finance Sarl/Venator Materials LLC (Multinational),
Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.750       07/15/25       85       70,890  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    9.500       07/01/25       25       26,306  

WR Grace & Co.-Conn, Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.875       06/15/27       25       26,202  
       

 

 

 
    1,357,801  

Commercial Services    4.8%

 

Allied Universal Holdco LLC/Allied Universal Finance Corp.,

       

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.625       07/15/26       60       64,513  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    9.750       07/15/27       100       110,238  

AMN Healthcare, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.625       10/01/27       25       26,092  

Gartner, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.500       07/01/28       15       15,666  

Laureate Education, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    8.250       05/01/25       85       90,341  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     15  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Commercial Services (cont’d.)

 

Refinitiv US Holdings, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    8.250 %       11/15/26       494     $ 546,997  

Sabre GLBL, Inc., Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    7.375       09/01/25       25       26,204  

Service Corp. International, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.375       08/15/30       20       20,385  

United Rentals North America, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes

    3.875       02/15/31       50       51,703  

Gtd. Notes

    4.000       07/15/30       25       26,132  

Gtd. Notes

    4.875       01/15/28       300       318,885  

Gtd. Notes

    5.250       01/15/30       200       222,243  

Verscend Escrow Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    9.750       08/15/26       150       162,573  
       

 

 

 
    1,681,972  

Computers    1.6%

 

Banff Merger Sub, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    9.750       09/01/26       251       267,461  

Everi Payments, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.500       12/15/25       109       107,545  

NCR Corp.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.000       10/01/28       50       50,416  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.250       10/01/30       25       25,325  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    8.125       04/15/25       25       27,914  

Tempo Acquisition LLC/Tempo Acquisition Finance Corp.,

       

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.750       06/01/25       25       26,215  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.750       06/01/25       65       66,342  
       

 

 

 
    571,218  

Distribution/Wholesale    0.7%

 

Core & Main Holdings LP, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, Cash coupon 8.625% or PIK 9.375%, 144A

    8.625       09/15/24       100       102,380  

H&E Equipment Services, Inc., Gtd. Notes

    5.625       09/01/25       100       103,904  

Performance Food Group, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.500       10/15/27       25       26,062  
       

 

 

 
    232,346  

Diversified Financial Services    2.8%

 

Alliance Data Systems Corp., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.750       12/15/24       50       47,924  

Fairstone Financial, Inc. (Canada), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    7.875       07/15/24       30       31,118  

LPL Holdings, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.750       09/15/25       75       78,000  

Nationstar Mortgage Holdings, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.500       08/15/28       5       5,268  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.000       01/15/27       75       79,511  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    9.125       07/15/26       250       271,927  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

16  


Description   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Diversified Financial Services (cont’d.)

 

OneMain Finance Corp.,

       

Gtd. Notes

    6.625 %       01/15/28       50     $ 57,133  

Gtd. Notes

    6.875       03/15/25       75       84,582  

Gtd. Notes

    7.125       03/15/26       275       315,378  
       

 

 

 
    970,841  

Electric    3.8%

 

Calpine Corp.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    4.625       02/01/29       50       51,211  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.000       02/01/31       100       104,508  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.125       03/15/28       425       449,264  

NRG Energy, Inc., Gtd. Notes

    6.625       01/15/27       150       160,569  

PG&E Corp.,

       

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

    5.000       07/01/28       50       49,876  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

    5.250       07/01/30       170       169,436  

Vistra Operations Co. LLC,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.000       07/31/27       65       68,879  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.500       09/01/26       75       78,918  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.625       02/15/27       200       212,316  
       

 

 

 
    1,344,977  

Electrical Component & Equipment    0.2%

 

WESCO Distribution, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.125       06/15/25       25       27,474  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.250       06/15/28       50       55,720  
       

 

 

 
    83,194  

Electronics    0.0%

 

Sensata Technologies, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    3.750       02/15/31       15       15,036  

Energy-Alternate Sources    0.2%

 

Enviva Partners LP/Enviva Partners Finance Corp., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.500       01/15/26       50       53,310  

Engineering & Construction    0.5%

 

AECOM, Gtd. Notes

    5.125       03/15/27       50       54,982  

PowerTeam Services LLC, Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    9.033       12/04/25       50       53,404  

TopBuild Corp., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.625       05/01/26       50       52,177  
       

 

 

 
    160,563  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     17  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Entertainment    4.3%

 

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.,

       

Sec’d. Notes, Cash coupon 10.000% or PIK 12.000% or Cash coupon 5.000% and PIK 6.000%, 144A

    12.000     06/15/26       219     $ 81,457  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    10.500       04/24/26       26       22,233  

Caesars Resort Collection LLC/CRC Finco, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.250       10/15/25       250       239,280  

Colt Merger Sub, Inc.,

       

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.250       07/01/25       40       42,352  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    8.125       07/01/27       30       31,788  

Golden Entertainment, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    7.625       04/15/26       125       118,453  

International Game Technology PLC (United Kingdom), Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.250       01/15/29       200       206,325  

Jacobs Entertainment, Inc., Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    7.875       02/01/24       100       94,886  

Penn National Gaming, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.625       01/15/27       100       103,816  

Scientific Games International, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.000       05/15/28       50       49,016  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.250       11/15/29       25       24,757  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    8.250       03/15/26       175       180,260  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    8.625       07/01/25       50       52,107  

Six Flags Entertainment Corp.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.875       07/31/24       50       48,489  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.500       04/15/27       50       48,896  

Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.750       06/01/27       100       99,209  

Wynn Resorts Finance LLC/Wynn Resorts Capital Corp.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.125       10/01/29       30       29,286  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    7.750       04/15/25       25       26,327  
       

 

 

 
    1,498,937  

Food    2.8%

 

Albertsons Cos., Inc./Safeway, Inc./New Albertsons LP/Albertsons LLC,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.625       01/15/27       25       26,379  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    3.500       03/15/29       75       75,549  

B&G Foods, Inc., Gtd. Notes

    5.250       09/15/27       50       53,275  

JBS USA LUX SA/JBS USA Finance, Inc. (Multinational),

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.750       06/15/25       325       335,376  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.875       07/15/24       125       127,542  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

18  


Description   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Food (cont’d.)

 

JBS USA LUX SA/JBS USA Food Co./JBS USA Finance, Inc. (Multinational), Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.500 %       04/15/29       5     $ 5,676  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.875       09/30/27       125       132,792  

Post Holdings, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.500       12/15/29       125       136,986  

US Foods, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.875       06/15/24       100       101,353  
       

 

 

 
    994,928  

Gas    1.0%

 

AmeriGas Partners LP/AmeriGas Finance Corp.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    5.500       05/20/25       175       193,002  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    5.750       05/20/27       75       84,866  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    5.875       08/20/26       50       56,733  
       

 

 

 
    334,601  

Healthcare-Services    3.3%

 

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc., Gtd. Notes

    6.500       03/01/24       25       25,751  

CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., Sr. Sec’d. Notes

    6.250       03/31/23       25       25,074  

DaVita, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.625       06/01/30       50       52,513  

MEDNAX, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.250       12/01/23       25       25,365  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.250       01/15/27       50       52,989  

Polaris Intermediate Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, Cash coupon 8.500% or PIK 9.250%, 144A

    8.500       12/01/22       35       35,583  

RegionalCare Hospital Partners Holdings,
Inc./ LifePoint Health, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    9.750       12/01/26       250       271,292  

Surgery Center Holdings, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    10.000       04/15/27       55       59,512  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.,

       

Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.250       02/01/27       150       157,835  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

    4.625       07/15/24       44       44,979  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    4.875       01/01/26       75       78,024  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    6.750       06/15/23       175       186,970  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    6.875       11/15/31       125       122,315  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    7.000       08/01/25       25       25,851  
       

 

 

 
    1,164,053  

Home Builders    4.5%

 

Ashton Woods USA LLC/Ashton Woods Finance Co.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.750       08/01/25       125       127,441  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    9.875       04/01/27       75       82,345  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     19  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Home Builders (cont’d.)

 

Beazer Homes USA, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes

    5.875 %       10/15/27       50     $ 50,770  

Gtd. Notes

    6.750       03/15/25       75       77,329  

Gtd. Notes

    7.250       10/15/29       50       53,754  

Brookfield Residential Properties, Inc./Brookfield Residential US Corp. (Canada),

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.875       02/15/30       50       46,819  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.250       09/15/27       75       76,125  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.375       05/15/25       125       126,721  

Century Communities, Inc., Gtd. Notes

    6.750       06/01/27       50       53,891  

Forestar Group, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.000       03/01/28       75       75,763  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    8.000       04/15/24       25       26,516  

KB Home, Gtd. Notes

    6.875       06/15/27       50       58,533  

M/I Homes, Inc., Gtd. Notes

    5.625       08/01/25       50       51,725  

Mattamy Group Corp. (Canada),

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    4.625       03/01/30       50       51,511  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.250       12/15/27       50       52,966  

Meritage Homes Corp.,

       

Gtd. Notes

    5.125       06/06/27       125       137,269  

Gtd. Notes

    6.000       06/01/25       25       28,429  

New Home Co., Inc. (The), Gtd. Notes

    7.250       04/01/22       50       48,357  

STL Holding Co. LLC, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    7.500       02/15/26       25       25,142  

Taylor Morrison Communities, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.875       01/31/25       22       22,433  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.625       07/15/27       75       81,040  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.125       08/01/30       75       81,403  

Taylor Morrison Communities, Inc./Taylor Morrison Holdings II, Inc. (Multinational), Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.625       03/01/24       100       106,650  

TRI Pointe Group, Inc., Gtd. Notes

    5.700       06/15/28       15       16,557  
       

 

 

 
    1,559,489  

Iron/Steel    0.1%

 

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc., Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    9.875       10/17/25       35       38,555  

Leisure Time    0.9%

 

NCL Corp. Ltd. (Bermuda),

       

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    10.250       02/01/26       55       55,542  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    12.250       05/15/24       20       22,270  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    3.625       12/15/24       100       68,650  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

20  


Description   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Leisure Time (cont’d.)

 

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Liberia),

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    9.125 %       06/15/23       10     $ 10,528  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    10.875       06/01/23       15       16,525  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    2.650       11/28/20       75       74,829  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    5.250       11/15/22       25       22,384  

Viking Cruises Ltd. (Bermuda),

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.875       09/15/27       25       17,550  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    13.000       05/15/25       25       27,829  
       

 

 

 
    316,107  

Lodging    2.6%

 

Boyd Gaming Corp.,

       

Gtd. Notes

    6.000       08/15/26       125       131,043  

Gtd. Notes

    6.375       04/01/26       25       26,075  

Hilton Domestic Operating Co., Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes

    5.125       05/01/26       125       129,036  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.375       05/01/25       25       26,207  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.750       05/01/28       25       26,443  

Marriott International, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    5.750       05/01/25       25       28,104  

MGM Resorts International,

       

Gtd. Notes

    5.500       04/15/27       42       44,416  

Gtd. Notes

    6.000       03/15/23       50       52,548  

Gtd. Notes

    6.750       05/01/25       25       26,675  

Gtd. Notes

    7.750       03/15/22       125       132,775  

Station Casinos LLC, Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.500       02/15/28       50       47,519  

Wyndham Destinations, Inc., Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    4.625       03/01/30       25       23,548  

Wynn Macau Ltd. (Cayman Islands), Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.625       08/26/28       200       201,497  
       

 

 

 
    895,886  

Machinery-Diversified    0.5%

 

ATS Automation Tooling Systems, Inc. (Canada), Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.500       06/15/23       25       25,415  

Maxim Crane Works Holdings Capital LLC, Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    10.125       08/01/24       150       149,470  
       

 

 

 
    174,885  

Media    9.6%

 

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    4.250       02/01/31       475       496,772  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    4.500       05/01/32       25       26,499  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     21  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Media (cont’d.)

 

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., (cont’d.)

 

     

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    4.750 %       03/01/30       75     $ 80,538  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.375       06/01/29       300       329,352  

Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc., Gtd. Notes

    9.250       02/15/24       569       557,118  

CSC Holdings LLC,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.125       12/01/30       200       207,394  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    4.625       12/01/30       325       332,455  

Diamond Sports Group LLC/Diamond Sports Finance Co.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.625       08/15/27       361       202,754  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.375       08/15/26       175       136,465  

DISH DBS Corp.,

       

Gtd. Notes

    6.750       06/01/21       44       45,340  

Gtd. Notes

    7.750       07/01/26       90       103,038  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.375       07/01/28       40       42,448  

Entercom Media Corp.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.250       11/01/24       50       40,312  

Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.500       05/01/27       20       17,223  

Gray Television, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.875       07/15/26       65       67,720  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.000       05/15/27       75       81,348  

iHeartCommunications, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes

    8.375       05/01/27       125       126,173  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

    6.375       05/01/26       40       41,848  

Radiate Holdco LLC/Radiate Finance, Inc.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.625       02/15/25       80       81,526  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.875       02/15/23       120       121,961  

Scripps Escrow, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.875       07/15/27       20       20,004  

Sinclair Television Group, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.125       02/15/27       40       38,995  

Univision Communications, Inc.,

       

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.125       02/15/25       100       100,483  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.625       06/01/27       75       75,848  
       

 

 

 
    3,373,614  

Mining    3.1%

 

Constellium SE (France), Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.875       02/15/26       250       257,074  

Eldorado Gold Corp. (Canada), Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    9.500       06/01/24       61       66,726  

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (Canada), Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.875       03/01/26       200       199,611  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes

    4.375       08/01/28       50       52,546  

Gtd. Notes

    4.550       11/14/24       30       32,284  

Gtd. Notes

    4.625       08/01/30       75       80,202  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

22  


Description   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Mining (cont’d.)

 

Hecla Mining Co., Gtd. Notes

    7.250 %       02/15/28       25     $ 27,560  

IAMGOLD Corp. (Canada), Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.000       04/15/25       85       89,242  

New Gold, Inc. (Canada),

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.375       05/15/25       55       57,396  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    7.500       07/15/27       50       54,180  

Novelis Corp., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.875       09/30/26       150       156,472  
       

 

 

 
    1,073,293  

Miscellaneous Manufacturer    0.3%

 

Amsted Industries, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.625       07/01/27       25       26,577  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    4.625       05/15/30       35       36,435  

FXI Holdings, Inc., Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    7.875       11/01/24       25       24,248  
       

 

 

 
    87,260  

Office & Business Equipment    0.1%

 

CDW LLC/CDW Finance Corp., Gtd. Notes

    3.250       02/15/29       20       20,439  

Oil & Gas    7.6%

 

Alta Mesa Holdings LP/Alta Mesa Finance Services Corp., Gtd. Notes(d)

    7.875       12/15/24       310       205  

Antero Resources Corp.,

       

Gtd. Notes

    5.000       03/01/25       175       120,429  

Gtd. Notes

    5.125       12/01/22       50       43,439  

Gtd. Notes

    5.375       11/01/21       50       48,994  

Gtd. Notes

    5.625       06/01/23       50       39,581  

Ascent Resources Utica Holdings LLC/ARU Finance Corp.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    7.000       11/01/26       75       51,910  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    10.000       04/01/22       175       163,506  

Chesapeake Energy Corp., Gtd. Notes(d)

    4.875       04/15/22       25       1,026  

Citgo Holding, Inc., Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    9.250       08/01/24       125       123,423  

CITGO Petroleum Corp., Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    7.000       06/15/25       100       100,553  

CNX Resources Corp.,

       

Gtd. Notes

    5.875       04/15/22       26       26,093  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.250       03/14/27       125       130,006  

CrownRock LP/CrownRock Finance, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.625       10/15/25       25       24,748  

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes(d)

    7.875       08/15/25       50       4,909  

Endeavor Energy Resources LP/EER Finance, Inc.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.500       01/30/26       50       50,076  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.750       01/30/28       75       76,582  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.625       07/15/25       10       10,413  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     23  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Oil & Gas (cont’d.)

 

EQT Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.900 %       10/01/27       75     $ 72,061  

Extraction Oil & Gas, Inc.(d),

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.625       02/01/26       175       42,339  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.375       05/15/24       50       11,938  

Hilcorp Energy I LP/Hilcorp Finance Co.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.750       10/01/25       100       94,190  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.250       11/01/28       25       23,523  

MEG Energy Corp. (Canada),

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.000       03/31/24       5       4,966  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.125       02/01/27       100       95,187  

Nabors Industries Ltd. (Bermuda),

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.250       01/15/26       25       11,693  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.500       01/15/28       25       10,715  

Nabors Industries, Inc., Gtd. Notes

    5.750       02/01/25       225       64,672  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    2.700       08/15/22       50       49,164  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    2.700       02/15/23       50       48,171  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    2.900       08/15/24       325       299,048  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    6.625       09/01/30       50       51,540  

PBF Holding Co. LLC/PBF Finance Corp., Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    9.250       05/15/25       60       66,020  

Precision Drilling Corp. (Canada), Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.125       01/15/26       75       51,047  

Range Resources Corp.,

       

Gtd. Notes

    4.875       05/15/25       50       46,621  

Gtd. Notes

    5.000       08/15/22       50       49,962  

Gtd. Notes

    5.000       03/15/23       100       99,638  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    9.250       02/01/26       50       52,664  

Sunoco LP/Sunoco Finance Corp., Gtd. Notes

    5.500       02/15/26       100       103,068  

Transocean, Inc. (Cayman Islands),

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.250       11/01/25       85       27,922  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.500       01/15/26       50       15,446  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    8.000       02/01/27       25       7,433  

WPX Energy, Inc.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    5.250       09/15/24       75       76,594  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    5.250       10/15/27       50       49,743  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    5.750       06/01/26       110       112,298  
       

 

 

 
    2,653,556  

Packaging & Containers    0.3%

 

Graham Packaging Co., Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.125       08/15/28       10       10,504  

Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.375       08/15/25       50       55,239  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

24  


Description   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Packaging & Containers (cont’d.)

 

Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc./Reynolds Group Issuer LLC/Reynolds Group Issuer Lu, Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.000 %       07/15/24       40     $ 41,025  
       

 

 

 
    106,768  

Pharmaceuticals    2.2%

 

AdaptHealth LLC, Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.125       08/01/28       20       20,997  

Bausch Health Americas, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    8.500       01/31/27       65       71,509  

Bausch Health Cos., Inc. (Canada),

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.000       01/30/28       50       49,420  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.250       01/30/30       150       148,930  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.125       04/15/25       125       128,527  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.250       02/15/29       125       130,638  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.000       01/15/28       75       79,911  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.250       05/30/29       140       152,790  
       

 

 

 
    782,722  

Pipelines    1.9%

 

Antero Midstream Partners LP/Antero Midstream Finance Corp.,

       

Gtd. Notes

    5.375       09/15/24       25       22,905  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.750       01/15/28       125       110,687  

DCP Midstream Operating LP, Gtd. Notes

    5.625       07/15/27       20       21,609  

Energy Transfer Operating LP, 5 Year CMT Index + 5.306%

    7.125 (c)      12/31/49       50       42,752  

EQM Midstream Partners LP,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.000       07/01/25       20       21,232  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.500       07/01/27       20       21,920  

Rattler Midstream LP, Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.625       07/15/25       15       15,947  

Rockies Express Pipeline LLC, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    7.500       07/15/38       100       106,517  

Tallgrass Energy Partners LP/Tallgrass Energy Finance Corp.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.500       09/15/24       25       24,371  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.500       01/15/28       150       137,265  

Targa Resources Partners LP/Targa Resources Partners Finance Corp.,

       

Gtd. Notes

    5.875       04/15/26       50       52,626  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.500       07/15/27       50       54,095  

Western Midstream Operating LP, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.950       06/01/25       25       25,013  
       

 

 

 
    656,939  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     25  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Real Estate    1.3%

 

Five Point Operating Co. LP/Five Point Capital Corp., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.875 %       11/15/25       122     $ 123,713  

Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC, Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.750       12/01/25       150       153,554  

Howard Hughes Corp. (The),

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.375       08/01/28       20       20,306  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.375       03/15/25       25       25,385  

Hunt Cos., Inc., Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.250       02/15/26       125       118,357  
       

 

 

 
    441,315  

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)    2.0%

 

Diversified Healthcare Trust, Gtd. Notes

    9.750       06/15/25       125       139,631  

ESH Hospitality, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.625       10/01/27       25       25,000  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.250       05/01/25       100       101,754  

MGM Growth Properties Operating Partnership LP / MGP Finance Co.-Issuer, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.625       06/15/25       10       10,556  

MGM Growth Properties Operating Partnership LP/MGP Finance Co.-Issuer, Inc., Gtd. Notes

    4.500       01/15/28       75       77,721  

MPT Operating Partnership LP/MPT Finance Corp., Gtd. Notes

    5.000       10/15/27       50       52,918  

Park Intermediate Holdings LLC/PK Domestic Property LLC/PK Finance Co.-Issuer, Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    7.500       06/01/25       130       139,559  

RHP Hotel Properties LP/RHP Finance Corp.,

       

Gtd. Notes

    4.750       10/15/27       25       22,871  

Gtd. Notes

    5.000       04/15/23       25       24,569  

VICI Properties LP/VICI Note Co., Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.250       12/01/26       55       56,400  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.625       12/01/29       40       41,760  
       

 

 

 
    692,739  

Retail    3.5%

 

Brinker International, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    5.000       10/01/24       75       74,633  

CEC Entertainment, Inc., Gtd. Notes(d)

    8.000       02/15/22       100       11,046  

eG Global Finance PLC (United Kingdom), Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    8.500       10/30/25       200       214,234  

Ferrellgas LP/Ferrellgas Finance Corp.,

       

Gtd. Notes

    6.750       06/15/23       75       65,174  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    6.500       05/01/21       50       44,124  

Ferrellgas Partners LP/Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    8.625       09/30/20       150       39,476  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    8.625       09/30/20       50       13,250  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

26  


Description   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Retail (cont’d.)

 

Golden Nugget, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    8.750 %       10/01/25       100     $ 74,548  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.750       10/15/24       125       106,895  

L Brands, Inc., Gtd. Notes

    5.625       10/15/23       75       78,183  

PetSmart, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.125       03/15/23       50       50,369  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    5.875       06/01/25       142       146,229  

Rite Aid Corp., Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    8.000       11/15/26       64       65,249  

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

    5.625       12/01/25       125       128,661  

Suburban Propane Partners LP/Suburban Energy Finance Corp.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    5.500       06/01/24       50       50,743  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    5.875       03/01/27       75       77,987  
       

 

 

 
    1,240,801  

Semiconductors    0.2%

 

Microchip Technology, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.250       09/01/25       70       72,805  

Software    0.2%

 

Black Knight InfoServ LLC, Gtd. Notes, 144A

    3.625       09/01/28       50       50,661  

Boxer Parent Co., Inc., Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    7.125       10/02/25       25       27,143  
       

 

 

 
    77,804  

Telecommunications    6.6%

 

CenturyLink, Inc.,

       

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    7.600       09/15/39       75       86,409  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    7.650       03/15/42       50       57,725  

CommScope Technologies LLC, Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.000       06/15/25       109       111,780  

CommScope, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.125       07/01/28       50       53,316  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.000       03/01/26       100       106,000  

Digicel Group 0.5 Ltd. (Bermuda), Sr. Sec’d. Notes, Cash coupon 8.000% and PIK 2.000% or PIK 10.000%

    10.000       04/01/24       94       71,339  

Digicel International Finance Ltd./Digicel Holdings Bermuda Ltd. (Multinational), Gtd. Notes, Cash coupon 6.000% and PIK 7.000%, 144A

    13.000       12/31/25       275       251,875  

Digicel Ltd. (Bermuda), Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.750       03/01/23       400       264,982  

Embarq Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    7.995       06/01/36       245       293,755  

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA (Luxembourg)(d),

       

Gtd. Notes

    5.500       08/01/23       65       42,578  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    9.750       07/15/25       295       203,068  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    8.000       02/15/24       50       50,891  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     27  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

 

Telecommunications (cont’d.)

 

Intelsat Luxembourg SA (Luxembourg), Gtd. Notes(d)

    8.125 %       06/01/23       50     $ 2,373  

Intrado Corp., Gtd. Notes, 144A

    8.500       10/15/25       220       195,200  

ORBCOMM, Inc., Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    8.000       04/01/24       30       29,431  

Sprint Capital Corp., Gtd. Notes

    8.750       03/15/32       100       150,818  

Sprint Corp., Gtd. Notes

    7.625       03/01/26       100       122,951  

ViaSat, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.500       07/15/28       20       20,744  

Windstream Escrow LLC/Windstream Escrow Finance Corp., Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    7.750       08/15/28       50       50,016  

Zayo Group Holdings, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.125       03/01/28       125       129,075  
       

 

 

 
    2,294,326  

Transportation    0.4%

 

XPO Logistics, Inc.,

       

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.250       05/01/25       10       10,702  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.750       08/15/24       125       132,635  
       

 

 

 
    143,337  
       

 

 

 

TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS
(cost $31,470,008)

 

      31,298,168  
       

 

 

 
               

Shares

       

COMMON STOCK    0.0%

 

   

Entertainment    0.0%

 

               

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.
(Class A Stock) (cost $0)

 

    1,025       6,027  
       

 

 

 

TOTAL LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $34,098,624)

 

      33,857,490  
       

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS    0.8%

 

   

AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUND    0.8%

 

   

PGIM Core Ultra Short Bond Fund
(cost $291,324)(w)

        291,324       291,324  
       

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

28  


Description   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

TIME DEPOSIT    0.0%

       

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
(cost $11,831)

    0.010 %       09/01/20       12     $ 11,831  
       

 

 

 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $303,155)

 

      303,155  
       

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS    97.6%
(cost $34,401,779)

 

      34,160,645  

Other assets in excess of liabilities    2.4%

 

      833,717  
       

 

 

 

NET ASSETS    100.0%

 

    $ 34,994,362  
       

 

 

 

 

The following abbreviations are used in the annual report:

(Q)—Quarterly payment frequency for swaps

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.

CDX—Credit Derivative Index

CLO—Collateralized Loan Obligation

LIBOR—London Interbank Offered Rate

PIK—Payment-in-Kind

#

Principal or notional amount is shown in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.

(c)

Variable rate instrument. The interest rate shown reflects the rate in effect at August 31, 2020.

(d)

Represents issuer in default on interest payments and/or principal repayment. Non-income producing security. Such security may be post-maturity.

(w)

PGIM Investments LLC, the manager of the Fund, also serves as manager of the PGIM Core Ultra Short Bond Fund.

 

Futures contracts outstanding at August 31, 2020:

 

Number of
contracts
    Type   Expiration
Date
    Current
Notional

Amount
    Value /
Unrealized
Appreciation

(Depreciation)
 
  Long Positions:      
  2     5 Year U.S. Treasury Notes     Dec. 2020     $ 252,063     $ 274  
  6     2 Year U.S. Treasury Notes     Dec. 2020       1,325,672       446  
  14     10 Year U.S. Treasury Notes     Dec. 2020       1,949,500       (905
       

 

 

 
          (185
       

 

 

 
  Short Positions:      
  2     U.S. Ultra Bond     Dec. 2020       441,813       6,766  
       

 

 

 
        $ 6,581  
       

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     29  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Credit default swap agreement outstanding at August 31, 2020:

 

Reference Entity/

Obligation

  Termination
Date
    Fixed
Rate
    Notional
Amount
(000)#(3)
    Value at
Trade
Date
    Value at
August 31,
2020
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swap Agreement on credit indices—Buy Protection(1):

 

CDX. NA.HY.34-V5

    06/20/25       5.000%       2,474     $ 91,547     $ (167,329   $ (258,876
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

The Fund entered into credit default swaps (“CDS”) to provide a measure of protection against defaults or to take an active long or short position with respect to the likelihood of a particular issuer’s default or the reference entity’s credit soundness. CDS contracts generally trade based on a spread which represents the cost a protection buyer has to pay the protection seller. The protection buyer is said to be short the credit as the value of the contract rises the more the credit deteriorates. The value of the CDS contract increases for the protection buyer if the spread increases.

 

(1)

If the Fund is a buyer of protection, it pays the fixed rate. When a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) receive from the seller of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and make delivery of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) receive a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index.

(2)

If the Fund is a seller of protection, it receives the fixed rate. When a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index.

(3)

Notional amount represents the maximum potential amount the Fund could be required to pay as a seller of credit protection or receive as a buyer of credit protection if a credit event occurs as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement.

(4)

Implied credit spreads, represented in absolute terms, utilized in determining the fair value of credit default swap agreements where the Fund is the seller of protection as of the reporting date serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/ performance risk and represent the likelihood of risk of default for the credit derivative. The implied credit spread of a particular referenced entity reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may include up-front payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. Wider credit spreads represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood of risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.

*

When an implied credit spread is not available, reference the fair value of credit default swap agreements on credit indices and asset-backed securities. Where the Fund is the seller of protection, it serves as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represents the likelihood of an expected liability (or profit) for the credit derivative should the notional amount of the swap agreement be closed/sold as of the reporting date. Increasing fair value in absolute terms, when compared to the notional amount of the swap, represents a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood of risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

30  


Summary of Collateral for Centrally Cleared/Exchange-traded Derivatives:

 

Cash and securities segregated as collateral to cover requirements for open centrally cleared/exchange-traded derivatives are listed by broker as follows:

 

Broker

  Cash and/or
Foreign Currency
    Securities
Market Value
 

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

  $ 450,000     $     —  

 

Fair Value Measurements:

 

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—unadjusted quoted prices generally in active markets for identical securities.

 

Level 2—quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates and yield curves, prepayment speeds, foreign currency exchange rates and other observable inputs.

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of August 31, 2020 in valuing such portfolio securities:

 

       Level 1           Level 2           Level 3     

Investments in Securities

     

Assets

     

Asset-Backed Securities

     

Collateralized Loan Obligations

  $     $ 979,525     $  

Bank Loans

          1,573,770        

Corporate Bonds

          31,298,168        

Common Stock

    6,027              

Affiliated Mutual Fund

    291,324              

Time Deposit

          11,831        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 297,351     $ 33,863,294     $  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Financial Instruments*

     

Assets

     

Futures Contracts

  $ 7,486     $     $  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 7,486     $     $  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

     

Futures Contracts

  $ (905   $     $  

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swap Agreement

          (258,876      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ (905   $ (258,876   $         —  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     31  


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

 

* 

Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Schedule of Investments, such as futures, forwards and centrally cleared swap contracts, which are recorded at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument, and OTC swap contracts which are recorded at fair value.

 

Industry Classification:

 

The industry classification of investments and other assets in excess of liabilities shown as a percentage of net assets as of August 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

Media

    9.6

Oil & Gas

    8.1  

Telecommunications

    6.8  

Entertainment

    4.8  

Commercial Services

    4.8  

Home Builders

    4.5  

Electric

    3.9  

Chemicals

    3.9  

Retail

    3.5  

Healthcare-Services

    3.3  

Aerospace & Defense

    3.1  

Mining

    3.1  

Auto Manufacturers

    2.9  

Food

    2.8  

Collateralized Loan Obligations

    2.8  

Diversified Financial Services

    2.8  

Lodging

    2.6  

Building Materials

    2.3  

Pharmaceuticals

    2.2  

REITS

    2.0  

Pipelines

    1.9  

Computers

    1.7  

Auto Parts & Equipment

    1.6  

Infrastructure Software

    1.5  

Real Estate

    1.3  

Gas

    1.0  

Leisure Time

    0.9  

Affiliated Mutual Fund

    0.8

Software

    0.8  

Distribution/Wholesale

    0.7  

Advertising

    0.6  

Specialty Chemicals

    0.5  

Apparel

    0.5  

Agriculture

    0.5  

Machinery-Diversified

    0.5  

Engineering & Construction

    0.5  

Transportation

    0.4  

Packaging & Containers

    0.3  

Electric & Gas Marketing

    0.3  

Miscellaneous Manufacturer

    0.3  

Banks

    0.2  

Electrical Component & Equipment

    0.2  

Semiconductors

    0.2  

Energy-Alternate Sources

    0.2  

Diversified/Conglomerate Services

    0.1  

Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

    0.1  

Iron/Steel

    0.1  

Office & Business Equipment

    0.1  

Electronics

    0.0

Time Deposit

    0.0
 

 

 

 
    97.6  

Other assets in excess of liabilities

    2.4  
 

 

 

 
    100.0
 

 

 

 

 

*

Less than +/- 0.05%.

 

Effects of Derivative Instruments on the Financial Statements and Primary Underlying Risk Exposure:

 

The Fund invested in derivative instruments during the reporting period. The primary types of risk associated with these derivative instruments are credit contracts risk and interest rate contracts risk. See the Notes to Financial Statements for additional detail regarding these derivative instruments and their risks. 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.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

32  


Fair values of derivative instruments as of August 31, 2020 as presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

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

  

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 
  

Statement of Assets and
Liabilities Location

  Fair
Value
   

Statement of Assets and
Liabilities Location

  Fair
Value
 
Interest rate contracts    Due from/to broker—variation margin futures*   $ 7,486     Due from/to broker—variation margin futures*   $ (905
Credit Contracts    Due from/to broker—variation margin swaps*         Due from/to broker—variation margin swaps*     (258,876
    

 

 

     

 

 

 
     $ 7,486       $ (259,781
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the schedule of open futures and centrally cleared swap contracts. 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 period ended August 31, 2020 are as follows:

 

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

 

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

  Futures     Swaps     Total  

Credit Contracts

  $     $ 467,682     $ 467,682  

Interest rate contracts

    139,480             139,480  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 139,480     $ 467,682     $ 607,162  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

  Futures     Swaps     Total  

Credit Contracts

  $     $ (253,121   $ (253,121

Interest rate contracts

    (294           (294
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ (294   $ (253,121   $ (253,415
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

For the period ended August 31, 2020 the Fund’s average volume of derivative activities is as follows:

 

Futures Contracts-Long
Positions(1) 
    Futures Contracts-Short
Positions(1) 
    Credit Default  Swap
Agreements-Buy
Protection(1) 
 
$ 3,911,920   $ 448,288   $ 1,842,800  

 

(1)

Notional Amount in USD.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     33  


Statement of Assets & Liabilities

as of August 31, 2020

 

Assets

 

Investments at value:

 

Unaffiliated investments (cost $34,110,455)

   $ 33,869,321  

Affiliated investments (cost $291,324)

     291,324  

Interest and dividends receivable

     538,558  

Deposit with broker for centrally cleared/exchange-traded derivatives

     450,000  

Receivable for investments sold

     29,693  
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     35,178,896  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities

        

Payable for investments purchased

     159,009  

Management fee payable

     15,603  

Due to broker—variation margin swaps

     4,968  

Due to broker—variation margin futures

     2,922  

Other liabilities

     2,032  
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     184,534  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 34,994,362  
  

 

 

 
          

Net assets were comprised of:

  

Common stock, at par

   $ 875  

Paid-in capital in excess of par

     34,721,965  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

     271,522  
  

 

 

 

Net assets, August 31, 2020

   $ 34,994,362  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share,
($34,994,362 / 875,000 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)

   $ 39.99  
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

34  


Statement of Operations

Year Ended August 31, 2020

 

Net Investment Income (Loss)

        

Income

  

Interest income

   $ 2,015,207  

Affiliated dividend income

     7,488  

Income from securities lending, net (including affiliated income of $2,179)

     2,470  
  

 

 

 

Total income

     2,025,165  
  

 

 

 

Expenses

  

Management fee

     155,645  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     155,645  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

     1,869,520  
  

 

 

 

Realized And Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Investments

        

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions (including affiliated of $(1,903))

     122,033  

Futures transactions

     139,480  

Swap agreement transactions

     467,682  
  

 

 

 
     729,195  
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

  

Investments (including affiliated of $21)

     (392,154

Futures

     (294

Swap agreements

     (253,121
  

 

 

 
     (645,569
  

 

 

 

Net gain (loss) on investment transactions

     83,626  
  

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets Resulting From Operations

   $ 1,953,146  
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     35  


Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    

Year
Ended

August 31, 2020

    

Period
Ended

August 31, 2019*

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

 

Operations

 

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 1,869,520      $ 1,525,743  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     729,195        274,239  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on investments

     (645,569      152,140  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     1,953,146        1,952,122  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions

     

Distributions from distributable earnings

     (2,177,655      (1,456,091
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fund share transactions

     

Net proceeds from shares sold

     7,569,903        27,152,937  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund
share transactions

     7,569,903        27,152,937  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     7,345,394        27,648,968  

Net Assets:

                 

Beginning of period

     27,648,968         
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 34,994,362      $ 27,648,968  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     

 

*

For the period from September 24, 2018 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2019.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

36  


Notes to Financial Statements

 

1. Organization

 

PGIM ETF Trust (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), and operated as an exchange-traded fund. The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on October 23, 2017 and consists of six separate series: PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF, PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF, PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF, PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF, PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF and PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF.

 

These financial statements relate only to PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF (the “Fund”). The Fund is classified as a diversified fund for purposes of the 1940 Act.

 

The investment objective of the Fund is to seek total return through a combination of current income and capital appreciation.

 

2. Accounting Policies

 

The Fund follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946 Financial Services—Investment Companies. The following accounting policies conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Fund consistently follows such policies in the preparation of its financial statements.

 

Securities Valuation: The Fund holds securities and other assets and liabilities that are fair valued at the close of each day (generally, 4:00 PM Eastern time) the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for trading. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has adopted valuation procedures for security valuation under which fair valuation responsibilities have been delegated to PGIM Investments LLC (“PGIM Investments” or the “Manager”). Pursuant to the Board’s delegation, the Manager has established a Valuation Committee responsible for supervising the fair valuation of portfolio securities and other assets and liabilities. The valuation procedures permit the Fund to utilize independent pricing vendor services, quotations from market makers, and alternative valuation methods when market quotations are either not readily available or not deemed representative of fair value. A record of the Valuation Committee’s actions is subject to the Board’s review, approval, and ratification at its next regularly scheduled quarterly meeting.

 

For the fiscal reporting year end, securities and other assets and liabilities were fair valued at the close of the last U.S. business day. Trading in certain foreign securities may occur

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     37  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

when the NYSE is closed (including weekends and holidays). Because such foreign securities trade in markets that are open on weekends and U.S. holidays, the values of some of the Fund’s foreign investments may change on days when investors cannot purchase or redeem Fund shares.

 

Various inputs determine how the Fund’s investments are valued, all of which are categorized according to the three broad levels (Level 1, 2, or 3) detailed in the Schedule of Investments and referred to herein as the “fair value hierarchy” in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820 - Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.

 

Common stocks and derivative instruments, such as futures, that are traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price as of the close of trading on the applicable exchange where the security principally trades. Securities traded via NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. To the extent these securities are valued at the last sale price or NASDAQ official closing price, they are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. In the event that no sale or official closing price on valuation date exists, these securities are generally valued at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices, or at the last bid price in the absence of an ask price. These securities are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

Investments in open-end funds (other than exchange-traded funds) are valued at their net asset values as of the close of the NYSE on the date of valuation. These securities are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy since they may be purchased or sold at their net asset values on the date of valuation.

 

Fixed income securities traded in the OTC market are generally classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Such fixed income securities are typically valued using the market approach which generally involves obtaining data from an approved independent third-party vendor source. The Fund utilizes the market approach as the primary method to value securities when market prices of identical or comparable instruments are available. The third-party vendors’ valuation techniques used to derive the evaluated bid price are based on evaluating observable inputs, including but not limited to, yield curves, yield spreads, credit ratings, deal terms, tranche level attributes, default rates, cash flows, prepayment speeds, broker/dealer quotations and reported trades. Certain Level 3 securities are also valued using the market approach when obtaining a single broker quote or when utilizing transaction prices for identical securities that have been used in excess of five business days. During the reporting period, there were no changes to report with respect to the valuation approach and/or valuation techniques discussed above.

 

Bank loans are generally valued at prices provided by approved independent pricing vendors. The pricing vendors utilize broker/dealer quotations and provide prices based on

 

38  


the average of such quotations. Bank loans valued using such vendor prices are generally classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Bank loans valued based on a single broker quote or at the original transaction price in excess of five business days are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

Centrally cleared swaps listed or traded on a multilateral or trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange, are generally valued at the daily settlement price determined by the respective exchange. These securities are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, as the daily settlement price is not public.

 

Securities and other assets that cannot be priced according to the methods described above are valued based on pricing methodologies approved by the Board. In the event that unobservable inputs are used when determining such valuations, the securities will be classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

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 size of the holding and the capitalization of the issuer; the prices of any recent transactions or bids/offers for such securities or any comparable securities; any available analyst media or other reports or information deemed reliable by the Manager 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 unaffiliated mutual funds to calculate their net asset values.

 

Illiquid Securities: Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Trust has adopted a Board approved Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) that requires, among other things, that the Fund limit its illiquid investments that are assets to no more than 15% of net assets. Illiquid securities are those that, because of the absence of a readily available market or due to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, may not reasonably be expected to be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. The Fund may find it difficult to sell illiquid securities at the time considered most advantageous by its subadviser and may incur transaction costs that would not be incurred in the sale of securities that were freely marketable.

 

Restricted Securities: Securities acquired in unregistered, private sales from the issuing company or from an affiliate of the issuer are considered restricted as to disposition under federal securities law (“restricted securities”). Such restricted securities are valued pursuant to the valuation procedures noted above. Restricted securities that would otherwise be considered illiquid investments pursuant to the LRMP because of legal restrictions on resale to the general public may be traded among qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. Therefore, these Rule 144A securities, as well as commercial paper that is sold in private placements under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, may be classified higher than “illiquid” under

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     39  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

the LRMP (i.e. “moderately liquid” or “less liquid” investments). However, the liquidity of the Fund’s investments in restricted securities could be impaired if trading does not develop or declines.

 

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 futures transactions.

 

The Fund invested in financial futures contracts in order to hedge its existing portfolio securities, or securities the Fund intends to purchase, against fluctuations in value caused by changes in prevailing interest rates. Should interest rates move unexpectedly, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the financial futures contracts and may realize a loss. The use of futures transactions involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in the price of futures contracts, interest rates and the underlying hedged assets. Since futures contracts are exchange-traded, there is 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.

 

Bank Loans: The Fund invested in bank loans. Bank loans include fixed and floating rate loans that are privately negotiated between a corporate borrower and one or more financial institutions, including, but not limited to, term loans, revolvers, and other instruments issued in the bank loan market. The Fund acquires interests in loans directly (by way of assignment from the selling institution) and/or indirectly (by way of the purchase of a participation interest from the selling institution). Under a bank loan assignment, the Fund generally will succeed to all the rights and obligations of an assigning lending institution and becomes a lender under the loan agreement with the relevant borrower in connection with that loan. Under a bank loan participation, the Fund generally will have a contractual relationship only with the lender, not with the relevant borrower. As a result, the Fund generally will have the right to receive payments of principal, interest, and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the participation and only upon receipt by the lender of the payments from the relevant borrower. The Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the institution selling the participation to the Fund.

 

40  


Swap Agreements: The Fund entered into certain types of swap agreements detailed in the disclosures below. A swap agreement is an agreement to exchange the return generated by one instrument for the return generated by another instrument. Swap agreements are negotiated in the OTC market and may be executed either directly with counterparty (“OTC-traded”) or through a central clearing facility, such as a registered exchange. Swap agreements are valued daily at current market value and any change in value is included in the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements. Centrally cleared swaps pay or receive an amount known as “variation margin”, based on daily changes in the valuation of the swap contract. Any upfront premiums paid and received are shown as swap premiums paid and swap premiums received in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Risk of loss may exceed amounts recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Swap agreements outstanding at period end, if any, are listed on the Schedule of Investments. The cash amounts pledged for swaps contracts are considered restricted cash and are included in “Due from broker-variation margin swaps” and “Deposit with broker for centrally cleared/exchange-traded derivatives” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

Credit Default Swaps (“CDS”): CDS involve one party (the protection buyer) making a stream of payments to another party (the protection seller) in exchange for the right to receive a specified payment in the event of a default or as a result of a default (collectively a “credit event”) for the referenced entity (typically corporate issues or sovereign issues of an emerging country) on its obligation; or in the event of a write-down, principal shortfall, interest shortfall or default of all or part of the referenced entities comprising a credit index.

 

The Fund is subject to credit risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives, and as such, has entered into CDS contracts to provide a measure of protection against defaults or to take an active long or short position with respect to the likelihood of a particular issuer’s default or the reference entity’s credit soundness. CDS contracts generally trade based on a spread which represents the cost a protection buyer has to pay the protection seller. The protection buyer is said to be short the credit as the value of the contract rises the more the credit deteriorates. The value of the CDS contract increases for the protection buyer if the spread increases. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk for purchased CDS is the inability of the counterparty to honor the contract up to the notional value due to a credit event.

 

As a seller of protection on credit default swap agreements, the Fund generally receives an agreed upon payment from the buyer of protection throughout the term of the swap, provided no credit event occurs. As the seller, the Fund effectively increases its investment risk because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund may be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.

 

The maximum amount of the payment that the Fund, as a seller of protection, could be required to make under a credit default swap agreement would be equal to the notional amount of the underlying security or index contract as a result of a credit event. This potential amount will be partially offset by any recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, or net amounts received from the settlement of buy protection credit default

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     41  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

swap agreements which the Fund entered into for the same referenced entity or index. As a buyer of protection, the Fund generally receives an amount up to the notional value of the swap if a credit event occurs.

 

Implied credit spreads, represented in absolute terms, utilized in determining the market value of credit default swap agreements where the Fund is the seller of protection as of period end are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments, if applicable. These spreads serve as indicators of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood of default risk for the credit derivative. The implied credit spread of a particular referenced entity reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may include upfront payments required to enter into the agreement. Wider credit spreads and increased market value in absolute terms, when compared to the notional amount of the swap, represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood of risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.

 

Payment-In-Kind: The Fund invests in the open market or receive pursuant to debt restructuring, securities that pay-in-kind (PIK) the interest due on such debt instruments. The PIK interest, computed at the contractual rate specified, is added to the existing principal balance of the debt when issued bonds have same terms as the bond or recorded as a separate bond when terms are different from the existing debt, and is recorded as interest income.

 

Master Netting Arrangements: The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, is subject to various Master Agreements, or netting arrangements, with select counterparties. These are agreements which a subadviser may have negotiated and entered into on behalf of all or a portion of the Fund. 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 master netting arrangements, the right to set-off exists when all the conditions are met such that each of the parties owes the other determinable amounts, the reporting party has the right to set-off the amount owed with the amount owed by the other party, the reporting party intends to set-off and the right of set-off is enforceable by law. During the reporting period, there was no intention to settle on a net basis and all amounts are presented on a gross basis on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

Securities Lending: The Fund lends its portfolio securities to banks and broker-dealers. The loans are secured by collateral at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned.

 

42  


Collateral pledged by each borrower is invested in an affiliated money market fund and is marked to market daily, based on the previous day’s market value, such that the value of the collateral exceeds the value of the loaned securities. In the event of significant appreciation in value of securities on loan on the last business day of the reporting period, the financial statements may reflect a collateral value that is less than the market value of the loaned securities. Such shortfall is remedied as described above. 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 in the open market using the collateral.

 

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 borrower receives all interest and dividends from the securities loaned and such payments are passed back to the lender in amounts equivalent thereto. The Fund also continues to recognize any unrealized gain (loss) in the market price of the securities loaned and on the change in the value of the collateral invested that may occur during the term of the loan. In addition, realized gain (loss) is recognized on changes in the value of the collateral invested upon liquidation of the collateral. Net earnings from securities lending are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

 

Securities Transactions and Net Investment Income: Securities transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains (losses) from investment and currency transactions are calculated on the specific identification method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-date, or for certain foreign securities, when the Fund becomes aware of such dividends. Interest income, including amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, as required, is recorded on the accrual basis. Expenses are recorded on an accrual basis, which may require the use of certain estimates by management that may differ from actual.

 

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, interest and capital gains, if any, are recorded, net of reclaimable amounts, at the time the related income is earned.

 

Dividends and Distributions: The Fund expects to pay dividends from net investment income monthly and distributions from 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-date. Permanent book/tax differences relating to income and gain (loss) are reclassified between total distributable earnings (loss) and paid-in capital in excess of par, as appropriate.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     43  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Estimates: The preparation of 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.

 

3. Agreements

 

Pursuant to a management agreement with the Trust on behalf of the Fund (the Management Agreement), PGIM Investments, subject to the supervision of the Board and in conformity with the stated policies of the Fund, manages both the investment operations of the Fund and the composition of the Fund’s portfolio, including the purchase, retention and disposition of assets. In connection therewith, the Manager is obligated to keep certain books and records of the Fund. The Manager is authorized to enter into subadvisory agreements for investment advisory services in connection with the management of the Fund. The Manager will continue to have responsibility for all investment advisory services performed pursuant to any such subadvisory agreements. PGIM Investments will review the performance of the investment subadviser(s) and make recommendations to the Board with respect to the retention of investment subadvisers and the renewal of contracts. The Manager also administers the Fund’s business affairs and, in connection therewith, furnishes the Fund with office facilities, together with those ordinary clerical and bookkeeping services which are not being furnished by the Fund’s custodian (the Custodian). The management services of PGIM Investments to the Fund are not exclusive under the terms of the Management Agreement and PGIM Investments is free to, and does, render management services to others.

 

The Board has approved a unitary management fee structure for the Fund. Under the unitary fee structure, the Manager is responsible for paying all operating expenses of the fund, except for certain expenses including but not limited to interest expenses, taxes, brokerage expenses, future Rule 12b-1 fees (if any) and acquired fund fees and expenses. For more information on the unitary management fee structure please refer to the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

 

The unitary fee paid to the Manager is accrued daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate of 0.53% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Manager has contractually agreed, beginning from the inception of the Fund, to waive any management fees it receives from the Fund in an amount equal to the subadvisory fees paid by the Fund to the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund due to the Fund’s investment of its excess overnight cash in the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund. This waiver will remain in effect for as long as the Fund remains invested or intends to invest in the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund.

 

The Manager has entered into a subadvisory agreement (Subadvisory Agreement) with PGIM, Inc., the Fund’s investment subadviser (the “subadviser”), which provides

 

44  


subadvisory services to the Fund through its business unit PGIM Fixed Income. The Subadvisory Agreement provides that the subadviser will furnish investment advisory services in connection with the management of the Fund. In connection therewith, the subadviser is obligated to keep certain books and records of the Fund. Under the Subadvisory Agreement, the subadviser, subject to the supervision of PGIM Investments, is responsible for managing the assets of the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions. The subadviser determines what securities and other instruments are purchased and sold for the Fund and is responsible for obtaining and evaluating financial data relevant to the Fund. PGIM Investments continues to have responsibility for all investment advisory services pursuant to the Management Agreement and supervises the subadviser’s performance of such services. The Manager pays for the services of the subadviser.

 

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (“BBH”) serves as the Custodian, Transfer Agent, Administrative Agent and Securities Lending Agent for the Trust. Pursuant to a Custodian Agreement, BBH maintains certain financial accounting books and records pursuant to an agreement with the Trust. Subcustodians provide custodial services for any non-US assets held outside the United States. Pursuant to an Administrative and Transfer Agency Agreement, BBH maintains certain books and records and provides transfer agency, administrative, legal, tax support and accounting and financial reporting services for the maintenance and operations of the Trust. As the transfer and dividend disbursing agent of the Trust, BBH provides customary transfer agency services to the Trust, including the handling of shareholder communications, the processing of shareholder transactions, the maintenance of shareholder account records, the payment of dividends and distributions, and related functions. For these services, BBH receives compensation from the Manager and is reimbursed for expenses, including custodian and administration fees and certain out-of-pocket expenses including, but not limited to, postage, stationery, printing, allocable communication expenses and other costs. The Manager is responsible for compensating BBH under the Custodian and Administrative and Transfer Agency Agreements. As securities lending agent, BBH is responsible for marketing to approved borrowers available securities from the Fund’s portfolio. As administered by BBH, available securities from the Fund’s portfolio are furnished to borrowers through security-by-security loans effected by BBH as lending agent on behalf of the Fund. BBH is responsible for the administration and management of the Fund’s securities lending program, including the preparation and execution of a participant agreement with each borrower governing the terms and conditions of any securities loan, ensuring that securities loans are properly coordinated and documented with the Fund’s custodian, ensuring that loaned securities are daily valued and that the corresponding required cash collateral is delivered by the borrower(s), and arranging for the investment of cash collateral received from borrowers in accordance with the Fund’s investment guidelines. BBH receives as compensation for its services a portion of the amount earned by the Fund for lending securities.

 

Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (“PIMS” or the “Distributor”), acts as the distributor of the Fund, pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement (“Distribution Agreement”) between the Trust and the Distributor. The Distributor is a subsidiary of

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     45  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Prudential. Shares are continuously offered for sale by the Distributor only. Although the Distributor does not receive any fees under the Distribution Agreement, the Manager or its affiliates may pay the Distributor for certain distribution related services.

 

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

 

4. Other Transactions with Affiliates

 

The Fund may invest its overnight sweep cash in the PGIM Core Ultra Short Bond Fund (the “Core Fund”), and its securities lending cash collateral in the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund (the “Money Market Fund”), each a series of Prudential Investment Portfolios 2, registered under the 1940 Act and managed by PGIM Investments. Through the Fund’s investments in the mentioned underlying funds, PGIM Investments and/or its affiliates are paid fees or reimbursed for providing their services. In addition to the realized and unrealized gains on investments in the Core Fund and Money Market Fund, earnings from such investments are disclosed on the Statement of Operations as “Affiliated dividend income” and “Income from securities lending, net”, respectively.

 

The Fund may enter into certain securities purchase or sale transactions under Board approved Rule 17a-7 procedures. Rule 17a-7 is an exemptive rule under the 1940 Act, that subject to certain conditions, permits purchase and sale transactions among affiliated investment companies, or between an investment company and a person that is affiliated solely by reason of having a common (or affiliated) investment adviser, common directors, and/or common officers. Pursuant to the Rule 17a-7 procedures and consistent with guidance issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) prepares a quarterly summary of all such transactions for submission to the Board, together with the CCO’s written representation that all such 17a-7 transactions were effected in accordance with the Fund’s Rule 17a-7 procedures. For the year ended August 31, 2020, no 17a-7 transactions were entered into by the Fund.

 

5. Portfolio Securities

 

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of portfolio securities (excluding short-term investments and U.S. Government securities) for the year ended August 31, 2020, were $25,793,822 and $16,058,421 respectively.

 

46  


A summary of the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of shares of affiliated investments for the reporting year ended August 31, 2020, is presented as follows:

 

Value,

Beginning

of Period

  Cost of
Purchases
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Change in
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
    Realized
Gain
(Loss)
    Value,
End of
Period
    Shares,
End of
Period
    Income  

PGIM Core Ultra Short Bond Fund*

 
$247,839   $ 17,337,485     $ 17,294,000     $     $     $ 291,324       291,324     $ 7,488  

PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund*

 
149,077     2,659,540       2,806,735       21       (1,903                 2,179 ** 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$396,916   $ 19,997,025     $ 20,100,735     $ 21     ($ 1,903   $ 291,324       291,324     $ 9,667  

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

The Fund did not have any capital gain distributions during the reporting period.

**

The amount, or a portion thereof, represents the affiliated securities lending income shown on the Statement of Operations.

 

6. 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-date.

 

For the year ended August 31, 2020, the tax character of dividends paid by the Fund were $2,104,785 of ordinary income and $72,870 of long-term capital gains. For the period ended August 31, 2019, the tax character of dividends paid by the Fund was $1,456,091 of ordinary income.

 

As of August 31, 2020, the accumulated undistributed earnings on a tax basis were $585,421 of ordinary income and $69,478 of long-term capital gains.

 

The United States federal income tax basis of the Fund’s investments and the net unrealized depreciation as of August 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

Tax Basis

 

Gross

Unrealized

Appreciation

 

Gross

Unrealized

Depreciation

 

Net Unrealized

Depreciation

$34,291,726   $1,746,863   $(2,130,239)   $(383,376)

 

The difference between book and tax basis were primarily attributable to deferred losses on wash sales, swaps, differences in the treatment of premium amortization for book and tax purposes and other cost basis adjustments.

 

The Manager has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal, state and local 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. Since tax authorities can examine previously filed tax returns, the Fund’s U.S. federal and state tax returns for each of the two fiscal years up to the most recent fiscal year ended August 31, 2020 are subject to such review.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     47  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

7. Capital and Ownership

 

The Fund is an exchange-traded fund, commonly known as an “ETF”. Individual shares of the Fund may only be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through brokers or other financial intermediaries. Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”), and because the shares of the Fund trade at market prices rather than NAV, shares of the Fund may trade at a price greater than NAV (a premium) or less than NAV (a discount). The Fund will issue and redeem its shares at NAV only in a large specified number of shares called a “Creation Unit” or multiples thereof to investors who have entered into an agreement with the Distributor and are authorized to transact with the Trust in Creation Units (“Authorized Participants”). A Creation Unit consists of 25,000 shares of the Fund. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in return for a specified amount of cash and/ or designated portfolio of securities. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not individually redeemable. Authorized Participants transacting in Creation Units including non-standard orders and whole or partial cash purchases or redemptions may also pay variable transaction fees to compensate the Fund for certain transaction costs (e.g. brokerage costs) relating to investing in portfolio securities. Such variable transaction fees, if any, are currently being waived by the Fund. In addition, fixed transaction fees are imposed for the transfer and other costs associated with the creation or redemption of Creation Units. Authorized Participants are responsible for paying these fixed transaction fees to BBH.

 

The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, $0.001 par value per share.

 

As of August 31, 2020, Prudential, through its affiliated entities, including affiliated funds (if applicable), owned shares of the Fund as follows:

 

Fund

   Number of Shares      Percentage of
Outstanding Shares
 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF

     625,000        71.4

 

At the reporting period end, the number of shareholders holding greater than 5% of the Fund is as follows:

 

    Affiliated     Unaffiliated  

Fund

  Number of
Shareholders
    Percentage of
Outstanding

Shares
    Number of
Shareholders
    Percentage of
Outstanding

Shares
 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF

    1       71.4     2       12.8

 

48  


Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:

 

Reporting period ended August 31, 2020:

 

       Shares        Amount  

Shares sold

       200,000        $ 7,569,903  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       200,000        $ 7,569,903  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

Reporting period ended August 31, 2019:

 

       Shares        Amount  

Shares sold

       675,000        $ 27,152,937  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       675,000        $ 27,152,937  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

8. Borrowings

 

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, along with other affiliated registered investment companies (the “Participating 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 table below provides details of the current SCA in effect at the reporting period-end as well as the prior SCA.

 

    

Current SCA

  

Prior SCA

Term of Commitment

   10/3/2019 – 10/1/2020    10/4/2018 – 10/2/2019

Total Commitment

   $1,222,500,000*    $900,000,000

Annualized Commitment Fee on the Unused Portion of the SCA

   0.15%    0.15%

Annualized Interest Rate on Borrowings

  

1.20% plus the higher of (1) the effective federal funds rate, (2) the one-month LIBOR

rate or (3) zero percent

  

1.25% plus the higher of (1) the effective federal funds rate, (2) the one-month LIBOR

rate or (3) zero percent

 

*

Effective March 31, 2020, the SCA’s total commitment was increased from $900,000,000 to $1,162,500,000 and subsequently, effective April 7, 2020 was increased to $1,222,500,000.

 

Subsequent to the reporting period end, the SCA has been renewed effective October 2, 2020 and will provide a commitment of $1,200,000,000 through September 30, 2021. The commitment fee paid by the Participating Funds will continue to be 0.15% of the unused portion of the SCA. The interest on borrowings under the renewed SCA will be paid monthly and at a per annum interest rate of 1.30% plus the higher of (1) the effective federal funds rate, (2) the one-month LIBOR rate or (3) zero percent.

 

Certain affiliated registered investment companies that are parties to the SCA include portfolios that are subject to a predetermined mathematical formula used to manage certain benefit guarantees offered under variable annuity contracts. The formula may result in large scale asset flows into and out of these portfolios. Consequently, these portfolios

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     49  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

may be more likely to utilize the SCA for purposes of funding redemptions. It may be possible for those portfolios to fully exhaust the committed amount of the SCA, thereby requiring the Manager to allocate available funding per a Board-approved methodology designed to treat the Participating Funds in the SCA equitably.

 

The Fund did not utilize the SCA during the reporting period ended August 31, 2020.

 

9. Risks of Investing in the Fund

 

The Fund’s risks include, but are not limited to, some or all of the risks discussed below. For further information on the Fund’s risks, please refer to the Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.

 

Authorized Participant Concentration Risk: Only an Authorized Participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. The Fund has a limited number of intermediaries that act as Authorized Participants and none of these Authorized Participants is or will be obligated to engage in creation or redemption transactions. To the extent that these intermediaries exit the business or are unable to or choose not to proceed with creation and/ or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other Authorized Participant creates or redeems, shares of the Fund may trade at a substantial discount or premium to NAV, may trade at larger spreads and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting.

 

Bond Obligations Risk: The Fund’s holdings, share price, yield and total return may fluctuate in response to bond market movements. The value of bonds may decline for issuer-related reasons, including management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods and services. Certain types of fixed-income obligations also may be subject to “call and redemption risk”, which is the risk that the issuer may call a bond held by the Fund for redemption before it matures and the Fund may not be able to reinvest at the same level and therefore would earn less income.

 

Derivatives Risk: Derivatives involve special risks and costs and may result in losses to the Fund. The successful use of derivatives requires sophisticated management, and, to the extent that derivatives are used, the Fund will depend on the subadviser’s ability to analyze and manage derivatives transactions. The prices of derivatives may move in unexpected ways, especially in abnormal market conditions. Some derivatives are “leveraged” and therefore may magnify or otherwise increase investment losses to the Fund. The Fund’s use of derivatives may also increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders. Other risks arise from the potential inability to terminate or sell derivatives positions. A liquid secondary market may not always exist for the Fund’s derivatives positions. In fact, many

 

50  


over-the-counter derivative instruments will not have liquidity beyond the counterparty to the instrument. Over-the-counter derivative instruments also involve the risk that the other party will not meet its obligations to the Fund.

 

ETF Shares Trading Risk: Fund shares are listed for trading on the Exchange and the shares are bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The market prices of the shares of the Fund are expected to fluctuate in response to changes in the Fund’s NAV, the intraday value of the Fund’s holdings and supply and demand for shares of the Fund. We cannot predict whether shares of the Fund will trade above, below or at their NAV. Trading on the Exchange, including trading of Fund shares, may be halted in certain circumstances and shareholders may not be able to sell Fund shares at the time or price desired. During periods of stressed market conditions, the market for the shares of the Fund may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the markets for the Fund’s portfolio investments. This adverse effect on the liquidity of the Fund’s shares could lead to differences between the market price of the Fund’s shares and the NAV of those shares. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange to maintain the listing of shares of the Fund will continue to be met. At times, trading in the securities of ETFs has become volatile and unpredictable and the price of ETF shares has diverged from market driven fundamentals.

 

Interest Rate Risk: The value of an investment may go down when interest rates rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. When interest rates fall, the issuers of debt obligations may prepay principal more quickly than expected, and the Fund may be required to reinvest the proceeds at a lower interest rate. This is referred to as “prepayment risk”. When interest rates rise, debt obligations may be repaid more slowly than expected, and the value of the Fund’s holdings may fall sharply. This is referred to as “extension risk”. The Fund may face a heightened level of interest rate risk as a result of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board’s policies. The Fund’s investments may lose value if short-term or long-term interest rates rise sharply or in a manner not anticipated by the subadviser.

 

Junk Bonds Risk: High-yield, high-risk bonds have predominantly speculative characteristics, including particularly high credit risk. Junk bonds tend to have lower market liquidity than higher-rated securities. The liquidity of particular issuers or industries within a particular investment category may shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning. The non-investment grade bond market can experience sudden and sharp price swings and become illiquid due to a variety of factors, including changes in economic forecasts, stock market activity, large sustained sales by major investors, a high profile default or a change in the market’s psychology.

 

LIBOR Risk: Many financial instruments use or may use a floating rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” which is the offered rate for short-term Eurodollar deposits between major international banks. On July 27, 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     51  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

There remains uncertainty regarding the future utilization of LIBOR and the nature of any replacement rate. As such, the potential impact of a transition away from LIBOR on the Fund or the financial instruments in which the Fund invests cannot yet be determined. The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and/or net asset value. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021.

 

Liquidity Risk: The Fund may invest in instruments that trade in lower volumes and are less liquid than other investments. Liquidity risk exists when particular investments made by the Fund are difficult to purchase or sell. Liquidity risk includes the risk that the Fund may make investments that may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. If the Fund is forced to sell these investments to pay redemption proceeds or for other reasons, the Fund may lose money. In addition, when there is no willing buyer and investments may not reasonably be expected to be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment, the Fund may incur higher transaction costs when executing trade orders of a given size. The reduction in dealer market-making capacity in the fixed-income markets that has occurred in recent years also has the potential to reduce liquidity. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities.

 

Market and Credit Risk: Securities markets may be volatile and the market prices of the Fund’s securities may decline. Securities fluctuate in price based on changes in an issuer’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions. If the market prices of the securities owned by the Fund fall, the value of an investment in the Fund will decline. Additionally, the Fund may also be exposed to credit risk in the event that an issuer or guarantor fails to perform or that an institution or entity with which the Fund has unsettled or open transactions defaults.

 

Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risks: International wars or conflicts and geopolitical developments in foreign countries, along with instability in regions such as Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, possible terrorist attacks in the United States or around the world, public health epidemics such as the outbreak of infectious diseases like the recent

 

52  


outbreak of coronavirus globally or the 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa of the Ebola virus, and other similar events could adversely affect the U.S. and foreign financial markets, including increases in market volatility, reduced liquidity in the securities markets and government intervention, and may cause further long-term economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide generally.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     53  


Financial Highlights

 

    

Year
Ended

August 31,
2020

          

September 24,

2018(e)
through

August 31,
2019

 
Per Share Operating Performance(a):

 

               
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period     $40.96               $40.00  
Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

               
Net investment income (loss)     2.49               2.30  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments     (0.49             0.85  
Total from investment operations     2.00               3.15  
Less Dividends and Distributions:                        
Dividends from net investment income     (2.55             (2.19
Distributions from net realized gains     (0.42             -  
Total Dividends and Distributions     (2.97             (2.19
Net asset value, end of period     $39.99               $40.96  
Total Return(b):     5.24%               8.20%  
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                  
Net assets, end of period (000)     $34,994               $27,649  
Average net assets (000)     $29,367               $26,467  
Ratios to average net assets(c):                        
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement     0.53%               0.52% (d) 
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement     0.53%               0.53% (d) 
Net investment income (loss)     6.37%               6.15% (d) 
Portfolio turnover rate(f)     57%               55%  

 

(a)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)

Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of the 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.

(c)

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

(d)

Annualized.

(e)

Commencement of operations.

(f)

The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may be higher.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

54  


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF and Board of Trustees

PGIM ETF Trust:

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF, a series of PGIM ETF Trust, (the Fund), including the schedule of investments, as of August 31, 2020, the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for the year ended August 31, 2020 and the period from September 24, 2018 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively, the financial statements) and the financial highlights for each year and period indicated herein. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of August 31, 2020, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for the year ended August 31, 2020 and the period from September 24, 2018 to August 31, 2019, and the financial highlights for each year and period indicated herein, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

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 are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Such procedures also included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2020, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, and brokers, or by other appropriate auditing procedures when replies were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more PGIM and/or Prudential Retail investment companies since 2003.

 

New York, New York

October 15, 2020

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     55  


Fund Liquidity Risk Management Program (unaudited)

 

Consistent with Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act (the “Liquidity Rule”), the Fund has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “LRMP”). The Fund’s LRMP seeks to assess and manage the Fund’s liquidity risk, which is defined as the risk that the Fund is unable to meet investor redemption requests without significantly diluting the remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has approved PGIM Investments LLC (“PGIM Investments”), the Fund’s investment manager, to serve as the administrator of the Fund’s LRMP. As part of its responsibilities as administrator, PGIM Investments has retained a third party to perform certain functions, including providing market data and liquidity classification model information.

 

The Fund’s LRMP includes a number of processes designed to support the assessment and management of its liquidity risk. In particular, the Fund’s LRMP includes no less than annual assessments of factors that influence the Fund’s liquidity risk; no less than monthly classifications of the Fund’s investments into one of four liquidity classifications provided for in the Liquidity Rule; a 15% of net assets limit on the acquisition of “illiquid investments” (as defined under the Liquidity Rule); establishment of a minimum percentage of the Fund’s assets to be invested in investments classified as “highly liquid” (as defined under the Liquidity Rule) if the Fund does not invest primarily in highly liquid investments; and regular reporting to the Board.

 

At a meeting of the Board on March 3-5, 2020, PGIM Investments provided a written report (“LRMP Report”) to the Board addressing the operation, adequacy, and effectiveness of the Fund’s LRMP, including any material changes to the LRMP for the period from the inception of the Fund’s LRMP on December 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019 (“Reporting Period”). The LRMP Report concluded that the Fund’s LRMP was reasonably designed to assess and manage the Fund’s liquidity risk and was adequately and effectively implemented during the Reporting Period. There were no material changes to the LRMP during the Reporting Period. The LRMP Report further concluded that the Fund’s investment strategies continue to be appropriate given the Fund’s status as an open-end fund.

 

There can be no assurance that the LRMP will achieve its objectives in the future. Additional information regarding risks of investing in the Fund, including liquidity risks presented by the Fund’s investment portfolio, is found in the Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.

 

56  


Federal Income Tax Information (unaudited)

 

We are advising you that during the year ended August 31, 2020, the PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF reports the maximum amount allowed per share, but not less than $0.10 as a capital gain distribution in accordance with Section 852(b)(3)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

For the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund reports the maximum amount allowable but not less than 63.85% as interest-related dividends in accordance with Sections 871(k)(1) and 881(e)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

In January 2021, you will be advised on IRS Form 1099-DIV or substitute 1099-DIV, as to the federal tax status of the dividends received by you in calendar year 2020.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF     57  


INFORMATION ABOUT BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS  (unaudited)

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

 

Independent Board Members        
       

Name

Year of Birth

Position(s)
Portfolios Overseen

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

  

Other Directorships

Held During

Past Five Years

   Length of
Board Service
       

Ellen S. Alberding
1958

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 95

   President and Board Member, The Joyce Foundation (charitable foundation) (since 2002); Vice Chair, City Colleges of Chicago (community college system) (2011-2015); Trustee, National Park Foundation (charitable foundation for national park system) (2009-2018); Trustee, Economic Club of Chicago (2009-2016); Trustee, Loyola University (since 2018).    None.    Since December 2017
       

Kevin J. Bannon
1952

Board Member Portfolios Overseen: 95

   Retired; Managing Director (April 2008-May 2015) and Chief Investment Officer (October 2008-November 2013) of Highmount Capital LLC (registered investment adviser); formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer (April 1993-August 2007) of Bank of New York Company; President (May 2003-May 2007) of BNY Hamilton Family of Mutual Funds.    Director of Urstadt Biddle Properties (equity real estate investment trust) (since September 2008).    Since December 2017

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF


Independent Board Members

           
       

Name

Year of Birth

Position(s)
Portfolios Overseen

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

  

Other Directorships

Held During

Past Five Years

   Length of
Board Service
       

Linda W. Bynoe
1952

Board Member Portfolios Overseen: 95

   President and Chief Executive Officer (since March 1995) and formerly Chief Operating Officer (December 1989-February 1995) of Telemat Limited LLC (formerly, Telemat Ltd). (management consulting); formerly Vice President (January 1985-June 1989) at Morgan Stanley & Co. (broker-dealer).    Director of Anixter International, Inc. (communication products distributor) (since January 2006–June 2020); Director of Northern Trust Corporation (financial services) (since April 2006); Trustee of Equity Residential (residential real estate) (since December 2009).    Since December 2017
       

Barry H. Evans
1960

Board Member Portfolios Overseen: 94

   Retired; formerly President (2005 – 2016), Global Chief Operating Officer (2014–2016), Chief Investment Officer – Global Head of Fixed Income (1998-2014), and various portfolio manager roles (1986-2006), Manulife Asset Management U.S.    Formerly Director, Manulife Trust Company
(2011-2018); formerly Director, Manulife Asset Management Limited (2015-2017); formerly Chairman of the Board of Directors of Manulife Asset Management U.S. (2005-2016); formerly Chairman of the Board, Declaration Investment Management and Research (2008-2016).
   Since December 2017
       

Keith F. Hartstein
1956

Board Member &

Independent Chair

Portfolios Overseen: 95

   Executive Committee of the IDC Board of Governors (since October 2019); Retired; Member (since November 2014) of the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council (IDC) (organization of independent mutual fund directors); formerly President and Chief Executive Officer (2005-2012), Senior Vice President (2004-2005), Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing (1997-2004), and various executive management positions (1990-1997), John Hancock Funds, LLC (asset management); Chairman, Investment Company Institute’s Sales Force Marketing Committee (2003-2008).    None.    Since December 2017

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Independent Board Members

           
       

Name

Year of Birth

Position(s)
Portfolios Overseen

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

  

Other Directorships

Held During

Past Five Years

   Length of
Board Service
       

Laurie Simon Hodrick

1962

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 94

   A. Barton Hepburn Professor Emerita of Economics in the Faculty of Business, Columbia Business School (since 2018); Visiting Professor of Law, Stanford Law School (since 2015); Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University (since 2015); Sole Member, ReidCourt LLC (since 2008) (a consulting firm); formerly A. Barton Hepburn Professor of Economics in the Faculty of Business, Columbia Business School (1996-2017); formerly Managing Director, Global Head of Alternative Investment Strategies, Deutsche Bank (2006-2008).    Independent Director, Synnex Corporation (since April 2019) (information technology); Independent Director, Kabbage, Inc. (since July 2018) (financial services); Independent Director, Corporate Capital Trust (2017-2018) (a business development company).    Since December 2017
       

Michael S. Hyland, CFA

1945

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 95

   Retired (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.    Since December 2017
       

Brian K. Reid
1961

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 94

   Retired; formerly Chief Economist for the Investment Company Institute (ICI) (2005-2017); formerly Senior Economist and Director of Industry and Financial Analysis at the ICI (1998-2004); formerly Senior Economist, Industry and Financial Analysis at the ICI (1996-1998); formerly Staff Economist at the Federal Reserve Board (1989-1996); Director, ICI Mutual Insurance Company (2012-2017).    None.    Since March 2018

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF


Independent Board Members        
       

Name

Year of Birth

Position(s)
Portfolios Overseen

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

  

Other Directorships

Held During

Past Five Years

   Length of
Board Service
       

Grace C. Torres

1959

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 94

   Retired; formerly Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of the PGIM Funds, Target Funds, Advanced Series Trust, Prudential Variable Contract Accounts and The Prudential Series Fund (1998-June 2014); Assistant Treasurer (March 1999-June 2014) and Senior Vice President (September 1999-June 2014) of PGIM Investments LLC; Assistant Treasurer (May 2003-June 2014) and Vice President (June 2005-June 2014) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Assistant Treasurer (May 2003-June 2014) of Prudential Annuities Advisory Services, Inc.    Formerly Director (July 2015-January 2018) of Sun Bancorp, Inc. N.A. and Sun National Bank; Director (since January 2018) of OceanFirst Financial Corp. and OceanFirst Bank.    Since December 2017

 

Interested Board Members          
       

Name

Year of Birth

Position(s)
Portfolios Overseen

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

  

Other Directorships

Held During

Past Five Years

   Length of
Board Service
       

Stuart S. Parker

1962

Board Member &

President Portfolios Overseen: 96

   President of PGIM Investments LLC (formerly known as Prudential Investments LLC) (since January 2012); Executive Vice President of Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (since December 2012); formerly Executive Vice President of Jennison Associates LLC and Head of Retail Distribution of PGIM Investments LLC (June 2005-December 2011).    None.    Since December 2017

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Interested Board Members          
       

Name

Year of Birth

Position(s)
Portfolios Overseen

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

  

Other Directorships

Held During

Past Five Years

   Length of
Board Service
       

Scott E. Benjamin
1973

Board Member & Vice President Portfolios Overseen: 96

   Executive Vice President (since June 2009) of PGIM Investments LLC; Vice President (since June 2012) of Prudential Investment Management Services LLC; Executive Vice President (since September 2009) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President of Product Development and Marketing, PGIM Investments (since February 2006); formerly Vice President of Product Development and Product Management, PGIM Investments LLC (2003-2006).    None.    Since December 2017

 

Fund Officers(a)            
     

Name

Date of Birth

Fund Position

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years    Length of
Service as Fund
Officer
     

Claudia DiGiacomo
1974

Chief Legal Officer

   Chief Legal Officer of PGIM Investments LLC (since August 2020); Chief Legal Officer of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (since August 2020); Chief Legal Officer of PIFM Holdco, LLC (since August 2020); Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since January 2005) of Prudential; and Corporate Counsel of AST Investment Services, Inc. (since August 2020); formerly Associate at Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP (1999-2004).    Since December 2017
     

Dino Capasso
1974

Chief Compliance Officer

   Chief Compliance Officer (July 2019-Present) of PGIM Investments LLC; Chief Compliance Officer (July 2019-Present) of the PGIM Funds, Target Funds, Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund, Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc., PGIM Global High Yield Fund, Inc., and PGIM High Yield Bond Fund, Inc.; Vice President and Deputy Chief Compliance Officer (June 2017-2019) of PGIM Investments LLC; formerly, Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel (January 2016-June 2017), and Vice President and Counsel (February 2012-December 2015) of Pacific Investment Management Company LLC.    Since March 2018

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF


Fund Officers(a)          
     

Name

Date of Birth

Fund Position

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years    Length of Service as Fund Officer
     

Andrew R. French

1962

Secretary

   Vice President (since December 2018 - present) of PGIM Investments LLC; Formerly, Vice President and Corporate Counsel (2010-2018) of Prudential; formerly Director and Corporate Counsel (2006-2010) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of PGIM Investments LLC; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC.    Since December 2017
     

Diana N. Huffman
1982

Assistant Secretary

   Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since September 2015) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since August 2020) of PGIM Investments LLC; formerly Associate at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP (2009-2015).    Since March 2019
     

Melissa Gonzalez
1980

Assistant Secretary

   Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since September 2018) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since August 2020) of PGIM Investments LLC; formerly Director and Corporate Counsel (March 2014-September 2018) of Prudential.    Since March 2020
     

Patrick E. McGuinness
1986

Assistant Secretary

   Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since August 2020) of PGIM Investments LLC; Director and Corporate Counsel (since February 2017) of Prudential; and Corporate Counsel (2012 – 2017) of IIL, Inc.    Since June 2020
     

Christian J. Kelly
1975

Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

   Vice President, Head of Fund Administration of PGIM Investments LLC (since November 2018); formerly, Director of Fund Administration of Lord Abbett & Co. LLC (2009-2018), Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Lord Abbett Family of Funds (2017-2018); Director of Accounting, Avenue Capital Group (2008-2009); Senior Manager, Investment Management Practice of Deloitte & Touche LLP (1998-2007).    Since January 2019
     

Lana Lomuti
1967

Assistant Treasurer

   Vice President (since 2007) and Director (2005-2007), within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; formerly Assistant Treasurer (December 2007-February 2014) of The Greater China Fund, Inc.    Since December 2017
     

Russ Shupak
1973

Assistant Treasurer

   Vice President (since 2017) and Director (2013-2017), within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.    Since October 2019
     

Deborah Conway
1969

Assistant Treasurer

   Vice President (since 2017) and Director (2007-2017), within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.    Since October 2019
     

Elyse M. McLaughlin
1974

Assistant Treasurer

   Vice President (since 2017) and Director (2011-2017), within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.    Since October 2019

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Fund Officers(a)          
     

Name

Date of Birth

Fund Position

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years    Length of Service as Fund Officer
     

Charles H. Smith
1973

Anti-Money Laundering

Compliance Officer

   Vice President, Corporate Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering Unit (since January 2015) of Prudential; committee member of the American Council of Life Insurers Anti-Money Laundering and Critical Infrastructure Committee (since January 2016); formerly Global Head of Economic Sanctions Compliance at AIG Property Casualty (February 2007-December 2014); Assistant Attorney General at the New York State Attorney General’s Office, Division of Public Advocacy. (August 1998-January 2007).    Since December 2017

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

Explanatory Notes to Tables:

 

 

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

 

 

Unless otherwise noted, the address of all Board Members and Officers is c/o PGIM Investments LLC, 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4410.

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

As used in the Fund Officers table “Prudential” means The Prudential Insurance Company of America.

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF

 


Approval of Advisory Agreements (unaudited)

 

The Fund’s Board of Trustees

 

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF1 (the “Fund”) consists of eleven individuals, nine 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 Trustees 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 Director. The Board has established four standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee, and two Investment Committees. 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 PGIM Investments LLC (“PGIM Investments”) and the Fund’s subadvisory agreement with PGIM, Inc. (“PGIM”) on behalf of its PGIM Fixed Income unit. In considering the renewal of the agreements, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, met on May 27, 2020 and on June 9-11, 2020 and approved the renewal of the agreements through July 31, 2021, 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 requested and 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 PGIM Investments and PGIM. Also, the Board considered comparisons with other mutual funds in relevant Peer Universes and Peer Groups, as is further discussed below.

 

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 PGIM Investments, the subadviser and, as relevant, its affiliates, the performance of the Fund, the profitability of PGIM Investments 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 PGIM Investments throughout

 

 

1 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF is a series of PGIM ETF Trust.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF


Approval of Advisory Agreements (continued)

 

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 May 27, 2020 and on June 9-11, 2020.

 

The Trustees determined that the overall arrangements between the Fund and PGIM Investments, which serves as the Fund’s investment manager pursuant to a management agreement, between PGIM Investments and PGIM, which, through its PGIM Fixed Income unit, serves as the Fund’s subadviser pursuant to the terms of a subadvisory agreement with PGIM Investments are in the best interests 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 PGIM Investments and, PGIM Fixed Income. The Board noted that PGIM Fixed Income is affiliated with PGIM Investments. The Board considered the services provided by PGIM Investments, 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, and PGIM Investments’ role as administrator of the Fund’s liquidity risk management program. With respect to PGIM Investments’ oversight of the subadviser, the Board noted that PGIM Investments’ Strategic Investment Research Group (“SIRG”), which is a business unit of PGIM Investments, is responsible for monitoring and reporting to PGIM Investments’ senior management on the performance and operations of the subadviser. The Board also considered that PGIM Investments pays the salaries of all of the officers and interested Trustees of the Fund who are part of Fund management. The Board also considered the investment subadvisory services provided by PGIM Fixed Income, including investment research and security selection, as well as adherence to the Fund’s investment restrictions and compliance with applicable Fund policies and procedures. The Board considered PGIM Investments’ evaluation of the subadviser, as well as PGIM Investments’ recommendation, based on its review of the subadviser, to renew the subadvisory agreement.

 

The Board considered the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of PGIM Investments’ senior management responsible for the oversight of the Fund and PGIM Fixed Income, and also considered the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of PGIM Fixed Income’s portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of

 

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the Fund’s portfolio. The Board was provided with information pertaining to PGIM Investments’ and PGIM Fixed Income’s organizational structure, senior management, investment operations, and other relevant information pertaining to PGIM Investments and PGIM Fixed Income. The Board also noted that it received favorable compliance reports from the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) as to PGIM Investments and PGIM Fixed Income.

 

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

 

Costs of Services and Profits Realized by PGIM Investments

 

The Board was provided with information on the profitability of PGIM Investments and its affiliates in serving as the Fund’s investment manager. The Board discussed with PGIM Investments the methodology utilized in assembling the information regarding profitability and considered its reasonableness. The Board recognized that it is difficult to make 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. Taking these factors into account, the Board concluded that the profitability of PGIM Investments and its affiliates in relation to the services rendered was not unreasonable.

 

Economies of Scale

 

The Board received and discussed information concerning economies of scale that PGIM Investments may realize as the Fund’s assets grow beyond current levels. During the course of time, the Board has considered information regarding the launch date of the Fund, the management fees of the Fund compared to those of similarly managed funds and PGIM Investments’ investment in the Fund over time. The Board noted that economies of scale can be shared with the Fund in other ways, including low management fees from inception, additional technological and personnel investments to enhance shareholder services, and maintaining existing expense structures in the face of a rising cost environment. The Board also considered PGIM Investments’ assertion that it continually evaluates the management fee schedule of the Fund and the potential to share economies of scale through breakpoints or fee waivers as asset levels increase.

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF


Approval of Advisory Agreements (continued)

 

The Board recognized the inherent limitations of any analysis of economies of scale, stemming largely from the Board’s understanding that most of PGIM Investments’ costs are not specific to individual funds, but rather are incurred across a variety of products and services.

 

Other Benefits to PGIM Investments, and PGIM Fixed Income

 

The Board considered potential ancillary benefits that might be received by PGIM Investments, PGIM Fixed Income and their affiliates as a result of their relationship with the Fund. The Board concluded that potential benefits to be derived by PGIM Investments included transfer agency fees received by the Fund’s transfer agent (which is affiliated with PGIM Investments), as well as benefits to its reputation or other intangible benefits resulting from PGIM Investments’ association with the Fund. The Board concluded that the potential benefits to be derived by PGIM Fixed Income included the 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 its reputation. The Board concluded that the benefits derived by PGIM Investments and PGIM Fixed Income were consistent with the types of benefits generally derived by investment managers and subadvisers to mutual funds.

 

Performance of the Fund / Fees and Expenses

 

The Board considered certain additional factors and made related conclusions relating to the historical performance of the Fund for the one-year period ended December 31, 2019. The Board considered that the Fund commenced operations on September 24, 2018 and that longer-term performance was not yet available.

 

The Board also considered the Fund’s actual management fee, as well as the Fund’s net total expense ratio, for the fiscal period ended August 31, 2019. The Board considered the management fee for the Fund as compared to the management fee charged by PGIM Investments to other funds and the fee charged by other advisers to comparable mutual funds in a Peer Group. The actual management fee represents the fee rate actually paid by Fund shareholders and includes any fee waivers or reimbursements. The net total expense ratio for the Fund represents the actual expense ratio incurred by Fund shareholders.

 

The mutual funds included in the Peer Universe, which was used to consider performance, and the Peer Group, which was used to consider expenses and fees, were objectively determined by Broadridge, an independent provider of mutual fund data. In certain circumstances, PGIM Investments also provided supplemental Peer Universe or Peer Group information for reasons addressed with the Board. The comparisons placed the

 

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Fund in various quartiles over various periods, 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 section below summarizes key factors considered by the Board and the Board’s conclusions regarding the Fund’s performance, fees and overall expenses. The table sets forth net performance comparisons (which reflect the impact on performance of fund expenses, or any subsidies, expense caps or waivers that may be applicable) with the Peer Universe, actual management fees with the Peer Group (which reflect the impact of any subsidies or fee waivers), and net total expenses with the Peer Group, each of which were key factors considered by the Board.

 

Net Performance    1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years
    

1st Quartile

   N/A    N/A    N/A
Actual Management Fees: 3rd Quartile
Net Total Expenses: 3rd Quartile

 

   

The Board noted that the Fund outperformed its benchmark index over the one-year period ended December 31, 2019.

   

The Board noted that the Fund does not yet have a three-year performance record and that, therefore, the subadviser should have more time to develop that record.

   

The Board and PGIM Investments agreed to retain the Fund’s existing contractual fee waiver, pursuant to which PGIM Investments waives any management fees it receives from the Fund in an amount equal to the subadvisory fees paid by the Fund to the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund.

   

The Board concluded that, in light of the above, it would be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders to continue to allow the Fund to create a longer-term performance record, and to renew the agreements.

   

The Board concluded that the management fees (including subadvisory fees) and total expenses were reasonable in light of the services provided.

 

*    *    *

 

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

 

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF


 MAIL    TELEPHONE    WEBSITE

655 Broad Street

Newark, NJ 07102

 

(800) 225-1852

 

pgim.com/investments

 

PROXY VOTING
The Board of Trustees of the Fund has delegated to the Fund’s 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 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 Securities and Exchange Commission’s website.

 

TRUSTEES
Ellen S. Alberding Kevin J. Bannon Scott E. Benjamin Linda W. Bynoe Barry H. Evans Keith F. Hartstein Laurie Simon Hodrick Michael S. Hyland Stuart S. Parker Brian K. Reid  Grace C. Torres

 

OFFICERS
Stuart S. Parker, President Scott E. Benjamin, Vice President Christian J. Kelly, Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer Claudia DiGiacomo, Chief Legal Officer Dino Capasso, Chief Compliance Officer Charles H. Smith, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer Andrew R. French, Secretary Melissa Gonzalez, Assistant Secretary Diana N. Huffman, Assistant Secretary Patrick McGuinness, Assistant Secretary Lana Lomuti, Assistant Treasurer Russ Shupak, Assistant Treasurer Elyse McLaughlin, Assistant Treasurer Deborah Conway, Assistant Treasurer

 

MANAGER   PGIM Investments LLC  

655 Broad Street

Newark, NJ 07102

 

SUBADVISER   PGIM Fixed Income  

655 Broad Street

Newark, NJ 07102

 

DISTRIBUTOR   Prudential Investment
Management Services LLC
 

655 Broad Street

Newark, NJ 07102

 

CUSTODIAN/TRANSFER AGENT   Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.  

50 Post Office Square

Boston, MA 02110

 

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 the prospectus and summary prospectus by visiting our website at pgim.com/investments or by calling (800) 225-1852. The prospectus and summary prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

 

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

 

SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS WITH TRUSTEES
Shareholders can communicate directly with the Board of Trustees by writing to the Chair of the Board, PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF, PGIM Investments, Attn: Board of Trustees, 655 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102. Shareholders can communicate directly with an individual Trustee by writing to that Trustee at 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 as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT filings are available on the Commission’s website at sec.gov.

 

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.

 

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

 

PGIM ACTIVE HIGH YIELD BOND ETF

 

TICKER SYMBOL   PHYL

 

ETF1001E    


LOGO

 

PGIM QMA STRATEGIC ALPHA ETFs

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF   PQLC
PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF   PQSG
PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF   PQSV
PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF   PQIN

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT

AUGUST 31, 2020

 

COMING SOON: PAPERLESS SHAREHOLDER REPORTS

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semiannual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds’ website (pgim.com/investments), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank).

 

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You should contact your financial intermediary or follow instructions included with this notice to elect to continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held in your account.

 

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To enroll in e-delivery, go to pgim.com/investments/resource/edelivery


Table of Contents

 

Letter from the President

     3  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

     4  

Growth of a $10,000 Investment

     4  

Strategy and Performance Overview

     6  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

     8  

Growth of a $10,000 Investment

     8  

Strategy and Performance Overview

     10  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

     12  

Growth of a $10,000 Investment

     12  

Strategy and Performance Overview

     14  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

     16  

Growth of a $10,000 Investment

     16  

Strategy and Performance Overview

     18  

Fees and Expenses

     20  

Holdings and Financial Statements

     23  

Approval of Advisory Agreements

        

 

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.

 

Exchange-traded funds are distributed by Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (PIMS), member SIPC. QMA is the primary business name of QMA LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of PGIM, Inc. (PGIM), a Prudential Financial company and registered investment adviser. © 2020 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities. PGIM and the PGIM logo are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.

 

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Letter from the President

 

LOGO

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

We hope you find the annual report for the PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs informative and useful. The report covers performance for the 12-month period that ended August 31, 2020.

 

During the first half of the period, the global economy remained healthy—particularly in the US—fueled by rising corporate profits and strong job growth. The outlook changed dramatically in March as the coronavirus outbreak quickly and substantially shut down economic activity worldwide, leading to significant job losses and a steep decline in global growth and earnings. Responding to this disruption, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) cut the federal funds rate target to near zero and flooded capital markets with liquidity; and Congress passed stimulus bills worth approximately $3 trillion that offered an economic lifeline to consumers and businesses.

 

While stocks climbed throughout the first half of the period, they fell significantly in March amid a spike in volatility, ending the 11-year-long equity bull market. With stores and factories closing and consumers staying at home to limit the spread of the virus, investors sold stocks on fears that corporate earnings would take a serious hit. As states reopened their economies in the spring and early summer, a strong equity market rally helped stocks around the globe post gains during the period.

 

The bond market overall—including US and global bonds as well as emerging market debt—rose during the period as investors sought safety in fixed income. A significant rally in interest rates pushed the 10-year US Treasury yield down to a record low. In March, the Fed took several aggressive actions to keep the bond markets running smoothly, restarting many of the relief programs that proved to be successful in helping end the global financial crisis in 2008-09.

 

Regarding your investments with PGIM, we believe it is important to maintain a diversified portfolio of funds consistent with your tolerance for risk, time horizon, and financial goals. Your financial advisor can help you create a diversified investment plan that may include funds covering all the basic asset classes and that reflects your personal investor profile and risk tolerance. However, diversification and asset allocation strategies do not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

 

At PGIM Investments, we consider it a great privilege and responsibility to help investors participate in opportunities across global markets while meeting their toughest investment challenges. PGIM is a top-10 global investment manager with more than $1 trillion in assets under management. This scale and investment expertise allow us to deliver actively managed funds and strategies to meet the needs of investors around the globe.

 

Thank you for choosing our family of funds.

 

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

 

Stuart S. Parker, President

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs

October 15, 2020

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     3  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

Your Fund’s Performance (unaudited)

 

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 sold or 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 pgim.com/investments or by calling (800) 225-1852.

 

    Average Annual Total Returns as of 8/31/20
    One Year (%)   Since Inception (%)
Net Asset Value (NAV)     7.69     6.88 (10/17/18)
Market Price*     7.76     6.93 (10/17/18)
S&P 500 Index   21.93   17.27                 

 

*The market price is determined using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the listing exchange, as of the time that the Fund’s NAV is calculated. The first day of secondary market trading is typically several days after the date on which the Fund commenced investment operations; therefore, the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the period from inception of investment operations to the first day of secondary market trading to calculate the Market Price returns.

Since inception returns for the Index are measured from the closest month-end to the Fund’s inception date.

The returns in the table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or following the sale or redemption of Fund shares.

Market returns do not include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market transactions. If brokerage commissions were included, market returns would be lower. Market and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, have been reinvested in the Fund at market price and NAV, respectively.

 

Growth of a $10,000 Investment

 

LOGO

 

The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund with a similar investment in the S&P 500 Index by portraying the initial account values at the commencement of operations

 

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(October 17, 2018) and the account values at the end of the current fiscal year (August 31, 2020) as measured on a quarterly basis. The Fund assumes an initial investment on October 17, 2018, while the benchmark and the Index assume that the initial investment occurred on October 31, 2018. For purposes of the graph, and unless otherwise indicated, it has been assumed that (a) all recurring fees (including management fees) were deducted; and (b) all dividends and distributions were reinvested.

 

Past performance does not predict future performance. Total returns and the ending account values in the graphs 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.

 

Benchmark Definitions

 

S&P 500 Index—The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of over 500 stocks of large public US companies. It gives a broad look at how stock prices in the United States have performed.

 

Investors cannot invest directly in an index. The returns for the Index would be lower if they included the effects of sales charges, operating expenses of a mutual fund, or taxes that may be paid by an investor.

 

Presentation of Fund Holdings as of 8/31/20

 

Ten Largest Holdings    Line of Business   % of Net Assets
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.    Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment   0.5%
FedEx Corp.    Air Freight & Logistics   0.5%
salesforce.com, Inc.    Software   0.5%
NVIDIA Corp.    Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment   0.5%
Apple, Inc.    Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals   0.5%
Quanta Services, Inc.    Construction & Engineering   0.4%
Best Buy Co., Inc.    Specialty Retail   0.4%
Target Corp.    Multiline Retail   0.4%
Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.    Building Products   0.4%
QUALCOMM, Inc.    Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment   0.4%

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     5  


Strategy and Performance Overview (unaudited)

 

How did the Fund perform?

The PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF (the Fund) returned 7.69% based on net asset value in the 12-month reporting period that ended August 31, 2020, underperforming the 21.93% return of the S&P 500 Index (the Index).

 

What were the market conditions?

US equity markets moved higher during the reporting period but exhibited a significant increase in volatility, particularly in the first quarter of 2020 with the global outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by a novel coronavirus that originated in China in 2019. Large-cap stocks meaningfully outperformed their small- and mid-cap counterparts during the period. Value stocks underperformed growth stocks across all market capitalizations by a significant margin.

 

What worked?

   

The Fund benefited from favorable security selections in the industrial and energy sectors during the reporting period.

 

   

The Fund’s underweight position relative to the Index in industrial conglomerates, the worst-performing industry in the industrial sector, and an overweight position relative to the Index in machinery stocks aided performance.

 

   

In energy, an underweight position relative to the Index in hard-hit oil, gas, and consumable fuels stocks drove outperformance in the sector.

 

   

The Fund’s top individual contributors to relative performance were aerospace and defense contractor Boeing Co., energy company Exxon Mobil Corp., and financial services company JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 

What didn’t work?

   

The Fund’s relative performance during the period was hurt most by poor performance in the consumer discretionary and information technology (IT) sectors.

 

   

In consumer discretionary, the Fund’s underweight position relative to the Index in internet and direct marketing retail companies hurt results, as these stocks generally benefited from COVID-19’s positive impact on online retailing.

 

   

In IT, underweight positions relative to the Index in certain software and technology hardware storage and peripherals companies were also a drag on performance.

 

   

The largest detractors at the stock level were software company Microsoft Corp., technology hardware storage and peripherals company Apple Inc., and internet and direct marketing retail company Amazon.com Inc.

 

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Current outlook

   

The COVID-19 outbreak in the first quarter of 2020 drove significant declines in global equity and debt markets and near-record levels of price volatility throughout much of the first four months of the year. Markets then stabilized and rallied dramatically throughout the summer. The Fund felt the most impact from the significant outperformance of growth stocks versus their value peers as investors flocked to growth-oriented companies positioned to benefit from the lockdown economy, especially in IT, internet and direct marketing retail, and health care businesses. Because of these stocks’ stretched valuations, the Fund held largely underweight positions in these markets, which detracted from performance. In addition, the significant outperformance of larger companies relative to their smaller-capitalization peers created additional performance headwinds during the period due to the Fund’s equal-weighted stock allocation process.

 

   

While the US stock market has remained buoyant, with many indexes having risen into positive territory by the end of the reporting period, the gulf in performance between cheaper value-oriented stocks and more expensive growth-oriented stocks has continued to be wide. Across the market capitalization spectrum, higher-valued stocks have generally fared much better than lower-valued stocks. Indeed, several of the broader value indexes generated negative returns during the period. Accordingly, the Fund’s focus on lower-valued stocks has been a headwind in recent quarters, particularly in the growth arena where many of the better-performing stocks have been trading at extremely high valuations. As this disparity in performance and valuation has persisted, the Fund has continued to tilt toward these more attractively valued stocks while also maintaining a quality focus through its heavier weighting in companies with higher profitability. QMA believes that this positioning in more reasonably valued, higher-quality stocks—which have been out of favor in recent years—will provide significant opportunity for improved performance going forward.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     7  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

Your Fund’s Performance (unaudited)

 

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 sold or 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 pgim.com/investments or by calling (800) 225-1852.

 

    Average Annual Total Returns as of 8/31/20
    One Year (%)   Since Inception (%)
Net Asset Value (NAV)     7.64     2.13 (11/13/18)
Market Price*     7.89     2.24 (11/13/18)
Russell 2000 Growth Index   17.28   11.62                 

 

*The market price is determined using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the listing exchange, as of the time that the Fund’s NAV is calculated. The first day of secondary market trading is typically several days after the date on which the Fund commenced investment operations; therefore, the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the period from inception of investment operations to the first day of secondary market trading to calculate the market price returns.

Since inception returns for the Index are measured from the closest month-end to the Fund’s inception date.

The returns in the table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or following the sale or redemption of Fund shares.

Market returns do not include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market transactions. If brokerage commissions were included, market returns would be lower. Market and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, have been reinvested in the Fund at market price and NAV, respectively.

 

Growth of a $10,000 Investment

 

LOGO

 

The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund with a similar investment in the Russell 2000 Growth Index by portraying the initial account values at the commencement of operations (November 13, 2018) and the account values at the end of the current fiscal

 

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period (August 31, 2020) as measured on a quarterly basis. The Fund assumes an initial investment on November 13, 2018, while the benchmark and the Index assume that the initial investment occurred on October 31, 2018. For purposes of the graph, and unless otherwise indicated, it has been assumed that (a) all recurring fees (including management fees) were deducted; and (b) all dividends and distributions were reinvested.

 

Past performance does not predict future performance. Total returns and the ending account values in the graphs 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.

 

Benchmark Definitions

 

Russell 2000 Growth Index—The Russell 2000 Growth Index is unmanaged and comprises securities in the Russell 2000 Index with a higher-than-average growth orientation. Companies in this Index generally have high price-to-book and price-to-earnings ratios. London Stock Exchange Group plc and its group undertakings (collectively, the “LSE Group”). © LSE Group 2020. FTSE Russell is a trading name of certain of the LSE Group companies. Russell® is a trademark of the relevant LSE Group companies and is/are used by any other LSE Group company under license. All rights in the FTSE Russell indexes or data vest in the relevant LSE Group company which owns the index or the data. Neither LSE Group nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the indexes or data and no party may rely on any indexes or data contained in this communication. No further distribution of data from the LSE Group is permitted without the relevant LSE Group company’s express written consent. The LSE Group does not promote, sponsor, or endorse the content of this communication.

 

Investors cannot invest directly in an index. The returns for the Index would be lower if they included the effects of sales charges, operating expenses of a mutual fund, or taxes that may be paid by an investor.

 

Presentation of Fund Holdings as of 8/31/20

 

Ten Largest Holdings    Line of Business   % of Net Assets
GrowGeneration Corp.    Specialty Retail   0.5%
eXp World Holdings, Inc.    Real Estate Management & Development   0.4%
Majesco    Software   0.4%
Aimmune Therapeutics, Inc.    Biotechnology   0.3%
Evolent Health, Inc. (Class A Stock)    Health Care Technology   0.3%
89bio, Inc.    Biotechnology   0.3%
Orion Energy Systems, Inc.    Electrical Equipment   0.3%
Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.    Life Sciences Tools & Services   0.3%
Rosetta Stone, Inc.    Software   0.3%
Principia Biopharma, Inc.    Biotechnology   0.3%

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     9  


Strategy and Performance Overview (unaudited)

 

How did the Fund perform?

The PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF (the Fund) returned 7.64% based on net asset value in the 12-month reporting period that ended on August 31, 2020, underperforming the 17.28% return of the Russell 2000 Growth Index (the Index).

 

What were the market conditions?

US equity markets moved higher during the reporting period but exhibited a significant increase in volatility, particularly in the first quarter of 2020 with the global outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by a novel coronavirus that originated in China in 2019. Large-cap stocks generally outperformed their small- and mid-cap counterparts during the period. Value stocks underperformed growth stocks across all market capitalizations.

 

What worked?

   

The Fund benefited from favorable security selections in the consumer staples and information technology (IT) sectors during the reporting period.

 

   

In consumer staples, the Fund’s position in food and staples retailing aided performance. The Fund’s focus on quality through its profitability measure also helped it avoid some of the poorer performers in this industry during the period.

 

   

In IT, the Fund made effective stock selections among software companies, outperforming the Index despite having an underweight position relative to the Index in these strong-performing stocks.

 

   

The Fund’s top individual contributors to relative performance during the period were biotechnology companies Forty Seven Inc., MacroGenics Inc., and Synthorx Inc.

 

What didn’t work?

   

The Fund’s relative performance during the period was hurt most by poor selections in the health care sector, as well as an overweight position relative to the Index and poor selections in financials during the period.

 

   

In health care, the Fund’s position in companies in the health care technology and the health care equipment and supplies industries significantly detracted from relative performance during the period. The Fund’s utilization of valuation and profitability factors underperformed the Index in an environment where stocks of more-expensive, less-profitable companies performed relatively better. Health care was the Index’s best-performing sector during the period.

 

   

Financial stocks underperformed the Index during the period. The Fund’s overweight position relative to the Index, especially in bank stocks, was a damper on overall performance.

 

   

The largest detractors at the stock level during the period were health care companies iRhythm Technologies Inc. and Teladoc Health Inc. and electrical equipment company Sunrun Inc.

 

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Current outlook

   

The COVID-19 outbreak in the first quarter of 2020 drove significant declines in global equity and debt markets and near-record levels of price volatility throughout much of the first four months of the year. Markets then stabilized and rallied dramatically throughout the summer. The Fund felt the most impact from the significant outperformance of growth stocks versus their value peers as investors flocked to growth-oriented companies positioned to benefit from the lockdown economy, especially in IT, internet and direct marketing retail, and health care businesses. Because of these stocks’ stretched valuations, the Fund held largely underweight positions in these markets, which detracted from performance. In addition, the significant outperformance of larger companies relative to their smaller-capitalization peers created additional performance headwinds during the period due to the Fund’s equal-weighted stock allocation process.

 

   

While the US stock market has remained buoyant, with many indexes having risen into positive territory by the end of the reporting period, the gulf in performance between cheaper value-oriented stocks and more expensive growth-oriented stocks has continued to be wide. Across the market capitalization spectrum, higher-valued stocks have generally fared much better than lower-valued stocks. Indeed, several of the broader value indexes generated negative returns during the period. Accordingly, the Fund’s focus on lower-valued stocks has been a headwind in recent quarters, particularly in the growth arena where many of the better-performing stocks have been trading at extremely high valuations. As this disparity in performance and valuation has persisted, the Fund has continued to tilt toward these more attractively valued stocks while also maintaining a quality focus through its heavier weighting in companies with higher profitability. QMA believes that this positioning in more reasonably valued, higher-quality stocks—which have been out of favor in recent years—will provide significant opportunity for improved performance going forward.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     11  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Your Fund’s Performance (unaudited)

 

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 sold or 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 pgim.com/investments or by calling (800) 225-1852.

 

    Average Annual Total Returns as of 8/31/20
    One Year (%)   Since Inception (%)
Net Asset Value (NAV)     –8.28   –7.57 (11/13/18)
Market Price*     –8.11   –7.51 (11/13/18)
Russell 2000 Value Index     –6.14   –5.60                 

 

*The market price is determined using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the listing exchange, as of the time that the Fund’s NAV is calculated. The first day of secondary market trading is typically several days after the date on which the Fund commenced investment operations; therefore, the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the period from inception of investment operations to the first day of secondary market trading to calculate the market price returns.

Since inception returns for the Index are measured from the closest month-end to the Fund’s inception date.

The returns in the table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or following the sale or redemption of Fund shares.

Market returns do not include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market transactions. If brokerage commissions were included, market returns would be lower. Market and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, have been reinvested in the Fund at market price and NAV, respectively.

 

Growth of a $10,000 Investment

 

LOGO

 

The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund with a similar investment in the Russell 2000 Value Index by portraying the initial account values at the commencement of operations (November 13, 2018) and the account values at the end of the current fiscal year (August 31, 2020) as measured on a quarterly basis. The Fund assumes an initial

 

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investment on November 13, 2018, while the benchmark and the Index assume that the initial investment occurred on October 31, 2018. For purposes of the graph, and unless otherwise indicated, it has been assumed that (a) all recurring fees (including management fees) were deducted; and (b) all dividends and distributions were reinvested.

 

Past performance does not predict future performance. Total returns and the ending account values in the graphs 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.

 

Benchmark Definitions

 

Russell 2000 Value Index—The Russell 2000 Value Index is unmanaged and comprises securities in the Russell 2000 Index with a less-than-average growth orientation. Companies in this index generally have low price-to-book and price-to-earnings ratios. London Stock Exchange Group plc and its group undertakings (collectively, the “LSE Group”). © LSE Group 2020. FTSE Russell is a trading name of certain of the LSE Group companies. Russell® is a trademark of the relevant LSE Group companies and is/are used by any other LSE Group company under license. All rights in the FTSE Russell indexes or data vest in the relevant LSE Group company which owns the index or the data. Neither LSE Group nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the indexes or data and no party may rely on any indexes or data contained in this communication. No further distribution of data from the LSE Group is permitted without the relevant LSE Group company’s express written consent. The LSE Group does not promote, sponsor, or endorse the content of this communication.

 

Investors cannot invest directly in an index. The returns for the Index would be lower if they included the effects of sales charges, operating expenses of a mutual fund, or taxes that may be paid by an investor.

 

Presentation of Fund Holdings as of 8/31/20

 

Ten Largest Holdings    Line of Business   % of Net Assets
Owens & Minor, Inc.    Health Care Providers & Services   0.3%
Evolent Health, Inc. (Class A Stock)    Health Care Technology   0.3%
Hecla Mining Co.    Metals & Mining   0.2%
Fluidigm Corp.    Life Sciences Tools & Services   0.2%
Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.    Life Sciences Tools & Services   0.2%
Rosetta Stone, Inc.    Software   0.2%
TrueCar, Inc.    Interactive Media & Services   0.2%
Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Co. (Class A Stock)    Household Durables   0.2%
Superior Group of Cos., Inc.    Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods   0.2%
Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.    Specialty Retail   0.2%

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     13  


Strategy and Performance Overview (unaudited)

 

How did the Fund perform?

The PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF (the Fund) returned -8.28% based on net asset value in the 12-month reporting period that ended on August 31, 2020, underperforming the -6.14% return of the Russell 2000 Value Index (the Index).

 

What were the market conditions?

US equity markets moved higher during the reporting period but exhibited a significant increase in volatility, particularly in the first quarter of 2020 with the global outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by a novel coronavirus that originated in China in 2019. Large-cap stocks generally outperformed their small- and mid-cap counterparts during the period. Value stocks significantly underperformed growth stocks across all market capitalizations.

 

What worked?

   

The Fund benefited from favorable positions in the utility and energy sectors during the reporting period.

 

   

In the utility sector, the Fund’s underweight position relative to the Index and good selections among gas utilities helped it outperform in this poor-performing sector. The Fund was also helped by an underweight position relative to the Index in energy, the Index’s worst-performing sector. The Fund’s utilization of quality factors, including through its profitability measure, rendered a number of stocks in the sector unattractive.

 

   

The Fund’s top individual contributors to relative performance were energy company QEP Resources Inc., pharmaceutical company Mersana Therapeutics Inc., and health care equipment company Owens & Minor Inc.

 

What didn’t work?

   

The Fund’s relative performance during the period was hurt most by poor performance in the financials and industrials sectors.

 

   

Financial stocks underperformed the Index during the period. The Fund’s overweight position relative to the Index, especially in bank stocks, was a damper on overall performance.

 

   

In industrials, the Fund was hurt by poor selections among machinery and professional services stocks, mainly due to its focus on low-valued names in these industries.

 

   

The largest detractors at the stock level were information technology (IT) company Lumentum Holdings Inc., leisure company Penn National Gaming Inc., and health care company Novavax Inc.

 

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Current outlook

   

The COVID-19 outbreak in the first quarter of 2020 drove significant declines in global equity and debt markets and near-record levels of price volatility throughout much of the first four months of the year. Markets then stabilized and rallied dramatically throughout the summer. The Fund felt the most impact from the significant outperformance of growth stocks versus their value peers as investors flocked to growth-oriented companies positioned to benefit from the lockdown economy, especially in IT, internet and direct marketing retail, and health care businesses. Because of these stocks’ stretched valuations, the Fund held largely underweight positions in these markets, which detracted from performance. In addition, the significant outperformance of larger companies relative to their smaller-capitalization peers created additional performance headwinds during the period due to the Fund’s equal-weighted stock allocation process.

 

   

While the US stock market has remained buoyant, with many indexes having risen into positive territory by the end of the reporting period, the gulf in performance between cheaper value-oriented stocks and more expensive growth-oriented stocks has continued to be wide. Across the market capitalization spectrum, higher-valued stocks have generally fared much better than lower-valued stocks. Indeed, several of the broader value indexes generated negative returns during the period. Accordingly, the Fund’s focus on lower-valued stocks has been a headwind in recent quarters, particularly in the growth arena where many of the better-performing stocks have been trading at extremely high valuations. As this disparity in performance and valuation has persisted, the Fund has continued to tilt toward these more attractively valued stocks while also maintaining a quality focus through its heavier weighting in companies with higher profitability. QMA believes that this positioning in more reasonably valued, higher-quality stocks—which have been out of favor in recent years—will provide significant opportunity for improved performance going forward.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     15  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

Your Fund’s Performance (unaudited)

 

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 sold or 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 pgim.com/investments or by calling (800) 225-1852.

 

    Average Annual Total Returns as of 8/31/20
    One Year (%)   Since Inception (%)
Net Asset Value (NAV)   6.05   4.07 (12/4/18)
Market Price*   5.53   3.93 (12/4/18)
MSCI EAFE Index   6.13   6.00               

 

*The market price is determined using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the listing exchange, as of the time that the Fund’s NAV is calculated. The first day of secondary market trading is typically several days after the date on which the Fund commenced investment operations; therefore, the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the period from inception of investment operations to the first day of secondary market trading to calculate the market price returns.

Since inception returns for the Index are measured from the closest month-end to the Fund’s inception date.

The returns in the table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or following the sale or redemption of Fund shares.

Market returns do not include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market transactions. If brokerage commissions were included, market returns would be lower. Market and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, have been reinvested in the Fund at market price and NAV, respectively.

 

Growth of a $10,000 Investment

 

LOGO

 

The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund with a similar investment in the MSCI EAFE Index by portraying the initial account values at the commencement of

 

16   Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


operations (December 4, 2018) and the account values at the end of the current fiscal year (August 31, 2020) as measured on a quarterly basis. The Fund assumes an initial investment on December 4, 2018, while the benchmark and the Index assume that the initial investment occurred on November 30, 2018. For purposes of the graph, and unless otherwise indicated, it has been assumed that (a) all recurring fees (including management fees) were deducted; and (b) all dividends and distributions were reinvested.

 

Past performance does not predict future performance. Total returns and the ending account values in the graphs 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.

 

Benchmark Definitions

 

MSCI EAFE Index—The MSCI EAFE Index is a free-float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity performance of developed markets, excluding the US and Canada.

 

Investors cannot invest directly in an index. The returns for the Index would be lower if they included the effects of sales charges, operating expenses of a mutual fund, or taxes that may be paid by an investor.

 

Presentation of Fund Holdings as of 8/31/20

 

Ten Largest Holdings   Line of Business   Country   % of Net Assets
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SA   Electrical Equipment   Spain   0.3%
SG Holdings Co. Ltd.   Air Freight & Logistics   Japan   0.3%
KION Group AG   Machinery   Germany   0.3%
Kingfisher plc   Specialty Retail   United Kingdom   0.3%
Pandora A/S   Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods   Denmark   0.3%
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp. Ltd.   Health Care Equipment & Supplies   New Zealand   0.3%
Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.   Capital Markets   Hong Kong   0.3%
Kone OYJ (Class B Stock)   Machinery   Finland   0.3%
Neste OYJ   Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels   Finland   0.3%
Wharf Real Estate Investment Co. Ltd.   Real Estate Management & Development   Hong Kong   0.3%

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     17  


Strategy and Performance Overview (unaudited)

 

How did the Fund perform?

The PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF (the Fund) returned 6.05% based on net asset value in the 12-month reporting period that ended on August 31, 2020, slightly underperforming the 6.13% return of the MSCI EAFE Index (the Index).

 

What were the market conditions?

Developed international equity markets moved higher during the reporting period but exhibited a significant increase in volatility, particularly in the first quarter of 2020 with the global outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by a novel coronavirus that originated in China in 2019. Large-cap stocks generally outperformed their small- and mid-cap counterparts during the period. Value stocks underperformed growth stocks across all market capitalizations, particularly in US markets.

 

What worked?

   

The Fund benefited from good relative performance in the financial and energy sectors during the reporting period.

 

   

In the financial sector, which was the Index’s second-worst-performing sector during the period, the Fund’s meaningful underweight position relative to the Index in the hard-hit banking industry aided performance.

 

   

The Fund’s performance was also helped by an underweight position relative to the Index in energy, the worst-performing sector in the Index. The Fund’s utilization of quality factors, including through its profitability measure, rendered a number of stocks in this sector unattractive.

 

   

The Fund’s top individual contributors to relative performance were financial company HSBC Holdings plc, energy company BP plc, and aerospace and defense company Airbus SE.

 

What didn’t work?

   

The Fund’s relative performance was hurt most by holdings in the health care and information technology sectors.

 

   

In health care, positioning in pharmaceutical companies detracted significantly from the Fund’s relative performance, as its utilization of factors such as valuation and profitability underperformed in an environment where stocks of more expensive, less profitable companies performed relatively better.

 

   

In information technology, the Index’s best-performing sector, the Fund’s underweight position relative to the Index in these generally very expensive stocks hindered performance.

 

   

The largest detractors at the security level were software company SAP SE, health care company Roche Holding AG, and information technology company ASML Holding NV.

 

18   Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


Current outlook

   

The COVID-19 outbreak in the first quarter of 2020 drove significant declines in the global equity and debt markets and near-record levels of price volatility through much of the first four months of the year. Markets then stabilized and rallied dramatically throughout the summer. In this environment, the Fund’s performance was hampered by the continued outperformance of growth stocks relative to value stocks, rendering its focus on more reasonably valued stocks ineffective. However, the outperformance of growth stocks was not as pronounced as seen in prior periods, and growth stocks did not outperform value stocks in non-US markets as much as they did in US markets. As a result, despite the lack of contribution from its value exposure, the Fund only slightly underperformed the Index during the reporting period, mainly on the strength of its quality and volatility factors.

 

   

While developed international equity markets have remained buoyant, with most international indexes having risen into positive territory by the end of the reporting period, the global COVID-19 pandemic had widely varied effects across individual markets. In a continuation of the trend of the past few years, the gulf in performance between cheap and expensive stocks was wide across the market capitalization spectrum, but not nearly to the extent seen in previous periods. So, while the Fund’s focus on lower-valued stocks was a headwind in recent quarters, particularly in the growth arena where many of the better-performing stocks were trading at especially high valuations, the Fund was able to overcome this trend as its quality and volatility factors performed well. As this disparity in performance and valuation has persisted, the Fund has continued to tilt toward these more attractively valued stocks while also maintaining a quality focus through its heavier weighting in companies with higher profitability. QMA believes that this positioning in more reasonably valued, higher-quality stocks—which have been out of favor in recent quarters—will provide significant opportunity for improved performance going forward.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     19  


Fees and Expenses (unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur ongoing costs, including investment management fees. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds.

 

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 held through the six-month period ended August 31, 2020. The example is for illustrative purposes only.

 

Actual Expenses

The first line in the tables 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 in the tables on the following page provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on a Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not a Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and 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 a 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, brokerage commissions paid on purchases and sales of Fund shares. Therefore, the ending account values and expenses paid for the period are 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.

 

20   Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


         
PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha
Large-Cap Core ETF
  Beginning Account
Value
March 1, 2020
    Ending Account
Value
August 31, 2020
    Annualized
Expense Ratio
Based on the
Six-Month Period
    Expenses Paid
During the
Six-Month Period*
 
Actual   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,096.80       0.17   $ 0.90  
Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,024.28       0.17   $ 0.87  

 

         
PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha
Small-Cap Growth ETF
  Beginning Account
Value
March 1, 2020
    Ending Account
Value
August 31, 2020
    Annualized
Expense Ratio
Based on the
Six-Month Period
    Expenses Paid
During the
Six-Month Period*
 
Actual   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,077.20       0.29   $ 1.51  
Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,023.68       0.29   $ 1.48  

 

         
PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha
Small-Cap Value ETF
 

Beginning Account
Value

March 1, 2020

   

Ending Account
Value

August 31, 2020

    Annualized
Expense Ratio
Based on the
Six-Month Period
    Expenses Paid
During the
Six-Month Period*
 
Actual   $ 1,000.00     $ 945.40       0.29   $ 1.42  
Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,023.68       0.29   $ 1.48  

 

         
PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha
International Equity ETF
  Beginning Account
Value
March 1, 2020
    Ending Account
Value
August 31, 2020
    Annualized
Expense Ratio
Based on the
Six-Month Period
    Expenses Paid
During the
Six-Month Period*
 
Actual   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,075.60       0.29   $ 1.51  
Hypothetical   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,023.68       0.29   $ 1.48  

 

*Fund expenses (net of fee waivers or subsidies, if any) are equal to the annualized expense ratio (provided in the table), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the 184 days in the six-month period ended August 31, 2020, and divided by the 366 days in the Fund’s fiscal year ended August 31, 2020 (to reflect the six-month period). Expenses presented in the table include the expenses of any underlying portfolios in which the Fund may invest.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     21  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

Schedule of Investments

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS    99.4%

     

COMMON STOCKS    99.4%

     

Aerospace & Defense    2.2%

                 

General Dynamics Corp.

     226      $ 33,753  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

     2,328        40,787  

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

     197        29,849  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

     197        35,606  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

     114        39,057  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

     542        33,062  

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*

     111        34,811  
     

 

 

 
        246,925  

Air Freight & Logistics    1.3%

                 

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

     453        44,530  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

     460        40,659  

FedEx Corp.(a)

     251        55,180  
     

 

 

 
        140,369  

Auto Components    0.4%

                 

BorgWarner, Inc.

     988        40,103  

Automobiles    0.7%

                 

Ford Motor Co.

     5,695        38,840  

General Motors Co.

     1,331        39,437  
     

 

 

 
        78,277  

Banks    0.9%

                 

M&T Bank Corp.(a)

     322        33,250  

People’s United Financial, Inc.

     2,965        31,369  

Wells Fargo & Co.

     1,286        31,057  
     

 

 

 
        95,676  

Beverages    1.7%

                 

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

     767        37,990  

Constellation Brands, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     210        38,741  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. (Class B Stock)

     922        34,704  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

     519        43,523  

PepsiCo, Inc.

     250        35,015  
     

 

 

 
        189,973  

Biotechnology    2.5%

                 

AbbVie, Inc.

     359        34,381  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     303        34,609  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     23  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Biotechnology (cont’d.)

                 

Amgen, Inc.

     152      $ 38,505  

Biogen, Inc.(a)*

     131        37,681  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

     466        31,105  

Incyte Corp.*

     328        31,603  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     56        34,716  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     118        32,936  
     

 

 

 
        275,536  

Building Products    1.8%

                 

Allegion PLC (Ireland)

     341        35,256  

A.O. Smith Corp.

     737        36,091  

Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.

     558        46,917  

Johnson Controls International PLC

     1,006        40,974  

Masco Corp.

     713        41,568  
     

 

 

 
        200,806  

Capital Markets    3.7%

                 

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

     910        33,652  

BlackRock, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     63        37,434  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

     365        33,503  

Franklin Resources, Inc.(a)

     1,505        31,695  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

     176        36,057  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

     390        41,430  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

     68        33,044  

Nasdaq, Inc.

     295        39,654  

S&P Global, Inc.

     107        39,207  

State Street Corp.

     541        36,837  

T Rowe Price Group, Inc.

     296        41,206  
     

 

 

 
        403,719  

Chemicals    3.3%

                 

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

     146        42,670  

Celanese Corp. (Class A Stock)

     397        40,156  

Corteva, Inc.

     1,351        38,571  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

     661        36,857  

Eastman Chemical Co.

     505        36,921  

FMC Corp.

     374        39,966  

Linde PLC (United Kingdom)

     173        43,205  

PPG Industries, Inc.

     334        40,214  

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

     61        40,934  
     

 

 

 
        359,494  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

24  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Commercial Services & Supplies    1.1%

                 

Cintas Corp.

     128      $ 42,655  

Copart, Inc.*

     414        42,774  

Waste Management, Inc.

     307        34,998  
     

 

 

 
        120,427  

Communications Equipment    1.3%

                 

Arista Networks, Inc.*

     150        33,518  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

     810        34,198  

F5 Networks, Inc.*

     273        36,126  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

     1,590        39,750  
     

 

 

 
        143,592  

Construction & Engineering    0.8%

                 

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.

     410        37,011  

Quanta Services, Inc.

     945        48,431  
     

 

 

 
        85,442  

Consumer Finance    0.4%

                 

Synchrony Financial

     1,578        39,150  

Containers & Packaging    2.0%

                 

Amcor PLC (United Kingdom)

     3,420        37,825  

Avery Dennison Corp.

     304        35,079  

International Paper Co.

     884        32,063  

Packaging Corp. of America

     350        35,434  

Sealed Air Corp.(a)

     1,150        45,195  

Westrock Co.

     1,274        38,640  
     

 

 

 
        224,236  

Distributors    0.4%

                 

LKQ Corp.*

     1,350        42,849  

Diversified Financial Services    0.4%

                 

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (Class B Stock)*

     193        42,082  

Diversified Telecommunication Services    0.9%

                 

AT&T, Inc.

     1,077        32,105  

CenturyLink, Inc.(a)

     3,127        33,615  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     561        33,251  
     

 

 

 
        98,971  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     25  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Electric Utilities    2.1%

                 

Edison International

     628      $ 32,958  

Exelon Corp.

     940        34,696  

FirstEnergy Corp.

     812        23,215  

NRG Energy, Inc.

     1,037        35,683  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

     484        35,501  

PPL Corp.

     1,359        37,549  

Southern Co. (The)

     657        34,282  
     

 

 

 
        233,884  

Electrical Equipment    1.1%

                 

Eaton Corp. PLC

     384        39,206  

Emerson Electric Co.

     615        42,724  

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

     168        38,729  
     

 

 

 
        120,659  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components    1.6%

                 

CDW Corp.

     273        31,027  

FLIR Systems, Inc.

     889        32,804  

IPG Photonics Corp.*

     217        35,095  

TE Connectivity Ltd. (Switzerland)

     440        42,504  

Zebra Technologies Corp. (Class A Stock)*

     134        38,395  
     

 

 

 
        179,825  

Energy Equipment & Services    0.3%

                 

Baker Hughes Co. (Class A Stock)(a)

     2,422        34,586  

Entertainment    1.8%

                 

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

     458        38,252  

Electronic Arts, Inc.*

     268        37,378  

Netflix, Inc.*

     75        39,717  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

     261        44,681  

Walt Disney Co. (The)

     285        37,583  
     

 

 

 
        197,611  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)    3.5%

                 

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

     225        35,563  

Boston Properties, Inc.

     378        32,837  

Equinix, Inc.(a)

     52        41,069  

Equity Residential

     595        33,588  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

     151        32,693  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

     1,298        35,877  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

26  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) (cont’d.)

                 

Kimco Realty Corp.

     2,653      $ 31,809  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

     289        33,848  

Prologis, Inc.

     386        39,318  

Regency Centers Corp.

     709        28,154  

SBA Communications Corp. (Class A Stock)

     119        36,422  
     

 

 

 
        381,178  

Food & Staples Retailing    1.3%

                 

Costco Wholesale Corp.

     103        35,809  

Kroger Co. (The)

     1,035        36,929  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

     818        31,100  

Walmart, Inc.

     273        37,906  
     

 

 

 
        141,744  

Food Products    3.8%

                 

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

     852        38,136  

Campbell Soup Co.

     689        36,248  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

     1,078        41,352  

General Mills, Inc.

     574        36,707  

Hershey Co. (The)

     268        39,836  

Hormel Foods Corp.

     735        37,470  

JM Smucker Co. (The)(a)

     290        34,852  

Kellogg Co.

     511        36,235  

Kraft Heinz Co. (The)

     1,080        37,843  

Mondelez International, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     658        38,440  

Tyson Foods, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     572        35,922  
     

 

 

 
        413,041  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies    6.1%

                 

Abbott Laboratories

     413        45,211  

ABIOMED, Inc.*

     139        42,759  

Baxter International, Inc.

     374        32,564  

Becton Dickinson & Co.

     143        34,716  

Danaher Corp.

     217        44,804  

DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc.

     707        31,723  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.*

     492        42,233  

Hologic, Inc.*

     631        37,683  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

     107        41,843  

Medtronic PLC (Ireland)

     350        37,615  

ResMed, Inc.(a)

     205        37,060  

STERIS PLC

     226        36,079  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     27  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Health Care Equipment & Supplies (cont’d.)

                 

Stryker Corp.

     184      $ 36,462  

Teleflex, Inc.

     102        40,081  

Varian Medical Systems, Inc.*

     263        45,675  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

     161        45,718  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

     298        41,982  
     

 

 

 
        674,208  

Health Care Providers & Services    3.9%

                 

AmerisourceBergen Corp. (Class A Stock)

     345        33,475  

Anthem, Inc.

     126        35,472  

Centene Corp.*

     549        33,665  

Cigna Corp.

     185        32,813  

CVS Health Corp.

     522        32,427  

DaVita, Inc.*

     407        35,311  

Henry Schein, Inc.*

     576        38,269  

Humana, Inc.

     92        38,196  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings*

     238        41,828  

McKesson Corp.

     228        34,984  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

     353        39,268  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     118        36,881  
     

 

 

 
        432,589  

Health Care Technology    0.4%

                 

Cerner Corp.

     533        39,106  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure    1.1%

                 

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

     93        38,033  

McDonald’s Corp.

     187        39,928  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

     398        38,149  
     

 

 

 
        116,110  

Household Durables    1.5%

                 

DR Horton, Inc.

     620        44,249  

Lennar Corp. (Class A Stock)(a)

     572        42,797  

Newell Brands, Inc.

     2,024        32,344  

NVR, Inc.*

     11        45,852  
     

 

 

 
        165,242  

Household Products    1.1%

                 

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

     470        37,252  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

     257        40,545  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

28  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Household Products (cont’d.)

                 

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

     306      $ 42,329  
     

 

 

 
        120,126  

Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers    0.4%

                 

AES Corp. (The)

     2,530        44,907  

Industrial Conglomerates    0.7%

                 

3M Co.

     218        35,538  

Honeywell International, Inc.

     219        36,256  
     

 

 

 
        71,794  

Insurance    2.6%

                 

Allstate Corp. (The)(a)

     367        34,131  

Chubb Ltd. (Switzerland)

     275        34,375  

Globe Life, Inc.

     415        34,229  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

     859        34,747  

Loews Corp.

     1,019        36,541  

MetLife, Inc.

     923        35,499  

Progressive Corp. (The)

     396        37,636  

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)

     285        33,071  
     

 

 

 
        280,229  

Interactive Media & Services    1.1%

                 

Alphabet, Inc.,

     

(Class A Stock)*

     24        39,109  

(Class C Stock)*

     24        39,220  

Facebook, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     145        42,514  
     

 

 

 
        120,843  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail    1.1%

                 

Amazon.com, Inc.*

     13        44,863  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

     20        38,209  

eBay, Inc.

     703        38,510  
     

 

 

 
        121,582  

IT Services    3.7%

                 

Accenture PLC (Ireland) (Class A Stock)

     175        41,988  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*

     347        40,401  

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

     280        38,472  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. (Class A Stock)

     581        38,846  

Gartner, Inc.(a)*

     286        37,128  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     29  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

IT Services (cont’d.)

                 

International Business Machines Corp.

     264      $ 32,554  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

     199        32,919  

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

     324        29,319  

Paychex, Inc.

     456        34,870  

VeriSign, Inc.*

     169        36,301  

Visa, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     178        37,734  
     

 

 

 
        400,532  

Life Sciences Tools & Services    2.3%

                 

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

     407        40,871  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     78        39,670  

Illumina, Inc.*

     96        34,293  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.*

     44        42,714  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

     389        45,793  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

     106        45,472  
     

 

 

 
        248,813  

Machinery    3.4%

                 

Cummins, Inc.

     203        42,072  

Dover Corp.

     365        40,092  

IDEX Corp.

     239        43,075  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

     203        40,103  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

     616        38,746  

PACCAR, Inc.

     493        42,319  

Pentair PLC (United Kingdom)

     987        44,553  

Snap-on, Inc.

     264        39,143  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.

     594        39,531  
     

 

 

 
        369,634  

Media    2.1%

                 

Charter Communications, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     67        41,246  

Comcast Corp. (Class A Stock)

     817        36,610  

Discovery, Inc. (Class C Stock)(a)*

     1,602        31,992  

Fox Corp. (Class A Stock)

     1,239        34,519  

News Corp. (Class A Stock)

     2,918        44,120  

ViacomCBS, Inc. (Class B Stock)(a)

     1,477        41,134  
     

 

 

 
        229,621  

Metals & Mining    0.8%

                 

Newmont Corp.(a)

     622        41,848  

Nucor Corp.

     895        40,687  
     

 

 

 
        82,535  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

30  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Multiline Retail    1.1%

                 

Dollar General Corp.

     184      $ 37,146  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

     384        36,968  

Target Corp.

     311        47,026  
     

 

 

 
        121,140  

Multi-Utilities    1.6%

                 

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

     493        35,171  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

     414        32,474  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

     648        33,851  

Sempra Energy

     261        32,273  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

     402        37,820  
     

 

 

 
        171,589  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels    2.0%

                 

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

     1,927        36,555  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

     756        29,454  

EOG Resources, Inc.

     667        30,242  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

     749        29,915  

HollyFrontier Corp.(a)

     1,112        26,543  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

     2,268        31,344  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

     361        37,519  
     

 

 

 
        221,572  

Pharmaceuticals    2.4%

                 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

     601        37,382  

Eli Lilly & Co.

     224        33,239  

Johnson & Johnson

     255        39,120  

Merck & Co., Inc.

     426        36,325  

Perrigo Co. PLC (Ireland)

     645        33,734  

Pfizer, Inc.

     1,019        38,508  

Zoetis, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     255        40,825  
     

 

 

 
        259,133  

Professional Services    0.7%

                 

Robert Half International, Inc.

     634        33,729  

Verisk Analytics, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     210        39,201  
     

 

 

 
        72,930  

Road & Rail    2.3%

                 

CSX Corp.

     504        38,536  

JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

     320        44,973  

Kansas City Southern

     237        43,143  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     31  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Road & Rail (cont’d.)

                 

Norfolk Southern Corp.

     200      $ 42,506  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

     214        43,266  

Union Pacific Corp.

     206        39,643  
     

 

 

 
        252,067  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment    5.1%

                 

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

     632        57,398  

Analog Devices, Inc.(a)

     284        33,194  

Applied Materials, Inc.

     610        37,576  

Broadcom, Inc.(a)

     113        39,228  

Intel Corp.

     540        27,513  

KLA Corp.

     181        37,130  

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

     598        40,927  

Micron Technology, Inc.(a)*

     670        30,492  

NVIDIA Corp.

     93        49,753  

Qorvo, Inc.*

     312        40,020  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

     391        46,568  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

     272        39,399  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

     291        41,366  

Xilinx, Inc.

     367        38,227  
     

 

 

 
        558,791  

Software    4.7%

                 

Adobe, Inc.*

     80        41,071  

ANSYS, Inc.*

     131        44,410  

Autodesk, Inc.*

     145        35,626  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

     370        41,037  

Citrix Systems, Inc.

     218        31,654  

Fortinet, Inc.*

     255        33,661  

Intuit, Inc.

     121        41,792  

Microsoft Corp.

     173        39,017  

Oracle Corp.

     648        37,079  

salesforce.com, Inc.*

     194        52,894  

ServiceNow, Inc.(a)*

     88        42,418  

Synopsys, Inc.(a)*

     181        40,055  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.*

     105        36,258  
     

 

 

 
        516,972  

Specialty Retail    2.6%

                 

AutoZone, Inc.*

     31        37,085  

Best Buy Co., Inc.

     435        48,246  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

32  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Specialty Retail (cont’d.)

                 

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

     154      $ 43,896  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.(a)

     260        42,819  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

     82        38,182  

Tractor Supply Co.

     270        40,184  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.*

     159        36,917  
     

 

 

 
        287,329  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals    1.4%

                 

Apple, Inc.(a)

     384        49,551  

NetApp, Inc.

     826        39,144  

Seagate Technology PLC

     653        31,338  

Western Digital Corp.

     804        30,890  
     

 

 

 
        150,923  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods    0.3%

                 

NIKE, Inc. (Class B Stock)

     343        38,378  

Tobacco    0.6%

                 

Altria Group, Inc.

     819        35,823  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

     445        35,507  
     

 

 

 
        71,330  

Trading Companies & Distributors    0.7%

                 

Fastenal Co.

     829        40,505  

WW Grainger, Inc.

     114        41,659  
     

 

 

 
        82,164  

Water Utilities    0.3%

                 

American Water Works Co., Inc.

     252        35,618  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $9,479,917)

        10,887,962  
     

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS     8.1%

     

AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUND     7.6%

                 

PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund
(cost $835,060; includes $835,017 of cash collateral for securities on loan)(b)(w)

     835,165        834,998  
     

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     33  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description  

Interest

Rate

   

Maturity

Date

    Principal
Amount (000)#
    Value  

TIME DEPOSIT    0.5%

       

JPMorgan Chase (cost $52,147)

    0.010     09/01/20       52     $ 52,147  
       

 

 

 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $887,207)

          887,145  
       

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS    107.5%
(cost $10,367,124)

          11,775,107  

Liabilities in excess of other assets    (7.5)%

          (816,985
       

 

 

 

NET ASSETS    100.0%

        $ 10,958,122  
       

 

 

 

 

The following abbreviations are used in the annual report:

#

Principal or notional amount is shown in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.

(a)

All or a portion of security is on loan. The aggregate market value of such securities, including those sold and pending settlement, is $809,164; cash collateral of $835,017 (included in liabilities) was received with which the Fund purchased highly liquid short-term investments. In the event of significant appreciation in value of securities on loan on the last business day of the reporting period, the Fund may reflect a collateral value that is less than the market value of the loaned securities and such shortfall is remedied the following business day.

(b)

Represents security purchased with cash collateral received for securities on loan and includes dividend reinvestment.

(w)

PGIM Investments LLC, the manager of the Fund, also serves as manager of the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund.

*

Non-income producing security.

 

Fair Value Measurements:

 

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—unadjusted quoted prices generally in active markets for identical securities.

 

Level 2—quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates and yield curves, prepayment speeds, foreign currency exchange rates and other observable inputs.

 

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

34  


The following is a summary of the inputs used as of August 31, 2020 in valuing such portfolio securities:

 

        Level 1             Level 2             Level 3      

Investments in Securities

     

Assets

     

Common Stocks

     

Aerospace & Defense

  $     246,925     $     —     $     —  

Air Freight & Logistics

    140,369              

Auto Components

    40,103              

Automobiles

    78,277              

Banks

    95,676              

Beverages

    189,973              

Biotechnology

    275,536              

Building Products

    200,806              

Capital Markets

    403,719              

Chemicals

    359,494              

Commercial Services & Supplies

    120,427              

Communications Equipment

    143,592              

Construction & Engineering

    85,442              

Consumer Finance

    39,150              

Containers & Packaging

    224,236              

Distributors

    42,849              

Diversified Financial Services

    42,082              

Diversified Telecommunication Services

    98,971              

Electric Utilities

    233,884              

Electrical Equipment

    120,659              

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

    179,825              

Energy Equipment & Services

    34,586              

Entertainment

    197,611              

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

    381,178              

Food & Staples Retailing

    141,744              

Food Products

    413,041              

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

    674,208              

Health Care Providers & Services

    432,589              

Health Care Technology

    39,106              

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

    116,110              

Household Durables

    165,242              

Household Products

    120,126              

Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers

    44,907              

Industrial Conglomerates

    71,794              

Insurance

    280,229              

Interactive Media & Services

    120,843              

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail

    121,582              

IT Services

    400,532              

Life Sciences Tools & Services

    248,813              

Machinery

    369,634              

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     35  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

        Level 1             Level 2             Level 3      

Investments in Securities (continued)

     

Assets (continued)

     

Common Stocks (continued)

     

Media

  $ 229,621     $     $  

Metals & Mining

    82,535              

Multiline Retail

    121,140              

Multi-Utilities

    171,589              

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

    221,572              

Pharmaceuticals

    259,133              

Professional Services

    72,930              

Road & Rail

    252,067              

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

    558,791              

Software

    516,972              

Specialty Retail

    287,329              

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

    150,923              

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

    38,378              

Tobacco

    71,330              

Trading Companies & Distributors

    82,164              

Water Utilities

    35,618              

Affiliated Mutual Fund

    834,998              

Time Deposit

          52,147        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 11,722,960     $ 52,147     $     —  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Industry Classification:

 

The industry classification of investments and liabilities in excess of other assets shown as a percentage of net assets as of August 31, 2020 were as follows (unaudited):

 

Affiliated Mutual Fund (7.6% represents investments purchased with collateral from securities on loan)

    7.6

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

    6.1  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

    5.1  

Software

    4.7  

Health Care Providers & Services

    3.9  

Food Products

    3.8  

Capital Markets

    3.7  

IT Services

    3.7  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

    3.5  

Machinery

    3.4  

Chemicals

    3.3  

Specialty Retail

    2.6  

Insurance

    2.6  

Biotechnology

    2.5  

Pharmaceuticals

    2.4  

Road & Rail

    2.3  

Life Sciences Tools & Services

    2.3

Aerospace & Defense

    2.2  

Electric Utilities

    2.1  

Media

    2.1  

Containers & Packaging

    2.0  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

    2.0  

Building Products

    1.8  

Entertainment

    1.8  

Beverages

    1.7  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

    1.6  

Multi-Utilities

    1.6  

Household Durables

    1.5  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals     1.4  
Communications Equipment     1.3  

Food & Staples Retailing

    1.3  

Air Freight & Logistics

    1.3  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail

    1.1  

Multiline Retail

    1.1  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

36  


Industry Classification (cont’d.)

     

Interactive Media & Services

    1.1

Electrical Equipment

    1.1  

Commercial Services & Supplies

    1.1  

Household Products

    1.1  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

    1.1  

Diversified Telecommunication Services

    0.9  

Banks

    0.9  

Construction & Engineering

    0.8  

Metals & Mining

    0.8  

Trading Companies & Distributors

    0.7  

Automobiles

    0.7  

Professional Services

    0.7  

Industrial Conglomerates

    0.7  

Tobacco

    0.6  
 
       

Time Deposit

    0.5

Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers

    0.4  

Distributors

    0.4  

Diversified Financial Services

    0.4  

Auto Components

    0.4  
Consumer Finance     0.4  

Health Care Technology

    0.4  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

    0.3  
Water Utilities     0.3  
Energy Equipment & Services     0.3  
 

 

 

 
    107.5  
Liabilities in excess of other assets     (7.5
 

 

 

 
    100.0
 

 

 

 

 

Financial Instruments/Transactions-Summary of Offsetting and Netting Agreements:

 

The Fund entered into financial instruments/transactions during the period that are either offset in accordance with current requirements or are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements that permit offsetting. The information about offsetting and related netting arrangements for financial instruments/transactions, where the legal right to set-off exists, is presented in the summary below:

 

Offsetting of financial instrument/transaction assets and liabilities:

 

Description

  Gross Market
Value of
Recognized
Assets/(Liabilities)
    Collateral
Pledged/(Received)(1)
    Net Amount  

Securities on Loan

  $ 809,164     $ (809,164   $    —  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Collateral amount disclosed by the Fund is limited to the market value of the financial instruments/transactions.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     37  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

Statement of Assets & Liabilities

as of August 31, 2020

 

Assets

        

Investments at value, including securities on loan of $809,164:

  

Unaffiliated investments (cost $9,532,064)

   $ 10,940,109  

Affiliated investments (cost $835,060)

     834,998  

Interest and dividends receivable

     19,605  
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     11,794,712  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities

        

Payable to broker for collateral for securities on loan

     835,017  

Management fee payable

     1,554  

Other liabilities

     19  
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     836,590  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 10,958,122  
  

 

 

 
          

Net assets were comprised of:

  

Common stock, at par

   $ 200  

Paid-in capital in excess of par

     10,206,775  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

     751,147  
  

 

 

 

Net assets, August 31, 2020

   $ 10,958,122  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share,
($10,958,122 / 200,000 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)

   $ 54.79  
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

38  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

Statement of Operations

Year Ended August 31, 2020

 

Net Investment Income (Loss)

        

Income

  

Interest income

   $ 1,161  

Unaffiliated dividend income (net of $792 foreign withholding tax)

     222,687  

Income from securities lending, net (including affiliated income of $74)

     93  

Miscellaneous Income

     22  
  

 

 

 

Total income

     223,963  
  

 

 

 

Expenses

  

Management fee

     17,590  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     17,590  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

     206,373  
  

 

 

 

Realized And Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Investments

        

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions (including affiliated of $(14))

     (609,299

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

  

Investments (including affiliated of $(62))

     1,189,934  
  

 

 

 

Net gain (loss) on investment transactions

     580,635  
  

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets Resulting From Operations

   $ 787,008  
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     39  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    

Year
Ended

August 31, 2020

    

Period
Ended

August 31, 2019*

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

 

Operations

 

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 206,373      $ 198,181  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and in-kind redemptions

     (609,299      177,495  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     1,189,934        218,049  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     787,008        593,725  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

Distributions from distributable earnings

     (208,630      (150,716
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fund share transactions

 

Net proceeds from shares sold

            15,004,125  

Cost of shares reacquired

            (5,067,390
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund share transactions

            9,936,735  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     578,378        10,379,744  

Net Assets:

 

Beginning of period

     10,379,744         
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 10,958,122      $ 10,379,744  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

For the period from October 17, 2018 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2019.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

40  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares        Value  

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS    99.6%

       

COMMON STOCKS    99.6%

       

Aerospace & Defense    0.9%

                   

Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc.*

     431        $ 17,830  

Kaman Corp.(a)

     428          19,795  

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.*

     1,136          22,209  

Parsons Corp.*

     496          16,497  

Vectrus, Inc.*

     356          15,454  
       

 

 

 
          91,785  

Air Freight & Logistics    0.6%

                   

Air Transport Services Group, Inc.*

     769          19,548  

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.*

     434          24,473  

Forward Air Corp.

     359          21,178  
       

 

 

 
          65,199  

Airlines    0.2%

                   

Allegiant Travel Co. (Class A Stock)

     158          20,319  

Auto Components    1.0%

                   

Dorman Products, Inc.*

     264          22,358  

Gentherm, Inc.(a)*

     413          18,680  

LCI Industries

     155          17,613  

Standard Motor Products, Inc.

     428          19,448  

XPEL, Inc.*

     1,103          27,465  
       

 

 

 
          105,564  

Automobiles    0.1%

                   

Winnebago Industries, Inc.(a)

     264          14,251  

Banks    0.7%

                   

Cambridge Bancorp

     298          16,342  

First Foundation, Inc.

     1,114          16,922  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

     508          17,823  

Investors Bancorp, Inc.

     2,134          16,539  
       

 

 

 
          67,626  

Beverages    0.6%

                   

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

     76          20,771  

MGP Ingredients, Inc.

     473          16,815  

National Beverage Corp.*

     288          23,420  
       

 

 

 
          61,006  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     41  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares        Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

       

Biotechnology    14.5%

                   

89bio, Inc.*

     881        $ 33,918  

Abeona Therapeutics, Inc.*

     6,130          14,405  

ADMA Biologics, Inc.(a)*

     5,964          15,208  

Aduro Biotech, Inc.*

     7,855          24,350  

Aimmune Therapeutics, Inc.*

     1,018          34,836  

Akcea Therapeutics, Inc.*

     1,232          22,521  

Akebia Therapeutics, Inc.*

     1,385          14,418  

Akero Therapeutics, Inc.*

     768          25,037  

Albireo Pharma, Inc.*

     645          17,944  

Alector, Inc.*

     748          9,664  

Anavex Life Sciences Corp.(a)*

     3,470          14,713  

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     572          17,635  

Applied Therapeutics, Inc.*

     494          11,905  

Aprea Therapeutics, Inc.*

     437          11,843  

Aravive, Inc.*

     1,466          8,356  

Ardelyx, Inc.*

     2,674          15,349  

Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     280          19,550  

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     413          17,445  

Assembly Biosciences, Inc.*

     750          16,402  

Athenex, Inc.*

     1,314          15,098  

Avid Bioservices, Inc.*

     3,016          25,304  

Avrobio, Inc.*

     1,002          17,355  

BioSpecifics Technologies Corp.*

     298          19,221  

Calithera Biosciences, Inc.*

     3,370          13,581  

CASI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     7,123          12,180  

Castle Biosciences, Inc.*

     496          22,682  

Catabasis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     2,517          16,612  

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     3,858          12,654  

Cellular Biomedicine Group, Inc.*

     1,181          21,943  

Centogene NV (Germany)*

     833          9,663  

Cidara Therapeutics, Inc.*

     4,692          14,921  

Coherus Biosciences, Inc.*

     1,015          19,255  

Constellation Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     614          12,925  

Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     301          13,548  

Denali Therapeutics, Inc.*

     742          23,670  

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     336          13,332  

Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.(a)*

     243          27,714  

Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)*

     359          18,736  

Exicure, Inc.*

     7,038          14,006  

FibroGen, Inc.*

     433          19,411  

Frequency Therapeutics, Inc.(a)*

     826          15,975  

G1 Therapeutics, Inc.*

     727          11,159  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

42  


Description    Shares        Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

       

Biotechnology (cont’d.)

                   

Galera Therapeutics, Inc.*

     2,174        $ 16,979  

Gossamer Bio, Inc.*

     1,403          19,502  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.(a)*

     681          19,746  

Heron Therapeutics, Inc.*

     1,161          16,602  

Homology Medicines, Inc.*

     1,172          12,458  

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Class A Stock)(a)*

     1,728          17,453  

Kadmon Holdings, Inc.*

     3,403          17,015  

Kodiak Sciences, Inc.*

     328          17,250  

Krystal Biotech, Inc.*

     426          20,367  

Kura Oncology, Inc.*

     1,060          26,383  

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)*

     8,886          15,551  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     156          15,912  

Magenta Therapeutics, Inc.*

     2,372          17,244  

MeiraGTx Holdings PLC*

     1,441          18,747  

Natera, Inc.*

     369          23,509  

NextCure, Inc.*

     792          7,120  

Organogenesis Holdings, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     4,606          19,829  

Oyster Point Pharma, Inc.*

     616          14,020  

Pfenex, Inc.*

     2,089          26,175  

Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     5,515          15,773  

Prevail Therapeutics, Inc.*

     1,200          14,700  

Principia Biopharma, Inc.*

     313          31,303  

PTC Therapeutics, Inc.*

     321          15,865  

Puma Biotechnology, Inc.*

     1,720          17,699  

Radius Health, Inc.*

     1,325          16,404  

Retrophin, Inc.*

     979          19,179  

Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     807          23,815  

Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     9,775          24,340  

Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     898          22,962  

Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc.*

     2,091          23,074  

SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc.*

     419          18,608  

Sutro Biopharma, Inc.*

     2,235          22,372  

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

     239          20,329  

UNITY Biotechnology, Inc.*

     2,029          6,371  

Veracyte, Inc.*

     719          23,950  

Vericel Corp.*

     1,297          20,557  

Viela Bio, Inc.*

     411          13,847  

Voyager Therapeutics, Inc.*

     1,558          18,369  

Xencor, Inc.*

     546          19,520  

XOMA Corp.*

     805          15,311  
       

 

 

 
          1,482,654  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     43  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares        Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

       

Building Products    1.8%

                   

AAON, Inc.

     328        $ 18,673  

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

     746          15,614  

Builders FirstSource, Inc.(a)*

     860          26,333  

Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc.*

     2,937          23,379  

CSW Industrials, Inc.

     257          18,568  

Gibraltar Industries, Inc.*

     371          23,167  

PGT Innovations, Inc.*

     1,141          20,686  

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

     213          20,947  

UFP Industries, Inc.

     358          21,247  
       

 

 

 
          188,614  

Capital Markets    2.2%

                   

Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     571          22,103  

Assetmark Financial Holdings, Inc.*

     662          15,987  

Brightsphere Investment Group, Inc.

     1,396          19,349  

Cohen & Steers, Inc.

     263          15,912  

Cowen, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     1,113          20,134  

Federated Hermes, Inc. (Class B Stock)

     737          17,622  

GAMCO Investors, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     1,339          16,898  

Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     293          17,170  

Moelis & Co. (Class A Stock)

     571          18,221  

PJT Partners, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     346          20,476  

Silvercrest Asset Management Group, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     1,424          17,857  

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

     156          22,136  
       

 

 

 
          223,865  

Chemicals    2.6%

                   

American Vanguard Corp.

     1,290          18,254  

Balchem Corp.

     187          18,270  

Chase Corp.

     174          16,977  

Ferro Corp.*

     1,394          17,383  

GCP Applied Technologies, Inc.*

     979          25,513  

Hawkins, Inc.

     406          20,389  

HB Fuller Co.

     396          19,075  

Ingevity Corp.*

     341          19,154  

Innospec, Inc.

     233          17,403  

Orion Engineered Carbons SA (Luxembourg)

     1,688          20,509  

PQ Group Holdings, Inc.*

     1,334          15,541  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

     324          17,891  

Stepan Co.

     175          20,176  

Trinseo SA

     805          20,053  
       

 

 

 
          266,588  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

44  


Description    Shares        Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

       

Commercial Services & Supplies    1.1%

                   

Brady Corp. (Class A Stock)

     376        $ 17,631  

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.(a)

     717          14,913  

Interface, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     1,990          15,044  

McGrath RentCorp

     328          21,766  

Tetra Tech, Inc.

     225          20,770  

UniFirst Corp.

     100          19,262  
       

 

 

 
          109,386  

Communications Equipment    1.4%

                   

CalAmp Corp.*

     2,271          18,554  

Calix, Inc.*

     1,191          23,165  

Casa Systems, Inc.*

     4,366          19,865  

Clearfield, Inc.*

     1,337          23,531  

Genasys, Inc.*

     3,533          17,665  

InterDigital, Inc.(a)

     308          18,834  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

     1,389          18,523  
       

 

 

 
          140,137  

Construction & Engineering    1.7%

                   

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

     440          22,295  

Construction Partners, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     1,004          18,765  

EMCOR Group, Inc.

     270          20,253  

IES Holdings, Inc.*

     826          23,814  

MasTec, Inc.*

     395          18,253  

MYR Group, Inc.*

     613          23,790  

Primoris Services Corp.

     1,003          19,117  

Sterling Construction Co., Inc.*

     1,716          24,264  
       

 

 

 
          170,551  

Consumer Finance    0.3%

                   

FirstCash, Inc.

     266          15,893  

Green Dot Corp. (Class A Stock)*

     367          19,106  
       

 

 

 
          34,999  

Containers & Packaging    0.2%

                   

Myers Industries, Inc.

     1,321          20,211  

Distributors    0.2%

                   

Core-Mark Holding Co., Inc.

     710          23,728  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     45  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares        Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

       

Diversified Consumer Services    0.7%

                   

Collectors Universe, Inc.

     494        $ 21,978  

Perdoceo Education Corp.*

     1,122          16,123  

Strategic Education, Inc.

     107          10,975  

Universal Technical Institute, Inc.*

     2,678          18,880  
       

 

 

 
          67,956  

Diversified Telecommunication Services    0.9%

                   

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

     225          15,134  

Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.*

     2,753          21,418  

IDT Corp. (Class B Stock)*

     2,573          16,776  

Ooma, Inc.*

     1,135          15,481  

Vonage Holdings Corp.*

     1,806          20,679  
       

 

 

 
          89,488  

Electric Utilities    0.8%

                   

Genie Energy Ltd. (Class B Stock)

     2,423          21,419  

MGE Energy, Inc.

     276          17,937  

Otter Tail Corp.

     456          17,716  

Spark Energy, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     2,492          22,902  
       

 

 

 
          79,974  

Electrical Equipment    1.1%

                   

Allied Motion Technologies, Inc.

     515          21,934  

Atkore International Group, Inc.*

     657          17,562  

EnerSys

     273          19,650  

Orion Energy Systems, Inc.*

     5,283          33,706  

Vicor Corp.(a)*

     245          21,322  
       

 

 

 
          114,174  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components    2.3%

 

Badger Meter, Inc.

     259          15,978  

ePlus, Inc.*

     246          18,873  

Fabrinet (Thailand)*

     292          20,376  

FARO Technologies, Inc.*

     321          18,136  

Insight Enterprises, Inc.*

     342          20,453  

Iteris, Inc.*

     3,727          17,032  

Itron, Inc.*

     273          16,263  

Luna Innovations, Inc.*

     3,010          19,264  

Methode Electronics, Inc.

     562          15,910  

Novanta, Inc.*

     174          18,648  

OSI Systems, Inc.*

     238          18,742  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

46  


Description    Shares        Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

       

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components (cont’d.)

 

Plexus Corp.(a)*

     267        $ 20,311  

Rogers Corp.*

     150          16,997  
       

 

 

 
          236,983  

Energy Equipment & Services    0.2%

                   

DMC Global, Inc.

     651          23,065  

Entertainment     0.1%

                   

Glu Mobile, Inc.*

     1,916          15,213  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)    3.6%

                   

Alexander’s, Inc.

     73          18,620  

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

     1,024          19,835  

CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     2,013          19,989  

CIM Commercial Trust Corp.

     1,655          17,096  

Clipper Realty, Inc.

     2,191          14,614  

Community Healthcare Trust, Inc.

     430          20,081  

Easterly Government Properties, Inc.

     765          18,505  

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc.

     675          17,044  

Gladstone Commercial Corp.

     946          18,551  

Gladstone Land Corp.

     1,123          17,676  

LTC Properties, Inc.

     470          17,150  

Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corp.

     1,142          16,571  

National Health Investors, Inc.

     292          18,177  

National Storage Affiliates Trust

     559          19,179  

NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc.

     558          23,101  

Plymouth Industrial REIT, Inc.

     1,415          18,890  

PS Business Parks, Inc.

     135          17,037  

QTS Realty Trust, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     280          18,990  

Terreno Realty Corp.

     314          18,727  

UMH Properties, Inc.

     1,368          19,891  
       

 

 

 
          369,724  

Food & Staples Retailing    0.5%

                   

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.*

     464          20,606  

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.

     1,191          13,959  

PriceSmart, Inc.(a)

     268          17,621  
       

 

 

 
          52,186  

Food Products    1.7%

                   

B&G Foods, Inc.

     719          22,390  

Calavo Growers, Inc.

     286          18,152  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     47  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares        Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

       

Food Products (cont’d.)

                   

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.*

     400        $ 15,436  

Freshpet, Inc.*

     216          24,538  

J&J Snack Foods Corp.

     142          19,305  

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

     211          16,804  

Lancaster Colony Corp.

     116          20,615  

Sanderson Farms, Inc.(a)

     154          18,012  

Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.(a)

     524          16,763  
       

 

 

 
          172,015  

Gas Utilities    1.0%

                   

Brookfield Infrastructure Corp. (Canada) (Class A Stock)

     398          19,868  

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

     213          17,424  

ONE Gas, Inc.

     235          17,418  

RGC Resources, Inc.

     740          17,257  

South Jersey Industries, Inc.

     716          15,859  

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

     261          16,409  
       

 

 

 
          104,235  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies    5.4%

                   

Accuray, Inc.*

     7,915          18,442  

Alphatec Holdings, Inc.*

     3,765          22,552  

Antares Pharma, Inc.*

     6,332          17,920  

AtriCure, Inc.*

     395          17,668  

Atrion Corp.

     28          17,688  

AxoGen, Inc.*

     1,923          22,826  

BioLife Solutions, Inc.*

     1,150          24,518  

Cantel Medical Corp.

     400          20,992  

Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.*

     567          18,524  

CONMED Corp.

     235          20,283  

CryoLife, Inc.*

     856          17,308  

Cutera, Inc.*

     1,457          23,851  

Electromed, Inc.*

     1,189          14,720  

Heska Corp.*

     193          19,995  

Integer Holdings Corp.(a)*

     225          15,583  

iRadimed Corp.*

     752          15,942  

Lantheus Holdings, Inc.*

     1,255          16,842  

LeMaitre Vascular, Inc.

     677          21,854  

LivaNova PLC (United Kingdom)*

     374          17,541  

Meridian Bioscience, Inc.*

     807          11,411  

Merit Medical Systems, Inc.*

     422          20,720  

Natus Medical, Inc.(a)*

     820          14,891  

Neogen Corp.(a)*

     234          17,831  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

48  


Description    Shares        Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

       

Health Care Equipment & Supplies (cont’d.)

                   

OraSure Technologies, Inc.*

     1,590        $ 18,635  

Repro-Med Systems, Inc.*

     1,994          17,328  

Retractable Technologies, Inc.*

     2,576          16,280  

Rockwell Medical, Inc.(a)*

     9,116          11,942  

STAAR Surgical Co.*

     287          13,762  

Surmodics, Inc.*

     407          18,417  

Utah Medical Products, Inc.

     176          14,458  

Zynex, Inc.(a)*

     759          11,233  
       

 

 

 
          551,957  

Health Care Providers & Services    2.4%

                   

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.*

     384          20,674  

Apollo Medical Holdings, Inc.*

     1,066          20,137  

CorVel Corp.*

     247          20,506  

Ensign Group, Inc. (The)

     418          24,470  

LHC Group, Inc.*

     103          21,469  

Magellan Health, Inc.*

     250          18,865  

National Research Corp.

     282          15,792  

Providence Service Corp. (The)*

     222          20,555  

R1 RCM, Inc.*

     1,621          23,504  

RadNet, Inc.*

     1,173          16,915  

Select Medical Holdings Corp.*

     1,226          24,606  

Viemed Healthcare, Inc.*

     1,721          18,707  
       

 

 

 
          246,200  

Health Care Technology    1.7%

                   

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.(a)*

     2,696          24,075  

Evolent Health, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     2,369          33,948  

HMS Holdings Corp.*

     557          15,535  

Inovalon Holdings, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     867          21,454  

Omnicell, Inc.(a)*

     256          17,070  

Simulations Plus, Inc.

     301          17,933  

Tabula Rasa HealthCare, Inc.*

     328          16,597  

Vocera Communications, Inc.*

     863          24,155  
       

 

 

 
          170,767  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure    1.1%

                   

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc.*

     906          19,850  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

     225          21,301  

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.*

     517          23,787  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

     225          22,115  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     49  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares        Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

       

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (cont’d.)

                   

Wingstop, Inc.(a)

     129        $ 21,079  
       

 

 

 
          108,132  

Household Durables    2.1%

                   

Cavco Industries, Inc.*

     87          16,609  

Helen of Troy Ltd.*

     96          19,855  

iRobot Corp.*

     210          15,546  

KB Home

     587          20,991  

LGI Homes, Inc.(a)*

     205          22,931  

Lovesac Co. (The)*

     639          16,914  

Meritage Homes Corp.(a)*

     239          22,951  

Purple Innovation, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     970          18,343  

Skyline Champion Corp.*

     726          20,720  

TopBuild Corp.*

     168          25,839  

Universal Electronics, Inc.*

     383          15,734  
       

 

 

 
          216,433  

Household Products    0.4%

                   

Central Garden & Pet Co.*

     486          19,775  

Central Garden & Pet Co. (Class A Stock)*

     516          19,175  
       

 

 

 
          38,950  

Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers    0.4%

 

Clearway Energy, Inc.,

       

(Class A Stock)

     841          20,310  

(Class C Stock)

     765          19,515  
       

 

 

 
          39,825  

Insurance    0.7%

                   

James River Group Holdings Ltd. (Bermuda)

     393          19,143  

National General Holdings Corp.

     865          29,454  

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

     1,015          18,828  
       

 

 

 
          67,425  

Interactive Media & Services    0.6%

                   

Eventbrite, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     2,043          21,962  

QuinStreet, Inc.*

     1,882          24,749  

Yelp, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     819          18,935  
       

 

 

 
          65,646  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

50  


Description    Shares        Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

       

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail    1.4%

                   

1-800-Flowers.com, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     868        $ 25,980  

CarParts.com, Inc.*

     1,994          28,016  

PetMed Express, Inc.(a)

     495          17,206  

Quotient Technology, Inc.*

     2,420          21,078  

Shutterstock, Inc.

     507          25,512  

Stamps.com, Inc.*

     100          24,934  
       

 

 

 
          142,726  

IT Services    3.5%

                   

Brightcove, Inc.*

     2,327          25,876  

Cass Information Systems, Inc.

     458          17,935  

CSG Systems International, Inc.(a)

     421          17,922  

Endurance International Group Holdings, Inc.*

     4,398          28,631  

EVERTEC, Inc. (Puerto Rico)

     636          22,273  

ExlService Holdings, Inc.*

     282          17,961  

Hackett Group, Inc. (The)

     1,300          16,393  

KBR, Inc.

     768          19,192  

ManTech International Corp. (Class A Stock)

     258          19,311  

MAXIMUS, Inc.

     249          19,310  

NIC, Inc.(a)

     768          16,420  

Perficient, Inc.*

     508          21,798  

Perspecta, Inc.

     721          14,975  

PFSweb, Inc.*

     2,506          21,176  

Sykes Enterprises, Inc.*

     644          21,320  

TTEC Holdings, Inc.

     377          21,372  

Tucows, Inc. (Canada) (Class A Stock)*

     315          19,914  

Virtusa Corp.(a)*

     555          21,945  
       

 

 

 
          363,724  

Leisure Products    1.1%

                   

Acushnet Holdings Corp.

     509          17,963  

Johnson Outdoors, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     201          17,228  

Malibu Boats, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     349          18,096  

Marine Products Corp.

     1,278          18,467  

Sturm Ruger & Co., Inc.

     240          17,006  

YETI Holdings, Inc.*

     412          21,168  
       

 

 

 
          109,928  

Life Sciences Tools & Services    1.1%

                   

Champions Oncology, Inc.*

     1,900          15,732  

ChromaDex Corp.*

     3,875          19,181  

Luminex Corp.

     584          15,587  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     51  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares        Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

       

Life Sciences Tools & Services (cont’d.)

                   

Medpace Holdings, Inc.*

     208        $ 26,997  

Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.*

     5,100          33,660  
       

 

 

 
          111,157  

Machinery    3.6%

                   

Alamo Group, Inc.

     174          19,297  

Albany International Corp. (Class A Stock)

     291          15,103  

Blue Bird Corp.*

     1,166          13,269  

ESCO Technologies, Inc.

     210          18,883  

Evoqua Water Technologies Corp.*

     991          20,276  

Federal Signal Corp.

     595          19,111  

Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

     338          20,064  

Gorman-Rupp Co. (The)

     577          18,435  

Helios Technologies, Inc.

     469          19,281  

Kadant, Inc.

     189          22,007  

Lindsay Corp.

     195          19,486  

Mueller Water Products, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     1,906          20,585  

Omega Flex, Inc.

     169          22,264  

Proto Labs, Inc.*

     154          22,638  

RBC Bearings, Inc.*

     134          17,693  

Rexnord Corp.(a)

     576          16,681  

Shyft Group, Inc. (The)

     1,058          21,128  

Tennant Co.

     272          18,080  

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     218          20,874  
       

 

 

 
          365,155  

Media    1.1%

                   

AMC Networks, Inc. (Class A Stock)(a)*

     751          18,242  

Daily Journal Corp.*

     67          18,438  

Gray Television, Inc.*

     1,278          19,835  

Loral Space & Communications, Inc.

     873          20,577  

Meredith Corp.

     1,070          14,980  

TechTarget, Inc.*

     586          23,252  
       

 

 

 
          115,324  

Metals & Mining    0.4%

                   

Caledonia Mining Corp. PLC (South Africa)

     1,177          21,398  

Materion Corp.

     291          15,886  
       

 

 

 
          37,284  

Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)    0.3%

                   

Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc.

     624          26,495  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

52  


Description    Shares        Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

       

Multiline Retail    0.2%

                   

Big Lots, Inc.(a)

     408        $ 19,237  

Paper & Forest Products    0.4%

                   

Boise Cascade Co.

     476          21,801  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

     701          23,091  
       

 

 

 
          44,892  

Personal Products    0.9%

                   

elf Beauty, Inc.*

     938          18,319  

Inter Parfums, Inc.

     370          16,528  

Lifevantage Corp.*

     1,360          20,427  

Medifast, Inc.

     129          20,991  

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.*

     243          19,054  
       

 

 

 
          95,319  

Pharmaceuticals    5.1%

                   

Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     1,180          12,980  

Agile Therapeutics, Inc.(a)*

     6,375          20,400  

Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     4,038          16,596  

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     795          16,202  

ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     564          17,687  

Avenue Therapeutics, Inc.*

     1,588          17,674  

BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc.*

     3,969          15,519  

Cara Therapeutics, Inc.*

     1,048          16,244  

Cerecor, Inc.*

     6,954          17,107  

Chiasma, Inc.*

     3,130          17,184  

Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

     1,026          19,555  

Corcept Therapeutics, Inc.(a)*

     1,050          13,335  

Durect Corp.*

     7,038          12,211  

Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     5,712          17,621  

Harrow Health, Inc.*

     3,313          22,827  

Innoviva, Inc.*

     1,159          13,572  

Intersect ENT, Inc.*

     1,369          27,489  

Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.*

     698          12,718  

Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     1,713          15,246  

NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     898          16,748  

Odonate Therapeutics, Inc.*

     412          6,654  

Osmotica Pharmaceuticals PLC*

     2,587          15,367  

Pacira BioSciences, Inc.*

     338          21,132  

Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     523          19,225  

Phibro Animal Health Corp. (Class A Stock)(a)

     686          14,722  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.(a)*

     480          17,486  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     53  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares        Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

       

Pharmaceuticals (cont’d.)

                   

Satsuma Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     629        $ 14,486  

SIGA Technologies, Inc.*

     2,814          19,557  

Strongbridge Biopharma PLC*

     4,465          17,146  

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     794          17,460  

Tricida, Inc.*

     688          7,272  

Verrica Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     1,250          11,487  
       

 

 

 
          520,909  

Professional Services    1.4%

                   

ASGN, Inc.*

     268          19,234  

CBIZ, Inc.*

     745          18,118  

CRA International, Inc.

     448          19,045  

Exponent, Inc.(a)

     204          16,413  

Franklin Covey Co.*

     798          15,753  

ICF International, Inc.

     284          19,400  

Insperity, Inc.

     279          18,796  

Kforce, Inc.

     613          21,050  
       

 

 

 
          147,809  

Real Estate Management & Development    1.3%

                   

Cushman & Wakefield PLC*

     1,419          16,475  

eXp World Holdings, Inc.*

     1,025          45,592  

Griffin Industrial Realty, Inc.

     319          16,964  

Marcus & Millichap, Inc.*

     630          17,772  

RMR Group, Inc. (The) (Class A Stock)

     587          16,565  

St. Joe Co. (The)*

     904          20,982  
       

 

 

 
          134,350  

Road & Rail    0.4%

                   

Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc.

     1,033          22,210  

Werner Enterprises, Inc.(a)

     412          18,956  
       

 

 

 
          41,166  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment    3.9%

                   

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.(a)*

     269          19,938  

Ambarella, Inc.*

     396          20,869  

Amkor Technology, Inc.(a)*

     1,481          18,061  

Axcelis Technologies, Inc.*

     654          15,454  

Brooks Automation, Inc.(a)

     410          21,168  

Cabot Microelectronics Corp.

     132          20,102  

CEVA, Inc.*

     488          20,618  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

54  


Description    Shares        Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

       

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (cont’d.)

                   

CyberOptics Corp.*

     557        $ 17,852  

Diodes, Inc.*

     335          16,368  

DSP Group, Inc.*

     1,069          15,330  

FormFactor, Inc.*

     626          16,357  

Ichor Holdings Ltd.*

     706          17,763  

NeoPhotonics Corp.*

     2,043          13,606  

NVE Corp.

     298          15,922  

Onto Innovation, Inc.*

     522          16,307  

PDF Solutions, Inc.*

     918          19,003  

Power Integrations, Inc.

     288          16,119  

Semtech Corp.*

     360          21,114  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

     182          18,639  

SMART Global Holdings, Inc.*

     695          17,514  

Synaptics, Inc.(a)*

     300          25,599  

Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.*

     801          19,641  
       

 

 

 
          403,344  

Software    8.3%

                   

A10 Networks, Inc.*

     2,646          22,623  

ACI Worldwide, Inc.*

     665          19,538  

Agilysys, Inc.*

     972          24,660  

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.*

     276          16,524  

Altair Engineering, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     453          19,035  

American Software, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     1,031          14,599  

Appfolio, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     110          18,483  

Blackbaud, Inc.(a)

     308          19,666  

Bottomline Technologies DE, Inc.*

     358          17,052  

Box, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     870          17,078  

ChannelAdvisor Corp.*

     1,187          19,965  

Cloudera, Inc.*

     1,357          17,926  

CommVault Systems, Inc.*

     461          19,929  

Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc.(a)*

     426          15,025  

Ebix, Inc.(a)

     784          18,087  

eGain Corp.*

     1,664          22,264  

Envestnet, Inc.(a)*

     233          19,337  

Intelligent Systems Corp.*

     529          19,885  

J2 Global, Inc.*

     253          17,707  

Majesco*

     2,327          37,209  

MicroStrategy, Inc. (Class A Stock)(a)*

     135          19,499  

Mimecast Ltd.*

     432          21,272  

Mitek Systems, Inc.*

     1,715          21,763  

MobileIron, Inc.*

     3,650          23,834  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     55  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares        Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

       

Software (cont’d.)

 

Model N, Inc.*

     517        $ 20,328  

OneSpan, Inc.*

     652          14,051  

Progress Software Corp.

     452          17,126  

QAD, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     430          19,556  

Qualys, Inc.*

     159          16,876  

Rimini Street, Inc.*

     3,658          16,022  

Rosetta Stone, Inc.*

     1,042          31,656  

Sailpoint Technologies Holdings, Inc.*

     668          26,206  

Sapiens International Corp. NV (Israel)

     664          22,271  

ShotSpotter, Inc.*

     712          21,332  

Smith Micro Software, Inc.*

     4,045          15,533  

SPS Commerce, Inc.*

     236          18,852  

SVMK, Inc.*

     765          19,041  

Telenav, Inc.*

     2,951          13,545  

Tenable Holdings, Inc.*

     612          23,036  

Verint Systems, Inc.*

     402          19,119  

VirnetX Holding Corp.

     2,770          13,767  

Workiva, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     322          18,998  

Xperi Holding Corp.

     1,206          15,111  
       

 

 

 
          845,386  

Specialty Retail    2.5%

 

Aaron’s, Inc.

     378          21,127  

America’s Car-Mart, Inc.*

     207          20,804  

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.*

     229          24,226  

GrowGeneration Corp.(a)*

     2,903          46,317  

Lithia Motors, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     115          28,630  

Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.*

     1,264          30,323  

Murphy USA, Inc.*

     173          23,331  

Rent-A-Center, Inc.

     648          19,894  

Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc.*

     1,295          20,325  

Winmark Corp.

     105          16,217  
       

 

 

 
          251,194  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals    0.4%

                   

Immersion Corp.*

     2,762          26,267  

Super Micro Computer, Inc.(a)*

     623          17,064  
       

 

 

 
          43,331  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods    0.3%

                   

Deckers Outdoor Corp.*

     99          20,183  

Steven Madden Ltd.(a)

     708          14,981  
       

 

 

 
          35,164  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

56  


Description    Shares        Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

       

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance    1.3%

                   

Axos Financial, Inc.*

     748        $ 18,535  

Columbia Financial, Inc.*

     1,292          13,786  

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp. (Class C Stock)

     283          19,286  

Kearny Financial Corp.

     2,187          16,971  

NMI Holdings, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     1,116          19,139  

PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.

     430          22,670  

Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

     351          19,228  
       

 

 

 
          129,615  

Tobacco    0.4%

                   

Turning Point Brands, Inc.

     650          18,785  

Vector Group Ltd.

     1,742          17,542  
       

 

 

 
          36,327  

Trading Companies & Distributors    1.1%

                   

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

     282          16,979  

CAI International, Inc.*

     1,043          22,748  

Foundation Building Materials, Inc.*

     1,135          18,421  

Lawson Products, Inc.*

     548          19,673  

Systemax, Inc.

     860          19,084  

Transcat, Inc.*

     686          20,175  
       

 

 

 
          117,080  

Water Utilities    1.0%

                   

American States Water Co.

     228          17,346  

California Water Service Group

     379          17,184  

Middlesex Water Co.

     250          16,032  

Pure Cycle Corp.*

     1,910          18,642  

SJW Group

     268          16,758  

York Water Co. (The)

     374          17,058  
       

 

 

 
          103,020  

Wireless Telecommunication Services    0.4%

                   

Boingo Wireless, Inc.*

     1,400          18,186  

Shenandoah Telecommunications Co.

     357          19,742  
       

 

 

 
          37,928  
       

 

 

 

TOTAL LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $9,262,360)

          10,194,695  
       

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     57  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description                Shares        Value  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS    9.3%

 

AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUND    8.9%

 

PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund
(cost $908,454; includes $908,393 of cash collateral for securities on loan)(b)(w)

 

    908,725        $ 908,543  
           

 

 

 
    

Interest

Rate

   

Maturity

Date

   

Principal
Amount (000)#

          

TIME DEPOSIT    0.4%

           

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (Japan)
(cost $38,410)

     0.010     09/01/20       38          38,410  
           

 

 

 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $946,864)

              946,953  
           

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS    108.9%
(cost $10,209,224)

              11,141,648  

Liabilities in excess of other assets    (8.9)%

              (906,016
           

 

 

 

NET ASSETS    100.0%

            $ 10,235,632  
           

 

 

 

 

The following abbreviations are used in the annual report:

#

Principal or notional amount is shown in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.

(a)

All or a portion of security is on loan. The aggregate market value of such securities, including those sold and pending settlement, is $844,900; cash collateral of $908,393 (included in liabilities) was received with which the Fund purchased highly liquid short-term investments. In the event of significant appreciation in value of securities on loan on the last business day of the reporting period, the Fund may reflect a collateral value that is less than the market value of the loaned securities and such shortfall is remedied the following business day.

(b)

Represents security purchased with cash collateral received for securities on loan and includes dividend reinvestment.

(w)

PGIM Investments LLC, the manager of the Fund, also serves as manager of the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund.

*

Non-income producing security.

 

Fair Value Measurements:

 

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—unadjusted quoted prices generally in active markets for identical securities.

 

Level 2—quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates and yield curves, prepayment speeds, foreign currency exchange rates and other observable inputs.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

58  


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

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of August 31, 2020 in valuing such portfolio securities:

 

       Level 1           Level 2           Level 3     

Investments in Securities

     

Assets

     

Common Stocks

     

Aerospace & Defense

  $ 91,785     $     —     $     —  

Air Freight & Logistics

    65,199              

Airlines

    20,319              

Auto Components

    105,564              

Automobiles

    14,251              

Banks

    67,626              

Beverages

    61,006              

Biotechnology

    1,482,654              

Building Products

    188,614              

Capital Markets

    223,865              

Chemicals

    266,588              

Commercial Services & Supplies

    109,386              

Communications Equipment

    140,137              

Construction & Engineering

    170,551              

Consumer Finance

    34,999              

Containers & Packaging

    20,211              

Distributors

    23,728              

Diversified Consumer Services

    67,956              

Diversified Telecommunication Services

    89,488              

Electric Utilities

    79,974              

Electrical Equipment

    114,174              

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

    236,983              

Energy Equipment & Services

    23,065              

Entertainment

    15,213              

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

    369,724              

Food & Staples Retailing

    52,186                 —  

Food Products

    172,015              

Gas Utilities

    104,235              

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

    551,957              

Health Care Providers & Services

    246,200              

Health Care Technology

    170,767              

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

    108,132              

Household Durables

    216,433              

Household Products

    38,950              

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     59  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

       Level 1           Level 2           Level 3     

Investments in Securities (continued)

     

Assets (continued)

     

Common Stocks (continued)

     

Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers

  $ 39,825     $     $     —  

Insurance

    67,425              

Interactive Media & Services

    65,646              

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail

    142,726              

IT Services

    363,724              

Leisure Products

    109,928              

Life Sciences Tools & Services

    111,157              

Machinery

    365,155              

Media

    115,324              

Metals & Mining

    37,284              

Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

    26,495              

Multiline Retail

    19,237              

Paper & Forest Products

    44,892              

Personal Products

    95,319              

Pharmaceuticals

    520,909              

Professional Services

    147,809              

Real Estate Management & Development

    134,350              

Road & Rail

    41,166              

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

    403,344              

Software

    845,386              

Specialty Retail

    251,194              

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

    43,331              

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

    35,164              

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance

    129,615              

Tobacco

    36,327              

Trading Companies & Distributors

    117,080              

Water Utilities

    103,020              

Wireless Telecommunication Services

    37,928              

Affiliated Mutual Fund

    908,543              

Time Deposit

          38,410        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 11,103,238     $ 38,410     $  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

60  


Industry Classification:

 

The industry classification of investments and liabilities in excess of other assets shown as a percentage of net assets as of August 31, 2020 were as follows (unaudited):

 

Biotechnology

    14.5

Affiliated Mutual Fund (8.9% represents investments purchased with collateral from securities on loan)

    8.9  

Software

    8.3  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

    5.4  

Pharmaceuticals

    5.1  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

    3.9  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

    3.6  

Machinery

    3.6  

IT Services

    3.5  

Chemicals

    2.6  

Specialty Retail

    2.5  

Health Care Providers & Services

    2.4  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

    2.3  

Capital Markets

    2.2  

Household Durables

    2.1  

Building Products

    1.8  

Food Products

    1.7  

Health Care Technology

    1.7  

Construction & Engineering

    1.7  

Professional Services

    1.4  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail

    1.4  

Communications Equipment

    1.4  

Real Estate Management & Development

    1.3  

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance

    1.3  

Trading Companies & Distributors

    1.1  

Media

    1.1  

Electrical Equipment

    1.1  

Life Sciences Tools & Services

    1.1  

Leisure Products

    1.1  

Commercial Services & Supplies

    1.1  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

    1.1  

Auto Components

    1.0  
Gas Utilities     1.0
Water Utilities     1.0  
Personal Products     0.9  
Aerospace & Defense     0.9  
Diversified Telecommunication Services     0.9  
Electric Utilities     0.8  
Diversified Consumer Services     0.7  
Banks     0.7  
Insurance     0.7  
Interactive Media & Services     0.6  
Air Freight & Logistics     0.6  
Beverages     0.6  
Food & Staples Retailing     0.5  
Paper & Forest Products     0.4  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals     0.4  
Road & Rail     0.4  

Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers

    0.4  
Household Products     0.4  
Time Deposit     0.4  
Wireless Telecommunication Services     0.4  
Metals & Mining     0.4  
Tobacco     0.4  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods     0.3  
Consumer Finance     0.3  
Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)     0.3  
Distributors     0.2  
Energy Equipment & Services     0.2  
Airlines     0.2  
Containers & Packaging     0.2  
Multiline Retail     0.2  
Entertainment     0.1  

Automobiles

    0.1  
 

 

 

 
    108.9  

Liabilities in excess of other assets

    (8.9
 

 

 

 
    100.0
 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     61  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Financial Instruments/Transactions-Summary of Offsetting and Netting Agreements:

 

The Fund entered into financial instruments/transactions during the period that are either offset in accordance with current requirements or are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements that permit offsetting. The information about offsetting

and related netting arrangements for financial instruments/transactions, where the legal right to set-off exists, is presented in the summary below:

 

Offsetting of financial instrument/transaction assets and liabilities:

 

Description

  Gross Market
Value of
Recognized
Assets/(Liabilities)
    Collateral
Pledged/(Received)(1)
    Net Amount  

Securities on Loan

  $ 844,900     $ (844,900   $  —  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Collateral amount disclosed by the Fund is limited to the market value of the financial instruments/transactions.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

62  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

Statement of Assets & Liabilities

as of August 31, 2020

 

Assets

 

Investments at value, including securities on loan of $844,900:

 

Unaffiliated investments (cost $9,300,770)

   $ 10,233,105  

Affiliated investments (cost $908,454)

     908,543  

Interest and dividends receivable

     5,164  
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     11,146,812  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Payable to broker for collateral for securities on loan

     908,393  

Management fee payable

     2,513  

Other liabilities

     274  
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     911,180  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 10,235,632  
  

 

 

 
          

Net assets were comprised of:

 

Common stock, at par

   $ 200  

Paid-in capital in excess of par

     10,026,684  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

     208,748  
  

 

 

 

Net assets, August 31, 2020

   $ 10,235,632  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share,

  

($10,235,632 / 200,000 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)

   $ 51.18  
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     63  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

Statement of Operations

Year Ended August 31, 2020

 

Net Investment Income (Loss)

 

Income

 

Interest income

   $ 224  

Unaffiliated dividend income (net of $173 foreign withholding tax)

     97,099  

Income from securities lending, net (including affiliated income of $1,125)

     3,094  

Miscellaneous Income

     119  
  

 

 

 

Total income

     100,536  
  

 

 

 

Expenses

  

Management fee

     27,900  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     27,900  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

     72,636  
  

 

 

 

Realized And Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Investments

 

Net realized gain (loss) on:

 

Investment transactions (including affiliated of $(299))

     (637,993

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

  

Investments (including affiliated of $95)

     1,292,987  
  

 

 

 

Net gain (loss) on investment transactions

     654,994  
  

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets Resulting From Operations

   $ 727,630  
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

64  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    

Year
Ended

August 31, 2020

    

Period
Ended

August 31, 2019*

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

 

Operations

 

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 72,636      $ 84,526  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and in-kind redemptions

     (637,993      (14,886

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     1,292,987        (360,564
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     727,630        (290,924
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions

     

Distributions from distributable earnings

     (85,196      (65,848
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fund share transactions

     

Net proceeds from shares sold

            12,487,720  

Cost of shares reacquired

            (2,537,750
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund share transactions

            9,949,970  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     642,434        9,593,198  

Net Assets:

 

Beginning of period

     9,593,198         
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 10,235,632      $ 9,593,198  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

For the period from November 13, 2018 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2019.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     65  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Schedule of Investments

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS    99.3%

     

COMMON STOCKS    99.3%

     

Aerospace & Defense    1.0%

                 

AAR Corp.(a)

     476      $ 9,606  

Ducommun, Inc.*

     283        10,576  

Kaman Corp.

     249        11,516  

Moog, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     191        11,515  

National Presto Industries, Inc.

     117        10,522  

Park Aerospace Corp.

     909        10,081  

Parsons Corp.*

     282        9,379  

Vectrus, Inc.*

     203        8,812  
     

 

 

 
        82,007  

Air Freight & Logistics    0.8%

                 

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.*

     247        13,928  

Echo Global Logistics, Inc.*

     471        12,868  

Forward Air Corp.

     204        12,034  

Hub Group, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     218        11,737  

Radiant Logistics, Inc.*

     2,495        13,174  
     

 

 

 
        63,741  

Auto Components    0.5%

                 

Dana, Inc.

     816        11,383  

Modine Manufacturing Co.*

     1,853        12,545  

Motorcar Parts of America, Inc.*

     605        10,533  

Standard Motor Products, Inc.

     231        10,497  
     

 

 

 
        44,958  

Banks    17.8%

                 

1st Constitution Bancorp

     817        9,943  

1st Source Corp.

     290        9,991  

ACNB Corp.

     388        8,156  

Altabancorp

     496        10,228  

Amalgamated Bank (Class A Stock)

     795        9,357  

Amerant Bancorp, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     622        8,179  

American National Bankshares, Inc.

     419        9,444  

Ameris Bancorp

     408        10,004  

Ames National Corp.

     510        10,175  

Arrow Financial Corp.

     347        9,942  

Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp.

     405        9,420  

BancFirst Corp.

     283        12,452  

Bank of Commerce Holdings

     1,234        9,070  

Bank of Princeton (The)

     496        9,662  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

66  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Banks (cont’d.)

 

BankFinancial Corp.

     1,243      $ 9,024  

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

     603        9,407  

Banner Corp.

     287        10,366  

BayCom Corp.*

     760        8,805  

BCB Bancorp, Inc.

     1,093        8,903  

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

     912        8,372  

Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc.

     1,499        8,904  

Bridge Bancorp, Inc.

     440        8,804  

Bryn Mawr Bank Corp.

     339        9,200  

Business First Bancshares, Inc.

     705        10,201  

Byline Bancorp, Inc.

     781        9,872  

C&F Financial Corp.

     297        9,495  

Cadence BanCorp (Class A Stock)

     1,169        11,106  

California Bancorp, Inc.*

     689        8,964  

Capital Bancorp, Inc.*

     982        10,223  

Capstar Financial Holdings, Inc.

     876        8,926  

Carter Bank & Trust

     1,243        8,813  

Cathay General Bancorp(a)

     419        10,345  

CB Financial Services, Inc.

     464        8,630  

Central Pacific Financial Corp.

     601        9,309  

Central Valley Community Bancorp

     709        8,529  

Chemung Financial Corp.

     358        10,278  

Citizens & Northern Corp.

     485        8,313  

Citizens Holding Co.

     392        8,401  

Civista Bancshares, Inc.

     645        8,611  

CNB Financial Corp.

     576        9,187  

Codorus Valley Bancorp, Inc.

     733        9,456  

Colony Bankcorp, Inc.

     765        8,415  

Community Bankers Trust Corp.

     1,932        9,911  

Community Financial Corp. (The)

     398        8,852  

Customers Bancorp, Inc.*

     925        11,812  

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.

     746        9,623  

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

     577        10,173  

Eagle Bancorp, Inc.(a)

     298        8,576  

Enterprise Financial Services Corp.

     352        10,528  

Equity Bancshares, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     591        9,397  

Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc.*

     627        10,346  

Evans Bancorp, Inc.

     435        9,918  

Farmers National Banc Corp.

     824        9,608  

Financial Institutions, Inc.

     569        9,804  

First Bancorp

     425        8,691  

First BanCorp (Puerto Rico)(a)

     1,797        10,297  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     67  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Banks (cont’d.)

 

First Bancshares, Inc. (The)

     446      $ 9,562  

First Bank

     1,518        9,897  

First Busey Corp.

     509        9,068  

First Business Financial Services, Inc.

     622        9,641  

First Choice Bancorp

     583        8,249  

First Commonwealth Financial Corp.

     1,249        10,242  

First Community Bankshares, Inc.

     463        8,908  

First Community Corp.

     656        8,318  

First Financial Bancorp

     734        10,070  

First Financial Corp.

     283        9,732  

First Foundation, Inc.

     633        9,615  

First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc.

     816        10,469  

First Internet Bancorp

     562        8,211  

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     358        11,742  

First Merchants Corp.

     342        8,748  

First Mid Bancshares, Inc.

     391        10,182  

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.(a)

     758        9,445  

First Northwest Bancorp

     826        9,169  

First United Corp.

     727        8,324  

First Western Financial, Inc.*

     685        9,282  

Flushing Financial Corp.

     868        10,529  

Franklin Financial Services Corp.

     354        8,439  

Fulton Financial Corp.

     958        9,369  

FVCBankcorp, Inc.*

     988        10,414  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

     289        10,140  

Great Southern Bancorp, Inc.

     243        9,365  

Great Western Bancorp, Inc.

     725        10,099  

Guaranty Bancshares, Inc.

     412        10,897  

Hancock Whitney Corp.

     493        9,865  

Hanmi Financial Corp.

     1,036        9,873  

HarborOne Bancorp, Inc.

     1,314        11,366  

Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc.

     520        9,526  

HBT Financial, Inc.

     786        9,314  

Heartland Financial USA, Inc.

     285        9,813  

Heritage Commerce Corp.

     1,370        9,494  

Hilltop Holdings, Inc.(a)

     598        12,319  

Home BancShares, Inc.(a)

     674        10,926  

HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc.

     632        8,867  

Hope Bancorp, Inc.(a)

     1,142        9,661  

Horizon Bancorp, Inc.

     976        10,912  

Howard Bancorp, Inc.*

     955        9,369  

Independent Bank Corp.

     738        11,004  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

68  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Banks (cont’d.)

 

International Bancshares Corp.(a)

     339      $ 10,706  

Investar Holding Corp.

     761        10,350  

Investors Bancorp, Inc.

     1,107        8,579  

Lakeland Bancorp, Inc.

     824        8,759  

Landmark Bancorp, Inc.

     414        8,698  

LCNB Corp.

     621        9,104  

Level One Bancorp, Inc.

     608        9,789  

Mackinac Financial Corp.

     963        9,649  

MainStreet Bancshares, Inc.*

     752        9,641  

Meridian Corp.

     603        8,846  

Mid Penn Bancorp, Inc.

     564        10,851  

Midland States Bancorp, Inc.

     680        9,935  

MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc.

     506        9,609  

MVB Financial Corp.

     750        10,650  

National Bankshares, Inc.

     357        8,864  

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.*

     183        10,984  

Northeast Bank

     600        11,196  

Northrim BanCorp, Inc.

     400        10,764  

Norwood Financial Corp.

     409        10,123  

Oak Valley Bancorp

     784        10,584  

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

     608        9,491  

OFG Bancorp (Puerto Rico)

     836        10,734  

Ohio Valley Banc Corp.

     448        10,214  

Old National Bancorp

     740        10,345  

Old Second Bancorp, Inc.

     1,322        10,801  

Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.

     700        9,639  

PCB Bancorp

     978        9,340  

Peapack Gladstone Financial Corp.

     554        9,418  

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.

     564        9,588  

Plumas Bancorp

     420        8,299  

Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc.

     833        10,679  

Professional Holding Corp. (Class A Stock)*

     718        8,307  

QCR Holdings, Inc.

     363        10,879  

RBB Bancorp

     703        9,118  

Red River Bancshares, Inc.

     232        10,097  

Renasant Corp.

     443        11,239  

Republic Bancorp, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     294        9,043  

Republic First Bancorp, Inc.*

     4,310        9,008  

Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.

     425        10,166  

SB Financial Group, Inc.

     598        8,276  

Select Bancorp, Inc.*

     1,278        9,777  

Shore Bancshares, Inc.

     913        8,902  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     69  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Banks (cont’d.)

 

Sierra Bancorp

     546      $ 9,757  

Simmons First National Corp. (Class A Stock)

     612        10,447  

SmartFinancial, Inc.

     613        8,441  

South Plains Financial, Inc.

     688        9,825  

Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc.

     1,060        9,063  

Spirit of Texas Bancshares, Inc.*

     911        11,388  

United Community Banks, Inc.

     511        9,259  

United Security Bancshares

     1,525        9,287  

Univest Financial Corp.

     643        10,346  

Valley National Bancorp

     1,273        9,560  

Veritex Holdings, Inc.

     581        10,446  

Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.

     308        10,281  

WesBanco, Inc.(a)

     504        11,199  
     

 

 

 
        1,483,193  

Beverages    0.2%

                 

MGP Ingredients, Inc.

     270        9,599  

Primo Water Corp.

     746        10,205  
     

 

 

 
        19,804  

Biotechnology    3.4%

                 

Abeona Therapeutics, Inc.*

     3,486        8,192  

Akcea Therapeutics, Inc.*

     700        12,796  

Albireo Pharma, Inc.*

     367        10,210  

Anika Therapeutics, Inc.*

     314        12,036  

Applied Genetic Technologies Corp.*

     1,690        8,687  

Aptinyx, Inc.*

     2,526        8,361  

Assembly Biosciences, Inc.*

     427        9,338  

Cabaletta Bio, Inc.*

     887        9,358  

Catalyst Biosciences, Inc.*

     1,681        8,775  

Cellular Biomedicine Group, Inc.*

     672        12,486  

Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)*

     204        10,647  

FibroGen, Inc.*

     247        11,073  

GlycoMimetics, Inc.*

     2,675        9,871  

Gossamer Bio, Inc.*

     793        11,023  

Jounce Therapeutics, Inc.*

     1,370        6,631  

Kezar Life Sciences, Inc.*

     1,832        8,903  

Myriad Genetics, Inc.*

     908        12,140  

Natera, Inc.*

     210        13,379  

OPKO Health, Inc.*

     3,392        10,990  

Orgenesis, Inc.*

     1,654        8,716  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

70  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Biotechnology (cont’d.)

                 

PDL BioPharma, Inc.*

     3,511      $ 11,762  

Prothena Corp. PLC (Ireland)*

     974        12,623  

Rubius Therapeutics, Inc.*

     1,583        7,622  

Savara, Inc.*

     3,706        5,411  

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     891        9,168  

X4 Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     1,171        9,813  

XBiotech, Inc.(a)*

     697        13,187  

Xencor, Inc.*

     311        11,118  
     

 

 

 
        284,316  

Building Products    0.8%

                 

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

     426        8,916  

Caesarstone Ltd. (Israel)

     935        10,318  

Gibraltar Industries, Inc.*

     225        14,050  

Insteel Industries, Inc.

     537        9,902  

PGT Innovations, Inc.*

     649        11,766  

UFP Industries, Inc.

     205        12,167  
     

 

 

 
        67,119  

Capital Markets    1.8%

                 

Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     319        12,349  

B. Riley Financial, Inc.

     474        12,694  

Blucora, Inc.*

     913        10,892  

Cowen, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     633        11,451  

Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.

     96        11,895  

Federated Hermes, Inc. (Class B Stock)

     430        10,281  

Oppenheimer Holdings, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     489        11,946  

Piper Sandler Cos.

     190        14,336  

Silvercrest Asset Management Group, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     810        10,157  

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

     89        12,629  

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. (Class A Stock)(a)

     662        10,427  

Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.

     646        7,351  

WisdomTree Investments, Inc.

     2,951        11,037  
     

 

 

 
        147,445  

Chemicals    2.1%

                 

Avient Corp.(a)

     385        9,825  

Balchem Corp.

     106        10,356  

FutureFuel Corp.

     835        10,104  

GCP Applied Technologies, Inc.*

     557        14,515  

Hawkins, Inc.

     231        11,601  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     71  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Chemicals (cont’d.)

                 

HB Fuller Co.

     225      $ 10,838  

Innospec, Inc.

     141        10,531  

Intrepid Potash, Inc.*

     1,000        9,340  

Kronos Worldwide, Inc.

     982        12,265  

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

     217        11,013  

Orion Engineered Carbons SA (Luxembourg)

     958        11,640  

PQ Group Holdings, Inc.*

     802        9,343  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

     194        10,713  

Stepan Co.

     110        12,682  

Trecora Resources*

     1,662        9,989  

Tredegar Corp.

     655        11,089  
     

 

 

 
        175,844  

Commercial Services & Supplies    2.6%

                 

ACCO Brands Corp.

     1,443        9,351  

Brady Corp. (Class A Stock)

     213        9,988  

BrightView Holdings, Inc.*

     887        10,892  

CECO Environmental Corp.*

     1,520        12,882  

Deluxe Corp.(a)

     416        11,814  

Ennis, Inc.

     533        9,770  

HNI Corp.

     323        10,288  

Interface, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     1,256        9,495  

KAR Auction Services, Inc.

     704        12,207  

Kimball International, Inc. (Class B Stock)

     842        9,439  

Knoll, Inc.

     783        10,077  

Matthews International Corp. (Class A Stock)

     527        11,541  

McGrath RentCorp

     177        11,746  

PICO Holdings, Inc.*

     1,202        10,686  

Quad/Graphics, Inc.

     3,088        10,777  

SP Plus Corp.*

     523        10,727  

Steelcase, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     818        8,548  

Team, Inc.*

     1,880        11,976  

UniFirst Corp.

     57        10,979  

VSE Corp.

     323        9,377  
     

 

 

 
        212,560  

Communications Equipment    0.9%

                 

ADTRAN, Inc.

     925        10,258  

Digi International, Inc.*

     895        12,190  

InterDigital, Inc.(a)

     175        10,701  

KVH Industries, Inc.*

     1,128        10,141  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

72  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Communications Equipment (cont’d.)

                 

NETGEAR, Inc.*

     427      $ 14,241  

NetScout Systems, Inc.(a)*

     404        9,349  

PCTEL, Inc.*

     1,460        9,256  
     

 

 

 
        76,136  

Construction & Engineering    1.7%

                 

API Group Corp., 144A*

     817        11,552  

Arcosa, Inc.

     247        11,434  

Argan, Inc.

     211        8,932  

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

     250        12,667  

Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc.*

     2,734        9,924  

EMCOR Group, Inc.

     149        11,176  

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp.*

     1,189        11,141  

IES Holdings, Inc.*

     437        12,599  

MYR Group, Inc.*

     320        12,419  

Northwest Pipe Co.*

     429        12,154  

Primoris Services Corp.

     570        10,864  

Sterling Construction Co., Inc.*

     1,054        14,904  
     

 

 

 
        139,766  

Construction Materials    0.3%

                 

United States Lime & Minerals, Inc.

     120        11,056  

US Concrete, Inc.*

     408        10,889  
     

 

 

 
        21,945  

Consumer Finance    1.0%

                 

Enova International, Inc.*

     669        11,427  

Green Dot Corp. (Class A Stock)*

     209        10,881  

Navient Corp.

     1,382        12,562  

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

     221        14,473  

Oportun Financial Corp.*

     750        9,412  

PRA Group, Inc.*

     265        12,369  

Regional Management Corp.*

     564        10,316  
     

 

 

 
        81,440  

Containers & Packaging    0.6%

                 

Greif, Inc.,

     

(Class A Stock)(a)

     307        11,313  

(Class B Stock)

     230        9,437  

Myers Industries, Inc.

     698        10,679  

Ranpak Holdings Corp. (Class A Stock)*

     1,350        12,069  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     73  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Containers & Packaging (cont’d.)

                 

UFP Technologies, Inc.*

     226      $ 9,314  
     

 

 

 
        52,812  

Distributors    0.3%

                 

Core-Mark Holding Co., Inc.

     404        13,502  

Weyco Group, Inc.

     458        8,244  
     

 

 

 
        21,746  

Diversified Consumer Services    0.5%

                 

Adtalem Global Education, Inc.*

     319        10,591  

American Public Education, Inc.*

     344        10,815  

Laureate Education, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     1,009        12,633  

WW International, Inc.*

     408        9,580  
     

 

 

 
        43,619  

Diversified Financial Services    0.5%

                 

Alerus Financial Corp.

     517        10,645  

A-Mark Precious Metals, Inc.*

     539        12,893  

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior SA (Panama) (Class E Stock)

     887        10,803  

Marlin Business Services Corp.

     1,301        8,717  
     

 

 

 
        43,058  

Diversified Telecommunication Services    0.6%

                 

Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc.

     3,841        8,604  

ATN International, Inc.

     172        9,976  

Liberty Latin America Ltd.,

     

(Class A Stock)*

     1,045        10,241  

(Class C Stock)*

     1,076        10,265  

Vonage Holdings Corp.*

     1,027        11,759  
     

 

 

 
        50,845  

Electric Utilities    0.5%

                 

ALLETE, Inc.

     184        9,929  

MGE Energy, Inc.

     157        10,203  

Otter Tail Corp.

     260        10,101  

Portland General Electric Co.

     240        9,156  
     

 

 

 
        39,389  

Electrical Equipment    0.7%

                 

AZZ, Inc.(a)

     294        10,211  

Encore Wire Corp.

     206        10,632  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

74  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Electrical Equipment (cont’d.)

                 

EnerSys

     156      $ 11,229  

Powell Industries, Inc.

     354        9,554  

Preformed Line Products Co.

     196        10,664  

Ultralife Corp.*

     1,421        8,981  
     

 

 

 
        61,271  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components    2.2%

                 

Bel Fuse, Inc. (Class B Stock)

     968        11,635  

Belden, Inc.

     313        10,542  

Benchmark Electronics, Inc.

     462        9,060  

ePlus, Inc.*

     152        11,661  

FARO Technologies, Inc.*

     187        10,565  

Insight Enterprises, Inc.*

     226        13,516  

Kimball Electronics, Inc.*

     764        10,303  

Knowles Corp.*

     674        10,150  

Methode Electronics, Inc.

     320        9,059  

MTS Systems Corp.

     582        14,201  

PC Connection, Inc.

     233        10,320  

Rogers Corp.*

     83        9,405  

Sanmina Corp.*

     400        11,320  

ScanSource, Inc.*

     418        10,320  

TTM Technologies, Inc.*

     934        10,704  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

     643        10,282  

Vishay Precision Group, Inc.*

     465        11,583  
     

 

 

 
        184,626  

Energy Equipment & Services    2.1%

                 

Archrock, Inc.

     1,541        10,109  

Cactus, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     506        11,177  

DMC Global, Inc.

     370        13,109  

Exterran Corp.*

     1,853        8,524  

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.*

     2,834        10,146  

Liberty Oilfield Services, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     1,853        11,952  

Matrix Service Co.*

     1,023        9,452  

Nabors Industries Ltd.

     279        11,154  

National Energy Services Reunited Corp.*

     1,482        11,174  

Newpark Resources, Inc.*

     4,569        8,910  

Oil States International, Inc.*

     2,161        9,487  

ProPetro Holding Corp.*

     1,985        12,466  

SEACOR Holdings, Inc.*

     344        10,874  

Select Energy Services, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     2,059        9,821  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     75  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Energy Equipment & Services (cont’d.)

                 

Tidewater, Inc.*

     1,846      $ 12,682  

US Silica Holdings, Inc.

     2,834        12,640  
     

 

 

 
        173,677  

Entertainment    0.1%

                 

Marcus Corp. (The)

     750        11,752  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)    6.9%

                 

Acadia Realty Trust

     770        8,732  

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.

     814        9,858  

Alpine Income Property Trust, Inc.

     629        9,127  

American Assets Trust, Inc.

     355        9,070  

American Finance Trust, Inc.

     1,392        9,514  

Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc.

     1,027        10,373  

BRT Apartments Corp.

     949        12,669  

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

     583        11,293  

CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     1,144        11,360  

Chatham Lodging Trust

     1,639        11,342  

City Office REIT, Inc. (Canada)

     991        7,968  

Colony Capital, Inc.

     4,276        11,588  

Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

     767        9,051  

CoreCivic, Inc.

     1,050        9,775  

CorEnergy Infrastructure Trust, Inc.

     1,038        9,280  

CorePoint Lodging, Inc.

     2,343        13,308  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.

     1,943        10,298  

Diversified Healthcare Trust

     2,274        8,641  

Farmland Partners, Inc.

     1,536        10,276  

Franklin Street Properties Corp.

     1,816        8,045  

Front Yard Residential Corp. (Virgin Islands)

     1,154        11,251  

GEO Group, Inc. (The)(a)

     873        9,743  

Gladstone Commercial Corp.

     538        10,550  

Gladstone Land Corp.

     639        10,058  

Global Net Lease, Inc.

     609        10,657  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

     343        9,896  

Hersha Hospitality Trust (Class A Stock)

     1,710        10,995  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

     873        10,223  

Investors Real Estate Trust

     146        10,381  

iStar, Inc.

     865        10,709  

Jernigan Capital, Inc.

     727        12,533  

Kite Realty Group Trust

     867        9,745  

Lexington Realty Trust

     957        10,881  

LTC Properties, Inc.

     268        9,779  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

76  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) (cont’d.)

                 

Macerich Co.

     1,139      $ 9,032  

Mack-Cali Realty Corp.(a)

     650        8,209  

Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corp.

     701        10,171  

National Health Investors, Inc.

     166        10,333  

Office Properties Income Trust

     364        8,678  

One Liberty Properties, Inc.

     572        10,959  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

     716        9,036  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     603        9,232  

PotlatchDeltic Corp.

     265        12,201  

Preferred Apartment Communities, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     1,343        8,864  

Retail Properties of America, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     1,365        8,613  

Retail Value, Inc.

     758        9,634  

RPT Realty

     1,439        8,433  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

     696        10,322  

Service Properties Trust

     1,359        11,157  

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc.

     1,648        9,707  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

     1,226        10,213  

Terreno Realty Corp.

     186        11,093  

UMH Properties, Inc.

     778        11,312  

Urban Edge Properties

     850        8,976  

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

     408        8,952  

Whitestone REIT (Class B Stock)

     1,380        8,873  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

     964        8,657  
     

 

 

 
        571,626  

Food & Staples Retailing    0.7%

                 

Andersons, Inc. (The)

     738        13,085  

Ingles Markets, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     236        9,534  

PriceSmart, Inc.(a)

     167        10,980  

SpartanNash Co.

     474        9,471  

Village Super Market, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     362        9,209  

Weis Markets, Inc.(a)

     200        9,846  
     

 

 

 
        62,125  

Food Products    0.9%

                 

Alico, Inc.

     321        10,375  

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.*

     228        8,799  

Darling Ingredients, Inc.*

     423        13,523  

Farmer Bros Co.*

     1,360        8,554  

Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc.

     414        9,601  

Seneca Foods Corp. (Class A Stock)*

     295        13,971  

Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.(a)

     298        9,533  
     

 

 

 
        74,356  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     77  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Gas Utilities    0.8%

                 

Brookfield Infrastructure Corp. (Canada) (Class A Stock)

     226      $ 11,282  

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

     121        9,898  

New Jersey Resources Corp.

     311        9,373  

ONE Gas, Inc.

     134        9,932  

RGC Resources, Inc.

     421        9,818  

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

     149        9,367  

Spire, Inc.

     156        9,081  
     

 

 

 
        68,751  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies    1.6%

                 

AngioDynamics, Inc.*

     990        9,272  

Avanos Medical, Inc.*

     353        11,437  

CryoLife, Inc.*

     524        10,595  

Integer Holdings Corp.(a)*

     142        9,835  

IntriCon Corp.*

     756        9,178  

Invacare Corp.

     1,518        10,292  

LeMaitre Vascular, Inc.

     397        12,815  

LivaNova PLC (United Kingdom)*

     208        9,755  

Meridian Bioscience, Inc.*

     459        6,490  

Natus Medical, Inc.(a)*

     466        8,463  

OraSure Technologies, Inc.*

     968        11,345  

Orthofix Medical, Inc.*

     312        9,466  

Utah Medical Products, Inc.

     107        8,790  

Varex Imaging Corp.*

     663        7,353  
     

 

 

 
        135,086  

Health Care Providers & Services    1.1%

                 

Five Star Senior Living, Inc.*

     2,483        12,837  

Magellan Health, Inc.*

     143        10,791  

MEDNAX, Inc.*

     608        11,297  

National HealthCare Corp.

     158        10,065  

Owens & Minor, Inc.(a)

     1,316        21,819  

Patterson Cos., Inc.

     445        12,909  

Triple-S Management Corp. (Puerto Rico) (Class B Stock)*

     534        9,932  
     

 

 

 
        89,650  

Health Care Technology    0.8%

                 

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.(a)*

     1,533        13,690  

Computer Programs & Systems, Inc.

     423        11,573  

Evolent Health, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     1,460        20,922  

HealthStream, Inc.*

     467        9,674  

NextGen Healthcare, Inc.*

     931        12,345  
     

 

 

 
        68,204  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

78  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure    0.9%

                 

BBX Capital Corp. (Class A Stock)

     852      $ 13,121  

Biglari Holdings, Inc. (Class B Stock)*

     148        14,667  

Del Taco Restaurants, Inc.*

     1,643        13,818  

Nathan’s Famous, Inc.

     181        9,493  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

     128        12,581  

RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc.

     744        14,225  
     

 

 

 
        77,905  

Household Durables    2.2%

                 

Beazer Homes USA, Inc.*

     996        12,191  

Century Communities, Inc.*

     331        11,810  

Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.

     817        11,634  

Green Brick Partners, Inc.*

     898        12,788  

Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Co. (Class A Stock)

     812        17,742  

Hooker Furniture Corp.

     513        12,645  

La-Z-Boy, Inc.

     370        12,025  

Legacy Housing Corp.*

     711        10,857  

Lifetime Brands, Inc.

     1,450        14,239  

M/I Homes, Inc.*

     297        12,640  

MDC Holdings, Inc.

     286        12,407  

TRI Pointe Group, Inc.*

     706        11,917  

Turtle Beach Corp.*

     673        13,171  

Universal Electronics, Inc.*

     238        9,777  

VOXX International Corp. (Class A Stock)*

     1,743        10,946  
     

 

 

 
        186,789  

Household Products    0.4%

                 

Central Garden & Pet Co.*

     276        11,230  

Central Garden & Pet Co. (Class A Stock)*

     294        10,925  

Oil-Dri Corp. of America

     286        10,016  
     

 

 

 
        32,171  

Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers    0.4%

 

Atlantic Power Corp.*

     5,079        10,513  

Clearway Energy, Inc.,

     

(Class A Stock)

     478        11,544  

(Class C Stock)

     435        11,097  
     

 

 

 
        33,154  

Insurance    3.6%

                 

Ambac Financial Group, Inc.*

     713        9,005  

Argo Group International Holdings Ltd. (Bermuda)

     272        10,102  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.(a)

     658        10,725  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     79  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Insurance (cont’d.)

                 

Crawford & Co. (Class A Stock)

     1,289      $ 8,843  

Donegal Group, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     723        10,433  

Employers Holdings, Inc.

     332        10,817  

Enstar Group Ltd. (Bermuda)*

     67        11,992  

FBL Financial Group, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     285        10,559  

FedNat Holding Co.

     865        7,344  

Genworth Financial, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     3,908        11,802  

Global Indemnity Group LLC (Class A Stock)

     381        8,851  

Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc.

     879        11,471  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

     279        10,898  

Independence Holding Co.

     350        12,250  

Investors Title Co.

     85        11,565  

National General Holdings Corp.

     474        16,140  

National Western Life Group, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     54        11,879  

ProAssurance Corp.

     702        10,755  

ProSight Global, Inc.*

     1,096        10,390  

Protective Insurance Corp. (Class B Stock)

     724        10,397  

Safety Insurance Group, Inc.

     131        9,484  

State Auto Financial Corp.

     566        8,733  

Stewart Information Services Corp.

     330        14,081  

Tiptree, Inc.

     1,643        9,267  

United Fire Group, Inc.

     370        9,317  

United Insurance Holdings Corp.

     1,309        9,909  

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

     548        10,165  

Watford Holdings Ltd. (Bermuda)*

     635        10,160  
     

 

 

 
        297,334  

Interactive Media & Services    1.0%

                 

Cars.com, Inc.*

     1,693        14,695  

DHI Group, Inc.*

     4,833        11,744  

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     4,611        12,911  

QuinStreet, Inc.*

     985        12,953  

TrueCar, Inc.*

     3,804        17,993  

Yelp, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     466        10,774  
     

 

 

 
        81,070  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail    0.7%

                 

Duluth Holdings, Inc. (Class B Stock)*

     1,411        13,658  

Groupon, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     524        16,679  

Lands’ End, Inc.*

     1,252        16,752  

Liquidity Services, Inc.*

     1,614        11,637  
     

 

 

 
        58,726  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

80  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

IT Services    1.0%

                 

Hackett Group, Inc. (The)

     759      $ 9,571  

Information Services Group, Inc.*

     4,857        9,981  

KBR, Inc.

     437        10,921  

ManTech International Corp. (Class A Stock)

     147        11,003  

ServiceSource International, Inc.*

     5,956        8,964  

StarTek, Inc.*

     2,013        10,065  

Sykes Enterprises, Inc.*

     358        11,851  

Unisys Corp.*

     939        10,949  
     

 

 

 
        83,305  

Leisure Products    0.6%

                 

Acushnet Holdings Corp.

     290        10,234  

American Outdoor Brands, Inc.*

     124        1,889  

Escalade, Inc.

     710        12,872  

Johnson Outdoors, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     114        9,771  

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.*

     498        9,093  

Sturm Ruger & Co., Inc.

     137        9,708  
     

 

 

 
        53,567  

Life Sciences Tools & Services    0.6%

                 

Fluidigm Corp.*

     2,440        19,154  

Harvard Bioscience, Inc.*

     3,207        10,743  

Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.*

     2,900        19,140  
     

 

 

 
        49,037  

Machinery    4.4%

                 

Alamo Group, Inc.

     106        11,755  

Albany International Corp. (Class A Stock)

     171        8,875  

Altra Industrial Motion Corp.

     325        12,691  

Astec Industries, Inc.

     222        11,704  

Barnes Group, Inc.

     233        9,227  

Blue Bird Corp.*

     686        7,807  

Columbus McKinnon Corp.

     312        11,349  

Eastern Co. (The)

     533        11,673  

EnPro Industries, Inc.

     209        12,231  

ESCO Technologies, Inc.

     120        10,790  

Federal Signal Corp.

     345        11,081  

Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

     198        11,753  

Gencor Industries, Inc.*

     787        9,924  

Gorman-Rupp Co. (The)

     310        9,905  

Graham Corp.

     722        9,480  

Greenbrier Cos., Inc. (The)

     443        12,045  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     81  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Machinery (cont’d.)

                 

Helios Technologies, Inc.

     267      $ 10,976  

Hurco Cos., Inc.

     354        10,011  

Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.

     257        10,367  

Kennametal, Inc.(a)

     352        10,215  

L.B. Foster Co. (Class A Stock)*

     821        12,274  

Luxfer Holdings PLC (United Kingdom)

     693        9,855  

Lydall, Inc.*

     776        14,573  

Manitowoc Co., Inc. (The)*

     909        8,563  

Mayville Engineering Co., Inc.*

     1,345        11,500  

Miller Industries, Inc.

     351        11,011  

Mueller Industries, Inc.

     411        12,207  

Mueller Water Products, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     1,084        11,707  

Park-Ohio Holdings Corp.

     650        10,283  

Rexnord Corp.(a)

     347        10,049  

SPX Corp.*

     246        10,290  

Standex International Corp.

     174        10,064  

TriMas Corp.*

     420        10,618  

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     117        11,203  
     

 

 

 
        368,056  

Marine    0.5%

                 

Costamare, Inc. (Monaco)

     1,790        9,039  

Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd.

     1,533        10,900  

Matson, Inc.

     318        12,742  

Safe Bulkers, Inc. (Monaco)*

     8,355        9,274  
     

 

 

 
        41,955  

Media    1.8%

                 

AMC Networks, Inc. (Class A Stock)(a)*

     427        10,372  

Boston Omaha Corp. (Class A Stock)*

     629        10,259  

comScore, Inc.*

     3,302        8,684  

Entercom Communications Corp. (Class A Stock)

     7,304        10,956  

Entravision Communications Corp. (Class A Stock)

     6,997        10,636  

Fluent, Inc.*

     5,438        16,858  

Gannett Co., Inc.

     6,854        11,857  

Gray Television, Inc.*

     727        11,283  

Meredith Corp.

     671        9,394  

MSG Networks, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     900        8,766  

Saga Communications, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     386        8,685  

Scholastic Corp.(a)

     334        7,515  

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     564        11,737  

TEGNA, Inc.

     891        11,155  
     

 

 

 
        148,157  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

82  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Metals & Mining    2.1%

                 

Alcoa Corp.*

     910      $ 13,304  

Arconic Corp.*

     723        16,087  

Caledonia Mining Corp. PLC (South Africa)

     669        12,162  

Commercial Metals Co.

     496        10,352  

Gold Resource Corp.

     2,539        10,105  

Haynes International, Inc.

     462        8,658  

Hecla Mining Co.

     3,259        19,619  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

     141        9,063  

Materion Corp.

     166        9,062  

Olympic Steel, Inc.

     886        9,746  

Ryerson Holding Corp.*

     1,771        9,758  

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     575        11,351  

SunCoke Energy, Inc.

     3,415        12,226  

Warrior Met Coal, Inc.

     654        10,117  

Worthington Industries, Inc.

     270        11,213  
     

 

 

 
        172,823  

Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)    1.5%

                 

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc.

     1,014        9,065  

Ares Commercial Real Estate Corp.

     1,114        11,095  

ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc.

     995        9,642  

Broadmark Realty Capital, Inc.

     1,041        10,202  

Capstead Mortgage Corp.

     1,806        11,143  

Chimera Investment Corp.

     1,025        9,112  

Dynex Capital, Inc.

     705        11,167  

Ellington Financial, Inc.

     849        10,579  

Great Ajax Corp.

     1,091        9,950  

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc.

     603        10,975  

Ladder Capital Corp. (Class A Stock)

     1,236        9,208  

Orchid Island Capital, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     2,129        10,879  
     

 

 

 
        123,017  

Multiline Retail    0.1%

                 

Big Lots, Inc.(a)

     232        10,939  

Multi-Utilities 0.4%

                 

Black Hills Corp.

     180        10,094  

NorthWestern Corp.

     185        9,553  

Unitil Corp.

     223        9,411  
     

 

 

 
        29,058  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     83  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels    3.2%

                 

Arch Resources, Inc.

     348      $ 13,109  

Ardmore Shipping Corp. (Ireland)

     2,218        8,207  

Berry Corp.

     2,102        8,282  

Bonanza Creek Energy, Inc.*

     673        13,487  

Brigham Minerals, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     838        9,897  

Clean Energy Fuels Corp.*

     4,569        12,062  

CNX Resources Corp.*

     1,167        12,790  

CONSOL Energy, Inc.*

     1,906        9,854  

DHT Holdings, Inc. (Bermuda)

     1,928        10,199  

Diamond S Shipping, Inc.*

     1,204        9,861  

Dorian LPG Ltd.*

     1,279        10,795  

Evolution Petroleum Corp.

     3,599        9,825  

Falcon Minerals Corp.

     3,228        9,071  

Frontline Ltd. (Norway)

     1,407        11,200  

International Seaways, Inc.

     578        9,803  

Matador Resources Co.*

     1,199        11,666  

Montage Resources Corp.*

     2,626        13,550  

NACCO Industries, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     429        8,794  

Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     5,266        11,111  

Peabody Energy Corp.

     3,380        8,822  

Penn Virginia Corp.*

     1,092        12,471  

Renewable Energy Group, Inc.(a)*

     413        13,807  

SFL Corp. Ltd. (Norway)

     1,086        9,535  

Talos Energy, Inc.*

     1,116        8,381  

World Fuel Services Corp.

     403        10,639  
     

 

 

 
        267,218  

Paper & Forest Products    0.9%

                 

Boise Cascade Co.

     271        12,412  

Clearwater Paper Corp.*

     283        9,526  

Domtar Corp.

     474        13,518  

Neenah, Inc.

     213        9,432  

P.H. Glatfelter Co.

     637        9,549  

Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.

     307        9,311  

Verso Corp. (Class A Stock)

     859        11,261  
     

 

 

 
        75,009  

Personal Products    0.4%

                 

BellRing Brands, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     531        10,323  

Edgewell Personal Care Co.*

     326        9,359  

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc.*

     1,109        12,243  
     

 

 

 
        31,925  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

84  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Pharmaceuticals    0.6%

                 

ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     321      $ 10,066  

Endo International PLC (Ireland)*

     2,887        8,690  

Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.*

     397        7,233  

Lannett Co., Inc.*

     1,411        7,422  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.(a)*

     256        9,326  

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     430        9,456  
     

 

 

 
        52,193  

Professional Services    1.8%

                 

Acacia Research Corp.*

     2,464        9,351  

ASGN, Inc.*

     153        10,981  

Barrett Business Services, Inc.

     193        11,111  

BG Staffing, Inc.

     946        8,873  

CBIZ, Inc.*

     457        11,114  

CRA International, Inc.

     260        11,053  

GP Strategies Corp.*

     1,151        11,119  

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

     458        9,907  

ICF International, Inc.

     162        11,066  

Insperity, Inc.

     159        10,712  

Kelly Services, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     673        12,780  

Korn Ferry

     326        9,943  

Mistras Group, Inc.*

     2,633        12,533  

Resources Connection, Inc.

     876        10,766  
     

 

 

 
        151,309  

Real Estate Management & Development    1.2%

                 

CTO Realty Growth, Inc.

     251        10,585  

Forestar Group, Inc.*

     681        12,101  

FRP Holdings, Inc.*

     247        10,147  

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

     668        9,546  

Marcus & Millichap, Inc.*

     358        10,099  

RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     326        11,456  

Realogy Holdings Corp.*

     1,415        15,678  

RMR Group, Inc. (The) (Class A Stock)

     334        9,425  

Tejon Ranch Co.*

     691        9,888  
     

 

 

 
        98,925  

Road & Rail    0.3%

                 

ArcBest Corp.

     394        13,325  

Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     720        13,198  
     

 

 

 
        26,523  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     85  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment    0.9%

                 

Axcelis Technologies, Inc.*

     372      $ 8,790  

AXT, Inc.*

     2,194        12,374  

NeoPhotonics Corp.*

     1,162        7,739  

Onto Innovation, Inc.*

     319        9,965  

Photronics, Inc.(a)*

     957        9,599  

Rambus, Inc.(a)*

     683        9,173  

Synaptics, Inc.(a)*

     160        13,653  
     

 

 

 
        71,293  

Software    1.4%

                 

Asure Software, Inc.*

     1,608        10,822  

Cloudera, Inc.*

     772        10,198  

Ebix, Inc.

     457        10,543  

eGain Corp.*

     946        12,657  

MicroStrategy, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     85        12,277  

Rosetta Stone, Inc.*

     593        18,015  

SecureWorks Corp. (Class A Stock)*

     905        11,702  

Telenav, Inc.*

     1,849        8,487  

Verint Systems, Inc.*

     223        10,606  

Xperi Holding Corp.

     686        8,596  
     

 

 

 
        113,903  

Specialty Retail    3.3%

                 

Aaron’s, Inc.

     215        12,016  

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (Class A Stock)(a)

     955        12,425  

America’s Car-Mart, Inc.*

     118        11,859  

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.*

     128        13,541  

Buckle, Inc. (The)(a)

     645        12,087  

Chico’s FAS, Inc.

     7,523        9,630  

Citi Trends, Inc.

     629        12,159  

Container Store Group, Inc. (The)*

     3,166        13,456  

Designer Brands, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     1,534        10,815  

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

     153        13,225  

Haverty Furniture Cos., Inc.

     620        13,094  

Hibbett Sports, Inc.*

     473        15,784  

Hudson Ltd. (Class A Stock)*

     2,072        15,623  

Lithia Motors, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     66        16,431  

Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.*

     718        17,225  

MarineMax, Inc.*

     452        13,293  

Rent-A-Center, Inc.

     369        11,328  

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.*

     805        8,984  

Shoe Carnival, Inc.(a)

     345        11,344  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

86  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Specialty Retail (cont’d.)

                 

Urban Outfitters, Inc.*

     665      $ 15,654  

Winmark Corp.

     60        9,267  

Zumiez, Inc.*

     362        9,296  
     

 

 

 
        278,536  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals    0.1%

                 

Super Micro Computer, Inc.(a)*

     354        9,696  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods    1.2%

                 

Fossil Group, Inc.*

     2,238        14,402  

G-III Apparel Group Ltd.*

     753        8,328  

Lakeland Industries, Inc.*

     458        9,357  

Movado Group, Inc.

     932        10,168  

Rocky Brands, Inc.

     498        11,992  

Steven Madden Ltd.(a)

     403        8,527  

Superior Group of Cos., Inc.

     752        17,401  

Unifi, Inc.*

     794        9,711  

Vera Bradley, Inc.*

     2,246        11,836  
     

 

 

 
        101,722  

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance    3.3%

                 

Axos Financial, Inc.*

     496        12,291  

Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc.*

     1,003        9,749  

Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.

     352        11,060  

FS Bancorp, Inc.

     247        9,786  

Home Bancorp, Inc.

     356        8,601  

HomeStreet, Inc.

     441        12,070  

Kearny Financial Corp.

     1,243        9,646  

Meridian Bancorp, Inc.

     845        9,836  

Meta Financial Group, Inc.

     558        10,758  

Mr Cooper Group, Inc.(a)*

     811        14,862  

Northwest Bancshares, Inc.

     999        10,100  

OP Bancorp

     1,346        8,211  

PCSB Financial Corp.

     797        10,106  

PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.

     245        12,916  

Premier Financial Corp.

     578        10,563  

Provident Financial Holdings, Inc.

     735        8,754  

Provident Financial Services, Inc.

     718        9,463  

Radian Group, Inc.

     679        10,484  

Riverview Bancorp, Inc.

     1,980        8,177  

Security National Financial Corp. (Class A Stock)*

     1,580        9,986  

Southern Missouri Bancorp, Inc.

     392        9,282  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     87  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance (cont’d.)

                 

Territorial Bancorp, Inc.

     395      $ 8,358  

Timberland Bancorp, Inc.

     514        8,990  

TrustCo Bank Corp. NY

     1,611        9,602  

Washington Federal, Inc.

     379        8,887  

Western New England Bancorp, Inc.

     1,710        8,755  

WSFS Financial Corp.

     362        10,607  
     

 

 

 
        271,900  

Tobacco    0.3%

                 

Universal Corp.

     225        9,767  

Vector Group Ltd.

     1,082        10,896  
     

 

 

 
        20,663  

Trading Companies & Distributors    2.0%

                 

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

     163        9,814  

BMC Stock Holdings, Inc.*

     403        16,088  

CAI International, Inc.*

     593        12,933  

DXP Enterprises, Inc.*

     506        9,735  

Foundation Building Materials, Inc.*

     636        10,322  

General Finance Corp.*

     1,527        9,895  

GMS, Inc.*

     424        11,232  

Lawson Products, Inc.*

     312        11,201  

MRC Global, Inc.*

     1,619        9,212  

NOW, Inc.*

     1,167        8,484  

Systemax, Inc.

     489        10,851  

Titan Machinery, Inc.*

     943        12,731  

Triton International Ltd. (Bermuda)

     333        12,008  

Veritiv Corp.*

     627        10,897  

WESCO International, Inc.*

     288        13,493  
     

 

 

 
        168,896  

Water Utilities    0.3%

                 

Artesian Resources Corp. (Class A Stock)

     258        9,079  

California Water Service Group

     216        9,793  

Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (Cayman Islands)

     695        8,361  
     

 

 

 
        27,233  

Wireless Telecommunication Services    0.1%

                 

Spok Holdings, Inc.

     1,070        11,599  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $8,731,909)

        8,278,473  
     

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

88  


Description                Shares      Value  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS    5.9%

         

AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUND    5.3%

         

PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund
(cost $438,436; includes $438,411 of cash collateral for securities on loan)(b)(w)

 

    438,575      $ 438,488  
         

 

 

 
    

Interest

Rate

   

Maturity

Date

   

Principal
Amount (000)#

        

TIME DEPOSIT 0.6%

         

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (Japan)
(cost $49,560)

     0.010     09/01/20       50        49,560  
         

 

 

 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $487,996)

            488,048  
         

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS    105.2%
(cost $9,219,905)

            8,766,521  

Liabilities in excess of other assets    (5.2)%

            (431,298
         

 

 

 

NET ASSETS    100.0%

          $ 8,335,223  
         

 

 

 

 

The following abbreviations are used in the annual report:

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.

#

Principal or notional amount is shown in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.

(a)

All or a portion of security is on loan. The aggregate market value of such securities, including those sold and pending settlement, is $423,581; cash collateral of $438,411 (included in liabilities) was received with which the Fund purchased highly liquid short-term investments. In the event of significant appreciation in value of securities on loan on the last business day of the reporting period, the Fund may reflect a collateral value that is less than the market value of the loaned securities and such shortfall is remedied the following business day.

(b)

Represents security purchased with cash collateral received for securities on loan and includes dividend reinvestment.

(w)

PGIM Investments LLC, the manager of the Fund, also serves as manager of the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund.

*

Non-income producing security.

 

Fair Value Measurements:

 

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—unadjusted quoted prices generally in active markets for identical securities.

 

Level 2—quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates and yield curves, prepayment speeds, foreign currency exchange rates and other observable inputs.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     89  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of August 31, 2020 in valuing such portfolio securities:

 

       Level 1           Level 2           Level 3     

Investments in Securities

     

Assets

     

Common Stocks

     

Aerospace & Defense

  $ 82,007     $     —     $     —  

Air Freight & Logistics

    63,741              

Auto Components

    44,958              

Banks

    1,483,193              

Beverages

    19,804              

Biotechnology

    284,316              

Building Products

    67,119              

Capital Markets

    147,445              

Chemicals

    175,844              

Commercial Services & Supplies

    212,560              

Communications Equipment

    76,136              

Construction & Engineering

    139,766              

Construction Materials

    21,945              

Consumer Finance

    81,440              

Containers & Packaging

    52,812              

Distributors

    21,746              

Diversified Consumer Services

    43,619              

Diversified Financial Services

    43,058              

Diversified Telecommunication Services

    50,845              

Electric Utilities

    39,389              

Electrical Equipment

    61,271              

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

    184,626              

Energy Equipment & Services

    173,677              

Entertainment

    11,752              

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

    571,626              

Food & Staples Retailing

    62,125              

Food Products

    74,356              

Gas Utilities

    68,751              

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

    135,086              

Health Care Providers & Services

    89,650              

Health Care Technology

    68,204              

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

    77,905              

Household Durables

    186,789              

Household Products

    32,171              

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

90  


       Level 1           Level 2           Level 3     

Investments in Securities (continued)

     

Assets (continued)

     

Common Stocks (continued)

     

Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers

  $ 33,154     $     $  

Insurance

    297,334              

Interactive Media & Services

    81,070              

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail

    58,726              

IT Services

    83,305              

Leisure Products

    53,567              

Life Sciences Tools & Services

    49,037              

Machinery

    368,056              

Marine

    41,955              

Media

    148,157              

Metals & Mining

    172,823              

Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

    123,017              

Multiline Retail

    10,939              

Multi-Utilities

    29,058              

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

    267,218              

Paper & Forest Products

    75,009              

Personal Products

    31,925              

Pharmaceuticals

    52,193              

Professional Services

    151,309              

Real Estate Management & Development

    98,925              

Road & Rail

    26,523              

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

    71,293              

Software

    113,903              

Specialty Retail

    278,536              

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

    9,696              

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

    101,722              

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance

    271,900              

Tobacco

    20,663              

Trading Companies & Distributors

    168,896              

Water Utilities

    27,233              

Wireless Telecommunication Services

    11,599              

Affiliated Mutual Fund

    438,488              

Time Deposit

          49,560        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 8,716,961     $ 49,560     $     —  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     91  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Industry Classification:

 

The industry classification of investments and liabilities in excess of other assets shown as a percentage of net assets as of August 31, 2020 were as follows (unaudited):

 

Banks

    17.8

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

    6.9  

Affiliated Mutual Fund (5.3% represents investments purchased with collateral from securities on loan)

    5.3  

Machinery

    4.4  

Insurance

    3.6  

Biotechnology

    3.4  
Specialty Retail     3.3  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance     3.3  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels     3.2  
Commercial Services & Supplies     2.6  
Household Durables     2.2  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components     2.2  
Chemicals     2.1  
Energy Equipment & Services     2.1  
Metals & Mining     2.1  

Trading Companies & Distributors

    2.0  

Professional Services

    1.8  

Media

    1.8  

Capital Markets

    1.8  

Construction & Engineering

    1.7  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

    1.6  

Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

    1.5  

Software

    1.4  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

    1.2  

Real Estate Management & Development

    1.2  

Health Care Providers & Services

    1.1  

IT Services

    1.0  

Aerospace & Defense

    1.0  

Consumer Finance

    1.0  

Interactive Media & Services

    1.0  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

    0.9  

Communications Equipment

    0.9  

Paper & Forest Products

    0.9  

Food Products

    0.9  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

    0.9  

Gas Utilities

    0.8

Health Care Technology

    0.8  

Building Products

    0.8  

Air Freight & Logistics

    0.8  

Food & Staples Retailing

    0.7  

Electrical Equipment

    0.7  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail

    0.7  

Leisure Products

    0.6  
Containers & Packaging     0.6  
Pharmaceuticals     0.6  
Diversified Telecommunication Services     0.6  
Time Deposit     0.6  
Life Sciences Tools & Services     0.6  
Auto Components     0.5  
Diversified Consumer Services     0.5  
Diversified Financial Services     0.5  
Marine     0.5  
Electric Utilities     0.5  

Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers

    0.4  
Household Products     0.4  
Personal Products     0.4  
Multi-Utilities     0.4  
Water Utilities     0.3  
Road & Rail     0.3  
Construction Materials     0.3  
Distributors     0.3  
Tobacco     0.3  
Beverages     0.2  
Entertainment     0.1  
Wireless Telecommunication Services     0.1  
Multiline Retail     0.1  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals     0.1  
 

 

 

 
    105.2  
Liabilities in excess of other assets     (5.2
 

 

 

 
    100.0
 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

92  


Financial Instruments/Transactions-Summary of Offsetting and Netting Arrangements:

 

The Fund entered into financial instruments/transactions during the period that are either offset in accordance with current requirements or are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements that permit offsetting. The information about offsetting and related netting arrangements for financial instruments/transactions, where the legal right to set-off exists, is presented in the summary below:

 

Offsetting of financial instrument/transaction assets and liabilities:

 

Description

  Gross Market
Value of
Recognized

Assets/(Liabilities)
    Collateral
Pledged/(Received)(1)
    Net Amount  

Securities on Loan

  $ 423,581     $ (423,581   $  —  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Collateral amount disclosed by the Fund is limited to the market value of the financial instruments/transactions.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     93  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Statement of Assets & Liabilities

as of August 31, 2020

 

Assets

        

Investments at value, including securities on loan of $423,581:

  

Unaffiliated investments (cost $8,781,469)

   $ 8,328,033  

Affiliated investments (cost $438,436)

     438,488  

Interest and dividends receivable

     9,459  
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     8,775,980  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities

        

Payable to broker for collateral for securities on loan

     438,411  

Management fee payable

     2,049  

Other liabilities

     297  
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     440,757  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 8,335,223  
  

 

 

 
          

Net assets were comprised of:

  

Common stock, at par

   $ 200  

Paid-in capital in excess of par

     10,042,537  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

     (1,707,514
  

 

 

 

Net assets, August 31, 2020

   $ 8,335,223  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share,
($8,335,223 / 200,000 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)

   $ 41.68  
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

94  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Statement of Operations

Year Ended August 31, 2020

 

Net Investment Income (Loss)

        

Income

  

Interest income

   $ 335  

Unaffiliated dividend income (net of $215 foreign withholding tax)

     164,442  

Income from securities lending, net (including affiliated income of $1,106)

     2,134  

Miscellaneous Income

     290  
  

 

 

 

Total income

     167,201  
  

 

 

 

Expenses

  

Management fee

     25,539  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     25,539  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

     141,662  
  

 

 

 

Realized And Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Investments

        

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions (including affiliated of $(309))

     (1,278,715

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

  

Investments (including affiliated of $75)

     399,673  
  

 

 

 

Net gain (loss) on investment transactions

     (879,042
  

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets Resulting From Operations

   $ (737,380
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     95  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    

Year
Ended

August 31, 2020

    

Period
Ended

August 31, 2019*

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

 

Operations

 

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 141,662      $ 158,001  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and in-kind redemptions

     (1,278,715      161,008  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     399,673        (853,057
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     (737,380      (534,048
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

Distributions from distributable earnings

     (280,842      (122,512
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fund share transactions

 

Net proceeds from shares sold

            12,488,700  

Cost of shares reacquired

            (2,478,695
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund share transactions

            10,010,005  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     (1,018,222      9,353,445  

Net Assets:

 

Beginning of period

     9,353,445         
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 8,335,223      $ 9,353,445  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

For the period from November 13, 2018 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2019.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

96  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

Schedule of Investments

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS    97.9%

     

COMMON STOCKS    97.5%

     

Australia    3.3%

                 

AGL Energy Ltd.

     6,288      $ 68,638  

Ampol Ltd.

     3,853        73,943  

AusNet Services

     61,301        82,513  

BHP Group Ltd.

     3,048        85,224  

BHP Group PLC

     3,653        83,639  

Brambles Ltd.

     9,717        79,479  

Coles Group Ltd.

     6,368        83,273  

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

     7,431        95,474  

GPT Group (The)

     25,247        71,318  

Scentre Group

     47,872        79,796  

Telstra Corp. Ltd.

     34,450        73,431  

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd.

     9,873        67,357  

Vicinity Centres

     70,436        75,068  

Wesfarmers Ltd.

     2,602        91,196  

Woolworths Group Ltd.

     2,841        83,543  
     

 

 

 
        1,193,892  

Austria    0.4%

                 

ANDRITZ AG

     2,062        68,997  

voestalpine AG

     3,132        77,779  
     

 

 

 
        146,776  

Belgium    1.3%

                 

Groupe Bruxelles Lambert SA

     896        82,952  

Proximus SADP

     3,415        67,609  

Sofina SA

     283        84,936  

Solvay SA

     926        80,270  

Telenet Group Holding NV

     1,879        73,055  

UCB SA

     630        74,820  
     

 

 

 
        463,642  

Denmark    1.9%

                 

Carlsberg A/S (Class B Stock)

     576        80,947  

Chr Hansen Holding A/S

     753        86,459  

Coloplast A/S (Class B Stock)

     448        76,024  

Danske Bank A/S

     5,595        86,594  

Genmab A/S*

     245        92,538  

H Lundbeck A/S

     2,141        70,295  

Novo Nordisk A/S (Class B Stock)

     1,082        71,666  

Pandora A/S

     1,443        105,397  
     

 

 

 
        669,920  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     97  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Finland    1.7%

                 

Elisa OYJ

     1,252      $ 73,643  

Fortum OYJ

     4,237        89,571  

Kone OYJ (Class B Stock)

     1,191        102,105  

Neste OYJ

     1,904        101,814  

Nokia OYJ

     17,430        84,708  

Orion OYJ (Class B Stock)

     1,563        73,340  

UPM-Kymmene OYJ

     2,544        77,142  
     

 

 

 
        602,323  

France    6.8%

                 

Amundi SA, 144A

     1,006        78,153  

Atos SE*

     953        82,452  

BioMerieux

     580        87,902  

Capgemini SE

     711        98,423  

Carrefour SA

     4,742        76,168  

Cie de Saint-Gobain

     2,140        86,777  

Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA

     730        82,428  

Credit Agricole SA*

     7,923        81,199  

Danone SA

     1,065        70,028  

Eiffage SA*

     728        67,086  

Electricite de France SA

     8,167        85,785  

EssilorLuxottica SA*

     541        72,372  

Gecina SA

     567        77,948  

Hermes International

     86        73,831  

Iliad SA

     406        86,726  

Ipsen SA

     903        93,535  

Klepierre SA

     3,647        60,016  

La Francaise des Jeux SAEM, 144A

     2,185        81,066  

Legrand SA

     982        81,914  

L’Oreal SA

     231        76,331  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

     162        75,937  

Orange SA

     6,303        70,177  

Pernod Ricard SA

     434        74,321  

Peugeot SA

     4,600        78,883  

Sanofi

     765        77,479  

Schneider Electric SE

     698        86,419  

SEB SA

     510        89,526  

TOTAL SE

     1,721        67,979  

Ubisoft Entertainment SA*

     986        81,141  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

     1,032        48,227  

Vivendi SA

     2,789        79,212  
     

 

 

 
        2,429,441  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

98  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Germany    7.2%

                 

BASF SE

     1,351      $ 82,320  

Bayer AG

     978        64,821  

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

     1,180        84,700  

Brenntag AG

     1,427        89,335  

Continental AG

     759        82,605  

Daimler AG

     1,819        92,570  

Deutsche Post AG

     2,188        99,533  

Deutsche Telekom AG

     4,560        80,265  

Deutsche Wohnen SE

     1,664        88,643  

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA

     883        74,878  

Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

     1,591        73,666  

GEA Group AG

     2,388        87,087  

HeidelbergCement AG

     1,440        91,455  

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

     785        70,493  

KION Group AG

     1,269        107,308  

Knorr-Bremse AG

     728        92,505  

LANXESS AG

     1,545        90,361  

LEG Immobilien AG

     568        83,548  

Nemetschek SE

     1,095        87,027  

RWE AG

     2,230        88,617  

Scout24 AG, 144A

     997        92,743  

Siemens AG

     665        91,785  

Siemens Healthineers AG, 144A

     1,656        75,293  

Symrise AG (Class A Stock)

     699        96,386  

Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG

     27,133        74,990  

Uniper SE

     2,215        72,531  

United Internet AG

     1,872        91,905  

Volkswagen AG

     464        83,168  

Vonovia SE

     1,298        92,938  

Zalando SE, 144A*

     1,147        100,112  
     

 

 

 
        2,583,588  

Hong Kong    4.9%

                 

BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.

     21,975        62,379  

CK Asset Holdings Ltd.

     12,453        67,646  

CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.

     11,323        74,145  

CK Infrastructure Holdings Ltd.

     13,752        72,751  

Hang Lung Properties Ltd.

     31,888        89,901  

Hang Seng Bank Ltd.

     4,480        70,464  

Henderson Land Development Co. Ltd.

     19,683        77,587  

HKT Trust & HKT Ltd.

     47,600        68,051  

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.

     2,028        102,366  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     99  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Hong Kong (cont’d.)

 

        

Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd.

     18,873      $ 72,284  

Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd.

     1,776        74,592  

Jardine Strategic Holdings Ltd.

     3,470        69,608  

PCCW Ltd.

     130,928        82,102  

Power Assets Holdings Ltd.

     13,391        76,715  

Sino Land Co. Ltd.

     60,909        70,967  

SJM Holdings Ltd.

     70,531        97,012  

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

     5,939        79,849  

Swire Pacific Ltd. (Class A Stock)

     13,300        72,419  

Swire Properties Ltd.

     30,550        82,779  

Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.

     7,899        100,289  

WH Group Ltd., 144A

     85,008        73,379  

Wharf Real Estate Investment Co. Ltd.

     24,226        100,809  
     

 

 

 
        1,738,094  

Ireland    0.9%

                 

CRH PLC

     2,180        80,646  

DCC PLC

     918        81,335  

Flutter Entertainment PLC

     569        95,945  

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

     2,188        77,496  
     

 

 

 
        335,422  

Isle of Man    0.2%

                 

GVC Holdings PLC

     8,288        89,097  

Israel    0.8%

                 

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.(a)*

     700        88,382  

Elbit Systems Ltd.

     480        64,821  

ICL Group Ltd.

     22,157        82,500  

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.*

     6,270        61,885  
     

 

 

 
        297,588  

Italy    2.7%

                 

Assicurazioni Generali SpA

     4,914        76,263  

DiaSorin SpA

     395        71,413  

Enel SpA

     8,901        80,610  

Ferrari NV

     403        78,486  

Infrastrutture Wireless Italiane SpA, 144A

     7,344        71,558  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA

     39,636        85,385  

Prysmian SpA

     3,535        98,882  

Recordati Industria Chimica e Farmaceutica SpA

     1,527        83,222  

Snam SpA

     14,903        76,296  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

100  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Italy (cont’d.)

                 

Telecom Italia SpA

     180,369      $ 85,839  

Terna Rete Elettrica Nazionale SpA

     10,629        76,840  

UniCredit SpA

     8,000        78,761  
     

 

 

 
        963,555  

Japan    40.3%

                 

ABC-Mart, Inc.

     1,205        63,484  

Advantest Corp.

     1,494        71,516  

AGC, Inc.

     2,407        68,291  

Air Water, Inc.

     5,188        72,984  

Amada Co. Ltd.

     8,653        77,123  

Aozora Bank Ltd.

     4,004        72,016  

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.

     1,881        65,941  

Asahi Kasei Corp.

     8,855        74,408  

Astellas Pharma, Inc.

     4,538        71,317  

Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc.

     1,209        75,189  

Benesse Holdings, Inc.

     2,865        73,062  

Bridgestone Corp.

     2,231        70,796  

Brother Industries Ltd.

     3,728        61,773  

Calbee, Inc.

     2,717        84,782  

Canon, Inc.

     3,559        61,560  

Casio Computer Co. Ltd.

     4,183        67,495  

Central Japan Railway Co.

     449        67,362  

Chiba Bank Ltd. (The)

     15,448        80,219  

Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.

     5,744        71,017  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

     1,449        64,587  

Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc. (The)

     5,542        67,604  

Cosmos Pharmaceutical Corp.

     489        86,105  

CyberAgent, Inc.

     1,641        87,539  

Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd.

     3,213        68,377  

Daifuku Co. Ltd.

     963        84,830  

Daito Trust Construction Co. Ltd.

     743        65,949  

Daiwa Securities Group, Inc.

     17,527        79,100  

Denso Corp.

     1,965        82,689  

Disco Corp.

     302        70,514  

Eisai Co. Ltd.

     849        74,267  

Electric Power Development Co. Ltd.

     3,927        59,286  

ENEOS Holdings, Inc.

     20,365        79,910  

Fast Retailing Co. Ltd.

     129        77,072  

Fuji Electric Co. Ltd.(a)

     2,576        80,625  

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

     1,653        78,752  

Fujitsu Ltd.

     666        86,901  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     101  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Japan (cont’d.)

                 

Fukuoka Financial Group, Inc.

     4,539      $ 75,211  

Hakuhodo DY Holdings, Inc.

     5,724        71,337  

Hamamatsu Photonics KK

     1,701        77,570  

Hikari Tsushin, Inc.

     333        80,550  

Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc.

     1,467        67,730  

Hitachi Ltd.

     2,259        75,289  

Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

     2,650        68,280  

Hoshizaki Corp.

     882        67,535  

Hoya Corp.

     814        80,044  

Inpex Corp.

     11,051        70,303  

ITOCHU Corp.

     3,462        89,022  

Itochu Techno-Solutions Corp.

     2,138        77,514  

Japan Airlines Co. Ltd.

     3,692        73,690  

Japan Post Bank Co. Ltd.(a)

     9,130        73,530  

Japan Post Holdings Co. Ltd.

     9,872        73,046  

Japan Post Insurance Co. Ltd.

     5,580        89,246  

Japan Tobacco, Inc.

     3,749        70,173  

Kajima Corp.

     6,423        80,109  

Kamigumi Co. Ltd.

     3,806        78,697  

Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (The)

     7,510        74,026  

Kansai Paint Co. Ltd.

     3,647        87,082  

KAO Corp.

     923        70,318  

KDDI Corp.

     2,533        73,612  

Keihan Holdings Co. Ltd.

     1,638        70,676  

Keisei Electric Railway Co. Ltd.

     2,059        60,653  

Kintetsu Group Holdings Co. Ltd.

     1,602        70,484  

Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd.

     3,471        68,329  

Kobe Bussan Co. Ltd.

     1,308        77,185  

Koito Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

     1,774        86,091  

Konami Holdings Corp.

     2,172        83,771  

Kurita Water Industries Ltd.

     2,643        82,847  

Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd.

     2,656        68,760  

Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc.

     8,949        79,338  

Kyushu Railway Co.

     2,728        60,219  

Lawson, Inc.(a)

     1,387        68,489  

Lion Corp.

     2,933        62,196  

LIXIL Group Corp.

     4,822        88,778  

Makita Corp.

     1,988        91,972  

Marubeni Corp.

     15,328        92,563  

Mazda Motor Corp.

     10,392        66,719  

McDonald’s Holdings Co. Japan Ltd.

     1,352        66,378  

Mebuki Financial Group, Inc.

     31,991        77,625  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

102  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Japan (cont’d.)

                 

Medipal Holdings Corp.

     3,782      $ 72,380  

MEIJI Holdings Co. Ltd.

     866        69,990  

MINEBEA MITSUMI, Inc.

     3,995        69,365  

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp.

     12,182        71,287  

Mitsubishi Corp.

     3,355        79,587  

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

     5,598        77,325  

Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd.

     4,733        74,247  

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Inc.

     5,069        90,645  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

     2,907        72,280  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.

     18,057        75,440  

Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Co. Ltd.

     15,419        72,935  

Mitsui & Co. Ltd.

     4,362        78,826  

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

     3,142        73,956  

Miura Co. Ltd.

     1,832        75,069  

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.

     58,755        79,771  

MonotaRO Co. Ltd.

     1,918        75,876  

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc.

     2,529        70,224  

Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

     1,346        79,808  

Nabtesco Corp.

     2,407        76,245  

Nagoya Railroad Co. Ltd.

     2,608        72,861  

Nexon Co. Ltd.

     3,373        79,074  

NH Foods Ltd.(a)

     1,865        84,609  

Nihon M&A Center, Inc.

     1,694        84,448  

Nintendo Co. Ltd.

     164        87,857  

Nippon Express Co. Ltd.

     1,377        81,516  

Nippon Shinyaku Co. Ltd.

     932        76,996  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

     3,225        73,428  

Nippon Yusen KK

     5,113        80,039  

Nissan Chemical Corp.

     1,475        78,266  

Nisshin Seifun Group, Inc.

     4,740        78,362  

Nissin Foods Holdings Co. Ltd.

     885        88,571  

Nitori Holdings Co. Ltd.

     419        87,744  

Nitto Denko Corp.

     1,344        81,720  

Nomura Holdings, Inc.

     16,988        87,334  

Nomura Real Estate Holdings, Inc.

     3,503        67,107  

Nomura Research Institute Ltd.

     2,708        72,075  

NTT Data Corp.

     6,300        72,092  

NTT DOCOMO, Inc.

     2,783        77,750  

Obayashi Corp.

     6,956        68,105  

Obic Co. Ltd.

     436        77,349  

Oji Holdings Corp.

     15,536        70,261  

Omron Corp.(a)

     1,163        85,319  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     103  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Japan (cont’d.)

                 

Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

     2,677      $ 80,855  

Oracle Corp. Japan

     709        83,274  

ORIX Corp.

     5,629        70,260  

Osaka Gas Co. Ltd.

     3,823        74,825  

Otsuka Corp.

     1,461        71,729  

Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd.

     1,613        70,922  

Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp.

     3,268        76,860  

Panasonic Corp.

     7,731        71,379  

Persol Holdings Co. Ltd.

     5,784        90,379  

Rakuten, Inc.

     8,208        72,304  

Resona Holdings, Inc.

     20,787        76,542  

Rinnai Corp.

     851        78,821  

Rohm Co. Ltd.

     1,100        70,830  

Ryohin Keikaku Co. Ltd.

     5,520        86,515  

Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

     4,054        77,356  

SCSK Corp.

     1,516        82,159  

Secom Co. Ltd.

     756        71,556  

Sega Sammy Holdings, Inc.

     6,001        69,633  

Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd.

     4,690        75,145  

Sekisui House Ltd.

     3,523        69,718  

Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd.

     1,961        63,561  

SG Holdings Co. Ltd.

     2,335        107,474  

Sharp Corp.

     6,771        84,194  

Shimano, Inc.

     417        88,388  

Shimizu Corp.

     8,183        63,044  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.

     651        79,197  

Shinsei Bank Ltd.

     5,718        66,890  

Shionogi & Co. Ltd.

     1,244        69,097  

Showa Denko KK

     3,076        60,030  

SMC Corp.

     140        76,996  

SoftBank Corp.

     5,929        77,951  

Sohgo Security Services Co. Ltd.

     1,533        71,718  

Sony Corp.

     992        77,822  

Subaru Corp.(a)

     3,260        67,792  

SUMCO Corp.

     4,743        64,395  

Sumitomo Corp.

     6,262        81,264  

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co. Ltd.

     5,388        68,269  

Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.

     6,114        72,099  

Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd.

     3,174        72,311  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd.

     2,516        76,895  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.

     2,262        66,590  

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc.

     2,584        74,923  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

104  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Japan (cont’d.)

                 

Sundrug Co. Ltd.

     2,298      $ 85,593  

Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.

     1,874        72,366  

Suzuken Co. Ltd.

     1,977        73,544  

Suzuki Motor Corp.

     2,271        93,250  

Taiheiyo Cement Corp.

     3,295        83,872  

Taisei Corp.

     1,975        68,341  

Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings Co. Ltd.

     1,227        75,533  

TDK Corp.

     739        76,820  

Teijin Ltd.

     4,547        71,437  

TIS, Inc.

     3,634        72,738  

Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc.

     7,680        77,949  

Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings, Inc.*

     22,509        66,306  

Tokyo Electron Ltd.

     353        90,487  

Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd.

     3,230        71,864  

Toppan Printing Co. Ltd.

     4,303        66,953  

Toshiba Corp.

     2,597        74,908  

Tosoh Corp.

     4,906        72,954  

Toyo Suisan Kaisha Ltd.

     1,433        81,449  

Toyota Motor Corp.

     1,157        76,533  

Toyota Tsusho Corp.

     2,775        80,959  

Trend Micro, Inc.

     1,229        76,120  

Tsuruha Holdings, Inc.

     467        62,434  

Unicharm Corp.

     1,953        85,079  

Welcia Holdings Co. Ltd.

     1,710        73,218  

West Japan Railway Co.

     1,247        65,591  

Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd.

     1,213        69,288  

Yamada Denki Co. Ltd.

     15,673        84,199  

Yamato Holdings Co. Ltd.

     3,277        85,765  

ZOZO, Inc.

     3,554        100,129  
     

 

 

 
        14,447,209  

Jordan    0.2%

                 

Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC

     2,508        79,489  

Luxembourg 0.4%

                 

ArcelorMittal SA*

     6,658        84,236  

Aroundtown SA

     12,351        67,535  
     

 

 

 
        151,771  

Netherlands    3.1%

                 

Akzo Nobel NV

     871        86,209  

EXOR NV

     1,303        76,814  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     105  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Netherlands (cont’d.)

                 

Heineken Holding NV

     899      $ 73,649  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

     2,608        78,491  

Koninklijke DSM NV

     560        89,850  

Koninklijke KPN NV

     29,669        77,786  

Koninklijke Philips NV

     1,715        81,117  

Koninklijke Vopak NV

     1,374        75,457  

NN Group NV

     2,299        86,558  

QIAGEN NV(a)*

     1,751        88,952  

Randstad NV

     1,774        92,450  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC,

     

(Class A Stock)

     4,375        64,729  

(Class B Stock)

     4,567        64,895  

Wolters Kluwer NV

     931        76,437  
     

 

 

 
        1,113,394  

New Zealand    1.0%

 

        

a2 Milk Co. Ltd. (The)*

     6,191        77,525  

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp. Ltd.

     4,204        104,352  

Meridian Energy Ltd.

     25,542        87,402  

Spark New Zealand Ltd.

     26,797        87,184  
     

 

 

 
        356,463  

Norway    1.2%

 

        

Equinor ASA

     4,936        80,010  

Norsk Hydro ASA

     26,364        84,171  

Orkla ASA

     7,998        81,411  

Telenor ASA

     4,881        79,397  

Yara International ASA

     2,047        85,763  
     

 

 

 
        410,752  

Portugal    0.4%

 

        

EDP - Energias de Portugal SA

     15,778        79,871  

Galp Energia SGPS SA

     5,696        60,986  
     

 

 

 
        140,857  

Singapore    1.7%

 

        

CapitaLand Commercial Trust

     51,843        64,016  

City Developments Ltd.

     11,802        69,656  

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. Ltd.

     11,527        73,455  

Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd.

     28,791        71,948  

United Overseas Bank Ltd.

     4,999        71,868  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

106  


Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Singapore (cont’d.)

                 

UOL Group Ltd.

     14,788      $ 71,410  

Venture Corp. Ltd.

     6,290        91,769  

Wilmar International Ltd.

     27,271        87,392  
     

 

 

 
        601,514  

Spain    2.7%

 

        

ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios SA

     2,736        66,998  

Banco Santander SA

     29,933        66,540  

Enagas SA

     3,038        74,284  

Endesa SA

     3,046        84,440  

Grifols SA

     2,396        64,934  

Iberdrola SA

     6,289        79,178  

Industria de Diseno Textil SA

     2,539        71,355  

Mapfre SA

     38,029        72,066  

Naturgy Energy Group SA

     3,938        75,942  

Red Electrica Corp. SA

     3,945        75,442  

Repsol SA

     7,556        59,710  

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SA

     4,488        120,183  

Telefonica SA

     13,443        53,116  
     

 

 

 
        964,188  

Sweden    4.1%

 

        

Alfa Laval AB

     3,574        87,348  

Assa Abloy AB (Class B Stock)

     3,533        81,690  

Atlas Copco AB,

     

(Class A Stock)

     1,839        85,021  

(Class B Stock)

     2,093        84,036  

Electrolux AB (Class B Stock)

     4,375        94,785  

Epiroc AB,

     

(Class A Stock)

     6,701        99,743  

(Class B Stock)

     6,398        91,978  

Essity AB (Class B Stock)

     2,412        82,986  

Hennes & Mauritz AB (Class B Stock)

     4,966        79,171  

ICA Gruppen AB

     1,512        74,151  

Sandvik AB

     4,663        91,537  

Securitas AB (Class B Stock)

     5,928        84,365  

SKF AB (Class B Stock)

     4,381        87,419  

Swedish Match AB

     1,155        87,675  

Tele2 AB (Class B Stock)

     5,251        74,396  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Class B Stock)

     8,252        95,640  

Volvo AB (Class B Stock)

     4,972        95,016  
     

 

 

 
        1,476,957  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     107  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Description    Shares      Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Switzerland    4.3%

                 

ABB Ltd.

     3,490      $ 88,683  

Adecco Group AG

     1,587        82,971  

Coca-Cola HBC AG

     2,835        75,566  

Geberit AG

     150        86,388  

Givaudan SA

     21        88,047  

LafargeHolcim Ltd.*

     1,713        81,296  

Logitech International SA

     1,244        91,957  

Nestle SA

     688        82,625  

Novartis AG

     850        73,382  

Pargesa Holding SA

     968        81,706  

Roche Holding AG

     198        69,151  

Schindler Holding AG

     327        87,217  

SGS SA

     32        82,766  

Sonova Holding AG*

     351        81,969  

STMicroelectronics NV

     2,831        85,169  

Swatch Group AG (The)

     1,939        76,449  

Swisscom AG

     145        80,204  

UBS Group AG

     6,820        82,878  

Vifor Pharma AG

     499        73,667  
     

 

 

 
        1,552,091  

United Kingdom    6.0%

                 

Associated British Foods PLC

     3,096        84,675  

AstraZeneca PLC

     708        78,931  

British American Tobacco PLC

     2,049        69,365  

British Land Co. PLC (The)

     14,528        71,020  

BT Group PLC

     51,165        71,575  

Burberry Group PLC

     3,791        73,202  

Ferguson PLC

     936        92,288  

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV

     8,568        94,383  

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

     3,344        65,800  

Imperial Brands PLC

     3,756        62,911  

J Sainsbury PLC

     30,749        75,549  

Kingfisher PLC

     29,607        106,977  

Land Securities Group PLC

     8,641        66,776  

National Grid PLC

     6,450        72,701  

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

     854        85,733  

RELX PLC

     2,915        66,340  

Rio Tinto Ltd.

     1,178        85,146  

Rio Tinto PLC

     1,405        87,051  

Sage Group PLC (The)

     8,219        81,368  

Segro PLC

     6,823        86,902  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

108  


Description                Shares     Value  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

        

United Kingdom (cont’d.)

                                

Severn Trent PLC

         2,226     $ 69,391  

Smith & Nephew PLC

         3,561       72,426  

Standard Life Aberdeen PLC

         21,278       67,468  

Tesco PLC

         26,670       77,969  

Unilever NV

         1,247       72,188  

Unilever PLC

         1,279       76,253  

Vodafone Group PLC

         46,640       69,478  

Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC

         30,376       78,084  
        

 

 

 
           2,161,950  
        

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(cost $32,276,528)

           34,969,973  
        

 

 

 

PREFERRED STOCKS     0.4%

        

Germany     0.2%

                                

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

         735       75,045  

Italy     0.2%

                                

Telecom Italia SpA

         173,716       82,051  
        

 

 

 

TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(cost $163,481)

           157,096  
        

 

 

 

TOTAL LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $32,440,009)

           35,127,069  
        

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS     1.8%

 

AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUND     1.2%

 

PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund
(cost $417,269; includes $417,132 of cash collateral for securities on loan)(b)(w)

 

    417,311       417,228  
        

 

 

 
    

Interest

Rate

   

Maturity

Date

   

Principal

Amount (000)#

       

TIME DEPOSIT    0.6%

 

   

Citibank, NA (cost $218,965)

     0.010     09/01/20       219       218,965  
        

 

 

 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $636,234)

 

    636,193  
        

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS    99.7%
(cost $33,076,243)

 

      35,763,262  

Other assets in excess of liabilities    0.3%

 

      97,977  
        

 

 

 

NET ASSETS    100.0%

 

    $ 35,861,239  
        

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     109  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

 

The following abbreviations are used in the annual report:

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.

#

Principal or notional amount is shown in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.

(a)

All or a portion of security is on loan. The aggregate market value of such securities, including those sold and pending settlement, is $396,635; cash collateral of $417,132 (included in liabilities) was received with which the Fund purchased highly liquid short-term investments. In the event of significant appreciation in value of securities on loan on the last business day of the reporting period, the Fund may reflect a collateral value that is less than the market value of the loaned securities and such shortfall is remedied the following business day.

(b)

Represents security purchased with cash collateral received for securities on loan and includes dividend reinvestment.

(w)

PGIM Investments LLC, the manager of the Fund, also serves as manager of the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund.

*

Non-income producing security.

 

Fair Value Measurements:

 

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—unadjusted quoted prices generally in active markets for identical securities.

 

Level 2—quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates and yield curves, prepayment speeds, foreign currency exchange rates and other observable inputs.

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of August 31, 2020 in valuing such portfolio securities:

 

       Level 1           Level 2           Level 3     

Investments in Securities

     

Assets

     

Common Stocks

     

Australia

  $ 1,193,892     $     —     $     —  

Austria

    146,776              

Belgium

    463,642              

Denmark

    669,920              

Finland

    602,323              

France

    2,429,441              

Germany

    2,583,588              

Hong Kong

    1,738,094              

Ireland

    335,422              

Isle of Man

    89,097              

Israel

    297,588              

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

110  


       Level 1           Level 2           Level 3     

Investments in Securities (continued)

     

Assets (continued)

     

Common Stocks (continued)

     

Italy

  $ 963,555     $     $  

Japan

    14,447,209              

Jordan

    79,489              

Luxembourg

    151,771              

Netherlands

    1,113,394              

New Zealand

    356,463              

Norway

    410,752              

Portugal

    140,857              

Singapore

    601,514              

Spain

    964,188              

Sweden

    1,476,957              

Switzerland

    1,552,091              

United Kingdom

    2,161,950              

Preferred Stocks

     

Germany

    75,045              

Italy

    82,051              

Affiliated Mutual Fund

    417,228              

Time Deposit

          218,965        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 35,544,297     $ 218,965     $     —  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Industry Classification:

 

The industry classification of investments and liabilities in excess of other assets shown as a percentage of net assets as of August 31, 2020 were as follows (unaudited):

 

Machinery

    6.2

Pharmaceuticals

    5.5  

Chemicals

    5.0  

Diversified Telecommunication Services

    4.3  

Banks

    4.2  

Real Estate Management & Development

    3.9  

Electric Utilities

    3.7  

Food & Staples Retailing

    3.2  

Food Products

    3.1  

Automobiles

    2.5  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

    2.2  

IT Services

    2.2  

Trading Companies & Distributors

    2.1  

Metals & Mining

    2.1  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

    2.0  

Household Durables

    2.0  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

    2.0

Specialty Retail

    1.8  

Electrical Equipment

    1.8  

Beverages

    1.6  

Professional Services

    1.6  

Industrial Conglomerates

    1.5  

Capital Markets

    1.4  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

    1.4  

Road & Rail

    1.3  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

    1.3  

Auto Components

    1.3  

Diversified Financial Services

    1.3  

Insurance

    1.3  

Household Products

    1.3  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

    1.3  

Commercial Services & Supplies

    1.2  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     111  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of August 31, 2020

 

Industry Classification (cont’d.)

     

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

    1.2

Affiliated Mutual Fund (1.2% represents investments purchased with collateral from securities on loan)

    1.2  

Software

    1.2  

Construction & Engineering

    1.2  

Building Products

    1.1  

Entertainment

    1.1  

Gas Utilities

    1.0  

Wireless Telecommunication Services

    1.0  

Construction Materials

    0.9  

Personal Products

    0.8  

Health Care Providers & Services

    0.8  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

    0.8  

Air Freight & Logistics

    0.8  

Tobacco

    0.8  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail

    0.8  

Multiline Retail

    0.7  

Leisure Products

    0.7  

Media

    0.7  
       

Multi-Utilities

    0.6

Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers

    0.6  

Time Deposit

    0.6  

Communications Equipment

    0.5  

Biotechnology

    0.4  

Paper & Forest Products

    0.4  

Aerospace & Defense

    0.4  

Interactive Media & Services

    0.3  

Life Sciences Tools & Services

    0.3  

Marine

    0.2  

Transportation Infrastructure

    0.2  

Containers & Packaging

    0.2  

Airlines

    0.2  

Diversified Consumer Services

    0.2  

Water Utilities

    0.2  
 

 

 

 
    99.7  

Other assets in excess of liabilities

    0.3  
 

 

 

 
    100.0
 

 

 

 

 

Effects of Derivative Instruments on the Financial Statements and Primary Underlying Risk Exposure:

 

The Fund invested in derivative instruments during the reporting period. The primary type of risk associated with these derivative instruments is equity contracts risk. See the Notes to Financial Statements for additional detail regarding these derivative instruments and their risks. The effect of such derivative instruments on the Fund’s financial position and financial performance as reflected in the Statement of Operations is presented in the summary below.

 

The effects of derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations for the period ended August 31, 2020 are as follows:

 

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

 

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

  Rights  

Equity contracts

  $ 1,433  
 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Included in net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions in the Statement of Operations.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

112  


Financial Instruments/Transactions-Summary of Offsetting and Netting Arrangements:

 

The Fund entered into financial instruments/transactions during the period that are either offset in accordance with current requirements or are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements that permit offsetting. The information about offsetting and related netting arrangements for financial instruments/transactions, where the legal right to set-off exists, is presented in the summary below:

 

Offsetting of financial instrument/transaction assets and liabilities:

 

Description

  Gross Market
Value of
Recognized
Assets/(Liabilities)
    Collateral
Pledged/(Received)(1)
    Net Amount  

Securities on Loan

  $ 396,635     $ (396,635   $   —  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Collateral amount disclosed by the Fund is limited to the market value of the financial instruments/transactions.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     113  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

Statement of Assets & Liabilities

as of August 31, 2020

 

Assets

        

Investments at value, including securities on loan of $396,635:

  

Unaffiliated investments (cost $32,658,974)

   $ 35,346,034  

Affiliated investments (cost $417,269)

     417,228  

Cash

     2  

Foreign currency, at value (cost $336,095)

     342,075  

Interest and dividends receivable

     119,218  

Receivable for investments sold

     62,767  
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     36,287,324  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities

        

Payable to broker for collateral for securities on loan

     417,132  

Management fee payable

     8,689  

Other liabilities

     264  
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     426,085  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 35,861,239  
  

 

 

 
          

Net assets were comprised of:

  

Common stock, at par

   $ 700  

Paid-in capital in excess of par

     34,905,030  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

     955,509  
  

 

 

 

Net assets, August 31, 2020

   $ 35,861,239  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share,
($35,861,239 / 700,000 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)

   $ 51.23  
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

114  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

Statement of Operations

Year Ended August 31, 2020

 

Net Investment Income (Loss)

        

Income

  

Interest income

   $ 575  

Unaffiliated dividend income (net of $88,131 foreign withholding tax)

     859,272  

Income from securities lending, net (including affiliated income of $1,022)

     4,742  

Miscellaneous Income

     778  
  

 

 

 

Total income

     865,367  
  

 

 

 

Expenses

  

Management fee

     100,693  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     100,693  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

     764,674  
  

 

 

 

Realized And Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Investments and Foreign Currency Transactions

        

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions (including affiliated of $(205))

     (1,494,823

Foreign currency transactions

     (7,431
  

 

 

 
     (1,502,254
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

  

Investments (including affiliated of $(35))

     2,802,298  

Foreign currencies

     10,764  
  

 

 

 
     2,813,062  
  

 

 

 

Net gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

     1,310,808  
  

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets Resulting From Operations

   $ 2,075,482  
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     115  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    

Year
Ended

August 31, 2020

    

Period
Ended

August 31, 2019*

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

                 

Operations

     

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 764,674      $ 641,335  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments, foreign currency transactions and in-kind redemptions

     (1,502,254      58,426  

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

     2,813,062        (115,389
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     2,075,482        584,372  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions

     

Distributions from distributable earnings

     (901,215      (506,210
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fund share transactions

     

Net proceeds from shares sold

            39,788,190  

Cost of shares reacquired

            (5,179,380
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund share transactions

            34,608,810  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     1,174,267        34,686,972  

Net Assets:

                 

Beginning of period

     34,686,972         
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 35,861,239      $ 34,686,972  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

For the period from December 4, 2018 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2019.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

116  


Notes to Financial Statements

 

1. Organization

 

PGIM ETF Trust (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), and operated as an exchange-traded fund. The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on October 23, 2017 and consists of six separate series: PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF, PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF, PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF, PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF, PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF and PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF.

 

These financial statements relate only to the following Funds: PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF, PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF, PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF and PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF, which commenced investment operations on October 17, 2018, November 13, 2018, November 13, 2018 and December 4, 2018, respectively (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). The Funds are classified as diversified funds under the 1940 Act.

 

The investment objective of each Fund is to seek long-term growth of capital.

 

2. Accounting Policies

 

The Funds follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946 Financial Services—Investment Companies. The following accounting policies conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Funds consistently follow such policies in the preparation of their financial statements.

 

Securities Valuation: The Funds hold securities and other assets and liabilities that are fair valued at the close of each day (generally, 4:00 PM Eastern time) the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for trading. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has adopted valuation procedures for security valuation under which fair valuation responsibilities have been delegated to PGIM Investments LLC (“PGIM Investments” or the “Manager”). Pursuant to the Board’s delegation, the Manager has established a Valuation Committee responsible for supervising the fair valuation of portfolio securities and other assets and liabilities. The valuation procedures permit each Fund to utilize independent pricing vendor services, quotations from market makers, and alternative valuation methods when market quotations are either not readily available or not deemed representative of fair value. A record of the Valuation Committee’s actions is subject to the Board’s review, approval, and ratification at its next regularly scheduled quarterly meeting.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     117  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

For the fiscal reporting period-end, securities and other assets and liabilities were fair valued at the close of the last U.S. business day. Trading in certain foreign securities may occur when the NYSE is closed (including weekends and holidays). Because such foreign securities trade in markets that are open on weekends and U.S. holidays, the values of some of the Funds’ foreign investments may change on days when investors cannot purchase or redeem Fund shares.

 

Various inputs determine how the Funds’ investments are valued, all of which are categorized according to the three broad levels (Level 1, 2, or 3) detailed in the Schedule of Investments and referred to herein as the “fair value hierarchy” in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820—Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.

 

Common and preferred stocks, exchange-traded funds and derivative instruments, such as futures or options, that are traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price as of the close of trading on the applicable exchange where the security principally trades. Securities traded via NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. To the extent these securities are valued at the last sale price or NASDAQ official closing price, they are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. In the event that no sale or official closing price on valuation date exists, these securities are generally valued at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices, or at the last bid price in the absence of an ask price. These securities are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

Investments in open-end funds (other than exchange-traded funds) are valued at their net asset values as of the close of the NYSE on the date of valuation. These securities are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy since they may be purchased or sold at their net asset values on the date of valuation.

 

Securities and other assets that cannot be priced according to the methods described above are valued based on pricing methodologies approved by the Board. In the event that unobservable inputs are used when determining such valuations, the securities will be classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

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 size of the holding and the capitalization of the issuer; the prices of any recent transactions or bids/offers for such securities or any comparable securities; any available analyst media or other reports or information deemed reliable by the Manager regarding the issuer or the markets or industry in which it operates.

 

118  


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 unaffiliated mutual funds to calculate their net asset values.

 

Illiquid Securities: Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Trust has adopted a Board approved Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) that requires, among other things, that each Fund limit its illiquid investments that are assets to no more than 15% of net assets. Illiquid securities are those that, because of the absence of a readily available market or due to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, may not reasonably be expected to be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. The Funds may find it difficult to sell illiquid securities at the time considered most advantageous by their subadviser(s) and may incur transaction costs that would not be incurred in the sale of securities that were freely marketable.

 

Restricted Securities: Securities acquired in unregistered, private sales from the issuing company or from an affiliate of the issuer are considered restricted as to disposition under federal securities law (“restricted securities”). Such restricted securities are valued pursuant to the valuation procedures noted above. Restricted securities that would otherwise be considered illiquid investments pursuant to the LRMP because of legal restrictions on resale to the general public may be traded among qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. Therefore, these Rule 144A securities, as well as commercial paper that is sold in private placements under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, may be classified higher than “illiquid” under the LRMP (i.e. “moderately liquid” or “less liquid” investments). However, the liquidity of each Fund’s investments in restricted securities could be impaired if trading does not develop or declines.

 

Foreign Currency Translation: The books and records of the Funds 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.

 

Although the net assets of the Funds are presented at the foreign exchange rates and market values at the close of the period, the Funds do not generally 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 portfolio securities held at the end of the period. Similarly, the Funds do not isolate the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of long-term portfolio securities sold during the period. Accordingly, holding period realized foreign currency gains (losses) are included in the reported net realized gains (losses) on investment transactions.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     119  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions (where applicable) represent net foreign exchange gains (losses) from the disposition of holdings of foreign currencies, currency gains (losses) realized between the trade and settlement dates on forward currency transactions, and the difference between the amounts of interest, dividends and foreign withholding taxes recorded on each Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains (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 (where applicable).

 

Rights: The Funds hold rights acquired either through a direct purchase or pursuant to corporate actions. 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 rights are held as long positions by the Funds until exercised, sold or expired. Rights are valued at fair value in accordance with the Board approved fair valuation procedures.

 

Master Netting Arrangements: The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, is subject to various Master Agreements, or netting arrangements, with select counterparties. These are agreements which a subadviser may have negotiated and entered into on behalf of all or a portion of the Fund. A master netting arrangement between a 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 master netting arrangements, the right to set-off exists when all the conditions are met such that each of the parties owes the other determinable amounts, the reporting party has the right to set-off the amount owed with the amount owed by the other party, the reporting party intends to set-off and the right of set-off is enforceable by law. During the reporting period, there was no intention to settle on a net basis and all amounts are presented on a gross basis on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

Securities Lending: The Funds lend their portfolio securities to banks and broker-dealers. The loans are secured by collateral at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. Collateral pledged by each borrower is invested in an affiliated money market fund and is marked to market daily, based on the previous day’s market value, such that the value of the collateral exceeds the value of the loaned securities. In the event of significant appreciation in value of securities on loan on the last business day of the reporting period, the financial statements may reflect a collateral value that is less than the market value of the loaned securities. Such shortfall is remedied as described above. Loans are subject to

 

120  


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 in the open market using the collateral.

 

The Funds recognize income, net of any rebate and securities lending agent fees, for lending their securities in the form of fees or interest on the investment of any cash received as collateral. The borrower receives all interest and dividends from the securities loaned and such payments are passed back to the lender in amounts equivalent thereto. The Funds also continue to recognize any unrealized gain (loss) in the market price of the securities loaned and on the change in the value of the collateral invested that may occur during the term of the loan. In addition, realized gain (loss) is recognized on changes in the value of the collateral invested upon liquidation of the collateral. Net earnings from securities lending are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

 

Securities Transactions and Net Investment Income: Securities transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains (losses) from investment and currency transactions are calculated on the specific identification method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-date, or for certain foreign securities, when a Fund becomes aware of such dividends. Interest income, including amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, as required, is recorded on the accrual basis. Expenses are recorded on an accrual basis, which may require the use of certain estimates by management that may differ from actual.

 

Taxes: It is the Funds’ policy to continue to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of their 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, interest and capital gains, if any, are recorded, net of reclaimable amounts, at the time the related income is earned.

 

Dividends and Distributions: The Funds expect to pay dividends from net investment income quarterly. Distributions of net realized capital and currency gains, if any, are declared and paid at least 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-date. Permanent book/tax differences relating to income and gain (loss) are reclassified amongst total distributable earnings (loss) and paid-in capital in excess of par, as appropriate.

 

Estimates: The preparation of 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.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     121  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

3. Agreements

 

Pursuant to a management agreement with the Trust on behalf of the Funds (the Management Agreement), PGIM Investments, subject to the supervision of the Board and in conformity with the stated policies of the Funds, manages both the investment operations of each Fund and the composition of each Fund’s portfolio, including the purchase, retention and disposition of assets. In connection therewith, the Manager is obligated to keep certain books and records of the Funds. The Manager is authorized to enter into subadvisory agreements for investment advisory services in connection with the management of the Funds. The Manager will continue to have responsibility for all investment advisory services performed pursuant to any such subadvisory agreements. PGIM Investments will review the performance of the investment subadviser(s) and make recommendations to the Board with respect to the retention of investment subadvisers and the renewal of contracts. The Manager also administers the Funds’ business affairs and, in connection therewith, furnishes the Funds’ with office facilities, together with those ordinary clerical and bookkeeping services which are not being furnished by the Funds’ custodian (the Custodian). The management services of PGIM Investments to the Funds are not exclusive under the terms of the Management Agreement and PGIM Investments is free to, and does, render management services to others.

 

The Board has approved a unitary management fee structure for the Funds. Under the unitary fee structure, the Manager is responsible for paying all operating expenses of the fund, except for certain expenses including but not limited to interest expenses, taxes, brokerage expenses, future Rule 12b-1 fees (if any) and acquired fund fees and expenses. For more information on the unitary management fee structure please refer to the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information.

 

The unitary fee paid to the Manager is accrued daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate of each Fund’s average daily net assets specified below. The Manager has contractually agreed, beginning from each Fund’s inception date, to waive any management fees it receives from the Funds in an amount equal to the subadvisory fees paid by the Funds to the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund due to the Funds’ investment of its excess overnight cash in the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund. This waiver will remain in effect for as long as the Funds remain invested or intend to invest in the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund.

 

Fund

   Unitary fee rate  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

     0.17

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

     0.29

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

     0.29

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

     0.29

 

122  


The Manager has entered into a subadvisory agreement (Subadvisory Agreement) with QMA LLC, (“QMA”) (the “subadviser”). The Subadvisory Agreement provides that the subadviser will furnish investment advisory services in connection with the management of the Funds. In connection therewith, the subadviser is obligated to keep certain books and records of each Fund. Under the Subadvisory Agreement, the subadviser, subject to the supervision of PGIM Investments, is responsible for managing the assets of the Funds in accordance with the Funds’ investment objectives, policies and restrictions. The subadviser determines what securities and other instruments are purchased and sold for the Funds and is responsible for obtaining and evaluating financial data relevant to the Funds. PGIM Investments continues to have responsibility for all investment advisory services pursuant to the Management Agreement and supervises the subadviser’s performance of such services. The Manager pays for the services of the subadviser.

 

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (“BBH”) serves as the Custodian, Transfer Agent, Administrative Agent and Securities Lending Agent for the Trust. Pursuant to a Custodian Agreement, BBH maintains certain financial accounting books and records pursuant to an agreement with the Trust. Subcustodians provide custodial services for any non-US assets held outside the United States. Pursuant to an Administrative and Transfer Agency Agreement, BBH maintains certain books and records and provides transfer agency, administrative, legal, tax support and accounting and financial reporting services for the maintenance and operations of the Trust. As the transfer and dividend disbursing agent of the Trust, BBH provides customary transfer agency services to the Trust, including the handling of shareholder communications, the processing of shareholder transactions, the maintenance of shareholder account records, the payment of dividends and distributions, and related functions. For these services, BBH receives compensation from the Manager and is reimbursed for expenses, including custodian and administration fees and certain out-of-pocket expenses including, but not limited to, postage, stationery, printing, allocable communication expenses and other costs. The Manager is responsible for compensating BBH under the Custodian and Administrative and Transfer Agency Agreements. As securities lending agent, BBH is responsible for marketing to approved borrowers available securities from the Funds’ portfolio. As administered by BBH, available securities from the Funds’ portfolio are furnished to borrowers through security-by-security loans effected by BBH as lending agent on behalf of the Funds. BBH is responsible for the administration and management of the Funds’ securities lending program, including the preparation and execution of a participant agreement with each borrower governing the terms and conditions of any securities loan, ensuring that securities loans are properly coordinated and documented with the Funds’ custodian, ensuring that loaned securities are daily valued and that the corresponding required cash collateral is delivered by the borrower(s), and arranging for the investment of cash collateral received from borrowers in accordance with the Funds’ investment guidelines. BBH receives as compensation for its services a portion of the amount earned by the Funds for lending securities.

 

Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (“PIMS” or the “Distributor”), acts as the distributor of each Fund, pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement (“Distribution Agreement”) between the Trust and the Distributor. The Distributor is a subsidiary of

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     123  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Prudential. Shares are continuously offered for sale by the Distributor only. Although the Distributor does not receive any fees under the Distribution Agreement, the Manager or its affiliates may pay the Distributor for certain distribution related services.

 

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

 

4. Other Transactions with Affiliates

 

Each Fund may invest its overnight sweep cash in the PGIM Core Ultra Short Bond Fund (the “Core Fund”), and its securities lending cash collateral in the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund (the “Money Market Fund”), each a series of Prudential Investment Portfolios 2, registered under the 1940 Act and managed by PGIM Investments. Through each Fund’s investments in the mentioned underlying fund, PGIM Investments and/or its affiliates are paid fees or reimbursed for providing their services. In addition to the realized and unrealized gains on investments in the Core Fund and Money Market Fund, earnings from such investments are disclosed on the Statement of Operations as “Affiliated dividend income” and “Income from securities lending, net”, respectively.

 

The Funds may enter into certain securities purchase or sale transactions under Board approved Rule 17a-7 procedures. Rule 17a-7 is an exemptive rule under the 1940 Act, that subject to certain conditions, permits purchase and sale transactions among affiliated investment companies, or between an investment company and a person that is affiliated solely by reason of having a common (or affiliated) investment adviser, common directors, and/or common officers. Pursuant to the Rule 17a-7 procedures and consistent with guidance issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) prepares a quarterly summary of all such transactions for submission to the Board, together with the CCO’s written representation that all such 17a-7 transactions were effected in accordance with the Funds’ Rule 17a-7 procedures. For the period ended August 31, 2020, no 17a-7 transactions were entered into by the Funds.

 

5. Portfolio Securities

 

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of portfolio securities (excluding short-term investments, U.S. Government securities and in-kind transactions) for the reporting year ended August 31, 2020, were as follows:

 

Fund

   Cost of
Purchases
     Proceeds
from Sales
 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

   $ 7,864,661      $ 7,881,650  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

   $ 11,688,642      $ 11,604,828  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

   $ 10,293,054      $ 10,301,690  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

   $ 26,964,432      $ 27,183,035  

 

124  


A summary of the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of shares of affiliated investments for the reporting year ended August 31, 2020, is presented as follows:

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

 

Value

Beginning
of Period

  Cost of
Purchases
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Change in
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
    Realized
Gain
(Loss)
    Value,
End of
Period
    Shares,
End of
Period
    Income  

PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund*

 

$5

  $ 1,981,888     $ 1,146,819     $ (62   $ (14   $ 834,998       835,165     $ 74 ** 

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

 

Value

Beginning
of Period

  Cost of
Purchases
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Change in
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
    Realized
Gain
(Loss)
    Value,
End of
Period
    Shares,
End of
Period
    Income  

PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund*

 

$65,913

  $ 2,409,171     $ 1,566,337     $ 95     $ (299   $ 908,543       908,725     $ 1,125 ** 

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

 

Value

Beginning
of Period

  Cost of
Purchases
    Proceeds
from
Sales
    Change in
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
    Realized
Gain
(Loss)
    Value,
End of
Period
    Shares,
End of
Period
    Income  

PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund*

 

$229,888

  $ 1,767,642     $ 1,558,808     $ 75     $ (309   $ 438,488       438,575     $ 1,106 ** 

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

 

Value

Beginning
of Period

  Cost of
Purchases
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Change in
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
    Realized
Gain
(Loss)
    Value,
End of
Period
    Shares,
End of
Period
    Income  

PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund*

 

$61,052

  $ 3,421,230     $ 3,064,814     $ (35   $ (205   $ 417,228       417,311     $ 1,022 ** 

 

*

The Fund did not have any capital gain distributions during the reporting period.

**

The amount, or a portion thereof, represents the affiliated securities lending income shown on the Statement of Operations.

 

6. 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-date. In order to present total distributable earnings (loss) 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 total distributable earnings (loss) and paid-in capital in excess of par.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     125  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

The following Funds had adjustments for the year ending August 31, 2020:

 

    Total Distributable
Earnings (Loss)
    Paid-in Capital  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF(a)

  $ (330   $ 330  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF(a)

    (317     317  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF(a)

    (653     653  

 

(a)

Due to Redemption in Kind Transaction

 

Net investment income or loss, net realized gains or losses on investment transactions and net assets were not affected by these adjustments.

 

For the year ended August 31, 2020, the tax character of dividends paid as reflected in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets were as follows:

 

     Ordinary
Income
     Long-Term
Capital Gains
 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

   $ 208,630      $  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

     85,196         

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

     274,240        6,602  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

     901,215         

 

For the period ended August 31, 2019, the tax character of dividends paid as reflected in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets were as follows:

 

     Ordinary Income  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

   $ 150,716  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

     65,848  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

     122,512  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

     506,210  

 

For the year ended August 31, 2020, the Funds had the following amounts of accumulated undistributed earnings on a tax basis:

 

     Undistributed
Ordinary

Income
     Undistributed
Long-Term

Capital Gains
 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

   $ 45,208      $             —  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

     39,530         

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

     36,989         

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

     138,877         

 

126  


The United States federal income tax basis of the Funds’ investments and the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as of August 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

    Tax Basis     Gross Unrealized
Appreciation
    Gross Unrealized
Depreciation
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF(a)

    $10,367,136       $1,798,109       $ (390,138)       $1,407,971  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF(a)

    10,209,531       1,603,677       (671,560)       932,117  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF(a)(b)

    9,223,729       852,716       (1,309,924)       (457,208)  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF(a)(b)

    33,115,651       5,189,459       (2,541,848)       2,647,611  

 

(a)

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

(b)

The difference between book basis and tax basis was primarily attributable to investments in passive foreign investment companies and other book to tax adjustments.

 

For federal income tax purposes, the following Funds had a capital loss carryforward as of August 31, 2020 which can be carried forward for an unlimited period. No capital gains distributions are expected to be paid to shareholders until net gains have been realized in excess of such losses.

 

     Capital Loss
Carryforward
 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

   $ 702,000  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

     763,000  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

     1,287,000  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

     1,842,000  

 

The Manager has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal, state and local income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements for the current reporting period. Since tax authorities can examine previously filed tax returns, each Funds’ U.S. federal and state tax returns for each of the two fiscal years up to the most recent fiscal year ended August 31, 2020 are subject to such review.

 

7. Capital and Ownership

 

Each Fund is an exchange-traded fund, commonly known as an “ETF”. Individual shares of the Funds may only be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through brokers or other financial intermediaries. Shares of the Funds are listed for trading on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”), and because the shares of the Funds trade at market prices rather than NAV, shares of the Funds may trade at a price greater than NAV (a premium) or less than NAV (a discount). Each Fund will issue and redeem its shares at NAV only in a large specified number of shares called a “Creation Unit” or multiples thereof to investors who have entered into an agreement with the Distributor and are authorized to

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     127  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

transact with the Trust in Creation Units (“Authorized Participants”). A Creation Unit of PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF, PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF, PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF and PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF consists of 50,000 shares, 50,000 shares, 50,000 shares and 100,000 shares of the Fund, respectively. The Funds generally issue and redeem Creation Units in return for a specified amount of cash and/or designated portfolio of securities. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not individually redeemable. Fixed transaction fees are imposed for the transfer and other costs associated with the creation or redemption of Creation Units. Authorized Participants are responsible for paying these fixed transaction fees to BBH.

 

The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, $0.001 par value per share.

 

As of August 31, 2020, Prudential, through its affiliated entities, including affiliated funds (if applicable), owned shares of the Funds as follows:

 

Fund

   Number of Shares      Percentage of
Outstanding Shares
 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

     192,000        96.0

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

     195,000        97.5

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

     195,000        97.5

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

     695,000        99.3

 

At reporting period end, the number of shareholders holding greater than 5% of the Funds are as follows:

 

    Affiliated   Unaffiliated

Fund

  Number of
Shareholders
  Percentage of
Outstanding Shares
  Number of
Shareholders
  Percentage of
Outstanding Shares

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

  1   96.0%   —     —%

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

  1   97.5%   —     —%

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

  1   97.5%   —     —%

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

  3   99.3%   —     —%

 

128  


Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

 

Reporting period ended August 31, 2020:

 

       Shares        Amount  

Shares sold

       —          $ —    

Shares reacquired

       —            —    
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       —          $ —    
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

Reporting period ended August 31, 2019:

 

       Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

       200,000      $ 10,010,000  

Shares contributed in-kind (Subscription in-kind)

       100,000        4,994,125  

Shares redeemed in-kind (Redemption in-kind)

       (100,000      (5,067,390
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       200,000      $ 9,936,735  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

 

Reporting period ended August 31, 2020:

 

       Shares        Amount  

Shares sold

       —          $ —    

Shares reacquired

       —            —    
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       —          $ —    
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

Reporting period ended August 31, 2019:

 

       Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

       200,000      $ 10,025,000  

Shares contributed in-kind (Subscription in-kind)

       50,000        2,462,720  

Shares redeemed in-kind (Redemption in-kind)

       (50,000      (2,537,750
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       200,000      $ 9,949,970  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

 

Reporting period ended August 31, 2020:

 

       Shares        Amount  

Shares sold

       —          $ —    

Shares reacquired

       —            —    
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       —          $ —    
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     129  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Reporting period ended August 31, 2019:

 

    Shares     Amount  

Shares sold

    200,000     $ 10,025,000  

Shares contributed in-kind (Subscription in-kind)

    50,000       2,463,700  

Shares redeemed in-kind (Redemption in-kind)

    (50,000     (2,478,695
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

    200,000     $ 10,010,005  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

 

Reporting period ended August 31, 2020:

 

       Shares        Amount  

Shares sold

       —          $ —    

Shares reacquired

       —            —    
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       —          $ —    
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

Reporting period ended August 31, 2019:

 

       Shares      Amount  

Shares sold

       500,000      $ 25,062,500  

Shares contributed in-kind (Subscription in-kind)

       300,000        14,725,690  

Shares redeemed in-kind (Redemption in-kind)

       (100,000      (5,179,380
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       700,000      $ 34,608,810  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Each Fund may make payment for Fund shares redeemed and contributed wholly or in part by distributing portfolio securities to shareholders. For the period ended August 31, 2020, the Funds had no subscriptions in-kind and redemptions in-kind.

 

8. Borrowings

 

The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, along with other affiliated registered investment companies (the “Participating 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

 

130  


of temporary funding for capital share redemptions. The table below provides details of the current SCA in effect at the reporting period-end as well as the prior SCA.

 

    

Current SCA

  

Prior SCA

Term of Commitment

   10/3/2019 – 10/1/2020    10/4/2018 – 10/2/2019

Total Commitment

   $1,222,500,000*    $900,000,000

Annualized Commitment Fee on the Unused Portion of the SCA

   0.15%    0.15%

Annualized Interest Rate on Borrowings

   1.20% plus the higher of (1) the effective federal funds rate, (2) the one-month LIBOR rate or (3) zero percent    1.25% plus the higher of (1) the effective federal funds rate, (2) the one-month LIBOR rate or (3) zero percent

 

*

Effective March 31, 2020, the SCA’s total commitment was increased from $900,000,000 to $1,162,500,000 and subsequently, effective April 7, 2020 was increased to $1,222,500,000.

 

Subsequent to the reporting period end, the SCA has been renewed effective October 2, 2020 and will provide a commitment of $1,200,000,000 through September 30, 2021. The commitment fee paid by the Participating Funds will continue to be .15% of the unused portion of the SCA. The interest on borrowings under the renewed SCA will be paid monthly and at a per annum interest rate of 1.30% plus the higher of (1) the effective federal funds rate, (2) the one-month LIBOR rate or (3) zero percent.

 

Certain affiliated registered investment companies that are parties to the SCA include portfolios that are subject to a predetermined mathematical formula used to manage certain benefit guarantees offered under variable annuity contracts. The formula may result in large scale asset flows into and out of these portfolios. Consequently, these portfolios may be more likely to utilize the SCA for purposes of funding redemptions. It may be possible for those portfolios to fully exhaust the committed amount of the SCA, thereby requiring the Manager to allocate available funding per a Board-approved methodology designed to treat the Participating Funds in the SCA equitably.

 

The Funds did not utilize the SCA during the reporting period ended August 31, 2020.

 

9. Risks of Investing in the Funds

 

The Funds’ risks include, but are not limited to, some or all of the risks discussed below. For further information on each Fund’s risks, please refer to the Funds’ Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.

 

Authorized Participant Concentration Risk: Only an Authorized Participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Funds. The Funds have a limited number of intermediaries that act as Authorized Participants and none of these Authorized Participants is or will be obligated to engage in creation or redemption transactions. To the extent that these intermediaries exit the business or are unable to or choose not to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders with respect to the Funds and no other Authorized

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     131  


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Participant creates or redeems, shares of the Funds may trade at a substantial discount or premium to NAV, may trade at larger spreads and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting.

 

Concentration Risk: To the extent that the Funds are concentrated in the securities of companies, a particular market, industry, group of industries, sector or asset class, country, region or group of countries, the Funds may be adversely affected by the performance of those securities, may be subject to increased price volatility and may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that market, industry, group of industries, sector or asset class, country, region or group of countries.

 

Equity and Equity-Related Securities Risks: The value of a particular security could go down and you could lose money. In addition to an individual security losing value, the value of the equity markets or a sector in which the Series invests could go down. The Series’ holdings can vary significantly from broad market indexes and the performance of the Series can deviate from the performance of these indexes. Different parts of a market can react differently to adverse issuer, market, regulatory, political and economic developments.

 

ETF Shares Trading Risk: Funds shares are listed for trading on the Exchange and the shares are bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The market prices of the shares of the Funds are expected to fluctuate in response to changes in the Funds’ NAVs, the intraday value of the Funds’ holdings and supply and demand for shares of the Funds. We cannot predict whether shares of the Funds will trade above, below or at their NAV. Trading on the Exchange, including trading of Funds shares, may be halted in certain circumstances and shareholders may not be able to sell Funds shares at the time or price desired. During periods of stressed market conditions, the market for the shares of the Funds may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the markets for the Funds’ portfolio investments. This adverse effect on the liquidity of the Funds’ shares could lead to differences between the market price of the Funds’ shares and the NAV of those shares. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange to maintain the listing of shares of the Funds will continue to be met. At times, trading in the securities of ETFs has become volatile and unpredictable and the price of ETFs shares has diverged from market driven fundamentals.

 

Risks of Investing in Equity and Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): Real estate securities are subject to similar risks as direct investments in real estate and mortgages, and their value will depend on the value of the underlying properties or the underlying loans or interests. The underlying loans may be subject to the risks of default or of payments that occur earlier or later than expected, and such loans may also include so-called “subprime” mortgages. The value of these securities will rise and fall in response to many factors, including economic conditions, the demand for rental property and

 

132  


interest rates. In particular, the value of these securities may decline when interest rates rise and will also be affected by the real estate market and by the management of the underlying properties. Since the Funds concentrate in the real estate industry, their holdings can vary significantly from broad market indexes. As a result, the Funds’ performance can deviate from the performance of such indexes.

 

In addition, investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REITs, while REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, may not be diversified geographically or by property/mortgage asset type, and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and self-liquidation. Since REITs are relatively smaller in size when compared to the broader market, and smaller companies tend to be more volatile than larger companies, they may be more volatile and/or more illiquid than other types of equity securities. REITs are subject to interest rate risks. REITs may incur significant amounts of leverage. Each Fund will indirectly bear a portion of the expenses, including management fees, paid by each REIT in which it invests, in addition to the expenses of the Fund.

 

Foreign Securities Risk: Each Fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involve additional risk. Foreign countries in which the Fund may invest may have markets that are less liquid, less regulated and more volatile than US markets. The value of the Fund’s investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable government actions, and political or financial instability.

 

Market and Credit Risk: Securities markets may be volatile and the market prices of the Funds’ securities may decline. Securities fluctuate in price based on changes in an issuer’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions. If the market prices of the securities owned by the Funds fall, the value of an investment in the Funds will decline. Additionally, the Funds may also be exposed to credit risk in the event that an issuer or guarantor fails to perform or that an institution or entity with which the Funds have unsettled or open transactions defaults.

 

Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risks: International wars or conflicts and geopolitical developments in foreign countries, along with instability in regions such as Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, possible terrorist attacks in the United States or around the world, public health epidemics such as the outbreak of infectious diseases like the recent outbreak of coronavirus globally or the 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa of the Ebola virus, and other similar events could adversely affect the U.S. and foreign financial markets, including increases in market volatility, reduced liquidity in the securities markets and government intervention, and may cause further long-term economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide generally.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     133  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

Financial Highlights

 

    

Year Ended

August 31, 2020

          

October 17,

2018(e) through

August 31, 2019

 
Per Share Operating Performance(a):                        
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period     $51.90               $50.00  
Income (loss) from investment operations:                        
Net investment income (loss)     1.03               0.89  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments     2.90               1.67  
Total from investment operations     3.93               2.56  
Less Dividends and Distributions:                        
Dividends from net investment income     (1.04             (0.66
Net asset value, end of period     $54.79               $51.90  
Total Return(b):     7.69%               5.20%  
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                  
Net assets, end of period (000)     $10,958               $10,380  
Average net assets (000)     $10,347               $11,164  
Ratios to average net assets(c):                        
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement     0.17%               0.17% (d) 
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement     0.17%               0.17% (d) 
Net investment income (loss)     1.99%               2.04% (d) 
Portfolio turnover rate(f)(g)     82%               92%  

 

(a)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)

Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of the 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.

(c)

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

(d)

Annualized.

(e)

Commencement of operations.

(f)

The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may be higher.

(g)

Portfolio turnover excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind fund share transactions, if any.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

134  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

Financial Highlights

 

    

Year Ended

August 31, 2020

          

November 13,

2018(e) through

August 31, 2019

 
Per Share Operating Performance(a):                        
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period     $47.97               $50.00  
Income (loss) from investment operations:                        
Net investment income (loss)     0.36               0.39  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments     3.28               (2.13
Total from investment operations     3.64               (1.74
Less Dividends and Distributions:                        
Dividends from net investment income     (0.43             (0.29
Net asset value, end of period     $51.18               $47.97  
Total Return(b):     7.64%               (3.50 )% 
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of period (000)     $10,236               $9,593  
Average net assets (000)     $9,621               $10,819  
Ratios to average net assets(c):                        
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement     0.29%               0.29% (d) 
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement     0.29%               0.29% (d) 
Net investment income (loss)     0.76%               0.98% (d) 
Portfolio turnover rate(f)(g)     123%               78%  

 

(a)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)

Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of the 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.

(c)

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

(d)

Annualized.

(e)

Commencement of operations.

(f)

The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may be higher.

(g)

Portfolio turnover excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind fund share transactions, if any.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     135  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Financial Highlights

 

    

Year Ended

August 31, 2020

          

November 13,

2018(e) through

August 31, 2019

 
Per Share Operating Performance(a):                        
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period     $46.77               $50.00  
Income (loss) from investment operations:                        
Net investment income (loss)     0.71               0.72  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments     (4.40             (3.41
Total from investment operations     (3.69             (2.69
Less Dividends and Distributions:                        
Dividends from net investment income     (0.76             (0.54
Distributions from net realized gains     (0.64             -  
Total Dividends and Distributions     (1.40             (0.54
Net asset value, end of period     $41.68               $46.77  
Total Return(b):     (8.28 )%              (5.39 )% 
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of period (000)     $8,335               $9,353  
Average net assets (000)     $8,876               $10,627  
Ratios to average net assets(c):                        
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement     0.29%               0.29% (d) 
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement     0.29%               0.29% (d) 
Net investment income (loss)     1.61%               1.86% (d) 
Portfolio turnover rate(f)(g)     120%               66%  

 

(a)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)

Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of the 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.

(c)

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

(d)

Annualized.

(e)

Commencement of operations.

(f)

The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may be higher.

(g)

Portfolio turnover excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind fund share transactions, if any.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

136  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

Financial Highlights

 

    

Year Ended

August 31, 2020

          

December 4,

2018(e) through

August 31, 2019

 
Per Share Operating Performance(a):                        
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period     $49.55               $50.00  
Income (loss) from investment operations:                        
Net investment income (loss)     1.09               1.16  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions     1.88               (0.63
Total from investment operations     2.97               0.53  
Less Dividends and Distributions:                        
Dividends from net investment income     (1.29             (0.98
Net asset value, end of period     $51.23               $49.55  
Total Return(b):     6.05%               1.09%  
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of period (000)     $35,861               $34,687  
Average net assets (000)     $34,722               $27,908  
Ratios to average net assets(c):                        
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement     0.29%               0.29% (d) 
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement     0.29%               0.29% (d) 
Net investment income (loss)     2.20%               3.12% (d) 
Portfolio turnover rate(f)(g)     92%               63%  

 

(a)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)

Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of the 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.

(c)

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

(d)

Annualized.

(e)

Commencement of operations.

(f)

The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated in accordance with regulatory requirements, without regard to transactions involving short-term investments and certain derivatives. If such transactions were included, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may be higher.

(g)

Portfolio turnover excludes the value of portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of in-kind fund share transactions, if any.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     137  


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of the Funds and Board of Trustees

PGIM ETF Trust:

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of the funds listed in Appendix A (each, a Fund and collectively, the Funds), each a series of PGIM ETF Trust, including the schedules of investments, as of August 31, 2020, the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each year and period listed in Appendix A, and the related notes (collectively, the financial statements) and the financial highlights for each year and period indicated therein. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each Fund as of August 31, 2020, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each year and period listed in Appendix A, and the financial highlights for each year and period indicated therein, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Such procedures also included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2020, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, and brokers, or by other appropriate auditing procedures when replies were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more PGIM and/or Prudential Retail investment companies since 2003.

 

New York, New York

October 15, 2020

 

138  


Appendix A

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

Statements of changes in net assets for the year ended August 31, 2020 and the period from October 17, 2018 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2019

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

Statements of changes in net assets for the year ended August 31, 2020 and the period from November 13, 2018 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2019

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

Statements of changes in net assets for the year ended August 31, 2020 and the period from November 13, 2018 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2019

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

Statements of changes in net assets for the year ended August 31, 2020 and the period from December 4, 2018 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2019

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     139  


Fund Liquidity Risk Management Program (unaudited)

 

Consistent with Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act (the “Liquidity Rule”), each Fund has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “LRMP”). Each Fund’s LRMP seeks to assess and manage that Fund’s liquidity risk, which is defined as the risk that the Fund is unable to meet investor redemption requests without significantly diluting the remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has approved PGIM Investments LLC (“PGIM Investments”), each Fund’s investment manager, to serve as the administrator of each Fund’s LRMP. As part of its responsibilities as administrator, PGIM Investments has retained a third party to perform certain functions, including providing market data and liquidity classification model information.

 

Each Fund’s LRMP includes a number of processes designed to support the assessment and management of its liquidity risk. In particular, each Fund’s LRMP includes no less than annual assessments of factors that influence the Fund’s liquidity risk; no less than monthly classifications of the Fund’s investments into one of four liquidity classifications provided for in the Liquidity Rule; a 15% of net assets limit on the acquisition of “illiquid investments” (as defined under the Liquidity Rule); establishment of a minimum percentage of the Fund’s assets to be invested in investments classified as “highly liquid” (as defined under the Liquidity Rule) if the Fund does not invest primarily in highly liquid investments; and regular reporting to the Board.

 

At a meeting of the Board on March 3-5, 2020, PGIM Investments provided a written report (“LRMP Report”) to the Board addressing the operation, adequacy, and effectiveness of each Fund’s LRMP, including any material changes to the LRMP for the period from the inception of each Fund’s LRMP on December 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019 (“Reporting Period”). The LRMP Report concluded that each Fund’s LRMP was reasonably designed to assess and manage that Fund’s liquidity risk and was adequately and effectively implemented during the Reporting Period. There were no material changes to the LRMP during the Reporting Period. The LRMP Report further concluded that each Fund’s investment strategies continue to be appropriate given each Fund’s status as an open-end fund.

 

There can be no assurance that the LRMP will achieve its objectives in the future. Additional information regarding risks of investing in each Fund, including liquidity risks presented by each Fund’s investment portfolio, is found in each Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.

 

140  


Federal Income Tax Information (unaudited)

 

We are advising you that during the year ended August 31, 2020, the PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF reports the maximum amount allowed per share, but not less than $.03 as a capital gain distribution in accordance with Section 852(b)(3)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

For the year ended August 31, 2020, the Funds report the maximum amount allowable under section 854 of the Internal Revenue Code, but not less than, the following percentages of the ordinary income dividends paid as 1) qualified dividend income (QDI); and 2) eligible for corporate dividends received deduction (DRD):

 

       QDI      DRD  

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

       97.11      92.45

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

       83.12      81.81

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

       92.34      92.51

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

       91.82       

 

For the year ended August 31, 2020, the PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF made an election to pass through the maximum amount of the portion of the ordinary income dividends paid derived from foreign source income as well as any foreign taxes paid by the Fund in accordance with Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code of the following amounts: $70,805 foreign tax credit from recognized foreign source income of $832,478.

 

In January 2021, you will be advised on IRS Form 1099-DIV or substitute 1099-DIV, as to the federal tax status of dividends received by you in calendar year 2020.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs     141  


INFORMATION ABOUT BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS (unaudited)

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

 

Independent Board Members        
       

Name

Year of Birth

Position(s)

Portfolios Overseen

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

  

Other Directorships

Held During

Past Five Years

   Length of
Board Service
       

Ellen S. Alberding

1958

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 95 

   President and Board Member, The Joyce Foundation (charitable foundation) (since 2002); Vice Chair, City Colleges of Chicago (community college system) (2011-2015); Trustee, National Park Foundation (charitable foundation for national park system) (2009-2018); Trustee, Economic Club of Chicago (2009-2016); Trustee, Loyola University (since 2018).    None.    Since December 2017
       

Kevin J. Bannon

1952

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 95

   Retired; Managing Director (April 2008-May 2015) and Chief Investment Officer (October 2008-November 2013) of Highmount Capital LLC (registered investment adviser); formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer (April 1993-August 2007) of Bank of New York Company; President (May 2003-May 2007) of BNY Hamilton Family of Mutual Funds.    Director of Urstadt Biddle Properties (equity real estate investment trust) (since September 2008).    Since December 2017

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs


Independent Board Members          
       

Name

Year of Birth

Position(s)

Portfolios Overseen

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

  

Other Directorships

Held During

Past Five Years

  

Length of

Board Service

       

Linda W. Bynoe

1952

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 95

   President and Chief Executive Officer (since March 1995) and formerly Chief Operating Officer (December 1989-February 1995) of Telemat Limited LLC (formerly, Telemat Ltd). (management consulting); formerly Vice President (January 1985-June 1989) at Morgan Stanley & Co. (broker-dealer).    Director of Anixter International, Inc. (communication products distributor) (since January 2006–June 2020); Director of Northern Trust Corporation (financial services) (since April 2006); Trustee of Equity Residential (residential real estate) (since December 2009).    Since December 2017
       

Barry H. Evans

1960

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 94

   Retired; formerly President (2005 – 2016), Global Chief Operating Officer (2014–2016), Chief Investment Officer – Global Head of Fixed Income (1998-2014), and various portfolio manager roles (1986-2006), Manulife Asset Management U.S.    Formerly Director, Manulife Trust Company (2011-2018); formerly Director, Manulife Asset Management Limited (2015-2017); formerly Chairman of the Board of Directors of Manulife Asset Management U.S. (2005-2016); formerly Chairman of the Board, Declaration Investment Management and Research (2008-2016).    Since December 2017
       

Keith F. Hartstein

1956

Board Member & Independent Chair

Portfolios Overseen: 95

   Executive Committee of the IDC Board of Governors (since October 2019); Retired; Member (since November 2014) of the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council (IDC) (organization of independent mutual fund directors); formerly President and Chief Executive Officer (2005-2012), Senior Vice President (2004-2005), Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing (1997-2004), and various executive management positions (1990-1997), John Hancock Funds, LLC (asset management); Chairman, Investment Company Institute’s Sales Force Marketing Committee (2003-2008).    None.    Since December 2017

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Independent Board Members          
       

Name

Year of Birth

Position(s)

Portfolios Overseen

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

  

Other Directorships

Held During

Past Five Years

  

Length of

Board Service

       

Laurie Simon Hodrick

1962

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 94

   A. Barton Hepburn Professor Emerita of Economics in the Faculty of Business, Columbia Business School (since 2018); Visiting Professor of Law, Stanford Law School (since 2015); Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University (since 2015); Sole Member, ReidCourt LLC (since 2008) (a consulting firm); formerly A. Barton Hepburn Professor of Economics in the Faculty of Business, Columbia Business School (1996-2017); formerly Managing Director, Global Head of Alternative Investment Strategies, Deutsche Bank (2006-2008).    Independent Director, Synnex Corporation (since April 2019) (information technology); Independent Director, Kabbage, Inc. (since July 2018) (financial services); Independent Director, Corporate Capital Trust (2017-2018) (a business development company).    Since December 2017
       

Michael S. Hyland, CFA 1945

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 95

   Retired (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.    Since December 2017
       

Brian K. Reid

1961

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 94

   Retired; formerly Chief Economist for the Investment Company Institute (ICI) (2005-2017); formerly Senior Economist and Director of Industry and Financial Analysis at the ICI (1998-2004); formerly Senior Economist, Industry and Financial Analysis at the ICI (1996-1998); formerly Staff Economist at the Federal Reserve Board (1989-1996); Director, ICI Mutual Insurance Company (2012-2017).    None.    Since March 2018

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs


Independent Board Members          
       

Name

Year of Birth

Position(s)

Portfolios Overseen

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

  

Other Directorships

Held During

Past Five Years

  

Length of

Board Service

       

Grace C. Torres

1959

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen: 94

   Retired; formerly Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of the PGIM Funds, Target Funds, Advanced Series Trust, Prudential Variable Contract Accounts and The Prudential Series Fund (1998-June 2014); Assistant Treasurer (March 1999-June 2014) and Senior Vice President (September 1999-June 2014) of PGIM Investments LLC; Assistant Treasurer (May 2003-June 2014) and Vice President (June 2005-June 2014) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Assistant Treasurer (May 2003-June 2014) of Prudential Annuities Advisory Services, Inc.    Formerly Director (July 2015-January 2018) of Sun Bancorp, Inc. N.A. and Sun National Bank; Director (since January 2018) of OceanFirst Financial Corp. and OceanFirst Bank.    Since December 2017

 

Interested Board Members          
       

Name

Year of Birth

Position(s)

Portfolios Overseen

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

  

Other Directorships

Held During

Past Five Years

  

Length of

Board Service

       

Stuart S. Parker

1962

Board Member &

President

Portfolios Overseen: 96

   President of PGIM Investments LLC (formerly known as Prudential Investments LLC) (since January 2012); Executive Vice President of Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (since December 2012); formerly Executive Vice President of Jennison Associates LLC and Head of Retail Distribution of PGIM Investments LLC (June 2005-December 2011).    None.    Since December 2017

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Interested Board Members          
       

Name

Year of Birth

Position(s)

Portfolios Overseen

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

  

Other Directorships

Held During

Past Five Years

  

Length of

Board Service

       

Scott E. Benjamin

1973

Board Member & Vice President

Portfolios Overseen: 96

   Executive Vice President (since June 2009) of PGIM Investments LLC; Vice President (since June 2012) of Prudential Investment Management Services LLC; Executive Vice President (since September 2009) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President of Product Development and Marketing, PGIM Investments (since February 2006); formerly Vice President of Product Development and Product Management, PGIM Investments LLC (2003-2006).    None.    Since December 2017

 

Fund Officers(a)            
     

Name

Date of Birth

Fund Position

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years    Length of
Service as Fund
Officer
     

Claudia DiGiacomo

1974

Chief Legal Officer

   Chief Legal Officer of PGIM Investments LLC (since August 2020); Chief Legal Officer of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (since August 2020); Chief Legal Officer of PIFM Holdco, LLC (since August 2020); Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since January 2005) of Prudential; and Corporate Counsel of AST Investment Services, Inc. (since August 2020); formerly Associate at Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP (1999-2004).    Since December 2017
     

Dino Capasso

1974

Chief Compliance Officer

   Chief Compliance Officer (July 2019-Present) of PGIM Investments LLC; Chief Compliance Officer (July 2019-Present) of the PGIM Funds, Target Funds, Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund, Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc., PGIM Global High Yield Fund, Inc., and PGIM High Yield Bond Fund, Inc.; Vice President and Deputy Chief Compliance Officer (June 2017-2019) of PGIM Investments LLC; formerly, Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel (January 2016-June 2017), and Vice President and Counsel (February 2012-December 2015) of Pacific Investment Management Company LLC.    Since March 2018

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs


Fund Officers(a)          
     

Name

Date of Birth

Fund Position

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years   

Length of Service as Fund

Officer

     

Andrew R. French

1962

Secretary

   Vice President (since December 2018 - present) of PGIM Investments LLC; Formerly, Vice President and Corporate Counsel (2010-2018) of Prudential; formerly Director and Corporate Counsel (2006-2010) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of PGIM Investments LLC; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC.    Since December 2017
     

Diana N. Huffman

1982

Assistant Secretary

   Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since September 2015) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since August 2020) of PGIM Investments LLC; formerly Associate at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP (2009-2015).    Since March 2019
     

Melissa Gonzalez

1980

Assistant Secretary

   Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since September 2018) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since August 2020) of PGIM Investments LLC; formerly Director and Corporate Counsel (March 2014-September 2018) of Prudential.    Since March 2020
     

Patrick E. McGuinness

1986

Assistant Secretary

   Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since August 2020) of PGIM Investments LLC; Director and Corporate Counsel (since February 2017) of Prudential; and Corporate Counsel (2012 – 2017) of IIL, Inc.    Since June 2020
     

Christian J. Kelly

1975

Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

   Vice President, Head of Fund Administration of PGIM Investments LLC (since November 2018); formerly, Director of Fund Administration of Lord Abbett & Co. LLC (2009-2018), Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Lord Abbett Family of Funds (2017-2018); Director of Accounting, Avenue Capital Group (2008-2009); Senior Manager, Investment Management Practice of Deloitte & Touche LLP (1998-2007).    Since January 2019
     

Lana Lomuti

1967

Assistant Treasurer

   Vice President (since 2007) and Director (2005-2007), within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; formerly Assistant Treasurer (December 2007-February 2014) of The Greater China Fund, Inc.    Since December 2017
     

Russ Shupak

1973

Assistant Treasurer

   Vice President (since 2017) and Director (2013-2017), within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.    Since October 2019
     

Deborah Conway

1969

Assistant Treasurer

   Vice President (since 2017) and Director (2007-2017), within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.    Since October 2019
     

Elyse M. McLaughlin

1974

Assistant Treasurer

   Vice President (since 2017) and Director (2011-2017), within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.    Since October 2019

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Fund Officers(a)          
     

Name

Date of Birth

Fund Position

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years   

Length of Service as Fund

Officer

     

Charles H. Smith

1973

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer

   Vice President, Corporate Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering Unit (since January 2015) of Prudential; committee member of the American Council of Life Insurers Anti-Money Laundering and Critical Infrastructure Committee (since January 2016); formerly Global Head of Economic Sanctions Compliance at AIG Property Casualty (February 2007-December 2014); Assistant Attorney General at the New York State Attorney General’s Office, Division of Public Advocacy. (August 1998-January 2007).    Since December 2017

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

Explanatory Notes to Tables:

 

 

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

 

 

Unless otherwise noted, the address of all Board Members and Officers is c/o PGIM Investments LLC, 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4410.

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

As used in the Fund Officers table “Prudential” means The Prudential Insurance Company of America.

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs


Approval of Advisory Agreements (unaudited)

 

The Funds’ Board of Trustees

 

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF, PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF, PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF and PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”)1 consists of eleven individuals, nine of whom are not “interested persons” of the Funds, 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 each Fund and its operations, and performs the various duties imposed on the Trustees 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 Director. The Board has established four standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee, and two Investment Committees. Each committee is chaired by, and composed of, Independent Trustees.

 

Annual Approval of the Funds’ Advisory Agreements

 

As required under the 1940 Act, the Board determines annually whether to renew each Fund’s management agreement with PGIM Investments LLC (“PGIM Investments”) and each Fund’s subadvisory agreement with QMA LLC (“QMA”). In considering the renewal of the agreements, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, met on May 27, 2020 and on June 9-11, 2020 and approved the renewal of the agreements through July 31, 2021, after concluding that the renewal of the agreements was in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders.

 

In advance of the meetings, the Board requested and 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 PGIM Investments and QMA. Also, the Board considered comparisons with other mutual funds in relevant Peer Universes and Peer Groups, as is further discussed below.

 

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 PGIM Investments, the subadviser and, as relevant, its affiliates, the performance of each Fund, the profitability of PGIM Investments and its affiliates, expenses and fees, and the potential for economies of scale that may be shared with each Fund and its shareholders as each 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 each Fund. In connection with its deliberations, the Board considered information provided by PGIM Investments

 

1 

Each of the Funds is a series of PGIM ETF Trust.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs


Approval of Advisory Agreements (continued)

 

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 May 27, 2020 and on June 9-11, 2020.

 

The Trustees determined that the overall arrangements between each Fund and PGIM Investments, which serves as each Fund’s investment manager pursuant to a management agreement, and between PGIM Investments and QMA, which serves as each Fund’s subadviser pursuant to the terms of a subadvisory agreement with PGIM Investments, are in the best interests of each 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 each Fund by PGIM Investments and, QMA. The Board noted that QMA is affiliated with PGIM Investments. The Board considered the services provided by PGIM Investments, including but not limited to the oversight of the subadviser for each Fund, as well as the provision of fund recordkeeping, compliance and other services to each Fund, and PGIM Investments’ role as administrator of the Funds’ liquidity risk management program. With respect to PGIM Investments’ oversight of the subadviser, the Board noted that PGIM Investments’ Strategic Investment Research Group (“SIRG”), which is a business unit of PGIM Investments, is responsible for monitoring and reporting to PGIM Investments’ senior management on the performance and operations of the subadviser. The Board also considered that PGIM Investments pays the salaries of all of the officers and interested Trustees of each Fund who are part of Fund management. The Board also considered the investment subadvisory services provided by QMA, including investment research and security selection, as well as adherence to each Fund’s investment restrictions and compliance with applicable Fund policies and procedures. The Board considered PGIM Investments’ evaluation of the subadviser, as well as PGIM Investments’ recommendation, based on its review of the subadviser, to renew the subadvisory agreement.

 

The Board considered the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of PGIM Investments’ senior management responsible for the oversight of each Fund and QMA, and also considered the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of QMA’s portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund’s portfolio.

 

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The Board was provided with information pertaining to PGIM Investments’ and QMA’s organizational structure, senior management, investment operations, and other relevant information pertaining to PGIM Investments and QMA. The Board also noted that it received favorable compliance reports from the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) as to PGIM Investments and QMA.

 

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

 

Costs of Services and Profits Realized by PGIM Investments

 

The Board was provided with information on the profitability of PGIM Investments and its affiliates in serving as each Fund’s investment manager. The Board discussed with PGIM Investments the methodology utilized in assembling the information regarding profitability and considered its reasonableness. The Board recognized that it is difficult to make 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. Taking these factors into account, the Board concluded that the profitability of PGIM Investments and its affiliates in relation to the services rendered was not unreasonable.

 

Economies of Scale

 

The Board received and discussed information concerning economies of scale that PGIM Investments may realize as each Fund’s assets grow beyond current levels. During the course of time, the Board has considered information regarding the launch date of each Fund, the management fees of each Fund compared to those of similarly managed funds and PGIM Investments’ investment in each Fund over time. The Board noted that economies of scale can be shared with each Fund in other ways, including low management fees from inception, additional technological and personnel investments to enhance shareholder services, and maintaining existing expense structures in the face of a rising cost environment. The Board also considered PGIM Investments’ assertion that it continually evaluates the management fee schedule of each Fund and the potential to share economies of scale through breakpoints or fee waivers as asset levels increase.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs


Approval of Advisory Agreements (continued)

 

The Board recognized the inherent limitations of any analysis of economies of scale, stemming largely from the Board’s understanding that most of PGIM Investments’ costs are not specific to individual funds, but rather are incurred across a variety of products and services.

 

Other Benefits to PGIM Investments, and QMA

 

The Board considered potential ancillary benefits that might be received by PGIM Investments, QMA and their affiliates as a result of their relationship with each Fund. The Board concluded that potential benefits to be derived by PGIM Investments included transfer agency fees received by each Fund’s transfer agent (which is affiliated with PGIM Investments), as well as benefits to its reputation or other intangible benefits resulting from PGIM Investments’ association with each Fund. The Board concluded that the potential benefits to be derived by QMA included the 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 its reputation. The Board concluded that the benefits derived by PGIM Investments and QMA were consistent with the types of benefits generally derived by investment managers and subadvisers to mutual funds.

 

Performance of the Funds / Fees and Expenses

 

The Board considered certain additional factors and made related conclusions relating to the historical performance of each Fund for the one-year period ended December 31, 2019. The Board considered that each Fund commenced operations in Q4 of 2018 and that longer-term performance was not yet available.

 

The Board also considered each Fund’s actual management fee, as well as each Fund’s net total expense ratio, for the fiscal period ended August 31, 2019. The Board considered the management fee for each Fund as compared to the management fee charged by PGIM Investments to other funds and the fee charged by other advisers to comparable mutual funds in a Peer Group. The actual management fee represents the fee rate actually paid by Fund shareholders and includes any fee waivers or reimbursements. The net total expense ratio for each Fund represents the actual expense ratio incurred by Fund shareholders.

 

The mutual funds included in the Peer Universe, which was used to consider performance, and the Peer Group, which was used to consider expenses and fees, were objectively determined by Broadridge, an independent provider of mutual fund data. In certain circumstances, PGIM Investments also provided supplemental Peer Universe or Peer Group information for reasons addressed with the Board. The comparisons placed each

 

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Fund in various quartiles over various periods, 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 section below summarizes key factors considered by the Board and the Board’s conclusions regarding each Fund’s performance, fees and overall expenses. The table sets forth net performance comparisons (which reflect the impact on performance of fund expenses, or any subsidies, expense caps or waivers that may be applicable) with the Peer Universe, actual management fees with the Peer Group (which reflect the impact of any subsidies or fee waivers), and net total expenses with the Peer Group, each of which were key factors considered by the Board.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF

 

Net Performance    1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years
    

4th Quartile

   N/A    N/A    N/A
Actual Management Fees: 1st Quartile
Net Total Expenses: 1st Quartile

 

   

The Board noted that the Fund underperformed its benchmark index over the one-year period ended December 31, 2019.

   

The Board noted that the Fund does not yet have a three-year performance record and that, therefore, the subadviser should have more time to develop that record.

   

The Board and PGIM Investments agreed to retain the Fund’s existing contractual fee waiver, pursuant to which PGIM Investments waives any management fees it receives from the Fund in an amount equal to the subadvisory fees paid by the Fund to the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund.

   

The Board concluded that, in light of the above, it would be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders to continue to allow the Fund to create a longer-term performance record, and to renew the agreements.

   

The Board concluded that the management fees (including subadvisory fees) and total expenses were reasonable in light of the services provided.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF

 

Net Performance    1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years
    

3rd Quartile

   N/A    N/A    N/A
Actual Management Fees: 2nd Quartile
Net Total Expenses: 1st Quartile

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs


Approval of Advisory Agreements (continued)

 

   

The Board noted that the Fund underperformed its benchmark index over the one-year period ended December 31, 2019.

   

The Board noted that the Fund does not yet have a three-year performance record and that, therefore, the subadviser should have more time to develop that record.

   

The Board and PGIM Investments agreed to retain the Fund’s existing contractual fee waiver, pursuant to which PGIM Investments waives any management fees it receives from the Fund in an amount equal to the subadvisory fees paid by the Fund to the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund.

   

The Board concluded that, in light of the above, it would be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders to continue to allow the Fund to create a longer-term performance record, and to renew the agreements.

   

The Board concluded that the management fees (including subadvisory fees) and total expenses were reasonable in light of the services provided.

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF

 

Net Performance    1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years
    

4th Quartile

   N/A    N/A    N/A
Actual Management Fees: 1st Quartile
Net Total Expenses: 1st Quartile

 

   

The Board noted that the Fund underperformed its benchmark index over the one-year period ended December 31, 2019.

   

The Board noted that the Fund does not yet have a three-year performance record and that, therefore, the subadviser should have more time to develop that record.

   

The Board and PGIM Investments agreed to retain the Fund’s existing contractual fee waiver, pursuant to which PGIM Investments waives any management fees it receives from the Fund in an amount equal to the subadvisory fees paid by the Fund to the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund.

   

The Board concluded that, in light of the above, it would be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders to continue to allow the Fund to create a longer-term performance record, and to renew the agreements.

   

The Board concluded that the management fees (including subadvisory fees) and total expenses were reasonable in light of the services provided.

 

Visit our website at pgim.com/investments  


PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF

 

Net Performance    1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years
    

2nd Quartile

   N/A    N/A    N/A
Actual Management Fees: 1st Quartile
Net Total Expenses: 1st Quartile

 

   

The Board noted that the Fund outperformed its benchmark index over the one-year period ended December 31, 2019.

   

The Board noted that the Fund does not yet have a three-year performance record and that, therefore, the subadviser should have more time to develop that record.

   

The Board and PGIM Investments agreed to retain the Fund’s existing contractual fee waiver, pursuant to which PGIM Investments waives any management fees it receives from the Fund in an amount equal to the subadvisory fees paid by the Fund to the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund.

   

The Board concluded that, in light of the above, it would be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders to continue to allow the Fund to create a longer-term performance record, and to renew the agreements.

   

The Board concluded that the management fees (including subadvisory fees) and total expenses were reasonable in light of the services provided.

 

*    *    *

 

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

 

PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs


 MAIL    TELEPHONE    WEBSITE

655 Broad Street

Newark, NJ 07102

 

(800) 225-1852

 

pgim.com/investments

 

PROXY VOTING
The Board of Trustees of the Funds has delegated to the Funds’ subadviser the responsibility for voting any proxies and maintaining proxy recordkeeping with respect to each 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 sec.gov. Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the Funds’ website and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website.

 

TRUSTEES
Ellen S. Alberding Kevin J. Bannon Scott E. Benjamin Linda W. Bynoe Barry H. Evans Keith F. Hartstein Laurie Simon Hodrick Michael S. Hyland Stuart S. Parker Brian K. Reid Grace C. Torres

 

OFFICERS
Stuart S. Parker, President Scott E. Benjamin, Vice President Christian J. Kelly, Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer Claudia DiGiacomo, Chief Legal Officer Dino Capasso, Chief Compliance Officer Charles H. Smith, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer Andrew R. French, Secretary Melissa Gonzalez, Assistant Secretary Diana N. Huffman, Assistant Secretary Patrick McGuinness, Assistant Secretary Lana Lomuti, Assistant Treasurer Russ Shupak, Assistant Treasurer Elyse McLaughlin, Assistant Treasurer Deborah Conway, Assistant Treasurer

 

MANAGER   PGIM Investments LLC  

655 Broad Street

Newark, NJ 07102

 

SUBADVISER   QMA LLC  

Gateway Center Two

100 Mulberry Street

Newark, NJ 07102

 

DISTRIBUTOR   Prudential Investment
Management Services LLC
 

655 Broad Street

Newark, NJ 07102

 

CUSTODIAN/TRANSFER AGENT   Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.  

50 Post Office Square

Boston, MA 02110

 

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 Funds carefully before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other information about the Funds. An investor may obtain the prospectus and summary prospectus for each Fund by visiting our website at pgim.com/investments or by calling (800) 225-1852. The prospectus and summary prospectus for each Fund should be read carefully before investing.

 

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

 

SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS WITH TRUSTEES
Shareholders can communicate directly with the Board of Trustees by writing to the Chair of the Board, PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha ETFs, PGIM Investments, Attn: Board of Trustees, 655 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102. Shareholders can communicate directly with an individual Trustee by writing to that Trustee at 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 as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT filings are available on the Commission’s website at sec.gov.

 

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.

 

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

 

 

Fund   Ticker Symbol
PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Large-Cap Core ETF   PQLC
PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Growth ETF   PQSG
PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha Small-Cap Value ETF   PQSV
PGIM QMA Strategic Alpha International Equity ETF   PQIN

 

ETF1002E


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 Ms. Grace C. Torres, member of the Board’s Audit Committee is an “audit committee financial expert,” and that she is “independent,” for purposes of this item.

Item 4 – Principal Accountant Fees and Services –

(a) Audit Fees

For the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019, KPMG LLP (“KPMG”), the Registrant’s principal accountant, billed the Registrant $137,652 and $126,900 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

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, fees of $1,087 were billed to the Registrant for services rendered by KPMG in connection with the auditor transition. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019, there are no fees to report.

(c) Tax Fees

For the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019: none.

(d) All Other Fees

For the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019: none.

(e) (1) Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

THE PGIM MUTUAL FUNDS

AUDIT COMMITTEE POLICY

on

Pre-Approval of Services Provided by the Independent

Accountants


The Audit Committee of each PGIM 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 the 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

non-audit services will not adversely affect the independence of the independent accountants. Such proposed non-audit 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 (except for fund merger support services) and are not presented to the Audit Committee as part of the annual pre-approval process are subject to an authorized pre-approval by the Audit Committee so long as the estimated fee for those services does not exceed $30,000. Any services provided under such pre-approval will be reported to the Audit Committee at its next regular meeting. Should the amount of such services exceed $30,000 any additional fees will be subject to pre-approval by the Committee Chair (or any other Committee member on whom this responsibility has been delegated). Fees related to fund merger support services are subject to a separate authorized pre-approval by the Audit Committee with fees determined on a per occurrence and merger complexity basis.


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 are subject to an authorized pre-approval by the Audit Committee so long as the estimated fee for those services does not exceed $30,000. Any services provided under such pre-approval will be reported to the Audit Committee at its next regular meeting. Should the amount of such services exceed $30,000 any additional fees will be subject to pre-approval by the Committee Chair (or any other Committee member on whom this responsibility has been delegated).

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 PGIM Fund Complex

Certain non-audit services provided to PGIM Investments LLC or any of its affiliates that also provide ongoing services to the PGIM 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 $30,000. 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 PGIM 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 PGIM Investments and its affiliates.

(e) (2) Percentage of services referred to in 4(b) – 4(d) that were approved by the audit committee

For the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019: none.

(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

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 ended August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 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 –

The registrant has a separately designated standing audit committee (the “Audit Committee”) established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The members of the Audit Committee are Grace C. Torres (Chair), Laurie Simon Hodrick, Michael S. Hyland, CFA, Brian K. Reid and Keith F. Hartstein (ex-officio)

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 – There have been no material changes to these procedures.

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 – Controls and Procedures - Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies – Not applicable.

Item 13 – 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:     PGIM ETF Trust
By:     /s/ Andrew R. French
    Andrew R. French
    Secretary
Date:     October 15, 2020

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/ Stuart S. Parker
    Stuart S. Parker
                         President and Principal Executive Officer
Date:     October 15, 2020
By:     /s/ Christian J. Kelly
    Christian J. Kelly
    Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer
Date:     October 15, 2020