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:   811-09805
Exact name of registrant as specified in charter:   Prudential Investment Portfolios 3
(This Form N-CSR relates solely to the Registrant’s PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund, PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund and PGIM Strategic Bond Fund)
Address of principal executive offices:   655 Broad Street, 6th Floor
  Newark, New Jersey 07102
Name and address of agent for service:   Andrew R. French
  655 Broad Street, 6th Floor
  Newark, New Jersey 07102
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:   800-225-1852
Date of fiscal year end:   2/29/2024
Date of reporting period:   2/29/2024


Item 1 – Reports to Stockholders


LOGO

 

PGIM JENNISON FOCUSED GROWTH FUND

 

ANNUAL REPORT

FEBRUARY 29, 2024

 

 

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

     8  

Fees and Expenses

       11  

Holdings and Financial Statements

     13  

 

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.

Mutual funds are distributed by Prudential Investment Management Services LLC, member SIPC. Jennison Associates LLC is a registered investment adviser. Both are Prudential Financial companies. © 2024 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities. Jennison Associates, Jennison, 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 Jennison Focused Growth Fund informative and useful. The report covers performance for the 12-month period that ended February 29, 2024.

 

Despite elevated inflation, recession fears, and a banking industry crisis, financial markets rallied and the global economy remained resilient throughout the period. Employers continued hiring, consumers continued spending, and home prices rose as inflation eventually cooled and the economic outlook improved.

Stocks rose for much of the period and then surged late in the period when the Federal Reserve (the Fed) signaled several potential interest-rate cuts in 2024. For the entire period, equities in both US and international markets posted gains.

After falling much of the period, bond markets rebounded when the Fed began moderating its rate-hiking cycle. Higher interest rates also offered investors an additional cushion from fixed income volatility. US and global investment-grade bonds, along with US high yield corporate bonds and emerging market debt, all posted gains during the period.

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 a broad spectrum of 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 provide access to active investment strategies across the global markets in the pursuit of consistent outperformance for investors. PGIM is the world’s 14th-largest investment manager with more than $1.3 trillion in assets under management. Our scale and investment expertise allow us to deliver a diversified suite of actively managed solutions across a broad spectrum of asset classes and investment styles.

Thank you for choosing our family of funds.

Sincerely,

 

 

LOGO

Stuart S. Parker, President and Principal Executive Officer

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund

April 15, 2024

 

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund 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 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 2/29/24 
   One Year (%)   Five Years (%)   Ten Years (%) 

Class A

      

(with sales charges)

   48.68   14.16   13.15

(without sales charges)

   57.34   15.46   13.79

Class C

      

(with sales charges)

   55.23   14.60   12.94

(without sales charges)

   56.23   14.60   12.94

Class Z

      

(without sales charges)

   57.80   15.81   14.12

Class R6

      

(without sales charges)

   57.94   15.92   14.16

Russell 1000® Growth Index

      
   45.93   18.77   15.66

S&P 500 Index

      
     30.45   14.76   12.70

 

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Growth of a $10,000 Investment (unaudited)

 

LOGO

The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund’s Class Z shares with a similar investment in the Russell 1000 Growth Index and the S&P 500 Index by portraying the initial account values at the beginning of the 10-year period for Class Z shares (February 28, 2014) and the account values at the end of the current fiscal year (February 29, 2024) as measured on a quarterly basis. 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. The line graph provides information for Class Z shares only. As indicated in the tables provided earlier, performance for other share classes will vary due to the differing fees and expenses applicable to each share class (as indicated in the following paragraphs). Without waiver of fees and/or expense reimbursements, if any, the returns would have been lower.

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 in the table and the graph 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.

 

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund 5


Your Fund’s Performance (continued)

 

The returns in the tables do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or following the redemption of Fund shares. The average annual total returns take into account applicable sales charges, which are described for each share class in the table below.

 

         
    Class A   Class C    Class Z    Class R6 
         
Maximum initial sales charge   5.50% of the public offering price   None   None   None
Contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) (as a percentage of the lower of the original purchase price or the net asset value at redemption)   1.00% on sales of $1 million or more made within 12 months of purchase   1.00% on sales made within 12 months of purchase   None   None
Annual distribution and service (12b-1) fees (shown as a percentage of average daily net assets)   0.30% (0.25% currently)   1.00%   None   None

Benchmark Definitions

Russell 1000 Growth Index—The Russell 1000 Growth Index is an unmanaged index which contains those securities in the Russell 1000 Index with an above-average growth orientation. Companies in this Index tend to exhibit higher price-to-book and price-to-earnings ratios, lower dividend yields, and higher forecasted growth rates.

S&P 500 Index*—The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of over 500 stocks of large US public companies. It gives a broad look at how large company stocks in the United States have performed.

*The S&P 500 Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and/or its affiliates and has been licensed for use by PGIM, Inc. and/or its affiliates. Copyright © 2024 S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global, Inc., and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Redistribution or reproduction in whole or in part are prohibited without written permission of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. For more information on any of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC’s indices please visit www.spdji.com. S&P® is a registered trademark of S&P Global and Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC.

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.

 

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Presentation of Fund Holdings as of 2/29/24

 

 

 

 Ten Largest Holdings

   Line of Business    % of Net Assets 

Microsoft Corp.

   Software    9.6%

Amazon.com, Inc.

   Broadline Retail    8.6%

NVIDIA Corp.

   Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment    8.6%

Meta Platforms, Inc. (Class A Stock)

   Interactive Media & Services    5.6%

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

   Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment    5.3%

Eli Lilly & Co.

   Pharmaceuticals    4.8%

Mastercard, Inc. (Class A Stock)

   Financial Services    4.1%

Broadcom, Inc.

   Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment    3.8%

Apple, Inc.

   Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals    3.5%

MercadoLibre, Inc. (Brazil)

   Broadline Retail    3.5%

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

 

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund 7


Strategy and Performance Overview*

(unaudited)

How did the Fund perform?

The PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund’s Class Z shares returned 57.80% in the 12-month reporting period that ended February 29, 2024, outperforming the 45.93% return of the Russell 1000 Growth Index (the Index).

What were the market conditions?

Equities rose strongly in 2023, led by gains in growth stocks, especially technology companies. The success of efforts by the US Federal Reserve (the Fed) to lower inflation, along with clearing of the supply chain, resilient consumer spending, and—most importantly—healthy earnings drove the strong performance.

 

Many investors anticipated a significantly greater slowdown and a possible recession that, ultimately, failed to occur. The Fed’s expeditious steps following the failure of three major US banks in March 2023 provided stability and calm, resulting in a remarkably short-lived period of unease.

 

Volatility in capital markets reflected economic and geopolitical realities in different ways throughout the period, as evidenced by the fluctuations of the 10-year US Treasury bond and federal funds rate.

 

The grudging pace of the US economic slowdown may have been the biggest surprise of the year. Consumer resiliency in the face of geopolitical and macroeconomic turbulence was the primary reason, reflecting low unemployment, balance sheet strength, and rising financial asset prices.

What worked?

Many of the top absolute contributors during the reporting period benefited from the extraordinary possibilities of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

 

 

Nvidia Corp. (information technology) shares surged as a broadening set of consumer internet customers adopted Nvidia platforms for large language models (LLMs), recommendation systems, and generative AI. Nvidia’s graphics processing units (GPUs) have become essential for the training of LLMs, as well as for the inferencing abilities that the models, once trained, can deliver.

 

 

Microsoft Corp. (information technology) shares outperformed, benefiting from the company’s AI positioning and gaining share across multiple product categories, notably O365 Commercial, Azure, and a rebound in Windows as PC demand continued to stabilize at pre-pandemic levels.

 

 

Amazon.com Inc. (consumer discretionary) shares gained on rising demand for cloud computing services that benefited the company’s AWS division, while its e-commerce performance remained robust, and free cash flow improved.

 

 

Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (information technology) shares benefited from growing ecosystem momentum and expectations for the total addressable AI market to continue to increase.

 

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Eli Lilly and Company (healthcare) shares outperformed as scripts for Mounjaro and Zepbound reached new highs.

What didn’t work?

Adyen NV (financials), a global digital payments company based in Amsterdam, saw dramatic deceleration in revenue growth, mostly concentrated in the US online channel. As a result, Jennison eliminated the position during the reporting period.

 

Mobileye Global Inc. (consumer discretionary), announced a revenue shortfall due to an inventory buildup of its basic EyeQ chip over the last two years. Jennison sold the Fund’s position during the reporting period due to significantly reduced visibility into future revenue growth.

 

Porsche AG (consumer discretionary) faced weakening margins and a slowdown in China, leading Jennison to eliminate the Fund’s position during the reporting period.

 

T-Mobile US Inc. (communication services) reported disappointing forward guidance, pressuring margins and leading Jennison to sell the Fund’s position during the reporting period.

 

AstraZeneca PLC (healthcare) shares declined when the company announced later in the reporting period that clinical data on pipeline products were not as clean as hoped. Jennison believes that share weakness during the period also reflected a lack of investor patience for complicated stories in a sector that is out of favor (excluding Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk) and believes AstraZeneca still has a promising pipeline.

Current outlook

Taken together, the last two-plus years encompassed financial market distress driven by historic inflationary pressures and interest rate increases, followed by a rebound in asset prices to levels that, in some cases, reached near peaks. Valuation has played a significant role in both the decline and rebound of asset prices. This period has been challenging, but Jennison notes that many Fund holdings have meaningfully participated in the recovery that has largely occurred during the reporting period. Many companies have navigated throughout the environment in strong financial and operational health.

 

Secular growth opportunities are incorporated in Jennison’s forecasts and which Jennison believes should drive earnings and revenue increases for the Fund ahead of Index averages over the investment time horizon. At the same time, a greater portion of this potential is now reflected in higher levels of valuation following share price movements over the past twelve months. Recognizing this, Jennison has made modest adjustments to the size of some of the Fund’s larger holdings. In summary, Jennison believes the Fund’s growth potential over the coming years remains favorable, with an expectation of more measured share price gains in the near term.

*This strategy and performance overview, which discusses what strategies or holdings (including derivatives, if applicable) affected the Fund’s performance, is compiled based on how the Fund performed relative to the Index and is viewed for performance

 

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund 9


Strategy and Performance Overview* (continued)

 

attribution purposes at the aggregate Fund level, which in most instances will not directly correlate to the amounts disclosed in the Statement of Operations which conform to US generally accepted accounting principles.

 

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Fees and Expenses (unaudited)

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

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 held through the six-month period ended February 29, 2024. The example is for illustrative purposes only; you should consult the Prospectus for information on initial and subsequent minimum investment requirements.

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund

    11  


Fees and Expenses (continued)

 

provided in the expense table. Additional fees have the effect of reducing investment returns.

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

 

       
PGIM Jennison Focused
Growth Fund
   Beginning
Account Value
September 1, 2023
   Ending
Account Value
February 29, 2024
   Annualized
Expense
Ratio Based on
the
Six-Month  Period
   Expenses Paid
During the
Six-Month
Period*
       
 Class A   Actual    $1,000.00    $1,242.00    1.05%    $5.85
       
  Hypothetical    $1,000.00    $1,019.64    1.05%    $5.27
       
 Class C   Actual    $1,000.00    $1,237.90    1.78%    $9.90
       
  Hypothetical    $1,000.00    $1,016.01    1.78%    $8.92
       
 Class Z   Actual    $1,000.00    $1,244.00    0.75%    $4.18
       
  Hypothetical    $1,000.00    $1,021.13    0.75%    $3.77
       
 Class R6   Actual    $1,000.00    $1,244.30    0.67%    $3.74
       
    Hypothetical    $1,000.00    $1,021.53    0.67%    $3.37

*Fund expenses (net of fee waivers or subsidies, if any) for each share class are equal to the annualized expense ratio for each share class (provided in the table), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the 182 days in the six-month period ended February 29, 2024, and divided by the 366 days in the Fund’s fiscal year ended February 29, 2024 (to reflect the six-month period). Expenses presented in the table include the expenses of any underlying portfolios in which the Fund may invest.

 

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Schedule of Investments

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description      Shares       

   Value

 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS 100.0%

     

COMMON STOCKS

     

Automobiles 1.6%

                 

Tesla, Inc.*

     125,350      $ 25,305,658  

Banks 1.0%

                 

NU Holdings Ltd. (Brazil) (Class A Stock)*

     1,406,571        15,584,807  

Biotechnology 1.7%

                 

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     64,820        27,272,367  

Broadline Retail 12.1%

                 

Amazon.com, Inc.*

     769,617        136,037,501  

MercadoLibre, Inc. (Brazil)*

     34,710        55,372,863  
     

 

 

 
        191,410,364  

Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail 2.8%

                 

Costco Wholesale Corp.

     60,285        44,845,409  

Entertainment 3.3%

                 

Netflix, Inc.*

     86,562        52,189,961  

Financial Services 4.1%

                 

Mastercard, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     136,628        64,865,509  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies 1.3%

                 

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

     54,180        20,891,808  

Health Care Providers & Services 1.6%

                 

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     50,131        24,744,661  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 1.5%

                 

Airbnb, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     145,550        22,919,758  

Interactive Media & Services 8.4%

                 

Alphabet, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     164,282        22,746,486  

Alphabet, Inc. (Class C Stock)*

     162,946        22,776,592  

Meta Platforms, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     179,774        88,112,630  
     

 

 

 
          133,635,708  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund 13


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description      Shares       

   Value

 

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

IT Services 2.8%

                 

MongoDB, Inc.*

     49,392      $ 22,106,871  

Snowflake, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     114,632        21,582,913  
     

 

 

 
        43,689,784  

Personal Care Products 1.8%

                 

L’Oreal SA (France)

     61,074        29,173,175  

Pharmaceuticals 8.5%

                 

AstraZeneca PLC (United Kingdom), ADR

     257,763        16,538,074  

Eli Lilly & Co.

     99,661        75,112,503  

Novo Nordisk A/S (Denmark), ADR

     356,090        42,648,899  
     

 

 

 
        134,299,476  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 19.8%

                 

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

     437,989        84,326,022  

ASML Holding NV (Netherlands)

     34,744        33,065,170  

Broadcom, Inc.

     46,299        60,211,387  

NVIDIA Corp.

     170,792        135,116,967  
     

 

 

 
        312,719,546  

Software 17.1%

                 

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

     141,209        42,981,195  

Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     65,512        21,235,715  

Microsoft Corp.

     365,364        151,129,165  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.*

     75,830        23,549,006  

ServiceNow, Inc.*

     41,079        31,685,876  
     

 

 

 
          270,580,957  

Specialized REITs 1.0%

                 

American Tower Corp.

     78,060        15,523,012  

Specialty Retail 1.4%

                 

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

     60,065        22,861,340  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 3.5%

                 

Apple, Inc.

     309,800        55,996,350  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 4.7%

                 

Lululemon Athletica, Inc.*

     54,508        25,460,142  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

14


 

 Description      Shares       

   Value

 

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods (cont’d.)

                 

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (France)

     37,255      $ 34,003,965  

NIKE, Inc. (Class B Stock)

     143,208        14,883,607  
     

 

 

 
        74,347,714  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $808,042,322)

 

     1,582,857,364  
     

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT 0.1%

     

AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUND

     

PGIM Core Government Money Market Fund (7-day effective yield 5.545%)
(cost $1,039,268)(wb)

     1,039,268        1,039,268  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS 100.1%
(cost $809,081,590)

 

      1,583,896,632  

Liabilities in excess of other assets (0.1)%

 

     (1,086,717
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS 100.0%

      $ 1,582,809,915  
     

 

 

 

 

 

Below is a list of the abbreviation(s) used in the annual report:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

REITs—Real Estate Investment Trust

SOFR—Secured Overnight Financing Rate

 

*

Non-income producing security.

(wb)

Represents an investment in a Fund affiliated with the Manager.

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.

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund 15


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of February 29, 2024 in valuing such portfolio securities:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Investments in Securities

        
Assets                     

Long-Term Investments

        

Common Stocks

        

Automobiles

   $ 25,305,658      $        $—   

Banks

     15,584,807                

Biotechnology

     27,272,367                

Broadline Retail

     191,410,364                

Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail

     44,845,409                

Entertainment

     52,189,961                

Financial Services

     64,865,509                

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

     20,891,808                

Health Care Providers & Services

     24,744,661                

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

     22,919,758                

Interactive Media & Services

     133,635,708                

IT Services

     43,689,784                

Personal Care Products

            29,173,175         

Pharmaceuticals

     134,299,476                

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

     312,719,546                

Software

     270,580,957                

Specialized REITs

     15,523,012                

Specialty Retail

     22,861,340                

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

     55,996,350                

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

     40,343,749        34,003,965         

Short-Term Investment

        

Affiliated Mutual Fund

     1,039,268                
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,520,719,492      $ 63,177,140        $—   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Industry Classification:

The industry classification of investments and liabilities in excess of other assets shown as a percentage of net assets as of February 29, 2024 were as follows:

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

     19.8

Software

     17.1  

Broadline Retail

     12.1  

Pharmaceuticals

     8.5  

Interactive Media & Services

     8.4  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

     4.7  

Financial Services

     4.1  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

     3.5  

Entertainment

     3.3  

Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail

     2.8  

IT Services

     2.8  

Personal Care Products

     1.8  

Biotechnology

     1.7  

Automobiles

     1.6

Health Care Providers & Services

     1.6  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

     1.5  

Specialty Retail

     1.4  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

     1.3  

Banks

     1.0  

Specialized REITs

     1.0  

Affiliated Mutual Fund

     0.1  
  

 

 

 
     100.1  

Liabilities in excess of other assets

     (0.1
  

 

 

 
     100.0
  

 

 

 
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

16


Statement of Assets and Liabilities

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Assets                                               

 Investments at value:

                    

Unaffiliated investments (cost $808,042,322)

                   $ 1,582,857,364  

Affiliated investments (cost $1,039,268)

                     1,039,268  

 Receivable for Fund shares sold

                     1,611,824  

 Dividends receivable

                     752,237  

 Tax reclaim receivable

                     282,503  

 Prepaid expenses

                     6,267  
                  

 

 

   

 Total Assets

                            1,586,549,463  
                  

 

 

   

 Liabilities

                                              

 Payable for Fund shares purchased

                     2,322,182  

 Management fee payable

                     800,423  

 Distribution fee payable

                     237,987  

 Transfer agent fee payable

                     143,245  

 Accrued expenses and other liabilities

                     133,236  

 Affiliated transfer agent fee payable

                     98,521  

 Trustees’ fees payable

                     3,954  
                  

 

 

   

 Total Liabilities

                     3,739,548  
                  

 

 

   

 Net Assets

                   $ 1,582,809,915  
                  

 

 

   

                                              

 Net assets were comprised of:

                    

Shares of beneficial interest, at par

                   $    67,511  

Paid-in capital in excess of par

                     1,014,136,499  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

                     568,605,905  
                  

 

 

   

 Net assets, February 29, 2024

                   $ 1,582,809,915  
                  

 

 

   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund 17


Statement of Assets and Liabilities

as of February 29, 2024

 

Class A

                 

Net asset value and redemption price per share,

($1,037,944,803 ÷ 45,253,328 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 22.94     

Maximum sales charge (5.50% of offering price)

     1.34     
  

 

 

    

Maximum offering price to public

   $ 24.28     
  

 

 

    

Class C

                 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share,

($47,879,686 ÷ 3,008,061 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 15.92     
  

 

 

    

Class Z

                 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share,

($369,696,575 ÷ 14,329,229 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 25.80     
  

 

 

    

Class R6

                 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share,

($127,288,851 ÷ 4,920,658 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 25.87     
  

 

 

    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

18


Statement of Operations

Year Ended February 29, 2024

 

Net Investment Income (Loss)

        

Income

  

Unaffiliated dividend income (net of $308,873 foreign withholding tax)

   $ 6,773,904  

Affiliated dividend income

     347,953  

Income from securities lending, net (including affiliated income of $242,655)

     269,118  
  

 

 

 

Total income

     7,390,975  
  

 

 

 

Expenses

  

Management fee

     8,852,178  

Distribution fee(a)

     3,022,128  

Transfer agent’s fees and expenses (including affiliated expense of $584,268)(a)

     1,590,256  

Custodian and accounting fees

     104,209  

Shareholders’ reports

     103,591  

Registration fees(a)

     76,315  

Professional fees

     49,051  

Trustees’ fees

     28,471  

Audit fee

     26,156  

Miscellaneous

     64,665  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     13,917,020  

Less:   Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement(a)

     (541,825

      Distribution fee waiver(a)

     (435,344
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     12,939,851  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

     (5,548,876
  

 

 

 

Realized And Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Investment And Foreign Currency Transactions

        

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions (including affiliated of $20,149)

     123,656,558  

Foreign currency transactions

     (3,285
  

 

 

 
     123,653,273  
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

  

Investments (including affiliated of $(25,725))

     487,599,389  

Foreign currencies

     8,011  
  

 

 

 
     487,607,400  
  

 

 

 

Net gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

     611,260,673  
  

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets Resulting From Operations

   $ 605,711,797  
  

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Class specific expenses and waivers were as follows:

 

     Class A   Class C   Class Z   Class R6

Distribution fee

      2,612,066       410,062            

Transfer agent’s fees and expenses

      1,231,164       59,041       297,579       2,472

Registration fees

      19,388       14,861       26,857       15,209

Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement

      (311,540 )       (37,883 )       (148,952 )       (43,450 )

Distribution fee waiver

      (435,344 )                  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund 19


Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    

Year Ended

February 28/29,

 
     2024     2023  

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

                

Operations

    

Net investment income (loss)

   $ (5,548,876   $ (5,999,531

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

     123,653,273       (208,316,961

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

     487,607,400       (161,977,546
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     605,711,797       (376,294,038
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fund share transactions (Net of share conversions)

    

Net proceeds from shares sold

     166,239,228       127,286,266  

Cost of shares purchased

     (299,371,895     (476,548,695
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

     (133,132,667     (349,262,429
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     472,579,130       (725,556,467

Net Assets:

                

Beginning of year

     1,110,230,785       1,835,787,252  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

   $ 1,582,809,915     $ 1,110,230,785  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

20


Financial Highlights

 

 

Class A Shares                              
     Year Ended February 28/29,  
     2024     2023     2022     2021     2020  
   
Per Share Operating Performance(a):                                        
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year     $14.58       $18.46       $24.34       $15.84       $14.91  
Income (loss) from investment operations:                                        
Net investment income (loss)     (0.09     (0.08     (0.20     (0.18     (0.11
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions     8.45       (3.80     (2.10     10.85       1.97  
Total from investment operations     8.36       (3.88     (2.30     10.67       1.86  
Less Dividends and Distributions:                                        
Distributions from net realized gains     -       -       (3.58     (2.17     (0.93
Net asset value, end of year     $22.94       $14.58       $18.46       $24.34       $15.84  
Total Return(b):     57.34     (21.02 )%      (12.51 )%      67.82     12.47
             
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of year (000)     $1,037,945       $739,492       $1,078,256       $485,590       $292,554  
Average net assets (000)     $870,689       $829,415       $653,573       $393,844       $283,060  
Ratios to average net assets(c):                                        
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement     1.05     1.05     1.05     1.07     1.10
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement     1.14     1.14     1.14     1.15     1.19
Net investment income (loss)     (0.49 )%      (0.53 )%      (0.86 )%      (0.84 )%      (0.66 )% 
Portfolio turnover rate(d)     34     49     67     74     72

 

(a)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)

Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.

(c)

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

(d)

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund 21


Financial Highlights (continued)

 

 

Class C Shares                              
     Year Ended February 28/29,  
     2024     2023     2022     2021     2020  
   
Per Share Operating Performance(a):                                        
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year     $10.19       $13.00       $18.25       $12.29       $11.84  
Income (loss) from investment operations:                                        
Net investment income (loss)     (0.15     (0.13     (0.28     (0.25     (0.17
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions     5.88       (2.68     (1.39     8.38       1.55  
Total from investment operations     5.73       (2.81     (1.67     8.13       1.38  
Less Dividends and Distributions:                                        
Distributions from net realized gains     -       -       (3.58     (2.17     (0.93
Net asset value, end of year     $15.92       $10.19       $13.00       $18.25       $12.29  
Total Return(b):     56.23     (21.62 )%      (13.27 )%      66.59     11.73
             
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of year (000)     $47,880       $36,391       $60,205       $59,185       $39,542  
Average net assets (000)     $41,006       $43,727       $60,666       $51,793       $44,576  
Ratios to average net assets(c):                                        
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement     1.78     1.78     1.79     1.79     1.82
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement     1.87     1.87     1.82     1.82     1.86
Net investment income (loss)     (1.22 )%      (1.26 )%      (1.61 )%      (1.56 )%      (1.39 )% 
Portfolio turnover rate(d)     34     49     67     74     72

 

(a)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)

Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.

(c)

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

(d)

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

22


 

Class Z Shares                              
     Year Ended February 28/29,  
     2024     2023     2022     2021     2020  
   
Per Share Operating Performance(a):                                        
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year     $16.35       $20.64       $26.76       $17.23       $16.09  
Income (loss) from investment operations:                                        
Net investment income (loss)     (0.04     (0.04     (0.15     (0.12     (0.05
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions     9.49       (4.25     (2.39     11.82       2.12  
Total from investment operations     9.45       (4.29     (2.54     11.70       2.07  
Less Dividends and Distributions:                                        
Distributions from net realized gains     -       -       (3.58     (2.17     (0.93
Net asset value, end of year     $25.80       $16.35       $20.64       $26.76       $17.23  
Total Return(b):     57.80     (20.78 )%      (12.27 )%      68.34     12.87
             
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of year (000)     $369,697       $232,765       $538,780       $593,796       $316,686  
Average net assets (000)     $303,068       $347,807       $587,500       $453,422       $311,632  
Ratios to average net assets(c):                                        
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement     0.75     0.75     0.75     0.75     0.75
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement     0.80     0.80     0.81     0.81     0.83
Net investment income (loss)     (0.20 )%      (0.24 )%      (0.56 )%      (0.52 )%      (0.31 )% 
Portfolio turnover rate(d)     34     49     67     74     72

 

(a)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)

Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.

(c)

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

(d)

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund 23


Financial Highlights (continued)

 

 

Class R6 Shares                              
     Year Ended February 28/29,  
     2024     2023     2022     2021     2020  
   
Per Share Operating Performance(a):                                        
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year     $16.38       $20.66       $26.76       $17.21       $16.07  
Income (loss) from investment operations:                                        
Net investment income (loss)     (0.02     (0.03     (0.13     (0.11     (0.04
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions     9.51       (4.25     (2.39     11.83       2.11  
Total from investment operations     9.49       (4.28     (2.52     11.72       2.07  
Less Dividends and Distributions:                                        
Distributions from net realized gains     -       -       (3.58     (2.17     (0.93
Net asset value, end of year     $25.87       $16.38       $20.66       $26.76       $17.21  
Total Return(b):     57.94     (20.72 )%      (12.19 )%      68.44     13.01
             
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of year (000)     $127,289       $101,583       $158,547       $137,574       $22,843  
Average net assets (000)     $116,341       $119,659       $180,823       $58,252       $21,320  
Ratios to average net assets(c):                                        
Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement     0.67     0.67     0.67     0.67     0.67
Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement     0.71     0.71     0.71     0.75     0.78
Net investment income (loss)     (0.12 )%      (0.15 )%      (0.48 )%      (0.46 )%      (0.23 )% 
Portfolio turnover rate(d)     34     49     67     74     72

 

(a)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)

Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.

(c)

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

(d)

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

24


Notes to Financial Statements

 

1.

Organization

Prudential Investment Portfolios 3 (the “Registered Investment Company” or “RIC”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The RIC is organized as a Delaware Statutory Trust. These financial statements relate only to the PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund (the “Fund”), a series of the RIC. The Fund is classified as a non-diversified fund for purposes of the 1940 Act.

The investment objective of the Fund is to seek long-term growth 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 is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). 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 as of the close of each day (generally, 4:00 PM Eastern time) the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for trading. As described in further detail below, the Fund’s investments are valued daily based on a number of factors, including the type of investment and whether market quotations are readily available. The RIC’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has approved the Fund’s valuation policies and procedures for security valuation and designated PGIM Investments LLC (“PGIM Investments” or the “Manager”) as the “Valuation Designee,” as defined by Rule 2a-5(b) under the 1940 Act, to perform the fair value determination relating to all Fund investments. Pursuant to the Board’s oversight, the Valuation Designee has established a Valuation Committee to perform the duties and responsibilities as Valuation Designee under Rule 2a-5. 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. Fair value is the estimated 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.

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 securities

 

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund 25


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

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 Measurement.

Common or preferred stocks, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and derivative instruments, if applicable, 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 a 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.

Foreign equities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued using pricing vendor services that provide model prices derived using adjustment factors based on information such as local closing price, relevant general and sector indices, currency fluctuations, depositary receipts, and futures, as applicable. Securities valued using such model prices are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The models generate an evaluated adjustment factor for each security, which is applied to the local closing price to adjust it for post closing market movements up to the time the Fund is valued. Utilizing that evaluated adjustment factor, the vendor provides an evaluated price for each security. If the vendor does not provide an evaluated price, securities are valued in accordance with exchange-traded common and preferred stock valuation policies discussed above.

Investments in open-end funds (other than ETFs) 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 policies and procedures 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. Altering one or more unobservable inputs may result in a significant change to a Level 3 security’s fair value measurement.

 

26


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; and any available analyst media or other reports or information deemed reliable by the Valuation Designee 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.

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

(i) market value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities — at the exchange rate as of the valuation date;

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

Although the net assets of the Fund are presented at the foreign exchange rates and market values at the close of the period, the Fund does 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 Fund does 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 unrealized and realized foreign currency gains (losses) are included in the reported net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and net realized gains (losses) on investment transactions on the Statements of Operations.

Net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions 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 investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of interest, dividends and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains (losses) arise from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities (other than investments) at period end exchange rates.

Master Netting Arrangements: The RIC, 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

 

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund 27


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

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.

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 the 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. The remaining open loans of the securities lending transactions are considered overnight and continuous. 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, which are reflected in interest income or unaffiliated dividend income based on the nature of the payment on the Statement of Operations. 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. Expenses are recorded on an accrual basis, which may require the use of certain estimates by management that may differ from actual expense amounts. Net investment income or loss (other than class specific expenses and waivers, which are allocated as noted below) and unrealized and realized gains (losses) are allocated daily to each class of shares based

 

28


upon the relative proportion of adjusted net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Class specific expenses and waivers, where applicable, are charged to the respective share classes. Such class specific expenses and waivers include distribution fees and distribution fee waivers, shareholder servicing fees, transfer agent’s fees and expenses, registration fees and fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, as applicable.

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: Dividends and distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations and which may differ from GAAP, 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. The chart below sets forth the expected frequency of dividend and capital gains distributions to shareholders. Various factors may impact the frequency of dividend distributions to shareholders, including but not limited to adverse market conditions or portfolio holding-specific events.

 

 Expected Distribution Schedule to Shareholders*

     Frequency  

 Net Investment Income

     Annually  

 Short-Term Capital Gains

     Annually  

 Long-Term Capital Gains

     Annually  

 

*

Under certain circumstances, the Fund may make more than one distribution of short-term and/or long-term capital gains during a fiscal year.

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

The RIC, on behalf of the Fund, has a management agreement with the Manager pursuant to which it has responsibility for all investment advisory services, including supervision of the subadviser’s performance of such services, and for rendering administrative services.

The Manager has entered into a subadvisory agreement with Jennison Associates LLC (“Jennison” or the “subadviser”). The Manager pays for the services of Jennison.

 

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund 29


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Fees payable under the management agreement are computed daily and paid monthly. For the reporting period ended February 29, 2024, the contractual and effective management fee rates were as follows:

 

   
 Contractual Management Rate   

Effective Management Fee, before any waivers 

and/or expense reimbursements

 

 0.67% up to $1 billion of average daily net assets;

     0.67%  

 0.65% from $1 billion to $3 billion of average daily net assets;

        

 0.63% from $3 billion to $5 billion of average daily net assets;

        

 0.62% from $5 billion to $10 billion of average daily net assets;

        

 0.61% over $10 billion of average daily net assets

        

The Manager has contractually agreed, through June 30, 2025, to limit total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. This contractual waiver excludes interest, brokerage, taxes (such as income and foreign withholding taxes, stamp duty and deferred tax expenses), acquired fund fees and expenses, extraordinary expenses, and certain other Fund expenses such as dividend and interest expense and broker charges on short sales.

Where applicable, the Manager agrees to waive management fees or shared operating expenses on any share class to the same extent that it waives such expenses on any other share class. In addition, total annual operating expenses for Class R6 shares will not exceed total annual operating expenses for Class Z shares. Fees and/or expenses waived and/or reimbursed by the Manager for the purpose of preventing the expenses from exceeding a certain expense ratio limit may be recouped by the Manager within the same fiscal year during which such waiver and/or reimbursement is made if such recoupment can be realized without exceeding the expense limit in effect at the time of the recoupment for that fiscal year. The expense limitations attributable to each class are as follows:

 

   
 Class    Expense
Limitations 

 A

    1.05%

 C

   1.78 

 Z

   0.75 

 R6

   0.67 

The RIC, on behalf of the Fund, has a distribution agreement with Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (“PIMS”), which acts as the distributor of the Class A, Class C, Class Z and Class R6 shares of the Fund. The Fund compensates PIMS for distributing and servicing the Fund’s Class A and Class C shares, pursuant to the plans of distribution (the “Distribution Plans”), regardless of expenses actually incurred by PIMS.

 

30


Pursuant to the Distribution Plans, the Fund compensates PIMS for distribution related activities at an annual rate based on average daily net assets per class. PIMS has contractually agreed through June 30, 2025 to limit such fees on certain classes based on the average daily net assets. The distribution fees are accrued daily and payable monthly.

The Fund’s annual gross and net distribution rates, where applicable, are as follows:

 

     
 Class   Gross Distribution Fee    Net Distribution Fee 

 A

  0.30%   0.25%

 C

  1.00    1.00 

 Z

  N/A     N/A  

 R6

  N/A     N/A  

For the year ended February 29, 2024, PIMS received front-end sales charges (“FESL”) resulting from sales of certain class shares and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) imposed upon redemptions by certain shareholders. From these fees, PIMS paid such sales charges to broker-dealers, who in turn paid commissions to salespersons and incurred other distribution costs. The sales charges are as follows where applicable:

 

     
 Class    FESL      CDSC

 A

     $336,515      $1,160

 C

          2,369

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

 

4.

Other Transactions with Affiliates

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

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

 

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund 31


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

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/trustees, and/or common officers. For the year ended February 29, 2024, no Rule 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 reporting period ended February 29, 2024, were as follows:

 

   
Cost of Purchases    Proceeds from Sales

$446,832,754

   $572,744,735

A summary of the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of shares of affiliated mutual funds for the year ended February 29, 2024, is presented as follows:

 

               

  Value,

 Beginning

  of Year 

  Cost of
Purchases
   

Proceeds

from Sales

   

Change in
Unrealized

Gain

(Loss)

   

Realized

Gain

(Loss)

   

Value,

End of Year

   

Shares,

End

of Year

    Income   

 Short-Term Investments - Affiliated Mutual Funds:

                                 

 PGIM Core Government Money Market Fund (7-day effective yield 5.545%)(1)(wb)

 
 $     —   $ 260,111,499     $ 259,072,231     $       —     $   —     $ 1,039,268       1,039,268     $ 347,953  

 PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund (7-day effective yield 5.683%)(1)(b)(wb)

 
  58,325,378     618,434,022       676,753,824       (25,725)       20,149                   242,655 (2)  
 $58,325,378   $ 878,545,521     $ 935,826,055     $ (25,725)     $ 20,149     $ 1,039,268             $ 590,608  

 

(1)

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

(2)

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

(b)

Represents security, or portion thereof, purchased with cash collateral received for securities on loan and includes dividend reinvestment.

(wb)

Represents an investment in a Fund affiliated with the Manager.

 

6.

Distributions and Tax Information

Distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations and which may differ from GAAP, 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 for the Fund. The adjustments were due to a net operating loss.

 

32


For the year ended February 29, 2024, the adjustments were as follows:

 

   

Total Distributable

Earnings (Loss)

  

Paid-in

Capital in

Excess of Par

$5,028,134

   $(5,028,134)

For the year ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, there were no distributions paid by the Fund.

As of February 29, 2024, there were no accumulated undistributed earnings on a tax basis.

The United States federal income tax basis of the Fund’s investments and the net unrealized appreciation as of February 29, 2024 were as follows:

 

       
  Tax Basis   Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
  Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
 

Net

Unrealized

 Appreciation 

 $811,554,147   $782,501,220   $(10,158,735)   $772,342,485

The difference between GAAP basis and tax basis was primarily attributable to deferred losses on wash sales.

For federal income tax purposes, the Fund had an approximated capital loss carryforward as of February 29, 2024 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

  

Capital Loss

Carryforward Utilized

$202,417,000

   $123,554,000

The Fund elected to treat the below approximated losses as having been incurred in the following fiscal year (February 28, 2025).

 

   

Qualified Late-Year

Losses

  

Post-October

Capital Losses

$1,318,000

   $—

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 four fiscal years up to the most recent fiscal year ended February 29, 2024 are subject to such review.

 

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund 33


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

7.

Capital and Ownership

The Fund offers Class A, Class C, Class Z and Class R6 shares. Class A shares are sold with a maximum front-end sales charge of 5.50%. Investors who purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares and sell these shares within 12 months of purchase are subject to a CDSC of 1%, although they are not subject to an initial sales charge. The Class A CDSC is waived for certain retirement and/or benefit plans. A special exchange privilege is also available for shareholders who qualified to purchase Class A shares at net asset value. Class C shares are sold with a CDSC of 1% on sales made within 12 months of purchase. Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares on a monthly basis approximately eight years (ten years prior to January 22, 2021) after purchase. Class Z and Class R6 shares are not subject to any sales or redemption charges and are available exclusively for sale to a limited group of investors.

Under certain circumstances, an exchange may be made from specified share classes of the Fund to one or more other share classes of the Fund as presented in the table of transactions in shares of beneficial interest, below.

The RIC has authorized an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of the Fund at $0.001 par value per share.

As of February 29, 2024, Prudential, through its affiliated entities, including affiliated funds (if applicable), owned shares of the Fund as follows:

 

     
 Class   Number of Shares     Percentage of Outstanding Shares 
 Z   45,421   0.3%

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

 

     
     Number of Shareholders     Percentage of Outstanding Shares 

 Affiliated

     —%

 Unaffiliated

   3   35.6  

 

34


Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:

 

     
 Share Class    Shares     Amount  

 Class A

                

 Year ended February 29, 2024:

                

 Shares sold

     1,479,880     $   27,482,382  

 Shares purchased

     (6,938,167     (126,437,886

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

     (5,458,287     (98,955,504

 Shares issued upon conversion from other share class(es)

     323,133       6,051,989  

 Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

     (323,967     (5,948,277

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     (5,459,121   $ (98,851,792

 Year ended February 28, 2023:

                

 Shares sold

     1,694,730     $   25,857,514  

 Shares purchased

     (9,390,132     (141,397,915

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

     (7,695,402     (115,540,401

 Shares issued upon conversion from other share class(es)

     344,337       5,347,037  

 Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

     (357,966     (5,495,018

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     (7,709,031   $ (115,688,382

 Class C

                

 Year ended February 29, 2024:

                

 Shares sold

     519,809     $    6,782,306  

 Shares purchased

     (615,731     (7,784,579

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

     (95,922     (1,002,273

 Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

     (465,998     (6,001,973

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     (561,920   $   (7,004,246

 Year ended February 28, 2023:

                

 Shares sold

     472,729     $    5,017,638  

 Shares purchased

     (1,117,471     (11,564,186

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

     (644,742     (6,546,548

 Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

     (417,696     (4,508,235

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     (1,062,438   $  (11,054,783

 Class Z

                

 Year ended February 29, 2024:

                

 Shares sold

     4,941,480       $  98,794,536  

 Shares purchased

     (5,097,662     (104,333,083

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

     (156,182     (5,538,547

 Shares issued upon conversion from other share class(es)

     296,003       6,087,219  

 Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

     (43,802     (935,220

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     96,019       $    (386,548

 

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund 35


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

     
 Share Class    Shares     Amount  

 Year ended February 28, 2023:

                

 Shares sold

     3,936,301     $    68,091,520  

 Shares purchased

     (16,070,979     (269,642,706

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

     (12,134,678     (201,551,186

 Shares issued upon conversion from other share class(es)

     345,322       5,923,805  

 Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

     (86,376     (1,537,926

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     (11,875,732   $ (197,165,307

 Class R6

                

 Year ended February 29, 2024:

                

 Shares sold

     1,583,177     $   33,180,004  

 Shares purchased

     (2,900,218     (60,816,347

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

     (1,317,041     (27,636,343

 Shares issued upon conversion from other share class(es)

     46,948       939,303  

 Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

     (9,574     (193,041

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     (1,279,667   $  (26,890,081

Year ended February 28, 2023:

                

Shares sold

     1,652,860     $   28,319,594  

Shares purchased

     (3,142,528     (53,943,888

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

     (1,489,668     (25,624,294

Shares issued upon conversion from other share class(es)

     17,891       316,901  

Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

     (2,804     (46,564

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     (1,474,581   $  (25,353,957

 

8.

Borrowings

The RIC, 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

    9/29/2023 - 9/26/2024        9/30/2022 – 9/28/2023   

Total Commitment

   $ 1,200,000,000    $ 1,200,000,000

Annualized Commitment Fee on

the Unused Portion of the SCA

   0.15%    0.15%

 

 

36


     Current SCA    Prior SCA

Annualized Interest Rate on Borrowings

     1.00% plus the higher of (1)  

the effective federal funds

rate, (2) the daily SOFR

rate plus 0.10% or (3) zero

percent

      1.00% plus the higher of (1)   

the effective federal funds

rate, (2) the daily SOFR

rate plus 0.10% 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 year ended February 29, 2024. The average daily balance for the 50 days that the Fund had loans outstanding during the period was approximately $1,087,100, borrowed at a weighted average interest rate of 6.33%. The maximum loan outstanding amount during the period was $8,701,000. At February 29, 2024, 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.

Convertible Securities Risk: The market value of a convertible security performs like that of a regular debt security; that is, if market interest rates rise, the value of a convertible security usually falls. In addition, convertible securities are subject to the risk that the issuer will not be able to pay interest or dividends when due, and their market value may change based on changes in the issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of the issuer’s creditworthiness. Since it derives a portion of its value from the common stock into which it may be converted, a convertible security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer risks that apply to the underlying common stock.

Economic and Market Events Risk: Events in the U.S. and global financial markets, including actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth or the functioning of the securities markets, or otherwise reduce inflation, may at times result in unusually high market volatility, which could negatively impact performance. Governmental efforts to curb inflation often have negative effects on the level of economic activity. Relatively reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets could adversely affect issuers worldwide.

 

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund 37


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Equity and Equity-Related Securities Risk: Equity and equity-related securities may be subject to changes in value, and their values may be more volatile than those of other asset classes. In addition to an individual security losing value, the value of the equity markets or a sector in which the Fund invests could go down. Different parts of a market can react differently to adverse issuer, market, regulatory, political and economic developments.

Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers (including those denominated in U.S. dollars) may involve more risk than investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign political, economic and legal systems, especially those in developing and emerging market countries, may be less stable and more volatile than in the United States. Foreign legal systems generally have fewer regulatory requirements than the U.S. legal system, particularly those of emerging markets. In general, less information is publicly available with respect to non-U.S. companies than U.S. companies. Non-U.S. companies generally are not subject to the same accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards as are U.S. companies. Additionally, the changing value of foreign currencies and changes in exchange rates could also affect the value of the assets the Fund holds and the Fund’s performance. Certain foreign countries may impose restrictions on the ability of issuers of foreign securities to make payment of principal and interest or dividends to investors located outside the country, due to blockage of foreign currency exchanges or otherwise. Investments in emerging markets are subject to greater volatility and price declines.

In addition, the Fund’s investments in non-U.S. securities may be subject to the risks of nationalization or expropriation of assets, imposition of currency exchange controls or restrictions on the repatriation of non-U.S. currency, confiscatory taxation and adverse diplomatic developments. Special U.S. tax considerations may apply.

Growth Style Risk: The Fund’s growth style may subject the Fund to above-average fluctuations as a result of seeking higher than average capital growth. Historically, growth stocks have performed best during later stages of economic expansion and value stocks have performed best during periods of economic recovery. Since the Fund follows a growth investment style, there is the risk that the growth investment style may be out of favor for a period of time. At times when the style is out of favor, the Fund may underperform the market in general, its benchmark and other mutual funds.

Increase in Expenses Risk: Your actual cost of investing in the Fund may be higher than the expenses shown in the expense table in the Fund’s prospectus for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and Fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile. Active and frequent trading of Fund securities can increase expenses.

 

38


Initial Public Offerings (“IPOs”) Risk: The volume of IPOs and the levels at which the newly issued stocks trade in the secondary market are affected by the performance of the stock market overall. If IPOs are brought to the market, availability may be limited and if the Fund desires to acquire shares in such an offering, it may not be able to buy any shares at the offering price, or if it is able to buy shares, it may not be able to buy as many shares at the offering price as it would like. The prices of securities involved in IPOs are often subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than more established stocks. Such unpredictability can have a dramatic impact on the Fund’s performance (higher or lower) and any assumptions by investors based on the affected performance may be unwarranted. In addition, as Fund assets grow, the impact of IPO investments on performance will decline, which could reduce total returns.

Large Capitalization Company Risk: Companies with large market capitalizations go in and out of favor based on market and economic conditions. Larger companies tend to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. In exchange for this potentially lower risk, the Fund’s value may not rise or fall as much as the value of funds that emphasize companies with smaller market capitalizations.

Large Shareholder and Large Scale Redemption Risk: Certain individuals, accounts, funds (including funds affiliated with the Manager) or institutions, including the Manager and its affiliates, may from time to time own or control a substantial amount of the Fund’s shares. There is no requirement that these entities maintain their investment in the Fund. There is a risk that such large shareholders or that the Fund’s shareholders generally may redeem all or a substantial portion of their investments in the Fund in a short period of time, which could have a significant negative impact on the Fund’s NAV, liquidity, and brokerage costs. Large redemptions could also result in tax consequences to shareholders and impact the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategy. The Fund’s ability to pursue its investment objective after one or more large scale redemptions may be impaired and, as a result, the Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents.

Management Risk: Actively managed funds are subject to management risk. The subadviser will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but the subadviser’s judgments about the attractiveness, value or market trends affecting a particular security, industry or sector or about market movements may be incorrect. Additionally, the investments selected for the Fund may underperform the markets in general, the Fund’s benchmark and other funds with similar investment objectives.

Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risks: Market disruption can be caused by economic, financial or political events and factors, including but not limited to, international wars or conflicts (including Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war), geopolitical developments (including trading and tariff arrangements, sanctions and cybersecurity attacks), instability in regions such as Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, terrorism, natural disasters and public health epidemics (including the outbreak of COVID-19 globally).

 

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund 39


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Fund. These and other similar events could adversely affect the U.S. and foreign financial markets and lead to increased market volatility, reduced liquidity in the securities markets, significant negative impacts on issuers and the markets for certain securities and commodities and/or government intervention. They may also cause short- or long-term economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide. As a result, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments may be negatively impacted. Further, due to closures of certain markets and restrictions on trading certain securities, the value of certain securities held by the Fund could be significantly impacted, which could lead to such securities being valued at zero.

Market 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 your investment in the Fund will decline.

Non-Diversified Investment Company Risk: The Fund is non-diversified for purposes of the 1940 Act. This means that the Fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single company or other issuer than a diversified fund. Investing in a non-diversified fund involves greater risk than investing in a diversified fund because a loss resulting from the decline in value of any one security may represent a greater portion of the total assets of a non-diversified fund.

Preferred Stock Risk: Preferred stock can experience sharp declines in value over short or extended periods of time, regardless of the success or failure of a company’s operations. A redemption by the issuer may negatively impact the return of the stock held by the Fund. Preferred stockholders’ liquidation rights are subordinate to the company’s debt holders and creditors. If interest rates rise, the fixed dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive and the price of preferred stocks may decline. Preferred stock usually does not require the issuer to pay dividends and may permit the issuer to defer dividend payments. Deferred dividend payments could have adverse tax consequences for the Fund and may cause the preferred stock to lose substantial value. Preferred stocks also may have substantially lower trading volumes and less market depth than many other securities, such as common stock or U.S. Government securities.

 

10.

Recent Regulatory Developments

Effective January 24, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted rule and form amendments to require mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually

 

40


engaging streamlined annual and semiannual reports to shareholders that highlight key information deemed important for retail investors to assess and monitor their fund investments (the “Rule”). Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in the funds’ streamlined shareholder reports but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. The Rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the Rule and its impact to the Fund.

 

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund 41


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Trustees of Prudential Investment Portfolios 3 and Shareholders of PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund (one of the funds constituting Prudential Investment Portfolios 3, referred to hereafter as the “Fund”) as of February 29, 2024, the related statement of operations for the year ended February 29, 2024, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended February 29, 2024, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the four years in the period ended February 29, 2024 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of February 29, 2024, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended February 29, 2024 and the financial highlights for each of the four years in the period ended February 29, 2024 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The financial statements of the Fund as of and for the year ended February 29, 2020 and the financial highlights for the year ended February 29, 2020 (not presented herein, other than the financial highlights) were audited by other auditors whose report dated April 17, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial highlights.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements 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 of these financial statements 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 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, 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. 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. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of February 29, 2024 by correspondence with the custodian and transfer agent. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York

April 16, 2024

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the PGIM Retail Funds complex since 2020.

 

42


INFORMATION ABOUT BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS (unaudited)

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

 

 
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:

103

   Chief Executive Officer and President, The Joyce Foundation (charitable foundation) (since 2002); formerly Vice Chair, City Colleges of Chicago (community college system) (2011-2015); formerly Trustee, National Park Foundation (charitable foundation for national park system) (2009-2018); formerly Trustee, Economic Club of Chicago (2009-2016); Trustee, Loyola University (since 2018).    None.    Since September 2013
       

Kevin J. Bannon

1952

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen:

104

   Retired; formerly 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; formerly President (May 2003-May 2007) of BNY Hamilton Family of Mutual Funds.    Director of Urstadt Biddle Properties (equity real estate investment trust) (September 2008-August 2023).    Since July 2008

 

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund


   
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:

101

   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).    Trustee of Equity Residential (residential real estate) (since December 2009); Director of Northern Trust Corporation (financial services) (since April 2006); formerly Director of Anixter International, Inc. (communication products distributor) (January 2006-June 2020).    Since March 2005
       

Barry H. Evans

1960

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen:

104

   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 (asset management).    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 September 2017
       

Keith F. Hartstein

1956

Board Member & Independent Chair

Portfolios Overseen:

104

   Retired; formerly Member (November 2014-September 2022) of the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council (IDC) (organization of independent mutual fund directors); formerly Executive Committee of the IDC Board of Governors (October 2019-December 2021); 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); formerly Chairman, Investment Company Institute’s Sales Force Marketing Committee (2003-2008).    None.    Since September 2013

 

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:

101

   A. Barton Hepburn Professor Emerita of Economics in the Faculty of Business, Columbia Business School (since 2018); Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University (since 2015); Sole Member, ReidCourt LLC (since 2008) (a consulting firm); formerly Visiting Professor of Law, Stanford Law School (2015-2021); 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, Andela (since January 2022) (global talent network); Independent Director, Roku (since December 2020) (communication services); formerly Independent Director, Synnex Corporation (2019-2021) (information technology); formerly Independent Director, Kabbage, Inc. (2018-2020) (financial services); formerly Independent Director, Corporate Capital Trust (2017-2018) (a business development company).    Since September 2017
       

Brian K. Reid

1961

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen:

104

   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); formerly Director, ICI Mutual Insurance Company (2012-2017).    None.    Since March 2018

 

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund


   
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:

104

   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.    Director (since January 2018) of OceanFirst Financial Corp. and OceanFirst Bank; formerly Director (July 2015-January 2018) of Sun Bancorp, Inc. N.A. and Sun National Bank.    Since November 2014

 

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

       

Stuart S. Parker

1962

Board Member,

President & Principal Executive Officer Portfolios Overseen:

104

   President, Chief Executive Officer and Officer in Charge of PGIM Investments LLC (formerly known as Prudential Investments LLC) (since January 2012); President and Principal Executive Officer ( PEO ) (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; President and PEO (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; President and PEO (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; formerly Chief Operating Officer for PGIM Investments LLC (January 2012-January 2024); formerly Executive Vice President of Jennison Associates LLC and Head of Retail Distribution of PGIM Investments LLC (June 2005-December 2011); Investment Company Institute - Board of Governors (since May 2012).    None.    Since January 2012

 

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund


   
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:

131

   Executive Vice President (since May 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 Global Product Management and Marketing, PGIM Investments (since February 2006); Vice President (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Vice President (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Vice President (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; formerly Vice President of Product Development and Product Management, PGIM Investments LLC (2003-2006).    None.    Since March 2010

 

   
Fund Officers(a)     
     

Name

Year 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, Executive Vice President and Secretary of PGIM Investments (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); Corporate Counsel of AST Investment Services, Inc. (since August 2020) and Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since January 2005) of Prudential; Chief Legal Officer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Chief Legal Officer (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Chief Legal Officer (since July 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; formerly, Vice President and Assistant Secretary of PGIM Investments LLC (2005-2020); formerly Associate at Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP (1999-2004).    Since December 2005

 

Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


   
Fund Officers(a)     
     

Name

Year of Birth

Fund Position

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years   

Length of

Service as Fund

Officer

     

Andrew Donohue

1972

Chief Compliance Officer

   Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer of PGIM Investments LLC (since September 2022); Chief Compliance Officer of AST Investment Services, Inc. (since October 2022); Chief Compliance Officer (since May 2023) of the PGIM Funds, Target Funds, PGIM ETF Trust, PGIM Global High Yield Fund, Inc., PGIM High Yield Bond Fund, Inc., PGIM Short Duration High Yield Opportunities Fund, Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund, Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc., PGIM Private Credit Fund, PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; Chief Compliance Officer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and PGIM Rock ETF Trust; formerly various senior compliance roles within Principal Global Investors, LLC., global asset management for Principal Financial (2011-2022), most recently as Global Chief Compliance Officer (2016-2022).    Since May 2023
     

Andrew R. French

1962

Secretary

   Vice President (since December 2018) of PGIM Investments LLC; Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Secretary (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Secretary (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; 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 October 2006
     
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; Assistant Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Assistant Secretary (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Assistant Secretary (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; 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; Assistant Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Assistant Secretary (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Assistant Secretary (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.    Since June 2020

 

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund


   
Fund Officers(a)     
     

Name

Year of Birth

Fund Position

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years    Length of Service as Fund Officer
     

Debra Rubano

1975

Assistant Secretary

   Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since November 2020) of Prudential; Assistant Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Assistant Secretary (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Assistant Secretary (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc; formerly Director and Senior Counsel of Allianz Global Investors U.S. Holdings LLC (2010-2020) and Assistant Secretary of numerous funds in the Allianz fund complex (2015-2020).    Since December 2020
     

George Hoyt

1965

Assistant Secretary

   Vice President and Corporate Counsel of Prudential (since September 2023); Assistant Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Rock ETF Trust, PGIM Credit Income Fund, PGIM Private Credit Fund and PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; formerly Associate General Counsel of Franklin Templeton and Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton complex (2020-2023) and Managing Director (2016-2020) and Associate General Counsel for Legg Mason, Inc. and its predecessors (2004-2020).    Since December 2023
     

Devan Goolsby

1991

Assistant Secretary

   Vice President and Corporate Counsel of Prudential (since May 2023); Assistant Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Rock ETF Trust, PGIM Credit Income Fund, PGIM Private Credit Fund and PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; formerly Associate at Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP (2021-2023); Compliance Officer at Bloomberg LP (2019-2021); and an Examiner at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (2015-2019).    Since December 2023
     

Kelly A. Coyne

1968

Assistant Secretary

   Director, Investment Operations of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (since 2010); Assistant Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund; Assistant Secretary (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Assistant Secretary (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.    Since March 2015

 

Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


   
Fund Officers(a)     
     

Name

Year of Birth

Fund Position

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years   

Length of

Service as Fund

Officer

     

Christian J. Kelly

1975

Chief Financial Officer

   Vice President, Global Head of Fund Administration of PGIM Investments LLC (since November 2018); Chief Financial Officer (since March 2023) of PGIM Investments mutual funds, closed end funds, the PGIM ETF Trust, and Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund and Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Chief Financial Officer of PGIM Private Credit Fund (since September 2022); Chief Financial Officer of PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc. (since July 2022); formerly Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer (January 2019- March 2023) of PGIM Investments mutual funds, closed end funds, the PGIM ETF Trust, and Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund and Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc.; formerly Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer (March 2022 – July 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; 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
     

Russ Shupak

1973

Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer

   Vice President (since 2017) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer of PGIM Investments mutual funds, closed end funds and PGIM ETF Trust (since March 2023); Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund; Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer (since July 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Assistant Treasurer (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; formerly Assistant Treasurer (March 2022 – July 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer of Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund and Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc. (since October 2019); formerly Director (2013-2017) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.    Since October 2019
     

Lana Lomuti

1967

Assistant Treasurer

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

Deborah Conway

1969

Assistant Treasurer

   Vice President (since 2017) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; formerly Director (2007-2017) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.    Since October 2019

 

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth Fund


   
Fund Officers(a)     
     

Name

Year of Birth

Fund Position

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years   

Length of

Service as Fund

Officer

     

Elyse M. McLaughlin

1974

Assistant Treasurer

   Vice President (since 2017) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund and Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc. (since March 2023); Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Assistant Treasurer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund; Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Assistant Treasurer (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer of PGIM Investments mutual funds, closed end funds and the PGIM ETF Trust (since October 2019); formerly Director (2011-2017) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.    Since October 2019
     

Robert W. McCormack

1973

Assistant Treasurer

   Vice President (since 2019) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; Assistant Treasurer (since March 2023) of PGIM Investments mutual funds, closed end funds, PGIM ETF Trust, Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund and Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Assistant Treasurer (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Assistant Treasurer (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; formerly Director (2016-2019) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; formerly Vice President within Goldman, Sachs & Co. Investment Management Controllers (2008-2016), Assistant Treasurer of Goldman Sachs Family of Funds (2015-2016).    Since March 2023
     

Kelly Florio

1978

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer

   Vice President, Corporate Compliance, Global Compliance Programs and Compliance Risk Management (since December 2021) of Prudential; formerly Head of Fraud Risk Management (October 2019-December 2021) at New York Life Insurance Company; formerly Head of Key Risk Area Operations (November 2018-October 2019), Director of the US Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Unit (2009-2018) and Bank Loss Prevention Associate (2006-2009) at MetLife.    Since June 2022

(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.

 

Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


“Portfolios Overseen” includes such applicable investment companies managed by PGIM Investments LLC and overseen by the Board Member. The investment companies for which PGIM Investments LLC serves as manager include the PGIM Mutual Funds, Target Funds, PGIM ETF Trust, PGIM Rock ETF Trust, PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc., PGIM Private Credit Fund, PGIM Credit Income Fund, PGIM High Yield Bond Fund, Inc., PGIM Global High Yield Fund, Inc., PGIM Short Duration High Yield Opportunities Fund, 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 Jennison Focused Growth Fund


MAIL

 

TELEPHONE

  WEBSITE

655 Broad Street

 

(800) 225-1852

 

pgim.com/investments

Newark, NJ 07102

       

 

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 Stuart S. Parker Brian K. Reid Grace C. Torres

 

OFFICERS

 

Stuart S. Parker, President and Principal Executive Officer Scott E. Benjamin, Vice President Christian J. Kelly, Chief Financial Officer Claudia DiGiacomo, Chief Legal Officer Andrew Donohue, Chief Compliance Officer Russ Shupak, Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer Kelly Florio, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer Andrew R. French, Secretary Melissa Gonzalez, Assistant Secretary Kelly A. Coyne, Assistant Secretary Patrick E. McGuinness, Assistant Secretary Debra Rubano, Assistant Secretary George Hoyt, Assistant Secretary Devan Goolsby, Assistant Secretary Lana Lomuti, Assistant Treasurer Elyse M. McLaughlin, Assistant Treasurer Deborah Conway, Assistant Treasurer Robert W. McCormack, Assistant Treasurer

 

MANAGER

   PGIM Investments LLC   

655 Broad Street

Newark, NJ 07102

    

SUBMANAGER

   PGIM, Inc.   

655 Broad Street

Newark, NJ 07102

    

SUBADVISER

   Jennison Associates LLC   

466 Lexington Avenue

New York, NY 10017

    

DISTRIBUTOR

   Prudential Investment Management Services LLC   

655 Broad Street

Newark, NJ 07102

    

CUSTODIAN

   The Bank of New York Mellon   

240 Greenwich Street

New York, NY 10286

    

TRANSFER AGENT

   Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC   

PO Box 534432

Pittsburgh, PA 15253

    

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

   PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP   

300 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10017

    

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 mutual 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 Jennison Focused Growth Fund, 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 HOLDINGS
 
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.

 

 Mutual Funds:

 

     

 

ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FDIC OR ANY

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

   MAY LOSE VALUE   

 

ARE NOT A DEPOSIT OF OR GUARANTEED

BY ANY BANK OR ANY BANK AFFILIATE


LOGO

 

 

 

 

PGIM JENNISON FOCUSED GROWTH FUND
 SHARE CLASS    A    C    Z    R6

 NASDAQ

   SPFAX    SPFCX    SPFZX    PSGQX

 CUSIP

   74440K504    74440K702    74440K868    7444OK751

MF500E


LOGO

 

PGIM STRATEGIC BOND FUND

 

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT

FEBRUARY 29, 2024

 

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

      8  

Fees and Expenses

      11  

Holdings and Financial Statements

      13  

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.

Mutual 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. © 2024 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.

 

2  Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


Letter from the President

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholder:

 

We hope you find the annual report for the PGIM Strategic Bond Fund informative and useful. The report covers performance for the 12-month period that ended February 29, 2024.

 

Despite elevated inflation, recession fears, and a banking industry crisis, financial markets rallied and the global economy remained resilient throughout the period. Employers continued hiring, consumers continued spending, and home prices rose as inflation eventually cooled and the economic outlook improved.

Stocks rose for much of the period and then surged late in the period when the Federal Reserve (the Fed) signaled several potential interest-rate cuts in 2024. For the entire period, equities in both US and international markets posted gains.

After falling much of the period, bond markets rebounded when the Fed began moderating its rate-hiking cycle. Higher interest rates also offered investors an additional cushion from fixed income volatility. US and global investment-grade bonds, along with US high yield corporate bonds and emerging market debt, all posted gains during the period.

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 a broad spectrum of 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 provide access to active investment strategies across the global markets in the pursuit of consistent outperformance for investors. PGIM is the world’s 14th-largest investment manager with more than $1.3 trillion in assets under management. Our scale and investment expertise allow us to deliver a diversified suite of actively managed solutions across a broad spectrum of asset classes and investment styles.

Thank you for choosing our family of funds.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Stuart S. Parker, President and Principal Executive Officer

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund

April 15, 2024

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund  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 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 2/29/24  
   

One Year (%)

 

   

Five Years (%)

 

   

Since Inception (%)

 

 

 

 Class A

     
 (with sales charges)     4.00       1.04       2.83 (7/9/2015)  
 (without sales charges)     7.49       1.71       3.23 (7/9/2015)  

 

 Class C

     
 (with sales charges)     5.66       0.93       2.43 (7/9/2015)  
 (without sales charges)     6.66       0.93       2.43 (7/9/2015)  

 

 Class Z

     
 (without sales charges)     7.85       2.06       3.56 (7/9/2015)  

 

 Class R6

     
 (without sales charges)     7.88       2.07       2.80 (4/26/2017)  

 

 Bloomberg Intermediate US Aggregate Bond Index

 

      3.69       0.72        
     
Average Annual Total Returns as of 2/29/24 Since Inception (%)
    Class A, Class C, Class Z
(7/9/2015)
  Class R6 
(4/26/2017) 

Bloomberg Intermediate US Aggregate Bond Index

 

 

1.18

 

 

0.93

Since Inception returns are provided for any share class with less than 10 fiscal years of returns. Since Inception returns for the Index are measured from the closest month-end to the class’s inception date.

 

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Growth of a $10,000 Investment (unaudited)

 

LOGO

The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund’s Class Z shares with a similar investment in the Bloomberg Intermediate US Aggregate Bond Index by portraying the initial account values at the commencement of operations of Class Z shares (July 9, 2015) and the account values at the end of the current fiscal year (February 29, 2024) as measured on a quarterly basis. 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. The line graph provides information for Class Z shares only. As indicated in the tables provided earlier, performance for other share classes will vary due to the differing fees and expenses applicable to each share class (as indicated in the following paragraphs). Without waiver of fees and/or expense reimbursements, if any, the returns would have been lower.

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 in the table and the graph 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.

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund  5


Your Fund’s Performance (continued)

The returns in the tables do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or following the redemption of Fund shares. The average annual total returns take into account applicable sales charges, which are described for each share class in the table below.

 

         
     Class A    Class C    Class Z    Class R6 
Maximum initial sales charge   3.25% of the public offering price   None   None   None
Contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) (as a percentage of the lower of the original purchase price or the net asset value at redemption)   1.00% on sales of $500,000 or more made within 12 months of purchase   1.00% on sales made within 12 months of purchase   None   None
Annual distribution and service (12b-1) fees (shown as a percentage of average daily net assets)   0.25%   1.00%   None   None

Benchmark Definition

Bloomberg Intermediate US Aggregate Bond Index—The Bloomberg Intermediate US Aggregate Bond Index is the intermediate component of the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, which is unmanaged and represents securities that are taxable and US dollar denominated. It covers the US investment-grade fixed rate bond market, with index components for government and corporate securities, mortgage pass-through securities, and asset-backed securities with maturities from 1 year up to, but not including, 10 years for all sectors except for Securitized, which does not have a maximum weighted average maturity or remaining average life constraint.

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.

 

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Credit Quality expressed as a percentage of total investments as of 2/29/24 (%)  
 
AAA     24.5  
 
AA     13.4  
 
A     7.5  
 
BBB     21.4  
 
BB     25.6  
 
B     9.8  
 
CCC     4.2  
 
Not Rated     6.1  
 
Cash/Cash Equivalents     -12.5  
   
Total     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 Ratings, 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 an NRSRO. Credit ratings are subject to change.

 

  Distributions and Yields as of 2/29/24                             
  Total Distributions

Paid for

One Year ($)

  SEC 30-Day

Subsidized

Yield* (%)

  SEC 30-Day

Unsubsidized

Yield** (%)

 Class A   0.61   6.38   6.35
 Class C   0.54   5.90   5.86
 Class Z   0.63   6.96   6.88
 Class R6   0.64   7.01   6.93

*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.

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund  7


Strategy and Performance Overview*

(unaudited)

How did the Fund perform?

The PGIM Strategic Bond Fund’s Class Z shares returned 7.85% in the 12-month reporting period that ended February 29, 2024, outperforming the 3.69% return of the Bloomberg Intermediate US Aggregate Bond Index (the Index).

What were the market conditions?

Shifting fundamentals helped drive a repricing of markets during the reporting period. Rate volatility increased as markets first began pricing in aggressive Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) policy tightening and the possibility of a hard economic landing. However, the US economy proved resilient, with increasingly benign inflation and persistent labor market strength raising hopes of a soft landing during the latter part of the reporting period. (When central banks raise interest rates enough to cause a significant economic slowdown or a recession, it is known as a hard landing. When they raise rates just enough to slow the economy and lower inflation without causing a recession, it is known as a soft landing.)

 

Over the reporting period, the US Federal Reserve (the Fed) tightened monetary policy by an additional 75 basis points (bps). (One basis point equals 0.01%.) Although remaining above the Fed’s 2% target, inflation continued to show signs of cooling. In January 2024, the FOMC kept rates on hold for a fourth consecutive meeting but held off on signaling a rate cut at its March 2024 meeting, with Fed Chairman Jerome Powell saying he wanted to see “more good data” before lowering the federal funds rate.

 

The 10-year/2-year US Treasury spread declined from –0.70% on January 31, 2023, to –0.29% at the end of the reporting period, while the yield on the 2-year US Treasury note ended the reporting period at 4.21%, unchanged from the beginning of the reporting period.

 

Spread market performance was largely positive over the reporting period. US investment-grade corporate spreads tightened as expectations for a hard landing dissipated and fundamentals remained solid. US high yield bonds posted strong total returns amid better-than-feared corporate earnings and strong investor demand. Emerging-markets-debt spreads tightened amid a constructive backdrop of declining inflation and a likely pivot by the Fed toward interest rate cuts. Securitized credit spreads also tightened, with high-quality collateralized loan obligation (CLO) spreads tightening over the reporting period and high-quality commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) spreads outperforming corporates over the final few months of the reporting period. Meanwhile, agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) posted modestly negative excess returns over the reporting period, succumbing to renewed bank-selling concerns during the last month of the reporting period.

 

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What worked?

 

Overall sector and security selection both contributed to the Fund’s performance over the reporting period. Within sector allocation, an underweight relative to the Index to MBS, along with overweights relative to the Index to the non-agency CMBS AA-and-below and emerging-markets high yield sectors, contributed the most.

 

Security selections in the CLO AA, non-agency MBS, and emerging-markets high yield sectors contributed the most during the reporting period.

 

Duration positioning, specifically in developed-markets rates, was also a strong contributor during the reporting period. (Duration measures the sensitivity of the price—the value of principal—of a bond to a change in interest rates.)

 

Within corporates, positions in banking, foreign non-corporates, and healthcare & pharmaceuticals were the largest contributors. From a single-name credit perspective, positions in the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Citigroup Inc. (banking), and JP Morgan (banking) were the largest contributors to performance.

 

From a market perspective, having more risk (i.e., a measure of a portfolio’s exposure to market-wide changes in credit spreads), on average, than the relevant Index was a strong contributor to performance over the reporting period.

What didn’t work?

 

While overall sector allocation contributed to the Fund’s performance during the reporting period, overweights relative to the Index to the CLO AA, emerging-markets investment-grade, and US high yield sectors detracted.

 

While overall security selection contributed to performance, selections in the non-agency CMBS AA-and-below, MBS, and European high yield sectors detracted.

 

Yield curve positioning, in both developed-markets and emerging-markets rates, also detracted from performance over the reporting period. (A yield curve is a line graph that illustrates the relationship between the yields and maturities of fixed income securities. It is created by plotting the yields of different maturities for the same type of bonds.)

 

Within corporates, positions in telecom, gaming/lodging/leisure, and other financials were the largest detractors during the reporting period. From a single-name credit perspective, positions in Casino Guichard Perrachon SA (consumer non-cyclical), Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (banking), and Total Play Telecomunicaciones SAPI DE CV (telecom) detracted from performance.

Did the Fund use derivatives?

The Fund held futures contracts on government securities, interest-rate swaps, and options to help manage its duration and yield curve exposure during the reporting period. In aggregate, the use of these derivatives detracted from performance. In addition, the Fund traded foreign exchange derivatives, which contributed to performance. The Fund also used credit derivatives in the form of the Credit Default

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund  9


Strategy and Performance Overview* (continued)

 

Swap Index (CDX) to manage credit risk. The use of the CDX also contributed to the Fund’s performance.

Current outlook

 

Overall, US economic data remains aligned with PGIM Fixed Income’s “weakflation” model economic scenario. While meaningfully reducing its recession probabilities over the past several months, PGIM Fixed Income still forecasts slower growth in 2024 amid fragilites (e.g., in consumer health and commercial real estate).

 

PGIM Fixed Income continues to anticipate three cuts to the federal funds rate this year, starting in the second quarter, and believes these reductions are likely to leave Fed policy in restrictive territory (depending on one’s view of the neutral interest rate). Until recently, markets had been pricing in more cuts in 2024 than PGIM Fixed Income had forecast. As a result, the Fund’s duration positioning remains modest, with a curve steepening bias.

 

While market volatility remains above trend, PGIM Fixed Income is modestly constructive yet focused on less cyclically sensitive segments such as highquality structured products and carry-related products, and maintains a positive view of the spread sectors over the medium to long term. The Fund continues to hold overweights relative to the Index to an array of credit sectors, including high-quality structured products (CLOs and CMBS), high yield, and emerging markets.

 

PGIM Fixed Income expects ongoing uncertainty to generate greater dispersion in corporate results, credit spreads, and alpha relative to beta. (Alpha is a measure of an investment’s active return compared to a market or index. Beta is a measure of the volatility or risk of a security or portfolio compared to the market or index.) Thus, accurate sector rotation, bottom-up credit research, and relative-value assessment should outperform indiscriminate market exposure, in PGIM Fixed Income’s view.

*This strategy and performance overview, which discusses what strategies or holdings (including derivatives, if applicable) affected the Fund’s performance, is compiled based on how the Fund performed relative to the Index and is viewed for performance attribution purposes at the aggregate Fund level, which in most instances will not directly correlate to the amounts disclosed in the Statement of Operations which conform to US generally accepted accounting principles.

 

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Fees and Expenses (unaudited)

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

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 held through the six-month period ended February 29, 2024. The example is for illustrative purposes only; you should consult the Prospectus for information on initial and subsequent minimum investment requirements.

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund  11


Fees and Expenses (continued)

provided in the expense table. Additional fees have the effect of reducing investment returns.

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

 

       
 PGIM Strategic Bond Fund    Beginning
 Account Value 
 September 1, 2023 
  

Ending

Account Value
 February 29, 2024 

  

Annualized
Expense
Ratio Based on

the

 Six-Month Period 

  

 Expenses Paid 
During the
Six-Month

Period*

       

Class A

   Actual    $1,000.00    $1,054.30    0.95%    $4.85
       
   Hypothetical    $1,000.00    $1,020.14    0.95%    $4.77
       

Class C

   Actual    $1,000.00    $1,050.30    1.74%    $8.87
       
   Hypothetical    $1,000.00    $1,016.21    1.74%    $8.72
       

Class Z

   Actual    $1,000.00    $1,056.00    0.62%    $3.17
       
   Hypothetical    $1,000.00    $1,021.78    0.62%    $3.12
       

Class R6  

   Actual    $1,000.00    $1,056.20    0.59%    $3.02
       
     Hypothetical    $1,000.00    $1,021.93    0.59%    $2.97

*Fund expenses (net of fee waivers or subsidies, if any) for each share class are equal to the annualized expense ratio for each share class (provided in the table), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the 182 days in the six-month period ended February 29, 2024, and divided by the 366 days in the Fund’s fiscal year ended February 29, 2024 (to reflect the six-month period). Expenses presented in the table include the expenses of any underlying portfolios in which the Fund may invest.

 

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Schedule of Investments

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
    Maturity 
Date
  

  Principal  
Amount

(000)#

       Value    

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS  109.9%

             

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES  17.1%

             

Automobiles  1.4%

 

                                       

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC,

             

Series 2019-02A, Class D, 144A

      3.040%     09/22/25         5,000      $ 4,916,369  

Series 2022-05A, Class C, 144A

      6.240     04/20/27         700        699,643  

Series 2023-02A, Class C, 144A

      6.180     10/20/27         500        499,468  

Series 2023-08A, Class C, 144A

      7.340     02/20/30         1,000        1,041,779  

Bayview Opportunity Master Fund Trust,

             

Series 2024-CAR1F, Class A, 144A

      6.971     07/29/32         919        928,463  

Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust,

             

Series 2023-02, Class D, 144A

      6.600     02/15/36         1,200        1,205,996  

Hertz Vehicle Financing III LP,

             

Series 2021-02A, Class B, 144A

      2.120     12/27/27         800        724,723  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA,

             

Series 2020-01, Class R, 144A

     33.784     01/25/28         548        580,369  

Series 2020-02, Class F, 144A

      5.763     02/25/28         360        359,539  

Series 2021-01, Class E, 144A

      2.365     09/25/28         47        46,936  

Series 2021-02, Class F, 144A

      4.393     12/26/28         600        586,157  

Santander Bank Auto Credit-Linked Notes,

             

Series 2022-C, Class E, 144A

     11.366     12/15/32         142        143,946  

Series 2023-B, Class G, 144A

     17.128     12/15/33         900        897,947  

Santander Bank, NA,

             

Series 2021-01A, Class D, 144A

      5.004     12/15/31         600        581,032  

Santander Consumer Auto Receivables Trust,

             

Series 2021-AA, Class E, 144A

      3.280     03/15/27         1,000        949,040  
             

 

 

 
                14,161,407  

Collateralized Loan Obligations  14.3%

 

                                       

Anchorage Capital CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands),
Series 2021-21A, Class B, 144A, 3 Month SOFR + 2.012% (Cap N/A, Floor 1.750%)

      7.329(c)     10/20/34         7,500        7,535,504  

Ares European CLO DAC (Ireland),
Series 2013-06A, Class B1RR, 144A, 3 Month EURIBOR + 1.250% (Cap N/A, Floor 1.250%)

      5.192(c)     04/15/30      EUR        4,450        4,742,283  

Armada Euro CLO DAC (Ireland),
Series 02A, Class A3, 144A

      1.500     11/15/31      EUR        196        205,423  

Battalion CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands),
Series 2021-17A, Class A1, 144A, 3 Month SOFR + 1.522% (Cap N/A, Floor 1.260%)

      6.839(c)     03/09/34         600        599,861  

Bilbao CLO DAC (Ireland),
Series 04A, Class B, 144A, 3 Month EURIBOR + 2.200% (Cap N/A, Floor 2.200%)

      6.142(c)     04/15/36      EUR        5,900        6,226,215  

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 13


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
    Maturity 
Date
    

  Principal  
Amount

(000)#

       Value    

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (Continued)

             

Collateralized Loan Obligations (cont’d.)

 

                                           

Carlyle Euro CLO DAC (Ireland),
Series 2017-02A, Class AA2R, 144A, 3 Month EURIBOR + 1.300% (Cap N/A, Floor 1.300%)

     5.201%(c)       08/15/30        EUR        5,000      $ 5,344,009  

Series 2019-01A, Class A2RA, 144A, 3 Month EURIBOR + 1.650% (Cap N/A, Floor 1.650%)

     5.575(c)       03/15/32        EUR        8,250        8,814,202  

Series 2021-02A, Class A2B, 144A

     2.100       10/15/35        EUR        9,100        8,700,220  

CVC Cordatus Loan Fund DAC (Ireland),
Series 03A, Class A2RR, 144A

     1.750       08/15/32        EUR        469        488,697  

Series 23A, Class B1, 144A, 3 Month EURIBOR + 2.300% (Cap N/A, Floor 2.300%)

     6.248(c)       04/25/36        EUR        12,750        13,814,706  

Elevation CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands),
Series 2021-14A, Class B, 144A, 3 Month SOFR + 2.012% (Cap N/A, Floor 1.750%)

     7.329(c)       10/20/34           4,500        4,502,666  

Fidelity Grand Harbour CLO DAC (Ireland),
Series 2021-01A, Class B1, 144A, 3 Month EURIBOR + 1.750% (Cap N/A, Floor 1.750%)

     5.692(c)       10/15/34        EUR        9,000        9,597,307  

HPC Investment Partners CLO,
Series 2013-02RR, Class A2, 144A, 3 Month SOFR + 1.887% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

     7.204(c)       10/20/29           750        750,596  

Jefferson Mill CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands),
Series 2015-01A, Class BR, 144A, 3 Month SOFR + 2.212% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

     7.529(c)       10/20/31           500        499,193  

Madison Park Euro Funding DAC (Ireland),
Series 14A, Class B1R, 144A, 3 Month EURIBOR + 1.700% (Cap N/A, Floor 1.700%)

     5.642(c)       07/15/32        EUR        8,050        8,590,264  

Madison Park Funding Ltd. (Cayman Islands),
Series 2021-59A, Class B, 144A, 3 Month SOFR + 1.962% (Cap N/A, Floor 1.700%)

     7.260(c)       01/18/34           4,500        4,508,253  

MidOcean Credit CLO (Cayman Islands),
Series 2018-08A, Class B, 144A, 3 Month SOFR + 1.912% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

     7.231(c)       02/20/31           250        249,435  

Ocean Trails CLO (Cayman Islands),
Series 2020-09A, Class BR, 144A, 3 Month SOFR + 2.012% (Cap N/A, Floor 1.750%)

     7.326(c)       10/15/34           10,000        10,013,675  

Park Avenue Institutional Advisers CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands),
Series 2019-02A, Class A2R, 144A, 3 Month SOFR + 1.962% (Cap N/A, Floor 1.700%)

     7.276(c)       10/15/34           15,000        14,963,676  

Rockford Tower CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands),
Series 2021-03A, Class B, 144A, 3 Month SOFR + 2.012% (Cap N/A, Floor 1.750%)

     7.329(c)       10/20/34           8,700        8,642,647  

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

14


 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
    Maturity 
Date
    

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (Continued)

             

Collateralized Loan Obligations (cont’d.)

 

                                           

St. Pauls CLO (Netherlands),
Series 11A, Class C2R, 144A

     2.500%       01/17/32        EUR        8,500      $ 8,188,835  

St. Paul’s CLO DAC (Ireland),
Series 04A, Class AR2B, 144A

     1.870       04/25/30        EUR        9,200        9,163,950  

TCW CLO Ltd. (Cayman Islands),
Series 2017-01A, Class BRR, 144A, 3 Month SOFR + 1.962% (Cap N/A, Floor 1.700%)

     7.281(c)       10/29/34           6,000        5,951,951  
             

 

 

 
                142,093,568  

Consumer Loans 0.3%

 

                                           

OneMain Financial Issuance Trust,
Series 2023-02A, Class D, 144A

     7.520       09/15/36           2,600        2,664,634  

Other 0.6%

 

                                           

Goodleap Sustainable Home Solutions Trust,
Series 2023-03C, Class A, 144A

     6.500       07/20/55           476        488,008  

Sierra Timeshare Receivables Funding LLC,

             

Series 2023-02A, Class D, 144A

     9.720       04/20/40           1,159        1,180,312  

TH MSR Issuer Trust,
Series 2019-FT01, Class A, 144A, 1 Month SOFR + 2.914% (Cap N/A, Floor 2.800%)

     8.235(c)       06/25/24           4,440        4,397,585  
             

 

 

 
                6,065,905  

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities 0.4%

 

                                           

LSF11 Boson Investments Sarl Compartment 2 (Spain),
Series 2021-NPLA, Class A1, 144A, 3 Month EURIBOR + 2.000% (Cap 3.000%, Floor 0.000%)

     5.945(c)       11/25/60        EUR        130        132,389  

Rathlin Residential DAC (Ireland),
Series 2021-01A, Class A, 144A, 1 Month EURIBOR + 2.000% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

     5.851(c)       09/27/75        EUR        3,256        3,463,869  

TFS (Spain),
Series 2018-03, Class A1, 1 Month EURIBOR + 3.250%^

     7.143(c)       03/15/26        EUR        279        256,229  
             

 

 

 
                3,852,487  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 15


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description   

Interest  

Rate

    Maturity 
Date
       Principal  
Amount
(000)#
       Value    

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (Continued)

             

Student Loans 0.1%

 

                                           

Laurel Road Prime Student Loan Trust,

             

Series 2019-A, Class R, 144A

     0.000%       10/25/48                  548      $ 116,855  

SoFi RR Funding III Trust,

             

Series 2020-01, Class A, 144A, 1 Month SOFR + 3.364% (Cap N/A, Floor 1.250%)

     8.685(c)       11/29/24           1,047        1,046,944  
             

 

 

 
                1,163,799  
             

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
(cost $179,994,832)

                 170,001,800  
             

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES 8.5%

 

          

20 Times Square Trust,

             

Series 2018-20TS, Class F, 144A (original cost $4,480,438; purchased 08/26/20)(f)

     3.100(cc)       05/15/35           4,900        3,655,722  

Series 2018-20TS, Class G, 144A (original cost $4,424,349; purchased 05/09/18 - 08/26/20)(f)

     3.100(cc)       05/15/35           5,000        3,630,329  

Series 2018-20TS, Class H, 144A (original cost $88,505; purchased 05/09/18)(f)

     3.100(cc)       05/15/35           100        70,607  

BANK5,

             

Series 2023-05YR3, Class XD, IO, 144A

     3.315(cc)       09/15/56           11,949        1,493,066  

Series 2023-05YR4, Class XD, IO, 144A

     3.534(cc)       12/15/56           10,349        1,380,944  

Barclays Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust,

             

Series 2016-ETC, Class E, 144A

     3.609(cc)       08/14/36           250        191,460  

Series 2018-CHRS, Class D, 144A

     4.267(cc)       08/05/38           250        192,067  

Series 2019-C04, Class XB, IO

     1.134(cc)       08/15/52           43,170        2,172,617  

Benchmark Mortgage Trust,

             

Series 2024-V05, Class XD, IO, 144A

     2.973(cc)       01/10/57           13,473        1,642,655  

BPR Trust,

             

Series 2023-BRK02, Class C, 144A

     8.335(cc)       11/05/28           3,800        3,943,142  

BX Commercial Mortgage Trust,

             

Series 2019-XL, Class J, 144A, 1 Month SOFR + 2.764% (Cap N/A, Floor 2.650%)

     8.082(c)       10/15/36           6,163        6,012,290  

Cold Storage Trust,

             

Series 2020-ICE05, Class E, 144A, 1 Month SOFR + 2.880% (Cap N/A, Floor 2.766%)

     8.202(c)       11/15/37           1,769        1,764,959  

Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates,

             

Series 2019-ICE04, Class E, 144A, 1 Month SOFR + 2.197% (Cap N/A, Floor 2.150%)

     7.515(c)       05/15/36           4,988        4,981,578  

Series 2019-ICE04, Class F, 144A, 1 Month SOFR + 2.697% (Cap N/A, Floor 2.650%)

     8.015(c)       05/15/36           2,095        2,086,570  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

16


 

 Description   

Interest  

Rate

    Maturity 
Date
    

  Principal  
Amount
(000)#

       Value    

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (Continued)

             

DBGS Mortgage Trust,

             

Series 2018-BIOD, Class E, 144A, 1 Month SOFR + 1.996% (Cap N/A, Floor 1.700%)

     7.314%(c)       05/15/35                  91      $ 90,234  

Series 2018-BIOD, Class F, 144A, 1 Month SOFR + 2.296% (Cap N/A, Floor 2.000%)

     7.614(c)       05/15/35           320        312,346  

DBWF Mortgage Trust,

             

Series 2016-85T, Class D, 144A

     3.808(cc)       12/10/36           250        172,813  

Series 2016-85T, Class E, 144A

     3.808(cc)       12/10/36           250        159,734  

FHLMC Multifamily Structured Pass-Through Certificates,

             

Series K055, Class X1, IO

     1.334(cc)       03/25/26           1,039        24,370  

Series K066, Class X1, IO

     0.744(cc)       06/25/27           7,185        142,840  

Series K103, Class X1, IO

     0.639(cc)       11/25/29           149,226        4,474,743  

Series KC02, Class X1, IO

     0.376(cc)       03/25/24           69,861        203,227  

Greystone Commercial Capital Trust,

             

Series 2021-03, Class A, 144A, 1 Month SOFR + 2.344% (Cap N/A, Floor 2.230%) (original cost $5,500,000; purchased 07/30/21)(f)

     7.664(c)       08/01/24           5,500        5,459,238  

GS Mortgage Securities Corp. Trust,

             

Series 2021-IP, Class F, 144A, 1 Month SOFR + 4.664% (Cap N/A, Floor 4.550%)

     9.982(c)       10/15/36           3,090        3,016,339  

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust,

             

Series 2018-AON, Class D, 144A

     4.613(cc)       07/05/31           8,800        5,214,833  

Series 2018-AON, Class E, 144A

     4.613(cc)       07/05/31           9,825        3,539,015  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust,

             

Series 2019-MEAD, Class E, 144A

     3.177(cc)       11/10/36           20,580        17,342,326  

Series 2019-MEAD, Class XA, IO, 144A

     0.007(cc)       11/10/36           297,065        82,822  

ONE Mortgage Trust,

             

Series 2021-PARK, Class D, 144A, 1 Month SOFR + 1.614% (Cap N/A, Floor 1.500%)

     6.932(c)       03/15/36           772        718,000  

Series 2021-PARK, Class E, 144A, 1 Month SOFR + 1.864% (Cap N/A, Floor 1.750%)

     7.182(c)       03/15/36           400        368,500  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust,

             

Series 2021-FCMT, Class E, 144A, 1 Month SOFR + 4.614% (Cap N/A, Floor 4.500%)

     9.932(c)       05/15/31           11,200        10,101,845  
             

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
(cost $100,936,116)

                 84,641,231  
             

 

 

 

CORPORATE BONDS 51.0%

             

Advertising 0.1%

 

                                           

CMG Media Corp.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     8.875       12/15/27           1,608        1,084,545  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 17


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description   

Interest  

Rate

    Maturity 
Date
       Principal  
Amount
(000)#
       Value    

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

             

Aerospace & Defense 1.3%

 

                                           

Boeing Co. (The),

                    

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     2.700%       02/01/27           1,035      $ 963,235  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     3.825       03/01/59           1,500        1,037,434  

Bombardier, Inc. (Canada),

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     6.000       02/15/28           2,750        2,670,828  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A(a)

     7.875       04/15/27           6,504        6,504,000  

Embraer Netherlands Finance BV (Brazil),

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     7.000       07/28/30           1,865        1,950,604  
             

 

 

 
                 13,126,101  

Agriculture 0.2%

 

                                           

Altria Group, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes

     3.400       05/06/30           100        90,000  

Vector Group Ltd.,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     5.750       02/01/29           2,325        2,135,289  
             

 

 

 
                2,225,289  

Airlines 0.6%

 

                                           

American Airlines, Inc./AAdvantage Loyalty IP Ltd.,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     5.750       04/20/29           1,925        1,877,010  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes(a)

     3.750       10/28/29           1,720        1,570,284  

Southwest Airlines Co.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     5.125       06/15/27           695        692,652  

United Airlines 2019-2 Class AA Pass-Through Trust,

             

Pass-Through Certificates

     2.700       11/01/33           383        326,114  

United Airlines, Inc.,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     4.375       04/15/26           850        818,365  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     4.625       04/15/29           400        368,901  
             

 

 

 
                5,653,326  

Auto Manufacturers 0.7%

 

                                           

Ford Motor Co.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     3.250       02/12/32           875        718,279  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     4.750       01/15/43           3,175        2,573,718  

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     2.900       02/16/28           550        493,052  

General Motors Co.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     5.000       04/01/35           970        906,887  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

18


 

 Description   

Interest  

Rate

    Maturity 
Date
      Principal  
Amount
(000)#
       Value    

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

            

Auto Manufacturers (cont’d.)

 

                                          

General Motors Co., (cont’d.)

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     5.150%       04/01/38          1,250      $ 1,157,165  

General Motors Financial Co., Inc.,

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     3.600       06/21/30                 1,365        1,224,168  
            

 

 

 
               7,073,269  

Auto Parts & Equipment 0.7%

 

                                          

Adient Global Holdings Ltd.,

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     4.875       08/15/26          850        821,312  

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.,

            

Gtd. Notes

     6.250       03/15/26          392        387,488  

Gtd. Notes

     6.500       04/01/27          950        937,110  

Dana Financing Luxembourg Sarl,

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     5.750       04/15/25          126        125,370  

Dana, Inc.,

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes(a)

     5.375       11/15/27          3,015        2,924,959  

Nemak SAB de CV (Mexico),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     3.625       06/28/31          1,190        968,113  

Tenneco, Inc.,

            

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     8.000       11/17/28          1,075        979,927  
            

 

 

 
                7,144,279  

Banks 10.6%

 

                                          

Banco de Credito del Peru S.A. (Peru),

            

Sub. Notes, 144A, MTN

     3.250(ff)       09/30/31          1,315        1,208,485  

Banco Mercantil del Norte SA (Mexico),

            

Jr. Sub. Notes, 144A

     6.625(ff)       01/24/32(oo)          1,395        1,220,625  

Bangkok Bank PCL (Thailand),

            

Sub. Notes, 144A

     3.466(ff)       09/23/36          1,185        994,956  

Bank of America Corp.,

            

Jr. Sub. Notes, Series JJ

     5.125(ff)       06/20/24(oo)          5,800        5,764,725  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     2.592(ff)       04/29/31          2,820        2,403,843  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     2.687(ff)       04/22/32          1,605        1,343,355  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, MTN

     2.884(ff)       10/22/30          2,450        2,159,038  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, MTN

     3.194(ff)       07/23/30          1,000        899,731  

Barclays PLC (United Kingdom),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     2.645(ff)       06/24/31          2,865        2,382,983  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     7.437(ff)       11/02/33          2,645        2,882,713  

BNP Paribas SA (France),

            

Sr. Non-Preferred Notes, 144A, MTN

     3.052(ff)       01/13/31          2,020        1,761,144  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 19


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description   

Interest  

Rate

    Maturity 
Date
      Principal  
Amount
(000)#
       Value    

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

            

Banks (cont’d.)

 

                                          

Cassa Depositi e Prestiti SpA (Italy),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

      5.750%       05/05/26                 400      $ 396,383  

Citigroup, Inc.,

            

Jr. Sub. Notes, Series U

      5.000(ff)       09/12/24(oo)          975        962,887  

Jr. Sub. Notes, Series V

      4.700(ff)       01/30/25(oo)          7,301        7,012,219  

Jr. Sub. Notes, Series W

      4.000(ff)       12/10/25(oo)          605        572,175  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

      2.976(ff)       11/05/30          8,950        7,895,473  

Discover Bank,

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

      2.700       02/06/30          3,275        2,776,881  

Freedom Mortgage Corp.,

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     12.000       10/01/28          150        162,531  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The),

            

Jr. Sub. Notes, Series U

      3.650(ff)       08/10/26(oo)          1,415        1,284,722  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

      3.814(ff)       04/23/29          265        250,331  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

      4.223(ff)       05/01/29          1,040        997,208  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA (Italy),

            

Sub. Notes, 144A

      4.198(ff)       06/01/32          700        572,911  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.,

            

Jr. Sub. Notes, Series FF

      5.000(ff)       08/01/24(oo)          8,150        8,090,428  

Jr. Sub. Notes, Series HH

      4.600(ff)       02/01/25(oo)          2,065        2,015,115  

Jr. Sub. Notes, Series KK(a)

      3.650(ff)       06/01/26(oo)          18,000        16,813,499  

Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd. (Israel),

            

Sub. Notes, 144A

      3.077(ff)       04/07/31          2,545        2,292,663  

Morgan Stanley,

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, GMTN

      3.772(ff)       01/24/29          3,780        3,572,581  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, GMTN

      4.431(ff)       01/23/30          5,500        5,281,494  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, MTN

      2.943(ff)       01/21/33          6,820        5,721,136  

Societe Generale SA (France),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

      6.066(ff)       01/19/35          3,000        2,951,956  

Texas Capital Bank NA,

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A, 3 Month LIBOR + 4.500%

     10.092(c)       09/30/24          3,884        3,862,309  

Truist Financial Corp.,

            

Jr. Sub. Notes, Series N

      4.800(ff)       09/01/24(oo)          710        672,845  

U.S. Bancorp,

            

Jr. Sub. Notes

      3.700(ff)       01/15/27(oo)          3,660        3,126,741  

UBS Group AG (Switzerland),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

      6.537(ff)       08/12/33          2,915        3,028,393  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

20


 

 Description   

Interest  

Rate

    Maturity 
Date
      Principal  
Amount
(000)#
       Value    

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

            

Banks (cont’d.)

 

                                          

VTB Bank OJSC Via VTB Capital SA (Russia),

            

Sub. Notes

      6.950%       10/17/22(d)          2,240      $ 112,000  

Wells Fargo & Co.,

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

      3.068(ff)       04/30/41                 3,150        2,328,067  
            

 

 

 
                105,774,546  

Beverages 0.1%

 

                                          

Anheuser-Busch Cos. LLC/Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc. (Belgium),

            

Gtd. Notes

      4.900       02/01/46          1,500        1,396,622  

Building Materials 0.9%

 

                                          

Cemex SAB de CV (Mexico),

            

Gtd. Notes(a)

      5.200       09/17/30          583        558,951  

Gtd. Notes

      5.450       11/19/29          1,917        1,878,660  

Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc.,

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      6.125       01/15/29          175        157,680  

Griffon Corp.,

            

Gtd. Notes

      5.750       03/01/28          515        498,560  

JELD-WEN, Inc.,

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      4.625       12/15/25          448        438,312  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      4.875       12/15/27          500        475,441  

Masonite International Corp.,

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      5.375       02/01/28          795        794,046  

Smyrna Ready Mix Concrete LLC,

            

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

      6.000       11/01/28          2,125        2,066,727  

Standard Industries, Inc.,

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

      4.375       07/15/30          1,850        1,650,263  
            

 

 

 
               8,518,640  

Chemicals 0.7%

 

                                          

Ashland, Inc.,

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

      3.375       09/01/31          575        482,146  

Braskem Netherlands Finance BV (Brazil),

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      8.500       01/12/31          2,540        2,502,408  

Chemours Co. (The),

            

Gtd. Notes

      5.375       05/15/27          1,050        965,907  

Rain Carbon, Inc.,

            

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     12.250       09/01/29          100        100,036  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 21


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
    Maturity 
Date
    

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

             

Chemicals (cont’d.)

 

                                           

Sasol Financing USA LLC (South Africa),

             

Gtd. Notes(a)

      4.375%       09/18/26           730      $ 680,893  

Gtd. Notes(a)

      5.875       03/27/24           1,450        1,447,825  

TPC Group, Inc.,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     13.000       12/16/27                  916        935,535  
             

 

 

 
                7,114,750  

Coal 0.1%

 

                                           

Teck Resources Ltd. (Canada),

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

      6.000       08/15/40           722        713,286  

Commercial Services 0.9%

 

                                           

Adtalem Global Education, Inc.,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

      5.500       03/01/28           878        835,545  

Allied Universal Holdco LLC/Allied Universal Finance Corp.,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

      6.625       07/15/26           668        665,923  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A(a)

      6.000       06/01/29           2,825        2,340,030  

Allied Universal Holdco LLC/Allied Universal Finance Corp./Atlas Luxco 4 Sarl,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

      4.625       06/01/28           680        603,500  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

      4.625       06/01/28           420        370,650  

AMN Healthcare, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      4.625       10/01/27           1,000        940,695  

DP World Ltd. (United Arab Emirates),

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

      4.250       09/25/30        GBP        500        589,336  

ERAC USA Finance LLC,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      4.200       11/01/46           100        83,659  

Gartner, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      4.500       07/01/28           350        331,472  

GTCR W-2 Merger Sub LLC,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

      7.500       01/15/31           200        208,568  

United Rentals North America, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes

      3.750       01/15/32           2,050        1,774,769  

Verscend Escrow Corp.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

      9.750       08/15/26           400        400,855  
             

 

 

 
                 9,145,002  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

22


 

 Description   

Interest  

Rate

    Maturity 
Date
       Principal  
Amount
(000)#
       Value    

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

             

Computers 0.1%

 

                                           

CA Magnum Holdings (India),

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     5.375%       10/31/26           535      $ 511,562  

NCR Atleos Corp.,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     9.500       04/01/29           656        696,819  
             

 

 

 
                1,208,381  

Distribution/Wholesale 0.3%

 

                                           

H&E Equipment Services, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     3.875       12/15/28           3,500        3,156,226  

Diversified Financial Services 2.5%

 

                                           

Blackstone Private Credit Fund,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes^

     5.610       05/03/27           1,250        1,199,633  

Greystone Commercial Capital Trust,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, Series A, 144A, 1 Month LIBOR + 2.270% (original cost $6,300,000; purchased 05/18/21)^(f)

     7.704(c)       05/31/25           6,300        5,418,000  

Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     4.150       01/23/30           350        325,610  

Nationstar Mortgage Holdings, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     5.125       12/15/30           150        134,261  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     5.500       08/15/28           1,590        1,507,396  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     6.000       01/15/27           800        786,543  

OneMain Finance Corp.,

             

Gtd. Notes

     3.875       09/15/28           1,800        1,572,665  

Gtd. Notes

     4.000       09/15/30           750        632,128  

PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     4.250       02/15/29           1,800        1,621,723  

Power Finance Corp. Ltd. (India),

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, EMTN

     5.250       08/10/28           800        792,168  

Sherwood Financing PLC (United Kingdom),

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     6.000       11/15/26        GBP        4,225        4,733,231  

Stifel Financial Corp.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     4.000       05/15/30           6,525        5,896,070  
             

 

 

 
                 24,619,428  

Electric 4.2%

 

                                           

Calpine Corp.,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     4.500       02/15/28           670        632,173  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     4.625       02/01/29           2,775        2,552,362  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     5.000       02/01/31           1,175        1,053,674  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 23


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
    Maturity 
Date
   

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

            

Electric (cont’d.)

 

                                          

Calpine Corp., (cont’d.)

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A(a)

      5.125%       03/15/28          4,000      $  3,795,013  

Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC,

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

      3.375       09/15/29          295        256,434  

CMS Energy Corp.,

            

Jr. Sub. Notes

      4.750(ff)       06/01/50          1,550        1,414,291  

Dominion Energy, Inc.,

            

Jr. Sub. Notes, Series B

      4.650(ff)       12/15/24(oo)          2,625        2,559,645  

Electricidad Firme de Mexico Holdings SA de CV (Mexico),

            

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

      4.900       11/20/26          537        504,377  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

      4.900       11/20/26          1,180        1,108,315  

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. (South Africa),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

      7.125       02/11/25          1,155        1,149,271  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A, MTN

      8.450       08/10/28          306        304,011  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, MTN

      8.450       08/10/28          2,304        2,289,024  

Light Servicos de Eletricidade SA/Light Energia SA (Brazil),

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A(a)

      4.375       06/18/26(d)          2,000        910,000  

Mong Duong Finance Holdings BV (Vietnam),

            

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

      5.125       05/07/29          1,176        1,116,756  

NRG Energy, Inc.,

            

Gtd. Notes

      5.750       01/15/28          225        221,625  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      3.375       02/15/29          200        174,763  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      3.625       02/15/31          3,525        2,965,103  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      3.875       02/15/32          1,475        1,238,566  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      5.250       06/15/29          1,275        1,208,868  

Jr. Sub. Notes, 144A

     10.250(ff)       03/15/28(oo)          225        238,516  

Pacific Gas & Electric Co.,

            

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

      3.250       06/01/31          1,650        1,413,711  

Perusahaan Perseroan Persero PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Indonesia),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

      1.875       11/05/31       EUR        1,106        966,357  

PG&E Corp.,

            

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

      5.250       07/01/30          546        513,920  

Puget Energy, Inc.,

            

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

      4.100       06/15/30          4,130        3,739,227  

Tierra Mojada Luxembourg II Sarl (Mexico),

            

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

      5.750       12/01/40          1,135        1,016,397  

Vistra Corp.,

            

Jr. Sub. Notes, 144A

      7.000(ff)       12/15/26(oo)          875        846,321  

Jr. Sub. Notes, 144A

      8.000(ff)       10/15/26(oo)          3,125        3,125,152  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

24


 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
    Maturity 
Date
    

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

             

Electric (cont’d.)

 

                                           

Vistra Operations Co. LLC,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     4.375%       05/01/29           225      $ 205,502  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     5.000       07/31/27           405        388,381  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     3.550       07/15/24           750        741,493  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     3.700       01/30/27           3,105        2,933,962  
             

 

 

 
                 41,583,210  

Electrical Components & Equipment 0.2%

 

                                           

WESCO Distribution, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     6.375       03/15/29           205        205,259  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     6.625       03/15/32           160        160,124  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     7.125       06/15/25           550        551,475  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     7.250       06/15/28           1,200        1,227,193  
             

 

 

 
                2,144,051  

Electronics 0.1%

 

                                           

Sensata Technologies, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     3.750       02/15/31           665        568,579  

Energy-Alternate Sources 0.2%

 

                                           

Aydem Yenilenebilir Enerji A/S (Turkey),

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     7.750       02/02/27           1,895        1,816,585  

Engineering & Construction 1.0%

 

                                           

AECOM,

             

Gtd. Notes

     5.125       03/15/27           500        489,668  

Mexico City Airport Trust (Mexico),

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     3.875       04/30/28           2,330        2,166,271  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     5.500       10/31/46           938        778,183  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     5.500       07/31/47           6,142        5,110,390  

TopBuild Corp.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     4.125       02/15/32           1,050        925,717  
             

 

 

 
                9,470,229  

Entertainment 1.2%

                                           

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A(a)

     4.625       10/15/29           1,050        958,619  

CCM Merger, Inc.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     6.375       05/01/26           2,175        2,150,334  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 25


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
    Maturity 
Date
   

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

            

Entertainment (cont’d.)

 

                                          

Codere Finance 2 Luxembourg SA (Spain),

            

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, Cash coupon 2.000% and PIK 10.750%

     12.750%       11/30/27(d)       EUR        60      $ 1,939  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A, Cash coupon 8.000% and PIK 3.000%^

     11.000       09/30/26(d)       EUR        153        33,171  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     13.000       09/30/24       EUR        25        27,014  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A, Cash coupon 2.000% and PIK 11.625%^

     13.625       11/30/27(d)          271        2,034  

Golden Entertainment, Inc.,

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A(a)

      7.625       04/15/26          2,800        2,801,625  

International Game Technology PLC,

            

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

      6.250       01/15/27          325        325,569  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

      6.500       02/15/25          750        750,937  

Motion Bondco DAC (United Kingdom),

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A(a)

      6.625       11/15/27          525        504,052  

Penn Entertainment, Inc.,

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

      5.625       01/15/27          3,125        2,988,314  

Premier Entertainment Sub LLC/Premier Entertainment Finance Corp.,

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      5.875       09/01/31          1,375        973,595  

Warnermedia Holdings, Inc.,

            

Gtd. Notes

      5.141       03/15/52          810        657,717  
            

 

 

 
                12,174,920  

Environmental Control 0.0%

 

                                          

GFL Environmental, Inc. (Canada),

            

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

      6.750       01/15/31          210        214,462  

Foods 1.5%

 

                                          

Albertson’s Cos., Inc./Safeway, Inc./New Albertson’s LP/Albertson’s LLC,

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      3.500       03/15/29          200        178,101  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      5.875       02/15/28          1,775        1,749,080  

B&G Foods, Inc.,

            

Gtd. Notes

      5.250       09/15/27          900        837,229  

Bellis Acquisition Co. PLC (United Kingdom),

            

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

      3.250       02/16/26       GBP        3,247        3,874,592  

Bellis Finco PLC (United Kingdom),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

      4.000       02/16/27       GBP        3,500        3,988,439  

C&S Group Enterprises LLC,

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      5.000       12/15/28          494        391,215  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

26


 

 Description   

Interest  

Rate

    Maturity 
Date
       Principal  
Amount
(000)#
       Value    

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

             

Foods (cont’d.)

 

                                           

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     4.125%       01/31/30           450      $ 407,102  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     4.375       01/31/32           725        646,770  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.,

             

Gtd. Notes

     4.250       04/15/31           2,000        1,786,877  

Post Holdings, Inc.,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     6.250       02/15/32           590        592,959  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     4.500       09/15/31           275        244,672  
             

 

 

 
                 14,697,036  

Gas 0.1%

 

                                           

AmeriGas Partners LP/AmeriGas Finance Corp.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     5.750       05/20/27           295        278,906  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     5.875       08/20/26           496        480,735  
             

 

 

 
                759,641  

Healthcare-Products 0.1%

 

                                           

Medline Borrower LP,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     3.875       04/01/29           575        515,434  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     5.250       10/01/29           250        231,179  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, EMTN

     1.500       10/01/39        EUR        400        319,324  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, EMTN

     1.875       10/01/49        EUR        275        205,415  
             

 

 

 
                1,271,352  

Healthcare-Services 1.2%

 

                                           

DaVita, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     3.750       02/15/31           100        82,039  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     4.625       06/01/30           2,500        2,198,668  

HCA, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes

     5.375       02/01/25           175        174,399  

Gtd. Notes

     5.875       02/15/26           200        200,882  

Gtd. Notes

     7.500       11/06/33           2,000        2,222,230  

Gtd. Notes, MTN

     7.750       07/15/36           1,500        1,714,949  

Legacy LifePoint Health LLC,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     4.375       02/15/27           50        46,563  

Prime Healthcare Services, Inc.,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     7.250       11/01/25           1,150        1,147,240  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 27


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
    Maturity 
Date
    

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

             

Healthcare-Services (cont’d.)

 

                                           

RegionalCare Hospital Partners Holdings, Inc./LifePoint Health, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A(a)

     9.750%       12/01/26           1,750      $ 1,751,079  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.,

             

Gtd. Notes(a)

     6.125       10/01/28           1,450        1,433,291  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

     4.250       06/01/29           325        298,790  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

     4.625       06/15/28           825        783,384  
             

 

 

 
                12,053,514  

Home Builders 1.7%

 

                                           

Ashton Woods USA LLC/Ashton Woods Finance Co.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     4.625       08/01/29           675        618,083  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     4.625       04/01/30           825        743,060  

Beazer Homes USA, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes

     5.875       10/15/27           125        121,596  

Gtd. Notes

     6.750       03/15/25           500        499,767  

Gtd. Notes

     7.250       10/15/29           3,233        3,235,677  

Brookfield Residential Properties, Inc./Brookfield Residential US LLC (Canada),

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     4.875       02/15/30           1,325        1,171,658  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     6.250       09/15/27           275        266,062  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     5.000       06/15/29           1,200        1,074,000  

Century Communities, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     3.875       08/15/29           800        706,273  

KB Home,

             

Gtd. Notes

     4.000       06/15/31           615        536,094  

Gtd. Notes(a)

     6.875       06/15/27           941        970,495  

M/I Homes, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes

     4.950       02/01/28           800        761,184  

Mattamy Group Corp. (Canada),

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     4.625       03/01/30           3,575        3,199,625  

Shea Homes LP/Shea Homes Funding Corp.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     4.750       02/15/28           1,925        1,846,948  

Taylor Morrison Communities, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     5.875       06/15/27           400        398,937  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     5.125       08/01/30           1,155        1,090,766  
             

 

 

 
                 17,240,225  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

28


 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
    Maturity 
Date
    

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

             

Household Products/Wares 0.3%

 

                                           

ACCO Brands Corp.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A(a)

      4.250%       03/15/29           2,675      $ 2,371,361  

Kronos Acquisition Holdings, Inc./KIK Custom Products, Inc. (Canada),

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      7.000       12/31/27           545        526,754  
             

 

 

 
                 2,898,115  

Housewares 0.1%

 

                                           

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (The),

             

Gtd. Notes

      4.375       02/01/32           1,175        983,913  

Insurance 0.0%

 

                                           

Teachers Insurance & Annuity Association of America,

             

Sub. Notes, 144A

      4.900       09/15/44           75        68,125  

Internet 0.6%

 

                                           

Prosus NV (China),

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

      4.193       01/19/32           2,265        1,937,753  

United Group BV (Slovenia),

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

      3.125       02/15/26        EUR        2,000        2,092,040  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

      4.000       11/15/27        EUR        1,000        1,030,867  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

      4.625       08/15/28        EUR        500        515,649  
             

 

 

 
                5,576,309  

Iron/Steel 0.2%

 

                                           

Big River Steel LLC/BRS Finance Corp.,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

      6.625       01/31/29           975        983,173  

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

      6.750       03/15/26           500        504,135  

Mineral Resources Ltd. (Australia),

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

      9.250       10/01/28           450        471,938  
             

 

 

 
                1,959,246  

Leisure Time 0.5%

 

                                           

Carnival Corp.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      6.000       05/01/29           225        218,813  

Carnival Holdings Bermuda Ltd.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     10.375       05/01/28           875        954,460  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 29


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
    Maturity 
Date
    

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

             

Leisure Time (cont’d.)

 

                                           

NCL Corp. Ltd.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     5.875%       03/15/26           350      $ 340,812  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     5.875       02/15/27           500        494,160  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     7.250       01/15/30           125        130,000  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     5.500       08/31/26           950        939,103  

Viking Cruises Ltd.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     5.875       09/15/27           350        341,906  

Viking Ocean Cruises Ship VII Ltd.,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     5.625       02/15/29           1,500        1,443,750  
             

 

 

 
                4,863,004  

Lodging 0.8%

 

                                           

Gohl Capital Ltd. (Malaysia),

             

Gtd. Notes

     4.250       01/24/27           1,020        976,722  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     3.900       08/08/29           255        230,756  

Marriott International, Inc.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, Series FF

     4.625       06/15/30           920        890,247  

MGM China Holdings Ltd. (Macau),

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A(a)

     4.750       02/01/27           2,160        2,036,475  

MGM Resorts International,

             

Gtd. Notes(a)

     4.750       10/15/28           1,500        1,407,745  

Gtd. Notes

     5.500       04/15/27           250        245,485  

Gtd. Notes

     5.750       06/15/25           50        49,892  

Gtd. Notes

     6.750       05/01/25           450        450,493  

Wynn Macau Ltd. (Macau),

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     5.500       01/15/26           1,600        1,552,064  
             

 

 

 
                 7,839,879  

Machinery-Diversified 0.0%

 

                                           

Chart Industries, Inc.,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     7.500       01/01/30           175        180,552  

Media 2.6%

 

                                           

Altice Finco SA (Luxembourg),

             

Sec’d. Notes

     4.750       01/15/28        EUR        3,125        2,833,604  

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     4.500       05/01/32           3,225        2,548,349  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     4.250       02/01/31           1,300        1,045,240  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

30


 

 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

     4.250%       01/15/34          1,000      $ 747,866  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A(a)

     5.375       06/01/29          1,350        1,218,408  

Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital,

            

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

     5.375       04/01/38          100        85,811  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

     5.750       04/01/48          500        415,512  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

     6.384       10/23/35          1,515        1,463,725  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

     6.484       10/23/45          50        45,664  

CSC Holdings LLC,

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     3.375       02/15/31          1,480        1,044,180  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     4.625       12/01/30          1,475        821,459  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     5.750       01/15/30          4,000        2,351,354  

Diamond Sports Group LLC/Diamond Sports Finance Co.,

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A (original cost $4,702,938; purchased 07/18/19 - 09/16/20)(f)

     6.625       08/15/27(d)          5,940        347,174  

Sec’d. Notes, 144A (original cost $997,283; purchased 02/19/20)(f)

     5.375       08/15/26(d)          1,000        59,435  

Discovery Communications LLC,

            

Gtd. Notes

     5.200       09/20/47          645        524,645  

Gtd. Notes

     5.300       05/15/49          2,220        1,810,595  

DISH DBS Corp.,

            

Gtd. Notes

     7.375       07/01/28          500        242,893  

Gtd. Notes

     7.750       07/01/26          4,570        2,874,187  

Univision Communications, Inc.,

            

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     6.625       06/01/27          1,875        1,817,721  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     8.000       08/15/28          625        628,209  

Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC (United Kingdom),

            

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

     4.250       01/15/30       GBP        2,000        2,160,407  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

     5.250       05/15/29       GBP        500        577,156  
            

 

 

 
                25,663,594  

Mining 1.1%

 

                                          

AngloGold Ashanti Holdings PLC (Australia),

            

Gtd. Notes(a)

     3.375       11/01/28          1,405        1,258,178  

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (Zambia),

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     7.500       04/01/25          1,400        1,385,300  

Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     9.375       03/01/29          210        217,626  

Freeport Indonesia PT (Indonesia),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A, MTN

     5.315       04/14/32          820        789,906  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 31


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 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          500      $ 498,974  

Indonesia Asahan Aluminium PT/Mineral Industri Indonesia Persero PT (Indonesia),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     6.530       11/15/28          1,710        1,765,951  

Novelis Corp.,

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     3.250       11/15/26          1,500        1,395,096  

Yamana Gold, Inc. (Canada),

            

Gtd. Notes

     2.630       08/15/31          5,000        4,111,059  
            

 

 

 
                11,422,090  

Oil & Gas 4.0%

 

                                          

Aethon United BR LP/Aethon United Finance Corp.,

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     8.250       02/15/26          1,575        1,587,169  

Aker BP ASA (Norway),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     3.750       01/15/30          150        135,976  

Alta Mesa Holdings LP/Alta Mesa Finance Services Corp.,

            

Gtd. Notes

     7.875       12/15/24(d)          2,950        295  

Antero Resources Corp.,

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     5.375       03/01/30          225        214,612  

Ascent Resources Utica Holdings LLC/ARU Finance Corp.,

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     7.000       11/01/26          1,525        1,524,279  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     9.000       11/01/27          1,004        1,272,929  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     8.250       12/31/28          825        838,664  

BP Capital Markets PLC (United Kingdom),

            

Gtd. Notes

     4.375(ff)       06/22/25(oo)          3,080        3,035,853  

Chesapeake Energy Corp.,

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     5.500       02/01/26          475        470,809  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     5.875       02/01/29          425        419,949  

CITGO Petroleum Corp.,

            

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     7.000       06/15/25          1,100        1,098,174  

Civitas Resources, Inc.,

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     5.000       10/15/26          1,000        970,802  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     8.375       07/01/28          200        209,293  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     8.625       11/01/30          200        214,182  

Crescent Energy Finance LLC,

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     9.250       02/15/28          310        324,555  

Ecopetrol SA (Colombia),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     6.875       04/29/30          1,000        972,800  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

32


 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
    Maturity 
Date
    

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

             

Oil & Gas (cont’d.)

 

                                           

Ecopetrol SA (Colombia), (cont’d.)

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

      8.625%       01/19/29           2,105      $ 2,229,195  

Endeavor Energy Resources LP/EER Finance, Inc.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

      5.750       01/30/28           1,500        1,511,850  

Energean Israel Finance Ltd. (Israel),

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

      4.875       03/30/26           1,222        1,147,727  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

      5.375       03/30/28           1,688        1,513,123  

Gazprom PJSC Via Gaz Capital SA (Russia),

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

      4.250       04/06/24        GBP        1,250        1,309,636  

Hilcorp Energy I LP/Hilcorp Finance Co.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

      5.750       02/01/29           675        657,157  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

      6.000       02/01/31           675        652,155  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

      6.250       11/01/28           700        695,600  

Leviathan Bond Ltd. (Israel),

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

      6.750       06/30/30           990        905,850  

MEG Energy Corp. (Canada),

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      5.875       02/01/29           1,180        1,150,500  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      7.125       02/01/27           550        556,903  

Permian Resources Operating LLC,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      8.000       04/15/27           650        670,541  

Petrobras Global Finance BV (Brazil),

             

Gtd. Notes

      6.625       01/16/34        GBP        730        869,775  

Gtd. Notes, EMTN

      6.250       12/14/26        GBP        775        976,776  

Petroleos Mexicanos (Mexico),

             

Gtd. Notes

      3.625       11/24/25        EUR        500        515,931  

Gtd. Notes

      4.750       02/26/29        EUR        500        454,644  

Gtd. Notes

      6.500       03/13/27           3,462        3,228,834  

Gtd. Notes

      6.500       01/23/29           100        87,598  

Gtd. Notes

      6.840       01/23/30           400        341,912  

Gtd. Notes, EMTN

      2.750       04/21/27        EUR        1,000        920,604  

Gtd. Notes, EMTN

      3.750       11/16/25        GBP        400        463,123  

Gtd. Notes, EMTN

      4.875       02/21/28        EUR        1,180        1,124,152  

Preem Holdings AB (Sweden),

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     12.000       06/30/27        EUR        2,250        2,630,113  

Southwestern Energy Co.,

             

Gtd. Notes

      4.750       02/01/32           575        522,146  

Gtd. Notes

      5.375       02/01/29           500        483,619  

Transocean, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      7.250       11/01/25           700        692,125  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

      8.000       02/01/27           275        267,644  
             

 

 

 
                 39,869,574  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 33


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
    Maturity 
Date
    

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

             

Packaging & Containers 0.2%

 

                                           

Ball Corp.,

             

Gtd. Notes

     6.000%       06/15/29           1,000      $ 1,005,387  

Pactiv Evergreen Group Issuer LLC/Pactiv Evergreen Group Issuer, Inc.,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     4.375       10/15/28           1,000        931,146  

Sealed Air Corp./Sealed Air Corp. US,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     6.125       02/01/28           100        99,790  
             

 

 

 
                2,036,323  

Pharmaceuticals 1.3%

 

                                           

AbbVie, Inc.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes(h)

     4.050       11/21/39           1,880        1,650,101  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     4.700       05/14/45           520        479,495  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     4.750       03/15/45           1,150        1,065,296  

AdaptHealth LLC,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     4.625       08/01/29           1,350        1,123,909  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     6.125       08/01/28           575        528,876  

Bausch Health Americas, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     8.500       01/31/27           40        22,712  

Bausch Health Cos., Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     5.000       01/30/28           1,250        550,000  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     5.000       02/15/29           1,100        484,000  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     5.250       01/30/30           1,175        505,250  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     5.250       02/15/31           4,025        1,730,750  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     6.250       02/15/29           1,250        568,750  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     7.000       01/15/28           1,225        539,000  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     4.875       06/01/28           1,075        612,750  

CVS Health Corp.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     5.125       07/20/45           25        22,761  

Mylan, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes

     5.400       11/29/43           3,000        2,589,876  

Organon & Co./Organon Foreign Debt Co-Issuer BV,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A(a)

     5.125       04/30/31           725        620,637  
             

 

 

 
                 13,094,163  

Pipelines 1.7%

 

                                           

AI Candelaria Spain SA (Colombia),

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     5.750       06/15/33           1,890        1,489,320  

Antero Midstream Partners LP/Antero Midstream Finance Corp.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     5.750       01/15/28           2,800        2,744,678  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

34


 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
    Maturity 
Date
   

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

            

Pipelines (cont’d.)

 

                                          

Energy Transfer LP,

            

Jr. Sub. Notes, Series G

     7.125%(ff)       05/15/30(oo)          2,900      $ 2,803,353  

Jr. Sub. Notes, Series H

     6.500(ff)       11/15/26(oo)          655        638,654  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     5.000       05/15/50          1,280        1,103,680  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     5.300       04/15/47          5        4,466  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     6.250       04/15/49          1,340        1,352,019  

Enterprise Products Operating LLC,

            

Gtd. Notes, Series D, 3 Month SOFR + 3.248%

     8.573(c)       08/16/77          200        198,908  

ONEOK, Inc.,

            

Gtd. Notes

     4.950       07/13/47          25        21,521  

Plains All American Pipeline LP/PAA Finance Corp.,

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     3.550       12/15/29          1,600        1,450,489  

Rockies Express Pipeline LLC,

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     3.600       05/15/25          1,485        1,440,465  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     6.875       04/15/40          225        221,652  

Tallgrass Energy Partners LP/Tallgrass Energy Finance Corp.,

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     5.500       01/15/28          1,250        1,187,315  

Gtd. Notes, 144A(a)

     6.000       12/31/30          2,150        2,001,197  

Williams Cos., Inc. (The),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     4.900       01/15/45          76        66,939  
            

 

 

 
                16,724,656  

Real Estate 0.8%

 

                                          

Agile Group Holdings Ltd. (China),

            

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

     6.050       10/13/25          2,085        265,838  

Arabian Centres Sukuk Ltd. (Saudi Arabia),

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     5.375       11/26/24          1,655        1,644,987  

Howard Hughes Corp. (The),

            

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     4.125       02/01/29          4,000        3,555,900  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

     5.375       08/01/28          920        868,397  

Hunt Cos., Inc.,

            

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

     5.250       04/15/29          2,000        1,830,678  
            

 

 

 
                8,165,800  

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) 0.9%

 

                                          

Brixmor Operating Partnership LP,

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     4.050       07/01/30          1,590        1,460,096  

Diversified Healthcare Trust,

            

Gtd. Notes

     4.375       03/01/31          2,000        1,517,958  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 35


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
  Maturity 
Date
  

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

             

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) (cont’d.)

                                   

Diversified Healthcare Trust, (cont’d.)

             

Gtd. Notes

   9.750%   06/15/25         225      $ 224,086  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   4.750   02/15/28         1,750        1,394,219  

GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes

   3.350   09/01/24         745        734,716  

Healthpeak OP LLC,

             

Gtd. Notes

   2.875   01/15/31         505        429,455  

MPT Operating Partnership LP/MPT Finance Corp.,

             

Gtd. Notes(a)

   5.000   10/15/27         950        776,099  

Park Intermediate Holdings LLC/PK Domestic Property LLC/PK Finance Co-Issuer,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

   7.500   06/01/25         1,500        1,507,722  

VICI Properties LP/VICI Note Co., Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

   4.250   12/01/26         345        330,420  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

   4.500   09/01/26         75        72,473  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

   4.625   06/15/25         440        432,490  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

   4.625   12/01/29         285        265,336  
             

 

 

 
                 9,145,070  

Retail 1.4%

                                   

1011778 BC ULC/New Red Finance, Inc. (Canada),
Sec’d. Notes, 144A

   4.000   10/15/30         1,350        1,181,250  

AutoNation, Inc.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   4.750   06/01/30         1,880        1,787,370  

Brinker International, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

   5.000   10/01/24         2,900        2,878,250  

Falabella SA (Chile),

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

   3.375   01/15/32         2,855        2,192,854  

Fertitta Entertainment LLC/Fertitta Entertainment Finance Co., Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

   6.750   01/15/30         900        794,630  

Gap, Inc. (The),

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

   3.625   10/01/29         825        697,308  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

   3.875   10/01/31         750        603,707  

Sally Holdings LLC/Sally Capital, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes

   5.625   12/01/25         1,675        1,674,606  

Gtd. Notes

   6.750   03/01/32         250        249,048  

Suburban Propane Partners LP/Suburban Energy Finance Corp.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   5.875   03/01/27         1,850        1,823,376  
             

 

 

 
                13,882,399  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

36


 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
  Maturity 
Date
  

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

             

Semiconductors 0.1%

                                   

NXP BV/NXP Funding LLC/NXP USA, Inc. (China),

             

Gtd. Notes

    3.150%   05/01/27         675      $ 633,839  

Gtd. Notes

    3.400   05/01/30         875        782,372  
             

 

 

 
                  1,416,211  

Telecommunications 2.9%

                                   

Altice France SA (France),

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

    3.375   01/15/28      EUR        1,650        1,445,907  

AT&T, Inc.,

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.550   09/15/55         1,250        851,628  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

    3.800   12/01/57         781        551,085  

Digicel Group Holdings Ltd. (Jamaica),

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, Series 1A14, 144A (original cost $38,276; purchased 11/14/23)^(f)

    0.000   12/31/30         34        38,276  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, Series 1B14, 144A (original cost $14; purchased 11/14/23)^(f)

    0.000   12/31/30         145         

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, Series 3A14, 144A (original cost $1,960; purchased 11/14/23)^(f)

    0.000   12/31/30         1        1,960  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, Series 3B14, 144A (original cost $8; purchased 11/14/23)^(f)

    0.000   12/31/30         84         

Digicel Intermediate Holdings Ltd./Digicel International Finance Ltd./DIFL US LLC (Jamaica),

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, Cash coupon 9.000% and PIK 1.500% (original cost $7,550,811; purchased 01/29/24 - 01/30/24)(f)

   12.000   05/25/27         8,173        8,007,262  

Digicel MidCo Ltd./DIFL US II LLC (Jamaica),

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, PIK 10.500% (original cost $1,634,222; purchased 01/30/24)(f)

   10.500   11/25/28         2,532        2,025,557  

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA (Luxembourg),

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    6.500   03/15/30         2,800        2,598,960  

Level 3 Financing, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.250   07/01/28         175        107,625  

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    4.625   09/15/27         75        48,375  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    3.400   03/01/27         175        178,500  

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

   10.500   05/15/30         645        663,732  

Millicom International Cellular SA (Guatemala),

             

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

    4.500   04/27/31         720        621,864  

Sprint Capital Corp.,

             

Gtd. Notes

    8.750   03/15/32         3,000        3,625,239  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 37


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
  Maturity 
Date
  

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)

             

Telecommunications (cont’d.)

                                   

TalkTalk Telecom Group Ltd. (United Kingdom),

             

Gtd. Notes

    3.875%   02/20/25      GBP        4,900      $ 5,653,306  

T-Mobile USA, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes

    4.375   04/15/40         1,850        1,621,668  

Total Play Telecomunicaciones SA de CV (Mexico),

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    6.375   09/20/28         1,710        706,230  
             

 

 

 
                28,747,174  

Transportation 0.2%

                                   

GN Bondco LLC,

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes, 144A

    9.500   10/15/31         1,375        1,361,135  

Lima Metro Line 2 Finance Ltd. (Peru),

             

Sr. Sec’d. Notes

    5.875   07/05/34         87        85,823  

XPO, Inc.,

             

Gtd. Notes, 144A

    7.125   02/01/32         255        259,047  
             

 

 

 
                1,706,005  
             

 

 

 

TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS
(cost $570,514,112)

                  508,189,696  
             

 

 

 

FLOATING RATE AND OTHER LOANS 2.2%

             

Auto Parts & Equipment 0.0%

                                   

Tenneco, Inc.,

             

Term A Loan, 3 Month SOFR + 4.850%

   10.169(c)   11/17/28         419        391,112  

Commercial Services 0.0%

                                   

Adtalem Global Education, Inc.,

    8.826(c)   08/12/28         422        422,848  

2024 Repricing Term Loan, 1 Month SOFR + 3.500%

             

Computers 0.2%

                                   

McAfee Corp.,

             

Tranche B-1 Term Loan, 1 Month SOFR + 3.850%

    9.178(c)   03/01/29         1,896        1,883,258  

Cosmetics/Personal Care 0.5%

                                   

Rainbow Midco Ltd. (United Kingdom),

             

Term Loan, 3 Month EURIBOR + 7.750%^

   19.407(c)   02/22/30      EUR        4,377        4,721,025  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

38


 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
    Maturity 
Date
 

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

FLOATING RATE AND OTHER LOANS (Continued)

            

Insurance 0.1%

                                      

Asurion LLC,

            

New B-09 Term Loan, 1 Month SOFR + 3.364%

      8.691%(c)     07/31/27        632      $ 621,966  

New B-11 Term Loan, 1 Month SOFR + 4.350%

      9.676(c)     08/21/28        700        695,217  
            

 

 

 
               1,317,183  

Media 0.2%

                                      

CSC Holdings LLC,
2022 Refinancing Term Loan, 1 Month SOFR + 4.500%

      9.818(c)     01/18/28        830        805,425  

September 2019 Term Loan, 1 Month LIBOR + 2.500%

      7.932(c)     04/15/27        874        816,430  

Diamond Sports Group LLC,

            

First Lien Term Loan, 1 Month SOFR + 10.100%

     13.423(c)     05/25/26        89        86,127  

Second Lien Term Loan

      8.175     08/24/26(d)        2,332        126,339  
            

 

 

 
                 1,834,321  

Metal Fabricate/Hardware  0.2%

                                      

Tank Holding Corp.,
2023 Incremental Term Loan, 1 Month SOFR + 6.100%

     11.426(c)     03/31/28        222        220,097  

Delayed Draw Term Commitment, 1 Month SOFR + 6.100%

     11.424(c)     03/31/28        43        42,688  

Term Loan, 1 Month SOFR + 5.850%

     11.176(c)     03/31/28        1,748        1,735,262  
            

 

 

 
               1,998,047  

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)  0.1%

                                      

Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc.,

            

Term Loan, 1 Month SOFR + 2.364%

      7.691(c)     04/23/26        750        744,857  

Retail 0.7%

                                      

EG Group Ltd. (United Kingdom),

            

Additional Second Lien Loan Facility, 3 Month EURIBOR + 7.000%

     10.925(c)     04/30/27     EUR        5,890        5,904,383  

Great Outdoors Group LLC,

            

Term B-2 Loan, 1 Month SOFR + 3.864%

      9.191(c)     03/06/28        645        644,821  
            

 

 

 
               6,549,204  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 39


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
  Maturity 
Date
  

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

FLOATING RATE AND OTHER LOANS (Continued)

             

Telecommunications 0.2%

                                   

Digicel International Finance, Ltd. (Jamaica),

             

Initial Term Loan, 3 Month SOFR + 6.750%

   12.063%(c)   05/29/27         1,643      $ 1,552,688  

Level 3 Financing, Inc.,

             

Tranche B 2027 Term Loan, 1 Month SOFR + 1.864%

    7.191(c)   03/01/27         150        146,250  

Lumen Technologies, Inc.,

             

Term B Loan, 1 Month SOFR + 2.364%

    7.691(c)   03/15/27         60        43,261  

Term Loan

      — (p)   06/01/28         23        21,312  
             

 

 

 
                1,763,511  
             

 

 

 

TOTAL FLOATING RATE AND OTHER LOANS
(cost $23,555,324)

                  21,625,366  
             

 

 

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS 0.8%

 

Illinois 0.1%

                                   

State of Illinois,

             

General Obligation Unlimited, Taxable(a)

    5.100   06/01/33         1,210        1,191,942  

Puerto Rico 0.7%

                                   

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,

             

General Obligation, Sub-Series C

    0.000(cc)   11/01/43         11,393        6,637,931  

Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp. Sales Tax Revenue,

             

Revenue Bonds, Restructured, Series A-1

    4.750   07/01/53         240        238,147  

Revenue Bonds, Restructured, Series A-1

    5.000   07/01/58         255        256,283  
             

 

 

 
                7,132,361  
             

 

 

 

TOTAL MUNICIPAL BONDS
(cost $8,219,198)

                8,324,303  
             

 

 

 

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES 4.4%

             

Bayview Financing Trust,

             

Series 2023-01F, Class A, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 4.000% (Cap N/A, Floor 4.000%) ^

    9.320(c)   07/01/26         824        824,465  

Bellemeade Re Ltd.,

             

Series 2021-03A, Class M1B, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 1.400% (Cap N/A, Floor 1.400%)

    6.722(c)   09/25/31                900        898,566  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

40


 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
  Maturity 
Date
  

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (Continued)

 

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust,

             

Series 2020-R01, Class 1M2, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 2.164% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

    7.486%(c)   01/25/40         704      $ 712,576  

Series 2021-R01, Class 1B1, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 3.100% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

    8.422(c)   10/25/41         1,220        1,246,694  

Series 2022-R03, Class 1B1, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 6.250% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

   11.572(c)   03/25/42         1,000          1,108,849  

Series 2022-R04, Class 1M2, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 3.100% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

    8.422(c)   03/25/42         1,000        1,039,084  

Series 2022-R07, Class 1B1, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 6.800% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

   12.121(c)   06/25/42         500        563,703  

Series 2022-R08, Class 1B1, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 5.600% (Cap N/A, Floor 5.600%)

   10.922(c)   07/25/42         500        544,658  

Series 2022-R08, Class 1M2, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 3.600% (Cap N/A, Floor 3.600%)

    8.922(c)   07/25/42         635        670,913  

Series 2023-R01, Class 1M2, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 3.750% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

    9.071(c)   12/25/42         300        320,930  

Series 2023-R08, Class 1M2, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 2.500% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

    7.822(c)   10/25/43         650        667,325  

Fannie Mae Interest Strips,

             

Series 422, Class C7, IO

    3.500   11/25/35         2,871        350,696  

Fannie Mae REMIC,

             

Series 2018-80, Class GC

    3.500   10/25/48         1,500        1,247,681  

FHLMC Structured Agency Credit Risk REMIC Trust,
Series 2020-DNA04, Class B1, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 6.114% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

   11.436(c)   08/25/50         1,217        1,380,235  

Series 2020-DNA05, Class B1, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 4.800% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

   10.122(c)   10/25/50         630        709,746  

Series 2020-DNA05, Class M2, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 2.800% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

    8.122(c)   10/25/50         113        114,861  

Series 2020-DNA06, Class B1, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 3.000% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

    8.322(c)   12/25/50                3,240        3,394,816  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 41


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
  Maturity 
Date
  

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (Continued)

 

  

FHLMC Structured Agency Credit Risk REMIC Trust, (cont’d.)

             

Series 2020-HQA04, Class B1, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 5.364% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

   10.686%(c)   09/25/50         917      $ 1,005,703  

Series 2021-DNA02, Class B1, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 3.400% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

    8.722(c)   08/25/33         6,250          6,777,450  

Series 2021-DNA03, Class B1, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 3.500% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

    8.822(c)   10/25/33         100        109,767  

Series 2021-DNA03, Class M2, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 2.100% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

    7.422(c)   10/25/33         200        202,496  

Series 2021-DNA05, Class B1, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 3.050% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

    8.372(c)   01/25/34         2,320        2,442,593  

Series 2021-DNA07, Class M2, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 1.800% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

    7.122(c)   11/25/41         310        312,226  

Series 2022-DNA01, Class M1B, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 1.850% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

    7.172(c)   01/25/42         390        391,210  

Series 2022-DNA02, Class M1B, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 2.400% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

    7.722(c)   02/25/42         700        714,584  

Series 2022-DNA04, Class M1B, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 3.350% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

    8.672(c)   05/25/42         700        735,628  

Government National Mortgage Assoc.,

             

Series 2016-69, Class B

    3.000   05/20/46         3,115        2,710,111  

Series 2019-137, Class IO, IO

    3.000   11/20/49         4,215        663,577  

Series 2019-159, Class IJ, IO

    3.500   12/20/49         733        138,524  

Home Re Ltd.,

             

Series 2019-01, Class M1, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 1.764% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.000%)

    7.086(c)   05/25/29         138        137,961  

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust,

             

Series 2018-04A, Class A1S, 144A, 1 Month SOFR + 0.864% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.750%)

    6.185(c)   01/25/48         88        85,049  

Oaktown Re VII Ltd.,

             

Series 2021-02, Class M1B, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 2.900% (Cap N/A, Floor 2.900%)

    8.222(c)   04/25/34         3,900        3,951,251  

PMT Credit Risk Transfer Trust,

             

Series 2019-02R, Class A, 144A, 1 Month SOFR + 3.864% (Cap N/A, Floor 2.750%)

    9.193(c)   05/30/25         2,959        2,960,713  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

42


 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
  Maturity 
Date
  

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

      Value    

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (Continued)

            

PNMAC GMSR Issuer Trust,
Series 2018-GT02, Class A, 144A, 1 Month SOFR + 3.515% (Cap N/A, Floor 0.115%)

   8.836%(c)   08/25/25         850     $ 854,059  

Radnor Re Ltd.,

            

Series 2021-02, Class M1B, 144A, 30 Day Average SOFR + 3.700% (Cap N/A, Floor 3.700%)

   9.022(c)   11/25/31         3,700       3,783,885  

TFS (Spain),

            

Series 2018-03^

   0.000(s)   04/16/40      EUR        (r)      1  
            

 

 

 

TOTAL RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
(cost $42,889,787)

                 43,772,586  
            

 

 

 

SOVEREIGN BONDS 3.5%

 

Brazil Minas SPE via State of Minas Gerais (Brazil),

            

Gov’t. Gtd. Notes

   5.333   02/15/28         1,212       1,192,947  

Colombia Government International Bond (Colombia),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   7.500   02/02/34         1,410       1,426,370  

Dominican Republic International Bond (Dominican Republic),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

   5.500   02/22/29         1,635       1,581,486  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

   5.950   01/25/27         1,740       1,736,329  

Hellenic Republic Government International Bond (Greece),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   5.200   07/17/34      EUR        120       140,317  

Indonesia Government International Bond (Indonesia),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   0.900   02/14/27      EUR        1,080       1,074,828  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   1.100   03/12/33      EUR        615       525,765  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   1.450   09/18/26      EUR        135       137,657  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, EMTN

   3.750   06/14/28      EUR        380       411,098  

Ivory Coast Government International Bond (Ivory Coast),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

   5.750   12/31/32         87       81,459  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

   7.625   01/30/33         1,865       1,806,719  

Japan Finance Organization for Municipalities (Japan),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A, MTN

   1.750   09/05/24         200       196,182  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A, MTN

   3.000   03/12/24         200       199,849  

Lembaga Pembiayaan Ekspor Indonesia (Indonesia),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, EMTN

   3.875   04/06/24         801       799,646  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 43


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
    Maturity 
Date
   

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

SOVEREIGN BONDS (Continued)

            

Pakistan Government International Bond (Pakistan),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     8.250%       04/15/24          2,200      $ 2,175,492  

Republic of Italy Government International Bond (Italy),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     2.875       10/17/29          1,000        880,085  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, MTN(a)

     5.375       06/15/33          3,300        3,227,865  

Romanian Government International Bond (Romania),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A, MTN

     5.000       09/27/26       EUR        3,800        4,194,931  

Serbia International Bond (Serbia),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     3.125       05/15/27       EUR        4,453          4,617,403  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     1.500       06/26/29       EUR        1,095        995,232  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     1.650       03/03/33       EUR        1,006        796,262  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     2.125       12/01/30          508        400,604  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     6.250       05/26/28          425        431,643  

Turkiye Government International Bond (Turkey),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     7.625       05/15/34          3,130        3,118,262  

Ukraine Government International Bond (Ukraine),

            

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     4.375       01/27/32(d)       EUR        1,140        295,251  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     7.750       09/01/24(d)          100        30,900  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     7.750       09/01/26(d)          430        128,979  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

     8.994       02/01/26(d)          200        63,962  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     4.375       01/27/32(d)       EUR        1,355        350,934  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     7.750       09/01/24(d)          3,550        1,096,950  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     7.750       09/01/25(d)          520        158,860  

Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

     8.994       02/01/26(d)          650        207,877  
            

 

 

 

TOTAL SOVEREIGN BONDS
(cost $41,545,541)

               34,482,144  
            

 

 

 

U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY OBLIGATIONS 17.3%

            

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.

     2.500       03/01/51          1,918        1,588,828  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.

     2.500       07/01/51          1,521        1,254,636  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.

     2.500       07/01/51          2,092        1,726,899  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.

     2.500       08/01/51          2,781        2,293,596  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.(kk)

     4.500       10/01/52          10,159        9,618,696  

Federal National Mortgage Assoc.

     1.500       07/01/51          3,623        2,709,242  

Federal National Mortgage Assoc.

     2.500       06/01/50          2,880        2,389,340  

Federal National Mortgage Assoc.

     2.500       03/01/51          2,997        2,480,444  

Federal National Mortgage Assoc.

     2.500       07/01/51          1,745        1,440,882  

Federal National Mortgage Assoc.

     3.000       TBA(tt)          60,500        51,740,626  

Federal National Mortgage Assoc.

     3.500       TBA(tt)          2,500        2,223,904  

Federal National Mortgage Assoc.

     3.500       TBA          59,000        52,521,016  

Federal National Mortgage Assoc.

     4.000       TBA          10,000        9,204,439  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

44


 

 Description    Interest  
Rate
    Maturity 
Date
   

  Principal  

Amount

(000)#

       Value    

U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY OBLIGATIONS (Continued)

            

Federal National Mortgage Assoc.

     4.000%       05/01/52          2,523      $ 2,322,479  

Federal National Mortgage Assoc.

     5.500       TBA(tt)          26,500        26,213,079  

Government National Mortgage Assoc.

     2.500       03/20/51          2,649        2,245,689  
            

 

 

 

TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY OBLIGATIONS
(cost $173,471,307)

                 171,973,795  
            

 

 

 

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS 4.1%

            

U.S. Treasury Bonds(h)(k)(kk)

     2.250       05/15/41          18,120        13,230,432  

U.S. Treasury Bonds

     2.375       02/15/42          4,989        3,667,695  

U.S. Treasury Bonds

     3.125       02/15/43          4,825        3,960,269  

U.S. Treasury Bonds(h)(k)(kk)

     3.375       11/15/48          4,670        3,879,019  

U.S. Treasury Strips Coupon

     1.450(s)       08/15/42          305        128,088  

U.S. Treasury Strips Coupon(k)

     1.912(s)       08/15/40          13,050        6,064,682  

U.S. Treasury Strips Coupon

     1.960(s)       05/15/41          785        350,429  

U.S. Treasury Strips Coupon(k)

     2.056(s)       11/15/38          110        56,474  

U.S. Treasury Strips Coupon(k)

     2.208(s)       05/15/39          1,070        534,164  

U.S. Treasury Strips Coupon(k)

     2.340(s)       02/15/43          7,190        2,952,394  

U.S. Treasury Strips Coupon

     2.341(s)       02/15/40          5,135        2,457,980  

U.S. Treasury Strips Coupon

     2.395(s)       11/15/43          502        198,682  

U.S. Treasury Strips Coupon(k)

     2.423(s)       11/15/40          640        292,900  

U.S. Treasury Strips Coupon(kk)

     2.437(s)       05/15/44          2,230        862,905  

U.S. Treasury Strips Coupon

     3.048(s)       11/15/41          1,105        481,711  

U.S. Treasury Strips Coupon(h)

     3.081(s)       08/15/41          1,295        571,318  

U.S. Treasury Strips Coupon

     4.650(s)       02/15/41          230        104,120  

U.S. Treasury Strips Coupon

     4.809(s)       02/15/42          75        32,273  

U.S. Treasury Strips Coupon

     4.924(s)       02/15/49          650        207,010  

U.S. Treasury Strips Coupon

     5.356(s)       05/15/40          325        153,270  

U.S. Treasury Strips Principal

     2.060(s)       11/15/44          1,145        450,441  
            

 

 

 

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS
(cost $54,206,330)

               40,636,256  
            

 

 

 
                        Shares         

COMMON STOCKS 0.6%

 

Chemicals 0.2%

                                          

TPC Group, Inc.*^

            70,274        1,967,672  

Electric Utilities 0.0%

                                          

GenOn Energy Holdings, Inc. (Class A Stock)*^

            677        3,385  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 45


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description     Shares         Value    

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

        

Gas Utilities 0.1%

                          

Ferrellgas Partners LP (Class B Stock)
(original cost $484,969; purchased 07/29/20)(f)

        5,838      $ 967,113  

Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers 0.1%

                          

Vistra Corp.

        10,516        573,543  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 0.1%

                          

Chesapeake Energy Corp.

        11,102        919,024  

Wireless Telecommunication Services 0.1%

                          

Digicel International Finance Ltd. (Jamaica)
(original cost $140,548; purchased 01/29/24 - 01/30/24)*^(f)

        116,510        210,883  

Intelsat Emergence SA (Luxembourg)*

        44,407        1,217,040  
        

 

 

 
           1,427,923  
        

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(cost $2,598,108)

           5,858,660  
        

 

 

 

PREFERRED STOCKS 0.4%

        

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 0.4%

                          

Ferrellgas Escrow LLC, 8.956%, Maturing 03/30/31
(original cost $3,925,000; purchased 03/29/21)^(f)

        3,925        3,925,000  

Wireless Telecommunication Services 0.0%

                          

Digicel International Finance Ltd. (Jamaica)
(original cost $324,760; purchased 01/26/24 - 01/29/24)*^(f)

        37,376        373,760  
        

 

 

 

TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(cost $4,132,010)

           4,298,760  
        

 

 

 

TOTAL LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $1,202,062,665)

             1,093,804,597  
        

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 5.8%

        

AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUNDS 5.8%

        

PGIM Core Government Money Market Fund (7-day effective yield 5.545%)(wb)

        30,114,493        30,114,493  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

46


 

 Description     Shares         Value    

AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUNDS (Continued)

        

PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund (7-day effective yield 5.683%)
(cost $27,789,742; includes $27,645,553 of cash collateral for securities on loan)(b)(wb)

        27,826,383      $ 27,815,252  
        

 

 

 

TOTAL AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUNDS
(cost $57,904,235)

           57,929,745  
        

 

 

 

OPTIONS PURCHASED*~ 0.0%
(cost $210,076)

           174,524  
        

 

 

 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $58,114,311)

           58,104,269  
        

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS, BEFORE OPTIONS WRITTEN 115.7%
(cost $1,260,176,976)

           1,151,908,866  
        

 

 

 

OPTIONS WRITTEN*~ (0.0)%
(premiums received $643,624)

           (574,416
        

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS, NET OF OPTIONS WRITTEN 115.7%
(cost $1,259,533,352)

            1,151,334,450  

Liabilities in excess of other assets(z) (15.7)%

           (155,989,037
        

 

 

 

NET ASSETS 100.0%

         $ 995,345,413  
        

 

 

 

 

Below is a list of the abbreviation(s) used in the annual report:

BRL—Brazilian Real

CLP—Chilean Peso

CNH—Chinese Renminbi

COP—Colombian Peso

CZK—Czech Koruna

EUR—Euro

GBP—British Pound

HUF—Hungarian Forint

IDR—Indonesian Rupiah

ILS—Israeli Shekel

INR—Indian Rupee

JPY—Japanese Yen

KRW—South Korean Won

MXN—Mexican Peso

NZD—New Zealand Dollar

PEN—Peruvian Nuevo Sol

PHP—Philippine Peso

PLN—Polish Zloty

SGD—Singapore Dollar

THB—Thai Baht

TRY—Turkish Lira

TWD—New Taiwanese Dollar

USD—US Dollar

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 47


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

ZAR—South African Rand

144A—Security was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and, pursuant to the requirements of Rule 144A, may not be resold except to qualified institutional buyers.

A—Annual payment frequency for swaps

BARC—Barclays Bank PLC

BNP—BNP Paribas S.A.

BNYM—Bank of New York Mellon

BOA—Bank of America, N.A.

CDX—Credit Derivative Index

CITI—Citibank, N.A.

CLO—Collateralized Loan Obligation

CME—Chicago Mercantile Exchange

COP—Certificates of Participation

DAC—Designated Activity Company

DB—Deutsche Bank AG

EMTN—Euro Medium Term Note

EURIBOR—Euro Interbank Offered Rate

GMTN—Global Medium Term Note

GSI—Goldman Sachs International

HSBC—HSBC Bank PLC

iBoxx—Bond Market Indices

ICE—Intercontinental Exchange

IO—Interest Only (Principal amount represents notional)

iTraxx—International Credit Derivative Index

JPM—JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

LIBOR—London Interbank Offered Rate

LP—Limited Partnership

M—Monthly payment frequency for swaps

MSI—Morgan Stanley & Co International PLC

MTN—Medium Term Note

MUNIPSA—Municipal Swap Weekly Yield Index

OJSC—Open Joint-Stock Company

OTC—Over-the-counter

PIK—Payment-in-Kind

PJSC—Public Joint-Stock Company

Q—Quarterly payment frequency for swaps

REITs—Real Estate Investment Trust

REMIC—Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit

S—Semiannual payment frequency for swaps

SCB—Standard Chartered Bank

SOFR—Secured Overnight Financing Rate

SONIA—Sterling Overnight Index Average

SSB—State Street Bank & Trust Company

T—Swap payment upon termination

TBA—To Be Announced

TD—The Toronto-Dominion Bank

UAG—UBS AG

UBS—UBS Securities LLC

USOIS—United States Overnight Index Swap

 

*

Non-income producing security.

#

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

48


 

~

See tables subsequent to the Schedule of Investments for options detail. Excludes centrally cleared swaptions. Options with maturity dates greater than one year from date of acquisition would be considered long-term investments.

^

Indicates a Level 3 instrument. The aggregate value of Level 3 instruments is $18,994,518 and 1.9% of net assets.

(a)

All or a portion of security is on loan. The aggregate market value of such securities, including those sold and pending settlement, is $27,070,625; cash collateral of $27,645,553 (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, or portion thereof, purchased with cash collateral received for securities on loan and includes dividend reinvestment.

(c)

Variable rate instrument. The interest rate shown reflects the rate in effect at February 29, 2024.

(cc)

Variable rate instrument. The rate shown is based on the latest available information as of February 29, 2024. 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.

(d)

Represents issuer in default on interest payments and/or principal repayment. Non-income producing security. Such securities may be post-maturity.

(f)

Indicates a restricted security that is acquired in unregistered, private sales from the issuing company or from an affiliate of the issuer and is considered restricted as to disposition under federal securities law; the aggregate original cost of such securities is $40,594,081. The aggregate value of $34,190,316 is 3.4% of net assets.

(ff)

Variable rate security. Security may be issued at a fixed coupon rate, which converts to a variable rate at a specified date. Rate shown is the rate in effect as of period end.

(h)

Represents security, or a portion thereof, segregated as collateral for OTC derivatives.

(k)

Represents security, or a portion thereof, segregated as collateral for centrally cleared/exchange-traded derivatives.

(kk)

Represents security, or a portion thereof, segregated as collateral for TBA securities.

(oo)

Perpetual security. Maturity date represents next call date.

(p)

Represents a security with a delayed settlement and therefore the interest rate is not available until settlement which is after the period end.

(r)

Principal or notional amount is less than $500 par.

(s)

Represents zero coupon bond or principal only security. Rate represents yield to maturity at purchase date.

(tt)

All or partial principal amount represents “TBA” mortgage dollar rolls. The aggregate mortgage dollar roll principal amount of $89,500,000 is 9.0% of net assets.

(wb)

Represents an investment in a Fund affiliated with the Manager.

(z)

Includes net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and/or market value of the below holdings which are excluded from the Schedule of Investments:

Unfunded loan commitment outstanding at February 29, 2024:

 

Borrower

   Principal
Amount
(000)#
   Current
Value
   Unrealized
Appreciation
   Unrealized
Depreciation

Tank Holding Corp., Delayed Draw Term Commitment, 1.000%, Maturity Date 03/31/28 (cost $52,113)

       53      $ 52,272      $ 159      $
         

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Options Purchased:

OTC Traded

 

Description

   Call/
Put
  

Counterparty

   Expiration
Date
    Strike     Contracts    Notional
Amount
(000)#
     Value

Currency Option EUR vs MXN

   Call    MSI    03/25/24      20.50         EUR  1,489      $  89

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 49


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

OTC Traded

 

Description

   Call/
Put
  

Counterparty

   Expiration
Date
    Strike     Contracts    Notional
Amount
(000)#
     Value  

Currency Option EUR vs PLN

   Call    DB    03/01/24      4.70         EUR 1,506        $     —  

Currency Option EUR vs PLN

   Call    DB    03/25/24      4.60         EUR  1,484        94  

Currency Option EUR vs PLN

   Call    DB    03/25/24      4.60         EUR 1,488        94  

Currency Option USD vs BRL

   Call    MSI    03/26/24      5.75           742        22  

Currency Option USD vs CNH

   Call    MSI    04/02/24      7.25           3,021        2,689  

Currency Option USD vs COP

   Call    MSI    03/01/24      4,700.00           3,011         

Currency Option USD vs COP

   Call    MSI    04/02/24      4,500.00           1,488        270  

Currency Option USD vs MXN

   Call    DB    03/04/24      20.50           1,487         

Currency Option USD vs MXN

   Call    DB    03/25/24      20.00           1,488        67  

Currency Option USD vs MXN

   Call    HSBC    03/25/24      20.00           1,488        67  

Currency Option USD vs ZAR

   Call    DB    03/01/24      21.50           1,475         

Currency Option USD vs ZAR

   Call    CITI    06/25/24      19.80           3,711        87,658  

Currency Option USD vs BRL

   Put    MSI    03/26/24      4.25           3,681         

Currency Option USD vs CLP

   Put    DB    03/01/24      800.00           744         

Currency Option USD vs CLP

   Put    DB    03/08/24      850.00           744         

Currency Option USD vs CLP

   Put    MSI    03/08/24      860.00           740         

Currency Option USD vs CNH

   Put    MSI    04/02/24      6.50           3,021        25  

Currency Option USD vs COP

   Put    DB    03/04/24      3,400.00           1,487         

Currency Option USD vs COP

   Put    DB    03/04/24      3,500.00           1,487         

Currency Option USD vs COP

   Put    MSI    03/07/24      3,200.00           3,004         

Currency Option USD vs COP

   Put    DB    03/21/24      3,500.00           1,487        5  

Currency Option USD vs ILS

   Put    MSI    03/22/24      3.30           1,484        72  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

50


 

OTC Traded

 

Description

   Call/
Put
  

Counterparty

   Expiration
Date
    Strike     Contracts      Notional
Amount
(000)#
     Value  

Currency Option USD vs KRW

   Put    MSI    03/13/24      1,220.00               1,491        $      —  

Currency Option USD vs ZAR

   Put    MSI    03/14/24      16.00               1,483         

Currency Option USD vs ZAR

   Put    JPM    03/14/24      19.25               1,483        15,543  

Currency Option USD vs ZAR

   Put    JPM    03/26/24      17.00               1,489        9  

Currency Option USD vs ZAR

   Put    JPM    03/29/24      16.00               1,483         

Currency Option USD vs ZAR

   Put    CITI    06/25/24      15.00               3,711        199  
                    

 

 

 

Total OTC Traded (cost $142,430)

                    $106,903  
                    

 

 

 

OTC Swaptions

 

Description  

   Call/
Put
  

Counterparty

   Expiration
Date
    Strike     Receive       Pay       Notional
Amount
(000)#
     Value  

iTraxx.EUR.40.V1, 12/20/28

   Put    MSI      06/19/24       0.70%      
iTraxx.EUR.40.
V1(Q)
 
 
    1.00%(Q)     EUR  50,180      $ 67,621  
                   

 

 

 

(cost $67,646)

             

Total Options Purchased (cost $210,076)

              $ 174,524  
                   

 

 

 

Options Written:

OTC Traded

 

Description

   Call/
Put
  

Counterparty

   Expiration
Date
    Strike     Contracts    Notional
Amount
(000)#
     Value  

Currency Option EUR vs MXN

   Call    MSI    03/25/24      18.60         EUR 1,489        $ (8,235)  

Currency Option EUR vs PLN

   Call    DB    03/25/24      4.32         EUR 1,484        (9,328)  

Currency Option EUR vs PLN

   Call    DB    03/25/24      4.32         EUR  1,488        (9,353)  

Currency Option USD vs BRL

   Call    MSI    03/26/24      5.05           742        (3,806)  

Currency Option USD vs COP

   Call    MSI    04/02/24      4,000.00           1,488        (12,425)  

Currency Option USD vs MXN

   Call    DB    03/04/24      17.30           1,487        (414)  

Currency Option USD vs MXN

   Call    DB    03/25/24      17.20           1,488        (9,225)  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 51


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

Options Written (continued):

OTC Traded

 

Description

   Call/
Put
  

Counterparty

   Expiration
Date
    Strike     Contracts      Notional
Amount
(000)#
     Value  

Currency Option USD vs MXN

   Call    HSBC    03/25/24      17.20               1,488        $  (9,225)  

Currency Option USD vs ZAR

   Call    DB    03/01/24      18.80               1,475        (30,191)  

Currency Option USD vs BRL

   Put    MSI    03/26/24      5.10               3,681        (96,028)  

Currency Option USD vs CLP

   Put    DB    03/08/24      960.00               744        (3,439)  

Currency Option USD vs CLP

   Put    MSI    03/08/24      960.00               740        (3,421)  

Currency Option USD vs CNH

   Put    MSI    04/02/24      7.10               3,021        (2,246)  

Currency Option USD vs COP

   Put    DB    03/04/24      3,950.00               1,487        (12,049)  

Currency Option USD vs COP

   Put    MSI    03/07/24      4,100.00               3,004        (129,906)  

Currency Option USD vs COP

   Put    DB    03/21/24      3,900.00               1,487        (8,763)  

Currency Option USD vs ILS

   Put    MSI    03/22/24      3.60               1,484        (21,324)  

Currency Option USD vs KRW

   Put    MSI    03/13/24      1,320.00               1,491        (1,860)  

Currency Option USD vs ZAR

   Put    MSI    03/14/24      19.25               1,483        (15,543)  

Currency Option USD vs ZAR

   Put    JPM    03/26/24      19.00               1,489        (10,997)  

Currency Option USD vs ZAR

   Put    JPM    03/29/24      19.50               1,483        (32,250)  

Currency Option USD vs ZAR

   Put    CITI    06/25/24      18.80               3,711        (67,216)  
                    

 

 

 

Total OTC Traded (premiums received $562,400)

                 $(497,244)  
                    

 

 

 

OTC Swaptions

 

Description  

   Call/
Put
  

Counterparty

   Expiration
Date
  Strike       Receive         Pay       Notional
Amount
(000)#
     Value  

CDX.NA.IG.41.V1, 12/20/28

   Put    JPM    06/20/24     0.65%       1.00%(Q)      
CDX.NA.IG.41.
V1(Q)
 
 
    65,240      $ (77,124)  

GS_21-PJA^

   Put    GSI    06/17/24     0.25%       0.25%(M)       GS_21-PJA(M)       44,920        (48)  
                   

 

 

 

Total OTC Swaptions (premiums received $81,224)

           $ (77,172
                   

 

 

 

Total Options Written (premiums received $643,624)

           $ (574,416
                   

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

52


 

††

The value of the contract, GS_21-PJA is derived from the aggregate credit performance of a pool of senior prime jumbo mortgages. The pool of prime jumbo mortgages is reset monthly.

Options Purchased:

Centrally Cleared Swaptions

 

Description

   Call/
Put
   Expiration
Date
   Strike   

Receive

  

Pay

   Notional
Amount
(000)#
     Value at
February 29,
2024
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

CDX.NA.IG.41.V1,
12/20/28

   Put    04/17/24    0.60%    CDX.NA.IG.41.
V1(Q)
   1.00%(Q)      170,000         $ 96,173           $ (114,627  
                       

 

 

         

 

 

   

(cost $210,800)

 

               
Options Written:

 

               
Centrally Cleared Swaptions

 

               

Description

   Call/
Put
   Expiration
Date
   Strike   

Receive

  

Pay

   Notional
Amount
(000)#
     Value at
February 29,
2024
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

CDX.NA.IG.41.V1,
12/20/28

   Call    04/17/24    0.53%    CDX.NA.IG.41.
V1(Q)
   1.00%(Q)      170,000         $ (169,934         $ (44,134  

CDX.NA.IG.41.V1,
12/20/28

   Put    04/17/24    0.70%    1.00%(Q)   

CDX.NA.IG.41.

V1(Q)

     170,000           (40,225           46,475    
                       

 

 

         

 

 

   

Total Centrally Cleared Swaptions (premiums received $212,500)

 

      $ (210,159         $ 2,341    
                       

 

 

         

 

 

   

Futures contracts outstanding at February 29, 2024:

 

Number
of
Contracts

  

Type

   Expiration
Date
     Current
Notional
Amount
     Value /
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Positions:

             

315

   3 Month CME SOFR      Mar. 2024      $ 74,534,906         $ 64,234    

799

   2 Year U.S. Treasury Notes      Jun. 2024        163,595,250           (60,140  

771

   5 Year U.S. Treasury Notes      Jun. 2024        82,424,719           (20,274  

634

   10 Year U.S. Treasury Notes      Jun. 2024        70,017,375           66,691    

461

   10 Year U.S. Ultra Treasury Notes      Jun. 2024        52,633,237           258,801    
              

 

 

   
                 309,312    
              

 

 

   

Short Positions:

             

225

   5 Year Euro-Bobl      Mar. 2024        28,262,380           267,828    

56

   10 Year Euro-Bund      Mar. 2024        8,028,615           11,049    

392

   20 Year U.S. Treasury Bonds      Jun. 2024        46,746,000           (476,405  

141

   30 Year U.S. Ultra Treasury Bonds      Jun. 2024        18,030,375           (80,109  

34

   Euro Schatz Index      Mar. 2024        3,863,968           26,246    
              

 

 

   
                 (251,391  
              

 

 

   
               $ 57,921    
              

 

 

   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 53


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding at February 29, 2024:

 

Purchase

Contracts

 

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
(000)
    Value at
Settlement
Date
    Current
Value
    Unrealized
Appreciation
    Unrealized
Depreciation
 

OTC Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts:

 

Brazilian Real,

         

Expiring 04/02/24

  CITI    BRL 3,714     $ 745,000     $ 744,535     $     $ (465

Expiring 04/02/24

  DB    BRL 40,680       8,215,687       8,155,634             (60,053

Chilean Peso,

           

Expiring 03/04/24

  MSI    CLP 2,062,060       2,265,999       2,134,062             (131,937

Expiring 03/20/24

  DB    CLP 714,385       753,000       738,727             (14,273

Expiring 03/20/24

  MSI    CLP 2,103,941       2,352,744       2,175,630              (177,114

Chinese Renminbi,

           

Expiring 04/24/24

  HSBC   CNH 18,683       2,614,000       2,601,776             (12,224

Expiring 04/24/24

  JPM   CNH 19,135       2,663,000       2,664,728       1,728        

Colombian Peso,

           

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI   COP  5,192,405       1,287,959       1,318,446       30,487        

Expiring 03/20/24

  GSI   COP 6,799,292       1,666,085       1,726,464       60,379        

Expiring 03/20/24

  GSI   COP 6,745,329       1,664,137       1,712,762       48,625        

Czech Koruna,

           

Expiring 04/19/24

  MSI   CZK 7,505       329,125       319,951             (9,174

Euro,

           

Expiring 04/19/24

  BARC   EUR 1,939       2,085,278       2,099,712       14,434        

Expiring 04/19/24

  CITI   EUR 12,364       13,489,215       13,390,697             (98,518

Indian Rupee,

           

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI    INR 363,055       4,339,255       4,375,009       35,754        

Expiring 03/20/24

  HSBC    INR 214,946       2,581,000       2,590,214       9,214        

Expiring 03/20/24

  HSBC    INR 175,198       2,111,000       2,111,235       235        

Expiring 03/20/24

  MSI    INR 211,953       2,538,000       2,554,156       16,156        

Expiring 03/20/24

  MSI    INR 155,433       1,867,000       1,873,058       6,058        

Expiring 03/20/24

  UAG    INR 363,055       4,339,239       4,375,008       35,769        

Indonesian Rupiah,

           

Expiring 03/20/24

  BOA    IDR  38,797,221       2,493,795       2,468,964             (24,831

Expiring 03/20/24

  BOA    IDR 28,574,657       1,825,740       1,818,424             (7,316

Expiring 03/20/24

  HSBC    IDR 35,418,512       2,253,000       2,253,951       951        

Expiring 03/20/24

  HSBC    IDR 35,091,511       2,239,000       2,233,141             (5,859

Expiring 03/20/24

  HSBC    IDR 31,738,536       2,034,000       2,019,766             (14,234

Expiring 03/20/24

  JPM    IDR 15,330,160       983,000       975,575             (7,425

Expiring 03/20/24

  SCB    IDR 32,369,809       2,081,000       2,059,939             (21,061

Israeli Shekel,

           

Expiring 03/20/24

  BOA     ILS 5,061       1,369,809       1,417,241       47,432        

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI     ILS 5,998       1,620,000       1,679,827       59,827        

Japanese Yen,

           

Expiring 04/19/24

  BOA    JPY 303,310       2,124,837       2,039,559             (85,278

Mexican Peso,

           

Expiring 03/20/24

  BOA   MXN 30,006       1,750,000       1,754,869       4,869        

Expiring 03/20/24

  HSBC   MXN 59,407       3,397,687       3,474,312       76,625        

Expiring 03/20/24

  JPM   MXN 27,188       1,576,000       1,590,049       14,049        

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

54


 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding at February 29, 2024 (continued):

 

Purchase

Contracts

 

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount

(000)
    Value at
Settlement
Date
    Current
Value
    Unrealized
Appreciation
    Unrealized
Depreciation
 

OTC Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (cont’d.):

 

Mexican Peso (cont’d.),

         

Expiring 03/20/24

  JPM   MXN 25,483     $  1,496,000     $  1,490,309     $     $ (5,691

Expiring 03/20/24

  MSI   MXN 50,912       2,973,999       2,977,498       3,499        

Expiring 03/20/24

  MSI   MXN 12,842       743,000       751,067       8,067        

Expiring 03/20/24

  TD   MXN 25,819       1,467,000       1,509,958       42,958        

New Taiwanese Dollar,

         

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI   TWD 71,393       2,260,000       2,257,116             (2,884

Expiring 03/20/24

  GSI   TWD 76,158       2,411,000       2,407,756             (3,244

Expiring 03/20/24

  SCB   TWD 126,773       4,027,000       4,007,947              (19,053

Expiring 03/20/24

  SCB   TWD 89,764       2,844,000       2,837,908             (6,092

New Zealand Dollar,

         

Expiring 04/19/24

  CITI   NZD 2,506       1,541,656       1,525,894             (15,762

Peruvian Nuevo Sol,

         

Expiring 03/20/24

  BARC   PEN 5,452       1,436,000       1,440,988       4,988        

Expiring 03/20/24

  BARC   PEN 5,330       1,408,845       1,408,898       53        

Expiring 03/20/24

  BNP   PEN 1,097       292,072       289,875             (2,197

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI   PEN 2,401       629,000       634,635       5,635        

Expiring 03/20/24

  MSI   PEN 3,794       1,005,819       1,002,693             (3,126

Philippine Peso,

         

Expiring 03/20/24

  BOA   PHP  131,410       2,350,000       2,339,394             (10,606

Expiring 03/20/24

  BOA   PHP 130,391       2,328,000       2,321,265             (6,735

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI   PHP 141,255       2,510,000       2,514,669       4,669        

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI   PHP 130,551       2,339,000       2,324,113             (14,887

Expiring 03/20/24

  HSBC   PHP 98,284       1,761,000       1,749,682             (11,318

Expiring 03/20/24

  JPM   PHP 137,174       2,467,000       2,442,010             (24,990

Expiring 03/20/24

  MSI   PHP 144,224       2,569,000       2,567,513             (1,487

Expiring 03/20/24

  MSI   PHP 125,855       2,243,000       2,240,504             (2,496

Expiring 03/20/24

  SCB   PHP 160,570       2,873,000       2,858,514             (14,486

Expiring 03/20/24

  SCB   PHP 159,401       2,830,000       2,837,707       7,707        

Expiring 03/20/24

  SCB   PHP 133,339       2,378,000       2,373,736             (4,264

Polish Zloty,

         

Expiring 04/19/24

  GSI   PLN 4,105       1,012,784       1,027,487       14,703        

Expiring 04/19/24

  HSBC   PLN 7,692       1,906,964       1,925,261       18,297        

Expiring 04/19/24

  JPM   PLN 2,384       589,216       596,723       7,507        

Singapore Dollar,

         

Expiring 03/20/24

  BARC   SGD 858       638,000       637,945             (55

Expiring 03/20/24

  BNYM   SGD 648       489,000       482,320             (6,680

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI   SGD 3,763       2,801,000       2,798,721             (2,279

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI   SGD 1,998       1,510,000       1,486,227             (23,773

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI   SGD 1,994       1,503,000       1,483,194             (19,806

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI   SGD 905       676,000       673,430             (2,570

Expiring 03/20/24

  HSBC   SGD 2,920       2,209,000       2,172,143             (36,857

Expiring 03/20/24

  JPM   SGD 2,960       2,206,000       2,201,815             (4,185

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 55


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding at February 29, 2024 (continued):

 

Purchase

Contracts

 

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
(000)
    Value at
Settlement
Date
    Current
Value
    Unrealized
Appreciation
    Unrealized
Depreciation
 

OTC Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (cont’d.):

 

Singapore Dollar (cont’d.),

           

Expiring 03/20/24

  MSI    SGD 3,167     $  2,360,000     $  2,355,529     $     $ (4,471

South African Rand,

           

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI    ZAR  29,575       1,568,871       1,539,364             (29,507

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI    ZAR 25,584       1,339,272       1,331,667             (7,605

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI    ZAR 13,651       724,129       710,550             (13,579

Expiring 03/20/24

  HSBC    ZAR 62,472       3,309,599       3,251,691             (57,908

Expiring 03/20/24

  TD    ZAR 71,876       3,841,870       3,741,193              (100,677

South Korean Won,

           

Expiring 03/20/24

  BOA   KRW  2,685,068       2,019,000       2,013,244             (5,756

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI   KRW 1,946,141       1,483,000       1,459,202             (23,798

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI   KRW 523,052       398,000       392,180             (5,820

Expiring 03/20/24

  SCB   KRW 2,288,521       1,726,000       1,715,916             (10,084

Thai Baht,

           

Expiring 03/20/24

  HSBC    THB 66,478       1,955,000       1,856,527             (98,473

Expiring 03/20/24

  HSBC    THB 64,809       1,869,000       1,809,919             (59,081

Expiring 03/20/24

  HSBC    THB 63,380       1,792,000       1,770,009             (21,991

Expiring 03/20/24

  MSI    THB 68,133       1,972,000       1,902,762             (69,238

Expiring 03/20/24

  SCB    THB 69,166       1,940,000       1,931,612             (8,388

Turkish Lira,

           

Expiring 03/20/24

  BARC    TRY 27,875       886,000       872,517             (13,483

Expiring 03/20/24

  BARC    TRY 23,619       739,000       739,275       275        
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $ 180,301,687     $ 179,437,493       580,950       (1,445,144
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sale

Contracts

 

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
(000)
    Value at
Settlement
Date
    Current
Value
    Unrealized
Appreciation
    Unrealized
Depreciation
 

OTC Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts:

 

British Pound,

           

Expiring 04/19/24

  HSBC    GBP 23,622     $ 30,089,381     $ 29,827,041     $  262,340     $  

Expiring 04/19/24

  JPM    GBP 917       1,162,000       1,157,883       4,117        

Chilean Peso,

           

Expiring 03/20/24

  DB    CLP  1,864,071       1,932,000       1,927,586       4,414        

Expiring 03/20/24

  MSI    CLP 1,935,868       2,196,132       2,001,830       194,302        

Expiring 03/20/24

  UAG    CLP 1,590,623       1,618,000       1,644,822             (26,822

Expiring 03/20/24

  UAG    CLP 1,087,968       1,122,062        1,125,039             (2,977

Expiring 03/20/24

  UAG    CLP 759,848       783,938       785,738             (1,800

Chinese Renminbi,

           

Expiring 04/24/24

  JPM   CNH 18,765       2,612,000       2,613,099             (1,099

Expiring 04/24/24

  MSI   CNH 117,783       16,493,633       16,402,035       91,598        

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

56


 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding at February 29, 2024 (continued):

 

Sale

Contracts

 

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
(000)
    Value at
Settlement
Date
    Current
Value
    Unrealized
Appreciation
    Unrealized
Depreciation
 

OTC Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (cont’d.):

 

Colombian Peso,

       

Expiring 03/20/24

  BARC   COP 7,281,876     $ 1,829,000     $ 1,849,001     $     $ (20,001

Czech Koruna,

       

Expiring 04/19/24

  BARC   CZK 37,144       1,595,000       1,583,596       11,404        

Expiring 04/19/24

  BARC   CZK 19,116       831,803       815,001       16,802        

Expiring 04/19/24

  BARC   CZK 18,904       823,197       805,947       17,250        

Expiring 04/19/24

  BNP   CZK 44,268       1,889,000       1,887,339       1,661        

Expiring 04/19/24

  BOA   CZK 43,108       1,886,000       1,837,884        48,116        

Expiring 04/19/24

  BOA   CZK 39,146       1,652,000       1,668,935             (16,935

Expiring 04/19/24

  GSI   CZK 45,580       1,948,000       1,943,246       4,754        

Expiring 04/19/24

  GSI   CZK 24,529       1,034,264       1,045,751             (11,487

Expiring 04/19/24

  JPM   CZK 17,426       736,736       742,958             (6,222

Expiring 04/19/24

  MSI   CZK 45,525       1,937,000       1,940,916             (3,916

Euro,

       

Expiring 04/19/24

  BARC   EUR 1,381       1,481,854       1,495,705             (13,851

Expiring 04/19/24

  BOA   EUR 30,702        33,523,687        33,252,546       271,141        

Expiring 04/19/24

  CITI   EUR 687       747,143       744,062       3,081        

Expiring 04/19/24

  CITI   EUR 675       737,000       730,899       6,101        

Expiring 04/19/24

  CITI   EUR 673       732,000       729,368       2,632        

Expiring 04/19/24

  CITI   EUR 666       734,000       721,002       12,998        

Expiring 04/19/24

  HSBC   EUR 2,995       3,248,039       3,243,764       4,275        

Expiring 04/19/24

  SCB   EUR 456       492,781       493,876             (1,095

Expiring 04/19/24

  SSB   EUR 49,675       54,588,402       53,800,550       787,852        

Expiring 04/19/24

  TD   EUR 46,054       50,291,610       49,878,819       412,791        

Hungarian Forint,

       

Expiring 04/19/24

  BARC   HUF 521,241       1,444,000       1,429,332       14,668        

Expiring 04/19/24

  BOA   HUF 765,896       2,178,191       2,100,218       77,973        

Expiring 04/19/24

  CITI   HUF 705,030       1,948,458       1,933,314       15,144        

Expiring 04/19/24

  GSI   HUF  1,411,181       4,055,817       3,869,702       186,115        

Expiring 04/19/24

  UAG   HUF 483,836       1,348,000       1,326,763       21,237        

Indian Rupee,

       

Expiring 03/20/24

  GSI    INR 189,684       2,287,000       2,285,794       1,206        

Expiring 03/20/24

  HSBC    INR 89,423       1,078,000       1,077,601       399        

Indonesian Rupiah,

       

Expiring 03/20/24

  GSI    IDR 16,986,855       1,083,000       1,081,003       1,997        

Expiring 03/20/24

  SCB    IDR 31,645,939       2,023,000       2,013,873       9,127        

Israeli Shekel,

       

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI     ILS 4,152       1,125,081       1,162,660             (37,579

Expiring 03/20/24

  DB     ILS 6,026       1,656,466       1,687,718             (31,252

Expiring 03/20/24

  DB     ILS 881       241,776       246,689             (4,913

Mexican Peso,

       

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI   MXN 57,111       3,320,113       3,340,057             (19,944

Expiring 03/20/24

  TD   MXN 12,892       745,000       753,963             (8,963

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 57


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding at February 29, 2024 (continued):

 

Sale

Contracts

 

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
(000)
    Value at
Settlement
Date
    Current
Value
    Unrealized
Appreciation
    Unrealized
Depreciation
 

OTC Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (cont’d.):

 

New Taiwanese Dollar,

       

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI    TWD 6,112     $ 199,000     $ 193,241     $ 5,759     $  

Expiring 03/20/24

  JPM    TWD 842,138        27,486,731        26,624,377        862,354        

Expiring 03/20/24

  SCB    TWD 105,627       3,450,000       3,339,416       110,584        

Peruvian Nuevo Sol,

       

Expiring 03/20/24

  BARC    PEN 7,949       2,124,231       2,101,010       23,221        

Expiring 03/20/24

  BNP    PEN 5,809       1,546,000       1,535,501       10,499        

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI    PEN 5,129       1,370,236       1,355,692       14,544        

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI    PEN 4,327       1,121,287       1,143,779             (22,492

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI    PEN 3,534       912,500       934,120             (21,620

Expiring 03/20/24

  SCB    PEN 7,163       1,886,006       1,893,305             (7,299

Expiring 03/20/24

  SCB    PEN 6,395       1,680,000       1,690,232             (10,232

Expiring 03/20/24

  UAG    PEN 3,517       912,500       929,700             (17,200

Expiring 06/20/24

  BARC    PEN 5,330       1,408,342       1,408,103       239        

Philippine Peso,

       

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI    PHP 101,647       1,832,011       1,809,556       22,455        

Expiring 03/20/24

  HSBC    PHP 158,399       2,821,000       2,819,869       1,131        

Expiring 03/20/24

  SCB    PHP 119,687       2,156,527       2,130,708       25,819        

Expiring 03/20/24

  SSB    PHP 151,867       2,714,722       2,703,581       11,141        

Expiring 03/20/24

  SSB    PHP 110,833       1,994,264       1,973,086       21,178        

Polish Zloty,

       

Expiring 04/19/24

  CITI    PLN 12,096       3,011,046       3,027,479             (16,433

Expiring 04/19/24

  CITI    PLN 2,413       596,624       603,919             (7,295

Expiring 04/19/24

  GSI    PLN 5,522       1,363,376       1,382,111             (18,735

Singapore Dollar,

       

Expiring 03/20/24

  BNYM    SGD 7,277       5,444,136       5,412,891       31,245        

Expiring 03/20/24

  BOA    SGD 3,554       2,655,000       2,643,574       11,426        

Expiring 03/20/24

  HSBC    SGD 3,536       2,662,000       2,629,990       32,010        

Expiring 03/20/24

  MSI    SGD 1,005       745,000       747,310             (2,310

Expiring 03/20/24

  SCB    SGD 3,859       2,873,000       2,870,415       2,585        

Expiring 03/20/24

  SSB    SGD 1,963       1,467,000       1,460,128       6,872        

South African Rand,

       

Expiring 03/20/24

  HSBC    ZAR 14,250       745,000       741,709       3,291        

South Korean Won,

       

Expiring 03/20/24

  BARC   KRW 9,031,714       6,886,973       6,771,913       115,060        

Expiring 03/20/24

  BOA   KRW 2,266,288       1,725,000       1,699,246       25,754        

Expiring 03/20/24

  UAG   KRW  2,382,085       1,784,000       1,786,070             (2,070

Thai Baht,

       

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI    THB 59,950       1,715,000       1,674,212       40,788        

Expiring 03/20/24

  CITI    THB 52,695       1,481,000       1,471,627       9,373        

Expiring 03/20/24

  GSI    THB 51,867       1,483,000       1,448,479       34,521        

Expiring 03/20/24

  JPM    THB 75,772       2,148,000       2,116,097       31,903        

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

58


 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding at February 29, 2024 (continued):

 

Sale

Contracts

 

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount

(000)
    Value at
Settlement
Date
    Current
Value
    Unrealized
Appreciation
    Unrealized
Depreciation
 

OTC Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (cont’d.):

 

Thai Baht (cont’d.),

       

Expiring 03/20/24

  MSI   THB  54,706     $ 1,539,118     $ 1,527,787     $ 11,331     $  

Expiring 03/20/24

  MSI   THB  53,917       1,491,000       1,505,754             (14,754
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $ 342,712,194     $ 339,110,912       3,950,578       (349,296
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ 4,531,528     $ (1,794,440
         

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cross currency exchange contracts outstanding at February 29, 2024:

 

     Settlement     

   Type    Notional
Amount

(000)
     In Exchange
For (000)
     Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
Depreciation
    

Counterparty

OTC Cross Currency Exchange Contracts:

04/19/24

   Buy      CZK        37,048        EUR        1,461         $            $ (3,337      DB

04/19/24

   Buy      EUR        272        HUF        105,623               4,956                             TD

04/19/24

   Buy      EUR        1,456        CZK        36,813           7,450                     BARC

04/19/24

   Buy      PLN        2,955        EUR        681           1,924                     BOA
                    

 

 

          

 

 

      
                     $ 14,330            $ (3,337     
                    

 

 

          

 

 

      

Credit default swap agreements outstanding at February 29, 2024:

 

Reference

Entity/

Obligation 

   Termination
Date
   Fixed
Rate
     Notional
Amount
(000)#(3)
     Implied
Credit
Spread at
February 29,
2024(4)
   Fair
Value
     Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    

Counterparty

OTC Packaged Credit Default Swap Agreements on corporate and/or sovereign issues - Sell Protection(2)**:

Arab Republic of Egypt

   12/20/28      1.000%(Q)        2,000      5.944%    $          (369,211)         $          (2,015)         $          (367,196)         MSI

Dominican Republic

   12/20/28      1.000%(Q)        2,000      1.586%         (45,719)              (2,015)              (43,704)         MSI

Emirate of Abu Dhabi

   12/20/28      1.000%(Q)        2,000      0.367%         59,086               (2,015)              61,101          MSI

Federation of Malaysia

   12/20/28      1.000%(Q)        3,000      0.405%         83,478               (3,023)              86,501          MSI

Federative Republic of Brazil

   12/20/28      1.000%(Q)        9,000      1.255%         (80,071)              (9,069)              (71,002)         MSI

Kingdom of Bahrain

   12/20/28      1.000%(Q)        2,000      2.011%         (80,341)              (2,015)              (78,326)         MSI

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 59


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

Credit default swap agreements outstanding at February 29, 2024 (continued):

 

Reference
Entity/
Obligation

   Termination
Date
     Fixed
Rate
     Notional
Amount
(000)#(3)
     Implied
Credit
Spread at
February 29,
2024(4)
     Fair
Value
     Upfront
Premiums

Paid (Received)
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    

Counterparty

OTC Packaged Credit Default Swap Agreements on corporate and/or sovereign issues - Sell Protection(2)**(cont’d.):

Kingdom of Morocco

     12/20/28        1.000%(Q)        2,000         1.008%         $ 3,273           $ (2,015)            $ 5,288        MSI

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

     12/20/28        1.000%(Q)        4,000         0.520%           91,222             (4,031)              95,253        MSI

People’s Republic of China

     12/20/28        1.000%(Q)        9,000         0.664%           147,974             (9,069)              157,043        MSI

Republic of Argentina

     12/20/28        1.000%(Q)        2,000        31.142%           (1,237,230           (2,015)              (1,235,215      MSI

Republic of Chile

     12/20/28        1.000%(Q)        7,000         0.462%           177,840             (7,054)              184,894        MSI

Republic of Colombia

     12/20/28        1.000%(Q)        6,000         1.582%           (136,236           (6,046)              (130,190      MSI

Republic of Indonesia

     12/20/28        1.000%(Q)        9,000         0.710%           130,110             (9,069)              139,179        MSI

Republic of Nigeria

     12/20/28        1.000%(Q)        2,000         5.326%           (325,679           (2,015)              (323,664      MSI

Republic of Panama

     12/20/28        1.000%(Q)        2,000         1.866%           (68,878           (2,015)              (66,863      MSI

Republic of Peru

     12/20/28        1.000%(Q)        3,000         0.613%           56,349             (3,023)              59,372        MSI

Republic of Philippines

     12/20/28        1.000%(Q)        3,000         0.627%           54,254             (3,023)              57,277        MSI

Republic of South Africa

     12/20/28        1.000%(Q)        9,000         2.296%           (467,719           (9,069)              (458,650      MSI

Republic of Turkey

     12/20/28        1.000%(Q)        9,000         2.866%           (669,970           (9,069)              (660,901      MSI

State of Qatar

     12/20/28        1.000%(Q)        2,000         0.365%           59,308             (2,015)              61,323        MSI

Sultanate of Oman

     12/20/28        1.000%(Q)        2,000         1.093%           (3,924           (2,015)              (1,909      MSI

United Mexican States

     12/20/28        1.000%(Q)        9,000         0.845%           78,122             (9,069)              87,191        MSI
                 

 

 

         

 

 

          

 

 

      
                  $ (2,543,962         $ (100,764)            $ (2,443,198     
                 

 

 

         

 

 

          

 

 

      

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

60


 

Credit default swap agreements outstanding at February 29, 2024 (continued):

 

Reference

Entity/

Obligation

   Termination
Date
   Fixed
Rate
     Notional
Amount
(000)#(3)
     Fair
Value
     Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   

  Counterparty  

OTC Packaged Credit Default Swap Agreement on credit indices— Buy Protection(1)**:

CDX.EM.40.V1

   12/20/28      1.000%(Q)        100,000       $ 2,525,378         $ 2,723               $ 2,522,655           MSI
           

 

 

       

 

 

         

 

 

     

 

**

The Fund entered into multiple credit default swap agreements in a packaged trade consisting of two parts. The Fund bought/sold protection on an Emerging Market CDX Index and bought/sold protection on the countries which comprise the index. The upfront premium is attached to the index of the trade for the Emerging Markets CDX package(s). Each swap is priced individually. If any of the component swaps are closed out early, the Index exposure will be reduced by an amount proportionate to the terminated swap(s).

 

Reference

Entity/

Obligation

  Termination
Date
     Fixed
Rate
    Notional
Amount
(000)#(3)
     Implied
Credit
Spread at
February 29,
2024(4)
   Fair
Value
     Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    

Counterparty

OTC Credit Default Swap Agreement on asset-backed and/or mortgage-backed securities - Sell Protection(2)^:

GS_21-PJA

    03/14/24        0.500%(M)       31,255      *         $ 19,072            $ (209             $ 19,281             GSI
               

 

 

          

 

 

         

 

 

       

 

††

The value of the contract, GS_21-PJA is derived from the aggregate credit performance of a pool of senior prime jumbo mortgages. The pool of prime jumbo mortgages is reset monthly.

 

Reference

Entity/

Obligation

   Termination
Date
     Fixed
Rate
     Notional
Amount
(000)#(3)
     Fair
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   

  Counterparty  

OTC Credit Default Swap Agreements on corporate and/or sovereign issues - Buy Protection(1):

Gazprom PAO

     06/20/24        1.000%(Q)        1,515       $ 77,252        $ 147,862              $ (70,610         BARC

Republic of Italy

     12/20/27        1.000%(Q)      EUR  1,475         (55,151        (42,389          (12,762     BARC

United Mexican States

     06/20/24        1.000%(Q)        2,340         (10,989        151            (11,140     BARC

United Mexican States

     12/20/24        1.000%(Q)        180         (1,556        204            (1,760     CITI
           

 

 

      

 

 

        

 

 

     
            $ 9,556        $ 105,828          $ (96,272    
           

 

 

      

 

 

        

 

 

     

 

Reference

Entity/

Obligation

  Termination
Date
     Fixed
Rate
    Notional
Amount
(000)#(3)
     Implied
Credit
Spread at
February 29,
2024(4)
   Fair
Value
     Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    

Counterparty

OTC Credit Default Swap Agreements on corporate and/or sovereign issues - Sell Protection(2):

Boeing Co.

    06/20/24        1.000%(Q)       4,310       0.261%       $ 18,357            $ 1,813            $ 16,544         GSI

General Motors Co.

    06/20/26        5.000%(Q)       2,390       0.541%         256,980              214,796              42,184         GSI

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 61


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

Credit default swap agreements outstanding at February 29, 2024 (continued):

 

Reference

Entity/
Obligation

   Termination
Date
     Fixed
Rate
     Notional
Amount
(000)#(3)
     Implied
Credit
Spread at
 February 29, 
2024(4)
  Fair
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
      Counterparty   

OTC Credit Default Swap Agreements on corporate and/or sovereign issues - Sell Protection(2)(cont’d.):

 

Halliburton Co.

     12/20/26        1.000%(Q)        2,770      0.290%   $ 57,509        $ 14,900           $ 42,609           GSI  

Host Hotels & Resorts LP

     06/20/24        1.000%(Q)        1,460      0.192%     6,528          1,722             4,806           GSI  

International Bank for Reconstruction & Development

     03/20/24        0.250%(Q)        10,760      0.055%     6,526          554             5,972           BOA  

Petroleos Mexicanos

     06/20/24        1.000%(Q)        2,340      1.701%     (333        (13,385           13,052           BARC  

Petroleos Mexicanos

     12/20/24        1.000%(Q)        180      2.217%     (1,368        (2,736           1,368           CITI  

Simon Property Group LP

     06/20/26        1.000%(Q)        3,820      0.371%     60,265          20,448             39,817           GSI  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     06/20/26        1.000%(Q)        5,130      0.466%     70,159          49,594             20,565           GSI  
             

 

 

      

 

 

         

 

 

       
              $ 474,623        $ 287,706           $ 186,917        
             

 

 

      

 

 

         

 

 

       

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.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

62


 

(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.

Interest rate swap agreements outstanding at February 29, 2024:

 

Notional

Amount

(000)#

   Termination
Date
     Fixed
Rate
    

Floating

Rate

       

Value at
Trade Date

               

Value at
February 29,
2024

                Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
       

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swap Agreements:

 

GBP

  3,145      05/08/24        0.950%(A)      1 Day SONIA(1)(A)/5.189%     $ 72,023         $ 167,580         $ 95,557    

GBP

  916      05/08/25        1.000%(A)      1 Day SONIA(1)(A)/5.189%           (60,427                 90,183                   150,610        

GBP

  8,995      05/08/26        1.000%(A)      1 Day SONIA(1)(A)/5.189%       (235,068         1,191,191           1,426,259    

GBP

  6,015      05/08/27        1.050%(A)      1 Day SONIA(1)(A)/5.189%       124,739           965,399           840,660    

GBP

  2,730      05/08/29        1.100%(A)      1 Day SONIA(1)(A)/5.189%       (89,573         572,431           662,004    

GBP

  422      05/08/31        1.150%(A)      1 Day SONIA(1)(A)/5.189%       (18,372         106,002           124,374    

GBP

  340      05/08/32        1.150%(A)      1 Day SONIA(1)(A)/5.189%       (18,242         93,792           112,034    

GBP

  155      05/08/34        1.200%(A)      1 Day SONIA(1)(A)/5.189%       (4,233         48,942           53,175    
  40,032      03/08/24        5.386%(T)      1 Day SOFR(2)(T)/5.320%       (3         33,285           33,288    
  135,695      08/31/24        5.384%(T)      1 Day SOFR(2)(T)/5.320%                 (30,433         (30,433  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 63


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

Notional
Amount
(000)#
     Termination
Date
     Fixed
Rate
    

Floating

Rate

     

Value at
Trade Date

           

Value at
February 29,
2024

            Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     
 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swap Agreements (cont’d.):

           
  16,748        03/08/25        4.946%(A)      1 Day SOFR(2)(A)/5.320%     $         $ (56,189       $ (56,189  
  21,412        03/09/25        5.110%(A)      1 Day SOFR(2)(A)/5.320%                 (2,561         (2,561  
  46,221        03/10/25        5.088%(A)      1 Day SOFR(2)(A)/5.320%                 (87,750         (87,750  
  62,470        08/31/25        4.805%(A)      1 Day SOFR(1)(A)/5.320%                 171,226           171,226    
  11,000        09/25/26        4.699%(A)      1 Day SOFR(1)(A)/5.320%       2,035           (54,402         (56,437  
            

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

   
             $ (227,121       $ 3,208,696         $ 3,435,817    
            

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

Notional

Amount

(000)#

 

Termination

Date

  

Fixed

Rate

  

Floating

Rate

  

Fair

Value

   

Upfront
Premiums
Paid(Received)

     

Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

      Counterparty  

OTC Interest Rate Swap Agreement:

 

   

3,600

  09/22/28    3.290%(S)    1 Week MUNIPSA(1)(Q)/3.300%    $(58,955)         $             $ (58,955 )               JPM    
          

 

       

 

 

             

 

 

                 

 

(1)

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

(2)

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

Total return swap agreements outstanding at February 29, 2024:

 

Reference Entity

  

Financing

Rate

  

Counterparty

  

Termination
  Date  

   Long
(Short)
Notional
Amount
(000)#(1)
  Fair
Value
  Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)
 

Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)(2)

                   

OTC Total Return Swap Agreements:

 

                                 

iBoxx US Dollar Liquid Investment Grade Index(T)

   1 Day SOFR(Q)/5.320%    BNP        06/20/24        (42,600)     $ (762,213 )          $              $ (762,213 )        

ICE Bank of America 1-10 Year US Municipal Securities Index(T)

   1 Day SOFR-245bps(T)/2.870%    DB        09/21/24        10,000       214,354                           214,354        

Total Return Benchmark Bond Index(T)

   1 Day USOIS-45bps(T)/4.880%    GSI        03/20/24        (3,943)       (144,160 )                           (144,160 )        

U.S. Treasury Bond(T)

   1 Day USOIS+22bps(T)/5.550%    BOA        08/21/24        17,370       164,677                                 164,677          
                   

 

 

          

 

 

              

 

 

         
                    $ (527,342 )          $              $ (527,342 )        
                   

 

 

          

 

 

              

 

 

         

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

64


 

(1)

On a long total return swap, the Fund receives payments for any positive return on the reference entity (makes payments for any negative return) and pays the financing rate. On a short total return swap, the Fund makes payments for any positive return on the reference entity (receives payments for any negative return) and receives the financing rate.

(2)

Upfront/recurring fees or commissions, as applicable, are included in the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation).

Balances Reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for OTC Swap Agreements:

 

     Premiums Paid    Premiums Received    Unrealized
Appreciation
   Unrealized
Depreciation

 

OTC Swap Agreements

   $454,767    $(159,483)    $4,102,306    $(4,499,220)

 

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

Cash and securities segregated as collateral, including pending settlement for closed positions, to cover requirements for centrally cleared/exchange-traded derivatives are listed by broker as follows:

 

Broker

    Cash and/or Foreign Currency       Securities Market Value 

CGM

     $ 160,000      $ 6,753,445
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

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 February 29, 2024 in valuing such portfolio securities:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Investments in Securities

        

Assets

        

Long-Term Investments

        

Asset-Backed Securities

        

 Automobiles

   $    —      $ 14,161,407      $  

 Collateralized Loan Obligations

             142,093,568         

 Consumer Loans

            2,664,634         

 Other

            6,065,905         

 Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

            3,596,258        256,229  

 Student Loans

            1,163,799         

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

            84,641,231         

Corporate Bonds

              501,496,622          6,693,074  

Floating Rate and Other Loans

            16,904,341        4,721,025  

Municipal Bonds

            8,324,303         

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

            42,948,120        824,466  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 65


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  

Investments in Securities (continued)

      

Assets (continued)

      

Sovereign Bonds

   $     $ 34,482,144     $  

U.S. Government Agency Obligations

           171,973,795        

U.S. Treasury Obligations

           40,636,256        

Common Stocks

     1,492,567       2,184,153       2,181,940  

Preferred Stocks

                 4,298,760  

Short-Term Investments

      

Affiliated Mutual Funds

     57,929,745              

Options Purchased

           174,524        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 59,422,312     $ 1,073,511,060     $ 18,975,494  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

      

Options Written

   $     $ (574,368   $ (48
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Financial Instruments*

      

Assets

      

Unfunded Loan Commitment

   $     $ 159     $  

Centrally Cleared Swaptions Written

           46,475        

Futures Contracts

     694,849              

OTC Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

           4,531,528        

OTC Cross Currency Exchange Contracts

           14,330        

OTC Packaged Credit Default Swap Agreements

           3,466,394        

OTC Credit Default Swap Agreements

           553,576       19,072  

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swap Agreements

           3,669,187        

OTC Total Return Swap Agreements

           379,031        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 694,849     $ 12,660,680     $ 19,072  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

      

Centrally Cleared Swaptions Purchased

   $     $ (114,627   $  

Centrally Cleared Swaptions Written

           (44,134      

Futures Contracts

     (636,928            

OTC Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

           (1,794,440      

OTC Cross Currency Exchange Contracts

           (3,337      

OTC Packaged Credit Default Swap Agreements

           (3,484,978      

OTC Credit Default Swap Agreements

           (69,397      

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swap Agreements

           (233,370      

OTC Interest Rate Swap Agreement

           (58,955      

OTC Total Return Swap Agreements

           (906,373      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (636,928   $ (6,709,611   $  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, with the exception of unfunded loan commitments, and are not reflected in the Schedule of Investments. Centrally cleared swaptions, futures, forwards, centrally cleared swap contracts and unfunded loan commitments are recorded at unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and OTC swap contracts are recorded at fair value.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

66


 

The following is a reconciliation of assets in which unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:

 

     Asset-Backed
Securities-
Residential
Mortgage-Backed
Securities
   Corporate Bonds   Floating Rate
and
Other Loans
  Residential
Mortgage-Backed
Securities

Balance as of 02/28/23

          $ 338,958          $ 7,405,866     $ 4,271,289     $ 5,041,396

Realized gain (loss)

            (2,999 )            (453,972 )       (10,982 )      

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

            (15,477 )            (552,001 )       382,754       51

Purchases/Exchanges/Issuances

                       76,454       469,070       850,000

Sales/Paydowns

            (64,253 )            (31,188 )       (391,106 )       (5,066,981 )

Accrued discount/premium

                       (4,590 )            

Transfers into Level 3*

                       272,565            

Transfers out of Level 3*

                       (20,060 )            
         

 

 

          

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Balance as of 02/29/24

          $ 256,229          $ 6,693,074     $ 4,721,025     $ 824,466
         

 

 

          

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) relating to securities still held at reporting period end

          $ (15,477 )          $ (855,366 )     $ 382,754     $ 51
         

 

 

          

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

     Common Stocks   Preferred Stocks    Rights   Options Written   OTC
Credit Default Swap
Agreements

Balance as of 02/28/23

     $ 2,575,614     $ 3,925,000      $ 53,396     $ (731 )     $ 112,638

Realized gain (loss)

       1                    206       (17,975 )

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

       568,212       49,000        (53,396 )       1,112       131,707

Purchases/Exchanges/Issuances

       140,548       324,760        115            

Sales/Paydowns

       (1 )              (115 )       (635 )       (207,298 )

Accrued discount/premium

                               

Transfers into Level 3*

                               

Transfers out of Level 3*

       (1,102,434 )                         
    

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Balance as of 02/29/24

     $ 2,181,940     $ 4,298,760      $     $ (48 )     $ 19,072
    

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) relating to securities still held at reporting period end

     $ 568,212     $ 49,000      $     $ 1,112     $ 19,072
    

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

*

It is the Fund’s policy to recognize transfers in and transfers out at the securities’ fair values as of the beginning of period. Securities transferred between Level 2 and Level 3 are due to changes in the method utilized in valuing the investments. Transfers from Level 2 to Level 3 are typically a result of a change from the use of methods used by independent pricing services (Level 2) to the use of a single broker quote or valuation technique which utilizes significant unobservable inputs due to an absence of current or reliable market quotations (Level 3). Transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 are a result of the availability of current and reliable market data provided by independent pricing

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 67


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 

services or other valuation techniques which utilize observable inputs. In accordance with the requirements of ASC 820, the amounts of transfers into and out of Level 3, if material, are disclosed in the Notes to the Schedule of Investments of the Fund.

Level 3 securities as presented in the table above are being fair valued using pricing methodologies approved by the Board, which contain unobservable inputs as follows:

 

Level 3 Securities**

     Fair Value as of
 February 29, 2024 
    

Valuation
   Approach   

    

Valuation
  Methodology  

    

  Unobservable  
Inputs

Asset-Backed Securities-Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

            $ 256,229           Market      Transaction Based      Unadjusted Trade Price

Corporate Bonds

              40,236           Market      Recovery Value      Recovery Rate

Floating Rate and Other Loans

              4,721,025           Market      Comparable Bond      Discounted Yield Curve Spread
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities               1           Market      Contingent Value      Property Price Appreciation Forecast

Common Stocks

              210,883           Market      Enterprise Value      Implied/Recovery Value

Preferred Stocks

              373,760           Market      Enterprise Value      Implied/Recovery Value

Preferred Stocks

              3,925,000           Market      Transaction Based      Unadjusted Purchase Price
           

 

 

                     
            $ 9,527,134                    
           

 

 

                     

 

**

The table does not include Level 3 securities and/or derivatives that are valued by independent pricing vendors or brokers. As of February, 2024, the aggregate value of these securities and/or derivatives was $9,467,384. The unobservable inputs for these investments were not developed by the Fund and are not readily available (e.g. single broker quotes).

Industry Classification:

The industry classification of investments and liabilities in excess of other assets shown as a percentage of net assets as of February 29, 2024 were as follows:

 

U.S. Government Agency Obligations

     17.3

Collateralized Loan Obligations

     14.3  

Banks

     10.6  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

     8.5  

Affiliated Mutual Funds (2.8% represents investments purchased with collateral from securities on loan)

     5.8  

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

     4.8  

Electric

     4.2  

U.S. Treasury Obligations

     4.1  

Oil & Gas

     4.0  

Sovereign Bonds

     3.5  

Telecommunications

     3.1  

Media

     2.8

Diversified Financial Services

     2.5  

Retail

     2.0  

Home Builders

     1.7  

Pipelines

     1.7  

Foods

     1.5  

Automobiles

     1.4  

Aerospace & Defense

     1.3  

Pharmaceuticals

     1.3  

Entertainment

     1.2  

Healthcare-Services

     1.2  

Mining

     1.1  

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

     1.0  
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

68


 

Industry Classification (continued):

 

Commercial Services

     1.0

Engineering & Construction

     0.9  

Chemicals

     0.9  

Building Materials

     0.9  

Municipal Bonds

     0.8  

Real Estate

     0.8  

Lodging

     0.8  

Auto Parts & Equipment

     0.8  

Auto Manufacturers

     0.7  

Other

     0.6  

Airlines

     0.6  

Internet

     0.6  

Leisure Time

     0.5  

Cosmetics/Personal Care

     0.5  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

     0.4  

Distribution/Wholesale

     0.3  

Computers

     0.3  

Household Products/Wares

     0.3  

Consumer Loans

     0.3  

Agriculture

     0.2  

Electrical Components & Equipment

     0.2  

Packaging & Containers

     0.2  

Metal Fabricate/Hardware

     0.2  

Iron/Steel

     0.2  

Energy-Alternate Sources

     0.2  

Transportation

     0.2  

Wireless Telecommunication Services

     0.1  

 

Semiconductors

     0.1

Beverages

     0.1  

Insurance

     0.1  

Healthcare-Products

     0.1  

Student Loans

     0.1  

Advertising

     0.1  

Housewares

     0.1  

Gas Utilities

     0.1  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

     0.1  

Gas

     0.1  

Coal

     0.1  

Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers

     0.1  

Electronics

     0.1  

Environmental Control

     0.0

Machinery-Diversified

     0.0

Options Purchased

     0.0

Electric Utilities

     0.0
  

 

 

 
     115.7  

Options Written

     (0.0 )* 

Liabilities in excess of other assets

     (15.7
  

 

 

 
     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 risk, foreign exchange risk and interest rate 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 February 29, 2024 as presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

         

Asset Derivatives

          

Liability Derivatives

 

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

       

Statement of

Assets and

Liabilities Location

  Fair
Value
          

Statement of

Assets and

Liabilities Location

  Fair
Value
 

Credit contracts

    Due from/to broker-variation margin swaps and swaptions   $  46,475      Due from/to broker-variation margin swaps and swaptions   $  158,761

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 69


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

         

Asset Derivatives

          

Liability Derivatives

 

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

       

Statement of

Assets and

Liabilities Location

  Fair
Value
          

Statement of

Assets and

Liabilities Location

  Fair
Value
 

Credit contracts

    Premiums paid for OTC swap agreements   $ 454,767        Premiums received for OTC swap agreements   $ 159,483  

Credit contracts

    Unaffiliated investments     67,621        Options written outstanding, at value     77,172  

Credit contracts

    Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements     3,723,275        Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements     3,533,892  

Foreign exchange contracts

    Unaffiliated investments     106,903        Options written outstanding, at value     497,244  

Foreign exchange contracts

    Unrealized appreciation on OTC cross currency exchange contracts     14,330        Unrealized depreciation on OTC cross currency exchange contracts     3,337  

Foreign exchange contracts

    Unrealized appreciation on OTC forward foreign currency exchange contracts     4,531,528        Unrealized depreciation on OTC forward foreign currency exchange contracts     1,794,440  

Interest rate contracts

    Due from/to broker-variation margin futures     694,849      Due from/to broker-variation margin futures     636,928

Interest rate contracts

    Due from/to broker-variation margin swaps and swaptions     3,669,187      Due from/to broker-variation margin swaps and swaptions     233,370

Interest rate contracts

    Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements     379,031        Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements     965,328  
     

 

 

        

 

 

 
      $ 13,687,966          $ 8,059,955  
     

 

 

        

 

 

 

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the schedule of open futures, centrally cleared swap contracts, and centrally cleared swaptions. Only unsettled variation margin receivable (payable) is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The effects of derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations for the year ended February 29, 2024 are as follows:

 

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

 

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging

instruments, carried at fair value

   Options
Purchased(1)
     Options
Written
     Futures      Forward
& Cross
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Swaps  

Credit contracts

      $ (1,448,247      $ 1,594,866      $      $      $ (3,029,277

Foreign exchange contracts

        (663,982        2,466,384               4,596,535         

Interest rate contracts

        (3,403        107,539        338,960               7,735,643  
     

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

      $ (2,115,632      $ 4,168,789      $ 338,960      $ 4,596,535      $ 4,706,366  
     

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Included in net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions in the Statement of Operations.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

70


 

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

 

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

   Options
Purchased(2)
     Options
Written
    Futures      Forward
& Cross
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
    Swaps  

Credit contracts

      $ 1,006,462        $ (737,229   $      $     $ 1,208,763  

Foreign exchange contracts

        (35,527        65,156              (2,411,391      

Interest rate contracts

                 2,729       454,478              (15,434,822
     

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ 970,935        $ (669,344   $ 454,478      $ (2,411,391   $ (14,226,059
     

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(2)

Included in net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments in the Statement of Operations.

For the year ended February 29, 2024, the Fund’s average volume of derivative activities is as follows:

 

 Derivative Contract Type    Average Volume of Derivative Activities* 

 Options Purchased (1)

     $   418,760  

 Options Written (2)

     348,004,054  

 Futures Contracts - Long Positions (2)

     464,022,797  

 Futures Contracts - Short Positions (2)

     93,703,328  

 Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts - Purchased (3)

     203,261,928  

 Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts - Sold (3)

     412,696,402  

 Cross Currency Exchange Contracts (4)

     10,339,399  

 Interest Rate Swap Agreements (2)

     255,913,967  

 Credit Default Swap Agreements - Buy Protection (2)

     40,583,364  

 Credit Default Swap Agreements - Sell Protection (2)

     164,833,602  

 Total Return Swap Agreements (2)

     174,793,807      

 

*

Average volume is based on average quarter end balances for the year ended February 29, 2024.

(1)

Cost.

(2)

Notional Amount in USD.

(3)

Value at Settlement Date.

(4)

Value at Trade Date.

Financial Instruments/Transactions—Summary of Offsetting and Netting Arrangements:

The Fund invested in OTC derivatives and entered into financial instruments/transactions during the reporting 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 OTC derivatives and 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:

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 71


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

Description      Gross Market
Value of
Recognized
Assets/(Liabilities)
    

Collateral

Pledged/(Received)(2)

     Net 
Amount 

Securities on Loan

     $27,070,625      $(27,070,625)      $—

Offsetting of OTC derivative assets and liabilities:

 

Counterparty

   Gross Amounts of
Recognized
Assets(1)
   Gross Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities(1)
  Net Amounts of
Recognized
Assets/(Liabilities)
  Collateral
Pledged/(Received)(2)
  Net Amount

BARC

     $ 386,909      $ (197,676 )     $ 189,233     $     $ 189,233

BNP

       12,160        (764,410 )       (752,250 )       752,250      

BNYM

       31,245        (6,680 )       24,565             24,565

BOA

       659,838        (157,457 )       502,381       (403,279 )       99,102

CITI

       358,676        (458,328 )       (99,652 )             (99,652 )

DB

       219,028        (196,590 )       22,438             22,438

GSI

       841,379        (177,883 )       663,496       (180,000 )       483,496

HSBC

       408,835        (327,170 )       81,665             81,665

JPM

       937,210        (228,938 )       708,272       (574,600 )       133,672

MSI

       3,921,599        (4,253,201 )       (331,602 )       331,602      

SCB

       155,822        (102,054 )       53,768             53,768

SSB

       827,043              827,043       (813,694 )       13,349

TD

       460,705        (109,640 )       351,065       (351,065 )      

UAG

       57,006        (50,869 )       6,137             6,137
    

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
     $ 9,277,455      $ (7,030,896 )     $ 2,246,559     $ (1,238,786 )     $ 1,007,773
    

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on swaps and forwards, premiums paid/(received) on swap agreements and market value of purchased and written options, as represented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

(2)

Collateral amount disclosed by the Fund is limited to the market value of financial instruments/transactions and the Fund’s OTC derivative exposure by counterparty.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

72


Statement of Assets and Liabilities

as of February 29, 2024

 

Assets

        

Investments at value, including securities on loan of $27,070,625:

  

Unaffiliated investments (cost $1,202,272,741)

   $ 1,093,979,121  

Affiliated investments (cost $57,904,235)

     57,929,745  

Cash

     4,780  

Foreign currency, at value (cost $2,348,277)

     2,345,513  

Receivable for investments sold

     78,973,773  

Dividends and interest receivable

     9,909,285  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

     9,604,119  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     4,531,528  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

     4,102,306  

Receivable from custodian

     545,176  

Premiums paid for OTC swap agreements

     454,767  

Deposit with broker for centrally cleared/exchange-traded derivatives

     160,000  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC cross currency exchange contracts

     14,330  

Unrealized appreciation on unfunded loan commitment

     159  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     41,371  
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     1,262,595,973  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities

        

Payable for investments purchased

     224,507,577  

Payable to broker for collateral for securities on loan

     27,645,553  

Payable for Fund shares purchased

     6,795,691  

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

     4,499,220  

Unrealized depreciation on OTC forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     1,794,440  

Options written outstanding, at value (premiums received $643,624)

     574,416  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     533,045  

Management fee payable

     401,079  

Due to broker—variation margin futures

     221,973  

Premiums received for OTC swap agreements

     159,483  

Due to broker—variation margin swaps and swaptions

     61,672  

Distribution fee payable

     46,341  

Trustees’ fees payable

     3,374  

Unrealized depreciation on OTC cross currency exchange contracts

     3,337  

Affiliated transfer agent fee payable

     1,852  

Dividends payable

     1,507  
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     267,250,560  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 995,345,413  
  

 

 

 
          

Net assets were comprised of:

  

Shares of beneficial interest, at par

   $ 119,552  

Paid-in capital in excess of par

     1,324,831,766  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

     (329,605,905
  

 

 

 

Net assets, February 29, 2024

   $ 995,345,413  
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 73


Statement of Assets and Liabilities

as of February 29, 2024

 

Class A

                 

Net asset value and redemption price per share,
($70,539,628 ÷ 8,469,308 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 8.33     

Maximum sales charge (3.25% of offering price)

     0.28         
  

 

 

    

Maximum offering price to public

   $ 8.61     
  

 

 

    

Class C

                 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share,
($41,441,614 ÷ 4,983,313 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 8.32     
  

 

 

    

Class Z

                 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share,
($808,001,142 ÷ 97,052,313 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 8.33     
  

 

 

    

Class R6

                 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share,
($75,363,029 ÷ 9,047,108 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 8.33     
  

 

 

    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

74


Statement of Operations

Year Ended February 29, 2024

 

Net Investment Income (Loss)

        

Income

  

Interest income (net of $3,009 foreign withholding tax)

   $ 62,354,352  

Affiliated dividend income

     1,373,846  

Income from securities lending, net (including affiliated income of $228,382)

     229,410  

Unaffiliated dividend income

     158,354  
  

 

 

 

Total income

     64,115,962  
  

 

 

 

Expenses

  

Management fee

     6,024,223  

Distribution fee(a)

     561,268  

Transfer agent’s fees and expenses (including affiliated expense of $10,564)(a)

     1,161,442  

Registration fees(a)

     103,358  

Custodian and accounting fees

     92,815  

Shareholders’ reports

     79,615  

Audit fee

     63,600  

Professional fees

     52,638  

Trustees’ fees

     23,944  

Miscellaneous

     61,974  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     8,224,877  

Less: Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement(a)

     (1,242,757
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     6,982,120  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

     57,133,842  
  

 

 

 

Realized And Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Investment And Foreign Currency Transactions

        

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions (including affiliated of $17,598)

     (38,743,512

Futures transactions

     338,960  

Forward and cross currency contract transactions

     4,596,535  

Options written transactions

     4,168,789  

Swap agreement transactions

     4,706,366  

Foreign currency transactions

     (3,332,534
  

 

 

 
     (28,265,396
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

  

Investments (including affiliated of $(25,799))

     62,549,536  

Futures

     454,478  

Forward and cross currency contracts

     (2,411,391

Options written

     (669,344

Swap agreements

     (14,226,059

Foreign currencies

     (412,524

Unfunded loan commitment

     159  
  

 

 

 
     45,284,855  
  

 

 

 

Net gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

     17,019,459  
  

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets Resulting From Operations

   $ 74,153,301  
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 75


Statement of Operations

Year Ended February 29, 2024

 

 

(a)

Class specific expenses and waivers were as follows:

 

     Class A      Class C     Class Z     Class R6  

Distribution fee

     151,679         409,589             —    

Transfer agent’s fees and expenses

     46,343         43,596       1,069,491       2,012    

Registration fees

     22,244         18,217       44,736       18,161    

Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement

     (21,119)        (14,257     (1,164,290     (43,091)   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

76


Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

           

Year Ended

February 28/29,

 
            2024                   2023  

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

                                           

Operations

             

Net investment income (loss)

      $ 57,133,842           $ 53,296,217  

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

        (28,265,396           (77,704,993

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

        45,284,855             (99,071,782
     

 

 

         

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

        74,153,301             (123,480,558
     

 

 

         

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions

             

Distributions from distributable earnings

             

Class A

        (4,511,416           (3,486,312

Class C

        (2,682,025           (2,228,098

Class Z

        (65,323,235           (59,753,611

Class R6

        (5,156,501           (3,188,201
     

 

 

         

 

 

 
        (77,673,177           (68,656,222
     

 

 

         

 

 

 

Fund share transactions (Net of share conversions)

             

Net proceeds from shares sold

        447,958,197             585,739,979  

Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

        77,643,147             68,312,851  

Cost of shares purchased

        (578,184,104           (1,027,383,262
     

 

 

         

 

 

 

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

        (52,582,760           (373,330,432
     

 

 

         

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

        (56,102,636           (565,467,212

Net Assets:

                                           

Beginning of year

        1,051,448,049             1,616,915,261  
     

 

 

         

 

 

 

End of year

      $ 995,345,413           $ 1,051,448,049  
     

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 77


Financial Highlights

 

           

Class A Shares

            
      Year Ended February 28/29,  
      2024     2023     2022     2021     2020  
   

Per Share Operating Performance(a):

                                        
   

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $8.34       $9.69       $10.32       $10.48       $10.10  
   

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                        
   

Net investment income (loss)

     0.44       0.38       0.29       0.31       0.33  
   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions      0.16       (1.23     (0.54     0.02 (b)       0.70  
   

Total from investment operations

     0.60       (0.85     (0.25     0.33       1.03  
   

Less Dividends and Distributions:

                                        
   

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.61     (0.50     (0.38     (0.33     (0.45
   

Tax return of capital distributions

     -       -       -       (0.06     -  
   

Distributions from net realized gains

     -       -       -       (0.10     (0.20
   

Total dividends and distributions

     (0.61     (0.50     (0.38     (0.49     (0.65
   

Net asset value, end of year

     $8.33       $8.34       $9.69       $10.32       $10.48  
   

Total Return(c):

     7.49     (8.81 )%      (2.59 )%      3.27     10.41
   
                                          
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

                                        
   

Net assets, end of year (000)

     $70,540       $57,693       $78,154       $88,108       $76,854  
   

Average net assets (000)

     $60,671       $61,543       $85,794       $74,555       $39,714  
   

Ratios to average net assets(d):

                                        
   

Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement

     0.95     0.94     0.95     0.98     1.08
   

Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement

     0.98     0.97     0.98     1.02     1.12
   

Net investment income (loss)

     5.34     4.32     2.81     3.01     3.16
   

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

     310     301     54     105     239

 

(a)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)

The per share amount of realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments does not directly correlate to the amounts reported in the Statement of Operations due to the timing of portfolio share transactions in relation to fluctuating market values.

(c)

Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.

(d)

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

(e)

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

78


 

           

Class C Shares

            
      Year Ended February 28/29,  
      2024     2023     2022     2021     2020  
   

Per Share Operating Performance(a):

                                        
   

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $8.33       $9.68       $10.30       $10.46       $10.09  
   

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                        
   

Net investment income (loss)

     0.37       0.31       0.21       0.23       0.26  
   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions      0.16       (1.23     (0.53     0.02 (b)       0.68  
   

Total from investment operations

     0.53       (0.92     (0.32     0.25       0.94  
   

Less Dividends and Distributions:

                                        
   

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.54     (0.43     (0.30     (0.25     (0.37
   

Tax return of capital distributions

     -       -       -       (0.06     -  
   

Distributions from net realized gains

     -       -       -       (0.10     (0.20
   

Total dividends and distributions

     (0.54     (0.43     (0.30     (0.41     (0.57
   

Net asset value, end of year

     $8.32       $8.33       $9.68       $10.30       $10.46  
   

Total Return(c):

     6.66     (9.55 )%      (3.25 )%      2.50     9.47
   
                                          
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

                                        
   

Net assets, end of year (000)

     $41,442       $41,835       $56,099       $59,419       $49,844  
   

Average net assets (000)

     $40,959       $45,944       $60,789       $53,620       $24,666  
   

Ratios to average net assets(d):

                                        
   

Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement

     1.74     1.74     1.72     1.73     1.83
   

Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement

     1.77     1.77     1.75     1.77     1.87
   

Net investment income (loss)

     4.54     3.52     2.04     2.26     2.50
   

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

     310     301     54     105     239

 

(a)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)

The per share amount of realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments does not directly correlate to the amounts reported in the Statement of Operations due to the timing of portfolio share transactions in relation to fluctuating market values.

(c)

Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.

(d)

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

(e)

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 79


Financial Highlights (continued)

 

           

Class Z Shares

            
      Year Ended February 28/29,  
      2024     2023     2022     2021     2020  
   

Per Share Operating Performance(a):

                                        
   

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $8.34       $9.69       $10.31       $10.47       $10.10  
   

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                        
   

Net investment income (loss)

     0.47       0.41       0.32       0.34       0.38  
   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions      0.15       (1.23     (0.53     0.02 (b)       0.68  
   

Total from investment operations

     0.62       (0.82     (0.21     0.36       1.06  
   

Less Dividends and Distributions:

                                        
   

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.63     (0.53     (0.41     (0.36     (0.49
   

Tax return of capital distributions

     -       -       -       (0.06     -  
   

Distributions from net realized gains

     -       -       -       (0.10     (0.20
   

Total dividends and distributions

     (0.63     (0.53     (0.41     (0.52     (0.69
   

Net asset value, end of year

     $8.33       $8.34       $9.69       $10.31       $10.47  
   

Total Return(c):

     7.85     (8.52 )%      (2.17 )%      3.64     10.73
   
                                          
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

                                        
   

Net assets, end of year (000)

     $808,001       $892,700       $1,445,527       $1,748,446       $1,330,912  
   

Average net assets (000)

     $853,582       $1,006,914       $1,717,073       $1,421,196       $668,011  
   

Ratios to average net assets(d):

                                        
   

Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement

     0.62     0.62     0.62     0.62     0.68
   

Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement

     0.76     0.75     0.75     0.77     0.82
   

Net investment income (loss)

     5.66     4.63     3.14     3.35     3.62
   

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

     310     301     54     105     239

 

(a)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)

The per share amount of realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments does not directly correlate to the amounts reported in the Statement of Operations due to the timing of portfolio share transactions in relation to fluctuating market values.

(c)

Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.

(d)

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

(e)

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

80


 

           

Class R6 Shares

            
      Year Ended February 28/29,  
      2024     2023     2022     2021     2020  
   

Per Share Operating Performance(a):

                                        
   

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $8.34       $9.70       $10.32       $10.48       $10.11  
   

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                        
   

Net investment income (loss)

     0.47       0.41       0.33       0.34       0.38  
   

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

     0.16       (1.24     (0.54     0.03 (b)       0.68  
   

Total from investment operations

     0.63       (0.83     (0.21     0.37       1.06  
   

Less Dividends and Distributions:

                                        
   

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.64     (0.53     (0.41     (0.37     (0.49
   

Tax return of capital distributions

     -       -       -       (0.06     -  
   

Distributions from net realized gains

     -       -       -       (0.10     (0.20
   

Total dividends and distributions

     (0.64     (0.53     (0.41     (0.53     (0.69
   

Net asset value, end of year

     $8.33       $8.34       $9.70       $10.32       $10.48  
   

Total Return(c):

     7.88     (8.49 )%      (2.24 )%      3.66     10.75
   
                                          
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

                                        
   

Net assets, end of year (000)

     $75,363       $59,220       $37,135       $33,407       $1,493  
   

Average net assets (000)

     $65,842       $51,264       $37,326       $13,732       $564  
   

Ratios to average net assets(d):

                                        
   

Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement

     0.59     0.59     0.59     0.59     0.65
   

Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement

     0.66     0.66     0.67     0.76     3.24
   

Net investment income (loss)

     5.71     4.75     3.17     3.26     3.62
   

Portfolio turnover rate(e)

     310     301     54     105     239

 

(a)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)

The per share amount of realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments does not directly correlate to the amounts reported in the Statement of Operations due to the timing of portfolio share transactions in relation to fluctuating market values.

(c)

Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.

(d)

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

(e)

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund 81


Notes to Financial Statements

 

1.

Organization

Prudential Investment Portfolios 3 (the “Registered Investment Company” or “RIC”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The RIC is organized as a Delaware Statutory Trust. These financial statements relate only to the PGIM Strategic Bond Fund (the “Fund”), a series of the RIC. The Fund is classified as a diversified fund for purposes of the 1940 Act.

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

The Fund is subject to compliance with applicable regulations governing commodity pools including Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) rules.

 

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 is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). 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 as of the close of each day (generally, 4:00 PM Eastern time) the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for trading. As described in further detail below, the Fund’s investments are valued daily based on a number of factors, including the type of investment and whether market quotations are readily available. The RIC’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has approved the Fund’s valuation policies and procedures for security valuation and designated PGIM Investments LLC (“PGIM Investments” or the “Manager”) as the “Valuation Designee,” as defined by Rule 2a-5(b) under the 1940 Act, to perform the fair value determination relating to all Fund investments. Pursuant to the Board’s oversight, the Valuation Designee has established a Valuation Committee to perform the duties and responsibilities as Valuation Designee under Rule 2a-5. 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. Fair value is the estimated 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.

 

82


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 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 Measurement.

Common or preferred stocks, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and derivative instruments, if applicable, 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 a 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 ETFs) 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.

Floating rate and other loans are generally valued at prices provided by approved independent pricing vendors. The pricing vendors utilize broker/dealer quotations and provide prices based on the average of such quotations. Floating rate and other loans valued using such vendor prices are generally classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund  83


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Floating rate and other 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.

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 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 policies and procedures 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. Altering one or more unobservable inputs may result in a significant change to a Level 3 security’s fair value measurement.

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; and any available analyst media or other reports or information deemed reliable by the Valuation Designee 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.

 

84


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

(i) market value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities — at the exchange rate as of the valuation date;

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

Although the net assets of the Fund are presented at the foreign exchange rates and market values at the close of the period, the Fund does 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 Fund does 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 unrealized and realized foreign currency gains (losses) are included in the reported net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and net realized gains (losses) on investment transactions on the Statements of Operations. Notwithstanding the above, the Fund does isolate the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates when determining the gain (loss) upon the sale or maturity of foreign currency denominated debt obligations; such amounts are included in net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions.

Additionally, net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions 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 investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of interest, dividends and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains (losses) arise from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities (other than investments) at period end exchange rates.

Forward and Cross Currency Contracts: A forward currency contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The Fund enters into forward currency contracts, as defined in the prospectus, in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings or on specific receivables and payables denominated in a foreign currency and to gain exposure to certain currencies. The contracts are valued daily at current forward exchange rates and any unrealized gain (loss) is included in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on forward and cross currency contracts. Gain (loss) is realized on the settlement date of the contract equal to the difference between the settlement value of the original and negotiated forward contracts. This gain (loss), if any, is included in net realized gain (loss) on forward and cross currency contract transactions. Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund  85


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

terms of their contracts. Forward currency contracts involve risks from currency exchange rate and credit risk in excess of the amounts reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk is the net value of the cash flows to be received from the counterparty at the end of the contract’s life. A cross currency contract is a forward contract where a specified amount of one foreign currency will be exchanged for a specified amount of another foreign currency.

Options: The Fund purchased and/or wrote options in order to hedge against adverse market movements or fluctuations in value caused by changes in prevailing interest rates, value of equities or foreign currency exchange rates with respect to securities or financial instruments which the Fund currently owns or intends to purchase. The Fund may also use options to gain additional market exposure. The Fund’s principal reason for writing options is to realize, through receipt of premiums, a greater current return than would be realized on the underlying security alone. When the Fund purchases an option, it pays a premium and an amount equal to that premium is recorded as an asset. When the Fund writes an option, it receives a premium and an amount equal to that premium is recorded as a liability. The asset or liability is adjusted daily to reflect the current market value of the option. If an option expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a gain (loss) to the extent of the premium received or paid. If an option is exercised, the premium received or paid is recorded as an adjustment to the proceeds from the sale or the cost of the purchase in determining whether the Fund has realized a gain (loss). The difference between the premium and the amount received or paid at the closing of a purchase or sale transaction is also treated as a realized gain (loss). Gain (loss) on purchased options is included in net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions. Gain (loss) on written options is presented separately as net realized gain (loss) on options written transactions.

The Fund, as writer of an option, may have no control over whether the underlying securities or financial instruments may be sold (called) or purchased (put). As a result, the Fund bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security or financial instrument underlying the written option. The Fund, as purchaser of an OTC option, bears the risk of the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. With exchange-traded options contracts, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to the Fund since the exchanges’ clearinghouse acts as counterparty to all exchange-traded options and guarantees the options contracts against default.

When the Fund writes an option on a swap, an amount equal to any premium received by the Fund is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current market value of the written option on the swap. If a call option on a swap is exercised, the Fund becomes obligated to pay a fixed interest rate (noted as the strike price) and receive a variable interest rate on a notional amount. If a put option on a swap is exercised, the Fund becomes obligated to pay a variable interest rate and receive a fixed interest rate (noted as the strike

 

86


price) on a notional amount. Premiums received from writing options on swaps that expire or are exercised are treated as realized gains upon the expiration or exercise of such options on swaps. The risk associated with writing put and call options on swaps is that the Fund will be obligated to be party to a swap agreement if an option on a swap is exercised. The Fund entered into options on swaps that are executed through a central clearing facility, such as a registered exchange. Such options pay or receive an amount known as “variation margin”, based on daily changes in the valuation of the contract. The daily variation margin, rather than the contract market value, is recorded for financial statement purposes on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

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 or 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 period end, if any, are listed on the Schedule of Investments.

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund  87


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 exposure 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 or 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.

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” because the higher the contract value 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 swap agreements which the Fund entered into for the same referenced entity or index. As a

 

88


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.

Total Return Swaps: In a total return swap, one party receives payments based on the market value of the security or the commodity involved, or total return of a specific referenced asset, such as an equity, index or bond, and in return pays a defined amount. The Fund is subject to risk exposures associated with the referenced asset in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The Fund entered into total return swaps to manage its exposure to a security or an index. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk is the change in the value of the security, in the Fund’s favor, from the point of entering into the contract.

Floating Rate and Other Loans: The Fund invested in floating rate and other loans. Floating rate and other loans include 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 floating rate and other loans market. The Fund acquire 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 floating rate and other loans assignment, the Fund generally will succeed to all the rights and obligations of an assigning lending institution and become a lender under the loan agreement with the relevant borrower in connection with that loan. Under a floating rate and other loans 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 they are 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 they have 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.

Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities: Mortgage-backed securities are pass-through securities, meaning that principal and interest payments made by the borrower on the underlying mortgages are passed through to the Fund. Asset-backed

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund  89


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

securities directly or indirectly represent a participation interest in, or are secured by and payable from, a stream of payments generated by particular assets such as motor vehicle or credit card receivables. Asset-backed securities may be classified as pass-through certificates or collateralized obligations, such as collateralized bond obligations, collateralized loan obligations and other similarly structured securities. The value of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities varies with changes in interest rates and may be affected by changes in credit quality or value of the mortgage loans or other assets that support the securities.

Stripped mortgage-backed securities are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest (“IO”) and principal (“PO”) distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. Payments received for IOs are included in interest income on the Statements of Operations. Because no principal will be received at the maturity of an IO, adjustments are made to the cost of the security on a monthly basis until maturity. These adjustments are included in interest income on the Statements of Operations. Payments received for POs are treated as reductions to the cost and par value of the securities.

Master Netting Arrangements: The RIC, 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.

The RIC, on behalf of the Fund, is a party to International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) Master Agreements with certain counterparties that govern OTC derivative and foreign exchange contracts entered into from time to time. The Master Agreements may contain provisions regarding, among other things, the parties’ general obligations, representations, agreements, collateral requirements, events of default and early termination. With respect to certain counterparties, in accordance with the terms of the Master Agreements, collateral posted to the Fund is held in a segregated account by the Fund’s custodian and with respect to those amounts which can be sold or re-pledged, is presented in the Schedule of Investments. Collateral pledged by the Fund is segregated by the Fund’s custodian and identified in the Schedule of Investments. Collateral can be in the form of cash or debt securities issued by the U.S. Government or related agencies or other

 

90


securities as agreed to by the Fund and the applicable counterparty. Collateral requirements are determined based on the Fund’s net position with each counterparty. Termination events applicable to the Fund may occur upon a decline in the Fund’s net assets below a specified threshold over a certain period of time. Termination events applicable to counterparties may occur upon a decline in the counterparty’s long-term and short-term credit ratings below a specified level. In each case, upon occurrence, the other party may elect to terminate early and cause settlement of all derivative and foreign exchange contracts outstanding, including the payment of any losses and costs resulting from such early termination, as reasonably determined by the terminating party. Any decision by one or more of the Fund’s counterparties to elect early termination could impact the Fund’s future derivative activity.

In addition to each instrument’s primary underlying risk exposure (e.g. interest rate, credit, equity or foreign exchange, etc.), swap agreements involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, market and documentation risk. Such risks involve the possibility that no liquid market for these agreements will exist, the counterparty to the agreement may default on its obligation to perform or disagree on the contractual terms of the agreement, and changes in net interest rates will be unfavorable. In connection with these agreements, securities in the portfolio may be identified or received as collateral from the counterparty in accordance with the terms of the respective swap agreements to provide or receive assets of value and to serve as recourse in the event of default or bankruptcy/insolvency of either party. Such OTC derivative agreements include conditions which, when materialized, give the counterparty the right to cause an early termination of the transactions under those agreements. Any election by the counterparty for early termination of the contract(s) may impact the amounts reported on financial statements.

Short sales and OTC contracts, including forward foreign currency exchange contracts, swaps, forward rate agreements and written options involve elements of both market and credit risk in excess of the amounts reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, if applicable. Such risks may be mitigated by engaging in master netting arrangements.

Rights: The Fund held 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 Fund until exercised, sold or expired. Rights are valued at fair value in accordance with the Board approved fair valuation procedures.

Payment-In-Kind: The Fund invested in the open market or received 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 the 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.

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund  91


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Delayed-Delivery Transactions: The Fund purchased or sold securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery and forward commitment basis, including TBA securities. These transactions involve a commitment by the Fund to purchase or sell securities for a predetermined price or yield, with payment and delivery taking place beyond the customary settlement period. When delayed-delivery purchases are outstanding, the Fund will set aside and maintain an amount of liquid assets sufficient to meet the purchase price in a segregated account until the settlement date. When purchasing a security on a delayed-delivery basis, the Fund assumes the rights and risks of ownership of the security, including the risk of price and yield fluctuations, and takes such fluctuations into account when determining its net asset value. The Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a delayed-delivery transaction subsequent to establishment, and may sell when-issued securities before they are delivered, which may result in a realized gain (loss). When selling a security on a delayed-delivery basis, the Fund forfeits its eligibility to realize future gains (losses) with respect to the security.

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 the 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. The remaining open loans of the securities lending transactions are considered overnight and continuous. 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, which are reflected in interest income or unaffiliated dividend income based on the nature of the payment on the Statement of Operations. 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.

 

92


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 expense amounts. Net investment income or loss (other than class specific expenses and waivers, which are allocated as noted below) and unrealized and realized gains (losses) are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of adjusted net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Class specific expenses and waivers, where applicable, are charged to the respective share classes. Such class specific expenses and waivers include distribution fees and distribution fee waivers, shareholder servicing fees, transfer agent’s fees and expenses, registration fees and fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, as applicable.

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: Dividends and distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations and which may differ from GAAP, 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. The chart below sets forth the expected frequency of dividend and capital gains distributions to shareholders. Various factors may impact the frequency of dividend distributions to shareholders, including but not limited to adverse market conditions or portfolio holding-specific events.

 

     
 Expected Distribution Schedule to Shareholders*          Frequency 

 Net Investment Income

        Monthly 

 Short-Term Capital Gains

        Annually 

 Long-Term Capital Gains

        Annually 

 

*

Under certain circumstances, the Fund may make more than one distribution of short-term and/or long-term capital gains during a fiscal year.

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 Strategic Bond Fund  93


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

3.

Agreements

The RIC, on behalf of the Fund, has a management agreement with the Manager pursuant to which it has responsibility for all investment advisory services, including supervision of the subadvisers’ performance of such services, and for rendering administrative services.

The Manager has entered into a subadvisory agreement with PGIM, Inc., which provides subadvisory services to the Fund through its business unit PGIM Fixed Income, and PGIM, Inc. has entered into a sub-subadvisory agreement with PGIM Limited (collectively the “subadviser”). The Manager pays for the services of the subadviser.

Fees payable under the management agreement are computed daily and paid monthly. For the reporting period ended February 29, 2024, the contractual and effective management fee rates were as follows:

 

   
 Contractual Management Rate    Effective Management Fee, before any waivers 
and/or expense reimbursements 
 

0.590% on average daily net assets up to $2.5 billion;

     0.59%  

0.565% on average daily net assets from $2.5 billion to $5 billion;

        

0.540% on average daily net assets over $5 billion.

        

The Manager has contractually agreed, through June 30, 2025, to limit total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. This contractual waiver excludes interest, brokerage, taxes (such as income and foreign withholding taxes, stamp duty and deferred tax expenses), acquired fund fees and expenses, extraordinary expenses, and certain other Fund expenses such as dividend and interest expense and broker charges on short sales.

Where applicable, the Manager agrees to waive management fees or shared operating expenses on any share class to the same extent that it waives such expenses on any other share class and, in addition, total annual operating expenses for Class R6 shares will not exceed total annual operating expenses for Class Z shares. Fees and/or expenses waived and/or reimbursed by the Manager for the purpose of preventing the expenses from exceeding a certain expense ratio limit may be recouped by the Manager within the same fiscal year during which such waiver and/or reimbursement is made if such recoupment can be realized without exceeding the expense limit in effect at the time of the recoupment for that fiscal year. The expense limitations attributable to each class are as follows:

 

   
 Class    Expense
Limitations
 

A

     1.15%   

C

     1.90     

Z

     0.62     

 

94


   
 Class    Expense
Limitations

R6

   0.59%

The RIC, on behalf of the Fund, has a distribution agreement with Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (“PIMS”), which acts as the distributor of the Class A, Class C, Class Z and Class R6 shares of the Fund. The Fund compensates PIMS for distributing and servicing the Fund’s Class A and Class C shares, pursuant to the plans of distribution (the “Distribution Plans”), regardless of expenses actually incurred by PIMS.

Pursuant to the Distribution Plans, the Fund compensates PIMS for distribution related activities at an annual rate based on average daily net assets per class. The distribution fees are accrued daily and payable monthly.

The Fund’s annual gross and net distribution rates, where applicable, are as follows:

 

     
 Class    Gross Distribution Fee   Net Distribution Fee 

A

       0.25       0.25

C

       1.00         1.00  

Z

       N/A         N/A  

R6

       N/A         N/A  

For the year ended February 29, 2024, PIMS received front-end sales charges (“FESL”) resulting from sales of certain class shares and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) imposed upon redemptions by certain shareholders. From these fees, PIMS paid such sales charges to broker-dealers, who in turn paid commissions to salespersons and incurred other distribution costs. The sales charges are as follows where applicable:

 

       
 Class    FESL              CDSC   

A

   $ 171,896               $ 6,131   

C

                     2,189   

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

 

4.

Other Transactions with Affiliates

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

The Fund may invest its overnight sweep cash in the PGIM Core Government Money Market Fund (the “Core Government Fund”), a series of the Prudential Government Money Market Fund, Inc., and its securities lending cash collateral in the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund (the “Money Market Fund”), a series of Prudential Investment Portfolios 2, each registered under the 1940 Act and managed by PGIM Investments. PGIM Investments

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund  95


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

and/or its affiliates are paid fees or reimbursed for providing their services to the Core Government Fund and the Money Market Fund. In addition to the realized and unrealized gains on investments in the Core Government Fund and the 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/trustees, and/or common officers. For the year ended February 29, 2024, no Rule 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 reporting period ended February 29, 2024, were as follows:

 

   
Cost of Purchases    Proceeds from Sales

$3,505,869,787

   $3,530,870,564

A summary of the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of shares of affiliated mutual funds for the year ended February 29, 2024, is presented as follows:

 

               

  Value,

 Beginning

 of Year

  

Cost of

Purchases

  

Proceeds

from Sales

  

Change in

Unrealized

Gain

(Loss)

  

Realized

Gain

(Loss)

  

Value,

End of Year

  

Shares,

End

of Year

   Income  

Short-Term Investments - Affiliated Mutual Funds:

                  

PGIM Core Government Money Market Fund (7-day effective yield 5.545%)(1)(wb)

 

$    —

   $316,061,414    $285,946,921    $      —    $     —    $30,114,493    30,114,493      $1,373,846  

PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund (7-day effective yield 5.683%)(1)(b)(wb)

 

 61,120,436

    275,430,736     308,727,719     (25,799)     17,598     27,815,252    27,826,383       228,382 (2) 

$61,120,436

   $591,492,150    $594,674,640    $(25,799)    $17,598    $57,929,745           $1,602,228  

 

(1)

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

(2)

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

(b)

Represents security, or portion thereof, purchased with cash collateral received for securities on loan and includes dividend reinvestment.

(wb)

Represents an investment in a Fund affiliated with the Manager.

 

96


6.

Distributions and Tax Information

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

For the year ended February 29, 2024, 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
   Tax Return
of Capital
   Total Dividends 
and Distributions 

$77,673,177

   $—    $—    $77,673,177 

For the year ended February 28, 2023, 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
   Tax Return
of Capital
   Total Dividends 
and Distributions 

$68,656,222

   $—    $—    $68,656,222 

For the year ended February 29, 2024, the Fund had the following amounts of accumulated undistributed earnings on a tax basis:

 

   
Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

$12,665,789

   $—

The United States federal income tax basis of the Fund’s investments and the net unrealized depreciation as of February 29, 2024 were as follows:

 

       
  Tax Basis    Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
   Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
  Net
Unrealized
Depreciation
$1,268,087,119    $25,595,139    $(136,319,746)   $(110,724,607)

The difference between GAAP and tax basis is primarily attributable to the difference in the treatment of amortization of premiums, deferred losses on wash sales, futures contracts, straddle loss deferrals, interest accrual on defaulted securities, swaps, partnerships and other book to tax differences.

For federal income tax purposes, the Fund had an approximated capital loss carryforward as of February 29, 2024 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
   Capital Loss
Carryforward Utilized

$228,743,000

   $—

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund  97


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

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 four fiscal years up to the most recent fiscal year ended February 29, 2024 are subject to such review.

 

7.

Capital and Ownership

The Fund offers Class A, Class C, Class Z and Class R6 shares. Class A shares are sold with a maximum front-end sales charge of 3.25%. Investors who purchase $500,000 or more of Class A shares and sell those shares within 12 months of purchase are subject to a CDSC of 1% on sales although these purchases are not subject to a front-end sales charge. The Class A CDSC is waived for certain retirement and/or benefit plans. A special exchange privilege is also available for shareholders who qualified to purchase Class A shares at net asset value. Class C shares are sold with a CDSC of 1% on sales made within 12 months of purchase. Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares on a monthly basis approximately eight years (ten years prior to January 22, 2021) after purchase. Class Z and Class R6 shares are not subject to any sales or redemption charges and are available exclusively for sale to a limited group of investors.

Under certain circumstances, an exchange may be made from specified share classes of the Fund to one or more other share classes of the Fund as presented in the table of transactions in shares of beneficial interest, below.

The RIC has authorized an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of the Fund at $0.001 par value per share.

As of February 29, 2024, Prudential, through its affiliated entities, including affiliated funds (if applicable), owned shares of the Fund as follows:

 

     
 Class    Number of Shares    Percentage of Outstanding Shares 

Z

       14,916    0.1%

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

 

     
      Number of Shareholders    Percentage of Outstanding Shares

Affiliated

              %

Unaffiliated

       7        92.5

 

98


Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:

 

       
 Share Class    Shares         Amount

Class A

                               

Year ended February 29, 2024:

                               

Shares sold

       4,006,747                $ 33,046,987

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

       548,089                  4,507,409

Shares purchased

       (2,880,915 )                  (23,831,877 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

       1,673,921                  13,722,519

Shares issued upon conversion from other share class(es)

       108,921                  896,152

Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

       (228,815 )                  (1,893,704 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       1,554,027                $ 12,724,967

Year ended February 28, 2023:

                               

Shares sold

       2,065,686                $ 17,899,863

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

       403,517                  3,483,185

Shares purchased

       (3,522,263 )                  (31,160,935 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

       (1,053,060 )                  (9,777,887 )

Shares issued upon conversion from other share class(es)

       115,782                  1,011,397

Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

       (210,361 )                  (1,864,601 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       (1,147,639 )                $ (10,631,091 )

Class C

                               

Year ended February 29, 2024:

                               

Shares sold

       1,078,191                $ 8,895,669

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

       326,645                  2,682,014

Shares purchased

       (1,256,831 )                  (10,317,374 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

       148,005                  1,260,309

Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

       (187,001 )                  (1,536,300 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       (38,996 )                $ (275,991 )

Year ended February 28, 2023:

                               

Shares sold

       1,013,516                $ 8,798,314

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

       258,675                  2,227,963

Shares purchased

       (1,803,927 )                  (15,805,406 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

       (531,736 )                  (4,779,129 )

Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

       (242,434 )                  (2,124,340 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       (774,170 )                $ (6,903,469 )

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund  99


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

       
 Share Class    Shares         Amount

Class Z

                               

Year ended February 29, 2024:

                               

Shares sold

       44,292,529                $ 365,780,595

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

       7,939,193                  65,300,715

Shares purchased

       (61,169,761 )                  (503,640,613 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

       (8,938,039 )                  (72,559,303 )

Shares issued upon conversion from other share class(es)

       362,301                  2,989,997

Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

       (1,421,663 )                  (11,623,402 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       (9,997,401 )                $ (81,192,708 )

Year ended February 28, 2023:

                               

Shares sold

       58,506,603                $ 506,891,565

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

       6,869,015                  59,428,486

Shares purchased

       (107,806,196 )                  (953,917,170 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

       (42,430,578 )                  (387,597,119 )

Shares issued upon conversion from other share class(es)

       420,421                  3,702,272

Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

       (134,208 )                  (1,157,195 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       (42,144,365 )                $ (385,052,042 )

Class R6

                               

Year ended February 29, 2024:

                               

Shares sold

       4,870,570                $ 40,234,946

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

       626,690                  5,153,009

Shares purchased

       (4,912,862 )                  (40,394,240 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

       584,398                  4,993,715

Shares issued upon conversion from other share class(es)

       1,377,891                  11,265,155

Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

       (11,838 )                  (97,898 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       1,950,451                $ 16,160,972

 

100


       
 Share Class    Shares         Amount

Year ended February 28, 2023:

                               

Shares sold

       5,912,012                $ 52,150,237

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

       369,762                  3,173,217

Shares purchased

       (3,065,955 )                  (26,499,751 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

       3,215,819                  28,823,703

Shares issued upon conversion from other share class(es)

       54,646                  467,355

Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

       (4,127 )                  (34,888 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

       3,266,338                $ 29,256,170

 

8.

Borrowings

The RIC, 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

   9/29/2023 - 9/26/2024         9/30/2022 – 9/28/2023

Total Commitment

   $ 1,200,000,000         $ 1,200,000,000

Annualized Commitment Fee on the

Unused Portion of the SCA

   0.15%         0.15%
 Annualized Interest Rate on Borrowings   

1.00% plus the higher of (1) the
effective federal funds rate, (2) the
daily SOFR rate plus 0.10% or (3) zero
percent

 

        

1.00% plus the higher of (1) the
effective federal funds rate, (2) the
daily SOFR rate plus 0.10% 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 year ended February 29, 2024. The average daily balance for the 7 days that the Fund had loans outstanding during the period was approximately $2,639,429, borrowed at a weighted average interest rate of 6.42%. The maximum loan outstanding amount during the period was $5,580,000. At February 29, 2024, the Fund did not have an outstanding loan amount.

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund  101


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

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.

Active Trading Risk: The Fund actively and frequently trades its portfolio securities. High portfolio turnover results in higher transaction costs, which can affect the Fund’s performance and have adverse tax consequences. In addition, high portfolio turnover may also mean that a proportionately greater amount of distributions to shareholders will be taxed as ordinary income rather than long-term capital gains compared to investment companies with lower portfolio turnover.

Commodity Regulatory Risk: The Fund is deemed a “commodity pool” and the Manager is considered a “commodity pool operator” with respect to the Fund under the Commodity Exchange Act. The Manager, directly or through its affiliates, is therefore subject to dual regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the CFTC. The regulatory requirements governing the use of commodity futures (which include futures on broad-based securities indexes, interest rate futures and currency futures), options on commodity futures, certain swaps or certain other investments could change at any time.

“Covenant-Lite” Risk: Some of the loans or debt obligations in which the Fund may invest or get exposure to may be “covenant-lite”, which means the loans or obligations contain fewer financial maintenance covenants than other loans or obligations (in some cases, none) and do not include terms which allow the lender to monitor the borrower’s performance and declare a default if certain criteria are breached. An investment by the Fund in a covenant-lite loan may potentially hinder the ability to reprice credit risk associated with the issuer and reduce the ability to restructure a problematic loan and mitigate potential loss. The Fund may also experience difficulty, expenses or delays in enforcing its rights on its holdings of covenant-lite loans or obligations. As a result of these risks, the Fund’s exposure to losses may be increased, which could result in an adverse impact on the Fund’s net income and NAV.

Credit Risk/Counterparty Risk: The ability, or perceived ability, of the issuer or guarantor of a debt security, or the counterparty (the party on the other side of the transaction) to a derivatives contract or other financial contract to meet its financial obligations will affect the value of the security or derivative. Counterparty and credit risk are especially important in the context of privately negotiated instruments. The Fund expects to enter into certain privately negotiated agreements where the counterparty assumes the physical settlement obligations of the Fund under such transactions. Under this type of arrangement, there is a risk that the relevant counterparty or intermediary would, due to insolvency or other reasons, be unable to or fail to assume the physical settlement obligations of the Fund, in which case

 

102


the Fund could be required to sell portfolio instruments at unfavorable times or prices or could have insufficient assets to satisfy its physical settlement obligations.

Credit ratings are intended to provide a measure of credit risk. However, credit ratings are only the opinions of the credit rating agency issuing the ratings and are not guarantees as to quality. The lower the rating of a debt security held by the Fund, the greater the degree of credit risk that is perceived to exist by the credit rating agency with respect to that security. Increasing the amount of Fund assets allocated to lower-rated securities generally will increase the credit risk to which the Fund is subject. Not all securities in which the Fund invests are rated. The lower the credit quality of a bond, the more sensitive it is to credit risk.

Currency Risk: The Fund’s net asset value could decline as a result of changes in exchange rates, which could adversely affect the Fund’s investments in currencies, or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues related to, currencies, or in derivatives that provide exposure to currencies. Certain foreign countries may impose restrictions on the ability of issuers of foreign securities to make payment of principal and interest or dividends to investors located outside the country, due to blockage of foreign currency exchanges or otherwise.

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” or may create economic leverage for the Fund. 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. The use of derivatives also exposes the Fund to operational issues, such as documentation and settlement issues, systems failures, inadequate control and human error.

Derivatives may also involve legal risks, such as insufficient documentation, the lack of capacity or authority of a counterparty to execute or settle a transaction, and the legality and enforceability of derivatives contracts. The U.S. Government and foreign governments have adopted (and may adopt further) regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing of certain derivatives, margin and reporting requirements and risk exposure limitations. Regulation of derivatives may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability or utility to the Fund, or otherwise adversely affect their performance or disrupt markets.

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund  103


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Economic and Market Events Risk: Events in the U.S. and global financial markets, including actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth or the functioning of the securities markets, or otherwise reduce inflation, may at times result in unusually high market volatility, which could negatively impact performance. Governmental efforts to curb inflation often have negative effects on the level of economic activity. Relatively reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets could adversely affect issuers worldwide.

Emerging Markets Risk: The risks of foreign investments are greater for investments in or exposed to emerging markets. Emerging market countries typically have economic and political systems that are less fully developed, and can be expected to be less stable, than those of more developed countries. For example, the economies of such countries can be subject to rapid and unpredictable rates of inflation or deflation. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and price volatility. Emerging market countries may have policies that restrict investment by non-US investors, or that prevent non-US investors from withdrawing their money at will.

The Fund may invest in some emerging markets that subject it to risks such as those associated with illiquidity, custody of assets, different settlement and clearance procedures and asserting legal title under a developing legal and regulatory regime to a greater degree than in developed markets or even in other emerging markets.

Fixed Income Risk: As with credit risk, market risk and interest rate 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 lose income.

Floating Rate and Other Loans Risk: The Fund’s ability to receive payments of principal and interest and other amounts in connection with loans (whether through participations, assignments or otherwise) will depend primarily on the financial condition of the borrower. The failure by the Fund to receive scheduled interest or principal payments on a loan because of a default, bankruptcy or any other reason would adversely affect the income of the Fund and would likely reduce the value of its assets. Even with loans secured by collateral, there is the risk that the value of the collateral may decline, may be insufficient to meet the obligations of the borrower, or be difficult to liquidate. In the event of a default, the Fund may have difficulty collecting on any collateral and would not have the ability to collect on any collateral for an uncollateralized loan. Further, the Fund’s access to collateral, if any, may be limited by bankruptcy laws. Due to the nature of the private syndication of senior

 

104


loans, including, for example, lack of publicly-available information, some senior loans are not as easily purchased or sold as publicly-traded securities. In addition, loan participations generally are subject to restrictions on transfer, and only limited opportunities may exist to sell loan participations in secondary markets. As a result, it may be difficult for the Fund to value loans or sell loans at an acceptable price when it wants to sell them. Loans trade in an over-the-counter market, and confirmation and settlement, which are effected through standardized procedures and documentation, may take significantly longer than seven days to complete. Extended trade settlement periods may, in unusual market conditions with a high volume of shareholder redemptions, present a risk to shareholders regarding the Fund’s ability to pay redemption proceeds in a timely manner. In some instances, loans and loan participations are not rated by independent credit rating agencies; in such instances, a decision by the Fund to invest in a particular loan or loan participation could depend exclusively on the subadviser’s credit analysis of the borrower, or in the case of a loan participation, of the intermediary holding the portion of the loan that the Fund has purchased. To the extent the Fund invests in loans of non-U.S. issuers, the risks of investing in non-U.S. issuers are applicable. Loans may not be considered to be “securities” and as a result may not benefit from the protections of the federal securities laws, including anti-fraud protections and those with respect to the use of material non-public information, so that purchasers, such as the Fund, may not have the benefit of these protections. If the Fund is in possession of material non-public information about a borrower as a result of its investment in such borrower’s loan, the Fund may not be able to enter into a transaction with respect to a publicly-traded security of the borrower when it would otherwise be advantageous to do so.

Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers (including those denominated in U.S. dollars) may involve more risk than investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign political, economic and legal systems, especially those in developing and emerging market countries, may be less stable and more volatile than in the United States. Foreign legal systems generally have fewer regulatory requirements than the U.S. legal system, particularly those of emerging markets. In general, less information is publicly available with respect to non-U.S. companies than U.S. companies. Non-U.S. companies generally are not subject to the same accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards as are U.S. companies. Additionally, the changing value of foreign currencies and changes in exchange rates could also affect the value of the assets the Fund holds and the Fund’s performance. Certain foreign countries may impose restrictions on the ability of issuers of foreign securities to make payment of principal and interest or dividends to investors located outside the country, due to blockage of foreign currency exchanges or otherwise. Investments in emerging markets are subject to greater volatility and price declines.

In addition, the Fund’s investments in non-U.S. securities may be subject to the risks of nationalization or expropriation of assets, imposition of currency exchange controls or restrictions on the repatriation of non-U.S. currency, confiscatory taxation and adverse diplomatic developments. Special U.S. tax considerations may apply.

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund  105


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Increase in Expenses Risk: Your actual cost of investing in the Fund may be higher than the expenses shown in the expense table in the Fund’s prospectus for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and Fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile. Active and frequent trading of Fund securities can increase expenses.

Interest Rate Risk: The value of your 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 debt securities. Similarly, a rise in interest rates may also have a greater negative impact on the value of equity securities whose issuers expect earnings further out in the future. For example, a fixed income security with a duration of three years is expected to decrease in value by approximately 3% if interest rates increase by 1%. This is referred to as “duration risk.” 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.” For premium bonds (bonds acquired at prices that exceed their par or principal value) purchased by the Fund, prepayment risk may be enhanced. 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 lose money if short-term or long-term interest rates rise sharply or in a manner not anticipated by the subadviser.

Junk Bonds Risks: 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.

Large Shareholder and Large Scale Redemption Risk: Certain individuals, accounts, funds (including funds affiliated with the Manager) or institutions, including the Manager and its affiliates, may from time to time own or control a substantial amount of the Fund’s shares. There is no requirement that these entities maintain their investment in the Fund. There is a risk that such large shareholders or that the Fund’s shareholders generally may redeem all or a substantial portion of their investments in the Fund in a short period of time, which could have a significant negative impact on the Fund’s NAV, liquidity, and brokerage costs. Large redemptions could also result in tax consequences to shareholders and impact the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategy. The Fund’s ability to pursue its

 

106


investment objective after one or more large scale redemptions may be impaired and, as a result, the Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents.

Leverage Risk: Certain transactions in which the Fund may engage may give rise to leverage. The use of leverage exaggerates the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s holdings, and makes any change in the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) greater than it would be without the use of leverage. This could result in increased volatility of investment return.

Liquidity Risk: Liquidity risk is the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Fund may invest in instruments that trade in lower volumes and are more illiquid than other investments. 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 cannot be readily sold at the desired time or price, the Fund may have to accept a lower price or may not be able to sell the instrument at all. 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.

Management Risk: Actively managed funds are subject to management risk. The subadviser will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but the subadviser’s judgments about the attractiveness, value or market trends affecting a particular security, industry or sector or about market movements may be incorrect. Additionally, the investments selected for the Fund may underperform the markets in general, the Fund’s benchmark and other funds with similar investment objectives.

Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risks: Market disruption can be caused by economic, financial or political events and factors, including but not limited to, international wars or conflicts (including Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war), geopolitical developments (including trading and tariff arrangements, sanctions and cybersecurity attacks), instability in regions such as Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, terrorism, natural disasters and public health epidemics (including the outbreak of COVID-19 globally).

The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Fund. These and other similar events could adversely affect the U.S. and foreign financial markets and lead to increased market volatility, reduced liquidity in the securities markets, significant negative impacts on issuers and the markets for certain securities and commodities and/or government intervention. They may also cause short- or long-term economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide. As a result, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments may be negatively impacted. Further, due to closures of certain markets and restrictions on trading certain securities, the value of certain

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund  107


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

securities held by the Fund could be significantly impacted, which could lead to such securities being valued at zero.

Market 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 your investment in the Fund will decline.

Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities Risk: Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities tend to increase in value less than other debt securities when interest rates decline, but are subject to similar risk of decline in market value during periods of rising interest rates. The values of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities become more volatile as interest rates rise. In a period of declining interest rates, the Fund may be required to reinvest more frequent prepayments on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities in lower-yielding investments.

U.S. Government and Agency Securities Risk: U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. Government. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities and U.S. Government-sponsored instrumentalities or enterprises may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. For example, securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Banks are neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government. These securities may be supported by the ability to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or only by the credit of the issuing agency, authority, instrumentality or enterprise and, as a result, are subject to greater credit risk than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury. Further, the U.S. Government and its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities and enterprises do not guarantee the market value of their securities; consequently, the value of such securities will fluctuate. This may be the case especially when there is any controversy or ongoing uncertainty regarding the status of negotiations in the U.S. Congress to increase the statutory debt ceiling. Such controversy or uncertainty could, among other things, result in the credit quality rating of the U.S. Government being downgraded and reduced prices of U.S. Treasury securities. If the U.S. Congress is unable to negotiate an adjustment to the statutory debt ceiling, there is also the risk that the U.S. Government may default on payments on certain U.S. Government securities, including those held by the Fund, which could have a negative impact on the Fund. An increase in demand for U.S. Government securities resulting from an increase in demand for government money market funds may lead to lower yields on such securities.

 

108


10.

Recent Regulatory Developments

Effective January 24, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted rule and form amendments to require mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semiannual reports to shareholders that highlight key information deemed important for retail investors to assess and monitor their fund investments (the “Rule”). Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in the funds’ streamlined shareholder reports but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. The Rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the Rule and its impact to the Fund.

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund  109


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Trustees of Prudential Investment Portfolios 3 and Shareholders of PGIM Strategic Bond Fund

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of PGIM Strategic Bond Fund (one of the funds constituting Prudential Investment Portfolios 3, referred to hereafter as the “Fund”) as of February 29, 2024, the related statement of operations for the year ended February 29, 2024, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended February 29, 2024, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the four years in the period ended February 29, 2024 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of February 29, 2024, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended February 29, 2024 and the financial highlights for each of the four years in the period ended February 29, 2024 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The financial statements of the Fund as of and for the year ended February 29, 2020 and the financial highlights for the year ended February 29, 2020 (not presented herein, other than the financial highlights) were audited by other auditors whose report dated April 17, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial highlights.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements 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 of these financial statements 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 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, 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. 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. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of February 29, 2024 by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, brokers and agent banks; when replies were not received from brokers or agent banks, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York

April 16, 2024

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the PGIM Retail Funds complex since 2020.

 

110


Tax Information (unaudited)

For the year ended February 29, 2024, the Fund reports, in accordance under Section 854 of the Internal Revenue Code, the following percentages of the ordinary income dividends paid as: 1) qualified dividend income (QDI); 2) eligible for corporate dividend received deduction (DRD):

 

       
 Fund    QDI       DRD 

 PGIM Strategic Bond Fund

   2.34%        2.34%

For the year ended February 29, 2024 the Fund reports the maximum amount allowable but not less than 37.24% as interest-related dividends in accordance with Sections 871(k)(1) and 881(e)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code.

For the year ended February 29, 2024, the Fund reports the maximum amount allowable but not less than 73.03% as interest dividends that are eligible to be treated as interest income in accordance with Section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code.

In January 2025, 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 2024.

We are required by Massachusetts, Missouri and Oregon to inform you that dividends which have been derived from interest on federal obligations are not taxable to shareholders provided that the Fund meets certain requirements mandated by the respective state’s taxing authorities. We are pleased to report that 3.51% of the dividends paid by the Fund qualify for such deduction.

For more detailed information regarding your state and local taxes, you should contact your tax advisor or the state/local taxing authorities.

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund  111


INFORMATION ABOUT BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS (unaudited)

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

 

 

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:

103

  

Chief Executive Officer and President, The Joyce Foundation (charitable foundation) (since 2002); formerly Vice Chair, City Colleges of Chicago (community college system) (2011-2015); formerly Trustee, National Park Foundation (charitable foundation for national park system) (2009-2018); formerly Trustee, Economic Club of Chicago (2009-2016); Trustee, Loyola University (since 2018).

 

  

None.

  

Since September 2013

     

Kevin J. Bannon

1952

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen:

104

  

Retired; formerly 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; formerly President (May 2003-May 2007) of BNY Hamilton Family of Mutual Funds.

 

  

Director of Urstadt Biddle Properties (equity real estate investment trust) (September 2008-August 2023).

  

Since July 2008

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund


 

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:

101

  

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).

  

Trustee of Equity Residential (residential real estate) (since December 2009); Director of Northern Trust Corporation (financial services) (since April 2006); formerly Director of Anixter International, Inc. (communication products distributor) (January 2006-June 2020).

 

  

Since March

2005

       

Barry H. Evans

1960

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen:

104

  

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 (asset management).

  

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 September 2017

       

Keith F. Hartstein

1956

Board Member & Independent Chair

Portfolios Overseen:

104

  

Retired; formerly Member (November 2014-September 2022) of the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council (IDC) (organization of independent mutual fund directors); formerly Executive Committee of the IDC Board of Governors (October 2019-December 2021); 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); formerly Chairman, Investment Company Institute’s Sales Force Marketing Committee (2003-2008).

 

  

None.

  

Since September 2013

 

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:

101

  

A. Barton Hepburn Professor Emerita of Economics in the Faculty of Business, Columbia Business School (since 2018); Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University (since 2015); Sole Member, ReidCourt LLC (since 2008) (a consulting firm); formerly Visiting Professor of Law, Stanford Law School (2015-2021); 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, Andela (since January 2022) (global talent network); Independent Director, Roku (since December 2020) (communication services); formerly Independent Director, Synnex Corporation (2019-2021) (information technology); formerly Independent Director, Kabbage, Inc. (2018-2020) (financial services); formerly Independent Director, Corporate Capital Trust (2017-2018) (a business development company).

 

  

Since September 2017

       

Brian K. Reid

1961

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen:

104

  

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); formerly Director, ICI Mutual Insurance Company (2012-2017).

 

  

None.

  

Since March

2018

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund


 

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: 104

  

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.

 

  

Director (since January 2018) of OceanFirst Financial Corp. and OceanFirst Bank; formerly Director (July 2015-January 2018) of Sun Bancorp, Inc. N.A. and Sun National Bank.

  

Since November 2014

 

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
     

Stuart S. Parker

1962

Board Member,

President & Principal

Executive Officer

Portfolios Overseen:

104

  

President, Chief Executive Officer and Officer in Charge of PGIM Investments LLC (formerly known as Prudential Investments LLC) (since January 2012); President and Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”) (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; President and PEO (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; President and PEO (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; formerly Chief Operating Officer for PGIM Investments LLC (January 2012-January 2024); formerly Executive Vice President of Jennison Associates LLC and Head of Retail Distribution of PGIM Investments LLC (June 2005-December 2011); Investment Company Institute - Board of Governors (since May 2012).

 

  

None.

  

Since January 2012

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund


 

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:

131

  

Executive Vice President (since May 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 Global Product Management and Marketing, PGIM Investments (since February 2006); Vice President (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Vice President (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Vice President (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; formerly Vice President of Product Development and Product Management, PGIM Investments LLC (2003-2006).

 

  

None.

  

Since March 2010

 

 

  Fund Officers(a)

 

         
     

Name

Year 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, Executive Vice President and Secretary of PGIM Investments (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); Corporate Counsel of AST Investment Services, Inc. (since August 2020) and Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since January 2005) of Prudential; Chief Legal Officer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Chief Legal Officer (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Chief Legal Officer (since July 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; formerly, Vice President and Assistant Secretary of PGIM Investments LLC (2005-2020); formerly Associate at Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP (1999-2004).

 

   Since December 2005

 

Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


 

  Fund Officers(a)

 

         
     

Name

Year of Birth

Fund Position

 

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years   

Length of

Service as Fund

Officer

     

Andrew Donohue

1972

Chief Compliance Officer

  

Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer of PGIM Investments LLC (since September 2022); Chief Compliance Officer of AST Investment Services, Inc. (since October 2022); Chief Compliance Officer (since May 2023) of the PGIM Funds, Target Funds, PGIM ETF Trust, PGIM Global High Yield Fund, Inc., PGIM High Yield Bond Fund, Inc., PGIM Short Duration High Yield Opportunities Fund, Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund, Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc., PGIM Private Credit Fund, PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; Chief Compliance Officer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and PGIM Rock ETF Trust; formerly various senior compliance roles within Principal Global Investors, LLC., global asset management for Principal Financial (2011-2022), most recently as Global Chief Compliance Officer (2016-2022).

 

   Since May 2023
     

Andrew R. French

1962

Secretary

  

Vice President (since December 2018) of PGIM Investments LLC; Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Secretary (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Secretary (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; 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 October

2006

     

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; Assistant Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Assistant Secretary (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Assistant Secretary (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; 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; Assistant Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Assistant Secretary (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Assistant Secretary (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.

 

   Since June 2020

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund


 

  Fund Officers(a)

 

         
     

Name

Year of Birth

Fund Position

 

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years   

Length of

Service as Fund

Officer

     

Debra Rubano

1975

Assistant Secretary

  

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since November 2020) of Prudential; Assistant Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Assistant Secretary (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Assistant Secretary (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc; formerly Director and Senior Counsel of Allianz Global Investors U.S. Holdings LLC (2010-2020) and Assistant Secretary of numerous funds in the Allianz fund complex (2015-2020).

 

  

Since December

2020

     

George Hoyt

1965

Assistant Secretary

  

Vice President and Corporate Counsel of Prudential (since September 2023); Assistant Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Rock ETF Trust, PGIM Credit Income Fund, PGIM Private Credit Fund and PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; formerly Associate General Counsel of Franklin Templeton and Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton complex (2020-2023) and Managing Director (2016-2020) and Associate General Counsel for Legg Mason, Inc. and its predecessors (2004-2020).

 

  

Since December

2023

     

Devan Goolsby

1991

Assistant Secretary

  

Vice President and Corporate Counsel of Prudential (since May 2023); Assistant Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Rock ETF Trust, PGIM Credit Income Fund, PGIM Private Credit Fund and PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; formerly Associate at Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP (2021-2023); Compliance Officer at Bloomberg LP (2019-2021); and an Examiner at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (2015-2019).

 

  

Since December

2023

     

Kelly A. Coyne

1968

Assistant Secretary

  

Director, Investment Operations of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (since 2010); Assistant Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund; Assistant Secretary (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Assistant Secretary (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.

 

  

Since March

2015

 

Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


 

  Fund Officers(a)

 

         
     

Name

Year of Birth

Fund Position

 

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years   

Length of

Service as Fund

Officer

     

Christian J. Kelly

1975

Chief Financial Officer

  

Vice President, Global Head of Fund Administration of PGIM Investments LLC (since November 2018); Chief Financial Officer (since March 2023) of PGIM Investments mutual funds, closed end funds, the PGIM ETF Trust, and Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund and Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Chief Financial Officer of PGIM Private Credit Fund (since September 2022); Chief Financial Officer of PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc. (since July 2022); formerly Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer (January 2019-March 2023) of PGIM Investments mutual funds, closed end funds, the PGIM ETF Trust, and Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund and Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc.; formerly Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer (March 2022 – July 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; 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

     

Russ Shupak

1973

Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer

  

Vice President (since 2017) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer of PGIM Investments mutual funds, closed end funds and PGIM ETF Trust (since March 2023); Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund; Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer (since July 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Assistant Treasurer (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; formerly Assistant Treasurer (March 2022 – July 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer of Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund and Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc. (since October 2019); formerly Director (2013-2017) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.

 

  

Since October

2019

     

Lana Lomuti

1967

Assistant Treasurer

  

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

 

   Since April 2014
     

Deborah Conway

1969

Assistant Treasurer

  

Vice President (since 2017) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; formerly Director (2007-2017) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.

 

  

Since October

2019

 

PGIM Strategic Bond Fund


 

  Fund Officers(a)

 

         
     

Name

Year of Birth

Fund Position

 

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years   

Length of

Service as Fund

Officer

     

Elyse M. McLaughlin

1974

Assistant Treasurer

  

Vice President (since 2017) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund and Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc. (since March 2023); Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Assistant Treasurer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund; Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Assistant Treasurer (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer of PGIM Investments mutual funds, closed end funds and the PGIM ETF Trust (since October 2019); formerly Director (2011-2017) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.

 

   Since October 2019
     

Robert W. McCormack

1973

Assistant Treasurer

  

Vice President (since 2019) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; Assistant Treasurer (since March 2023) of PGIM Investments mutual funds, closed end funds, PGIM ETF Trust, Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund and Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Assistant Treasurer (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Assistant Treasurer (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; formerly Director (2016-2019) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; formerly Vice President within Goldman, Sachs & Co. Investment Management Controllers (2008-2016), Assistant Treasurer of Goldman Sachs Family of Funds (2015-2016).

 

  

Since March

2023

     

Kelly Florio

1978

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer

  

Vice President, Corporate Compliance, Global Compliance Programs and Compliance Risk Management (since December 2021) of Prudential; formerly Head of Fraud Risk Management (October 2019-December 2021) at New York Life Insurance Company; formerly Head of Key Risk Area Operations (November 2018-October 2019), Director of the US Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Unit (2009-2018) and Bank Loss Prevention Associate (2006-2009) at MetLife.

 

  

Since June

2022

(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.

 

Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


Portfolios Overseen” includes such applicable investment companies managed by PGIM Investments LLC and overseen by the Board Member. The investment companies for which PGIM Investments LLC serves as manager include the PGIM Mutual Funds, Target Funds, PGIM ETF Trust, PGIM Rock ETF Trust, PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc., PGIM Private Credit Fund, PGIM Credit Income Fund, PGIM High Yield Bond Fund, Inc., PGIM Global High Yield Fund, Inc., PGIM Short Duration High Yield Opportunities Fund, 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 Strategic Bond Fund


     

   MAIL

     655 Broad Street

     Newark, NJ 07102

  

   TELEPHONE

     (800) 225-1852

  

   WEBSITE

     pgim.com/investments

 

PROXY VOTING

The Board of Trustees of the Fund has delegated to the Fund’s subadvisers 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 · Stuart S. Parker · Brian K. Reid · Grace C. Torres

 

OFFICERS

Stuart S. Parker, President and Principal Executive Officer · Scott E. Benjamin, Vice President · Christian J. Kelly, Chief Financial Officer · Claudia DiGiacomo, Chief Legal Officer · Andrew Donohue, Chief Compliance Officer · Russ Shupak, Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer · Kelly Florio, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer · Andrew R. French, Secretary · Melissa Gonzalez, Assistant Secretary · Kelly A. Coyne, Assistant Secretary · Patrick E. McGuinness, Assistant Secretary · Debra Rubano, Assistant Secretary · George Hoyt, Assistant Secretary · Devan Goolsby, Assistant Secretary · Lana Lomuti, Assistant Treasurer · Elyse M. McLaughlin, Assistant Treasurer · Deborah Conway, Assistant Treasurer · Robert W. McCormack, Assistant Treasurer

 

MANAGER

   PGIM Investments LLC   

655 Broad Street

Newark, NJ 07102

SUBADVISERS

   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

   The Bank of New York Mellon   

240 Greenwich Street

New York, NY 10286

TRANSFER AGENT

   Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC   

PO Box 534432

Pittsburgh, PA 15253

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

   PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP   

300 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10017

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 mutual 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 Strategic Bond Fund, 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 HOLDINGS

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.

 

 Mutual Funds:

 

     

ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FDIC OR ANY

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

   MAY LOSE VALUE   

ARE NOT A DEPOSIT OF OR GUARANTEED

BY ANY BANK OR ANY BANK AFFILIATE


LOGO

 

 

 

 

PGIM STRATEGIC BOND FUND

SHARE CLASS

   A    C    Z    R6

NASDAQ

   PUCAX    PUCCX    PUCZX    PUCQX

CUSIP

   74440K678     74440K660     74440K652     74440K520 

MF231E


LOGO

 

 

PGIM QUANT SOLUTIONS LARGE-CAP VALUE FUND

 

ANNUAL REPORT

FEBRUARY 29, 2024

 

 

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

       8  

Fees and Expenses

         10  

Holdings and Financial Statements

       13  

 

 

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.

Mutual funds are distributed by Prudential Investment Management Services LLC, a Prudential Financial company and member SIPC. PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of PGIM, Inc. (PGIM), is a registered investment adviser. © 2024 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.

 

2 Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


Letter from the President

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholder:

 

We hope you find the annual report for the PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund informative and useful. The report covers performance for the 12-month period that ended February 29, 2024.

 

Despite elevated inflation, recession fears, and a banking industry crisis, financial markets rallied and the global economy remained resilient throughout the period. Employers continued hiring, consumers continued spending, and home prices rose as inflation eventually cooled and the economic outlook improved.

Stocks rose for much of the period and then surged late in the period when the Federal Reserve (the Fed) signaled several potential interest-rate cuts in 2024. For the entire period, equities in both US and international markets posted gains.

After falling much of the period, bond markets rebounded when the Fed began moderating its rate-hiking cycle. Higher interest rates also offered investors an additional cushion from fixed income volatility. US and global investment-grade bonds, along with US high yield corporate bonds and emerging market debt, all posted gains during the period.

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 a broad spectrum of 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 provide access to active investment strategies across the global markets in the pursuit of consistent outperformance for investors. PGIM is the world’s 14th-largest investment manager with more than $1.3 trillion in assets under management. Our scale and investment expertise allow us to deliver a diversified suite of actively managed solutions across a broad spectrum of asset classes and investment styles.

Thank you for choosing our family of funds.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Stuart S. Parker, President and Principal Executive Officer

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund

April 15, 2024

 

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 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 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 2/29/24
   One Year (%)    Five Years (%)    Ten Years (%)    Since Inception (%)

Class A

           

(with sales charges)

   1.74    5.49    6.35   

(without sales charges)

   7.66    6.69    6.95   

Class C

           

(with sales charges)

   5.50    5.56    5.97   

(without sales charges)

   6.50    5.56    5.97   

Class R

           

(without sales charges)

   7.41    6.47    N/A    6.28 (6/19/2015)

Class Z

           

(without sales charges)

   8.03    7.03    7.28   

Class R6

           

(without sales charges)

   7.96    7.01    N/A    6.15 (4/26/2017)

Russell 1000 Value Index

           
   14.01    9.38    8.74   

S&P 500 Index

           
     30.45    14.76    12.70   

 

Average Annual Total Returns as of 2/29/24 Since Inception (%)

   

Class R

(6/19/2015) 

   Class R6
(4/26/2017) 

Russell 1000 Value Index

 

 8.71

    8.64

S&P 500 Index

 

13.07

   13.76

Since Inception returns are provided for any share class with less than 10 fiscal years of returns. Since Inception returns for the Indexes are measured from the closest month-end to the class’s inception date.

 

4 Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


Growth of a $10,000 Investment (unaudited)

 

LOGO

The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund’s Class Z shares with a similar investment in the Russell 1000 Value Index and the S&P 500 Index by portraying the initial account values at the beginning of the 10-year period for Class Z shares (February 28, 2014) and the account values at the end of the current fiscal year (February 29, 2024) as measured on a quarterly basis. 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. The line graph provides information for Class Z shares only. As indicated in the tables provided earlier, performance for other share classes will vary due to the differing fees and expenses applicable to each share class (as indicated in the following paragraphs). Without waiver of fees and/or expense reimbursements, if any, the returns would have been lower.

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 in the table and the graph 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.

 

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 5


Your Fund’s Performance (continued)

 

The returns in the tables do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or following the redemption of Fund shares. The average annual total returns take into account applicable sales charges, which are described for each share class in the table below.

 

   

 

Class A

 

 

 

Class C 

 

 

Class R 

 

 

Class Z 

 

 

Class R6 

 

Maximum initial sales charge   5.50% of the public offering price   None   None   None   None
Contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) (as a percentage of the lower of the original purchase price or the net asset value at redemption)   1.00% on sales of $1 million or more made within 12 months of purchase   1.00% on sales made within 12 months of purchase   None   None   None
Annual distribution and service (12b-1) fees (shown as a percentage of average daily net assets)   0.30% (0.25% currently)   1.00%   0.75% (0.50% currently)   None   None

Benchmark Definitions

Russell 1000 Value Index—The Russell 1000 Value Index is an unmanaged index comprising those securities in the Russell 1000 Index with a less-than-average growth orientation. Companies in this index generally have low price-to-book and price-to-earnings ratios, higher dividend yields, and lower forecasted growth values.

S&P 500 Index*—The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of over 500 stocks of large US public companies. It gives a broad look at how large company stocks in the United States have performed.

*The S&P 500 Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and/or its affiliates and has been licensed for use by PGIM, Inc. and/or its affiliates. Copyright ©2024 S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global, Inc., and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Redistribution or reproduction in whole or in part are prohibited without written permission of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. For more information on any of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC’s indices please visit www.spdji.com. S&P® is a registered trademark of S&P Global and Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC.

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.

 

6 Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


Presentation of Fund Holdings as of 2/29/24

 

 

 

 Ten Largest Holdings

   Line of Business    % of Net Assets 

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (Class B Stock)

   Financial Services    3.4%

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

   Banks    2.8%

Exxon Mobil Corp.

   Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels    2.2%

Bank of America Corp.

   Banks    1.4%

Johnson & Johnson

   Pharmaceuticals    1.4%

Comcast Corp. (Class A Stock)

   Media    1.3%

Verizon Communications, Inc.

   Diversified Telecommunication Services    1.3%

Wells Fargo & Co.

   Banks    1.3%

Chevron Corp.

   Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels    1.3%

AT&T, Inc.

   Diversified Telecommunication Services    1.1%

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

 

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 7


Strategy and Performance Overview*

(unaudited)

How did the Fund perform?

The PGIM Quantitative Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund’s Class Z shares returned 8.03% in the 12-month reporting period that ended February 29, 2024, underperforming the 14.01% return of the Russell 1000 Value Index (the Index).

What were the market conditions?

Equity markets faced significant challenges, including rising inflation, higher interest rates, and fears of recession. However, in the latter part of 2023, the US Federal Reserve (the Fed) left interest rates unchanged and signaled that multiple interest rate cuts were likely in 2024.

 

Stock market gains were powered by a handful of mega-cap growth and technology companies, fueled by investor optimism about the future growth of artificial intelligence (AI).

 

US large-cap equities significantly outperformed their mid-cap and small-cap counterparts for the reporting period. Large-cap stocks (as measured by the Russell 1000 Index) advanced 29.81%, while mid-cap stocks (as measured by the Russell Midcap Index) advanced 15.46%, and small-cap stocks (as measured by the Russell 2000 Index) gained 10.05%.

 

Value stocks significantly underperformed growth stocks within each of the market-cap indexes. In the large-cap space, the Russell 1000 Value Index (14.01%) underperformed the Russell 1000 Growth Index (45.93%) by nearly 32% during the reporting period.

What worked?

PGIM Quantitative Solutions uses a systematic process to select large-cap stocks that trade at a discount to their fundamental value and show positive business prospects. The process focuses on deep-value stocks, which are characterized by high earnings yields, cash flow yields, and book yields.

 

The Fund outperformed the Index in two of the 11 economic sectors, with the strongest relative performance in consumer discretionary.

 

In consumer discretionary, the Fund’s overweight positions in inexpensive homebuilders drove outperformance. Despite elevated interest rates, shares of homebuilders surged on strong demand and limited supply of homes.

 

In energy, positions in inexpensive exploration & production and refining stocks performed well.

 

In security selection, top relative contributors included Toll Brothers, Inc., Intel Corp., Lennar Corp., PVH Corp., and D.R. Horton, Inc.

What didn’t work?

The strategy’s emphasis on deep-value stocks significantly detracted from performance, as the cheapest stocks considerably underperformed expensive ones within the Index.

 

8 Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


The Fund underperformed the Index the most in the communication services, financials, and industrials sectors during the reporting period. In communication services, positioning in media stocks, specifically cable and satellite providers, and an underweight in the richly valued Meta Platforms, Inc. and Alphabet, Inc. drove underperformance.

 

In financials, losses were predominately driven by an overweight positioning in banks, driven mainly by underperformance in March 2023, as the banking industry struggled with the failures of several high-profile institutions. The banking industry declined by over 18% in March 2023.

 

In industrials, losses were more broadly distributed among a handful industries, led by positioning in electrical equipment, building products, and passenger airlines.

 

Performance was also challenged in real estate, materials, and information technology.

 

In security selection, notable relative detractors included Petco Health & Wellness Company, Inc., Signature Bank, Medical Properties Trust, Inc., Meta Platforms, Inc., and SSR Mining, Inc.

Current outlook

US equities rose sharply in 2023, powered by a strong recovery in stock prices in the fourth quarter. The markets’ rally fell mostly on the backs of large-cap and mega-cap names. In all, 2023 was a “Back to the Future” year, much more reminiscent of 2021 than 2022.

 

PGIM Quantitative Solutions continues to believe that both equity and fixed income markets are benefiting from improved fundamentals, but will continue to be subject to meaningful uncertainty and volatility. Several previously “known unknowns,” in the form of slowing inflationary pressures, resilience in the domestic economy, and a seeming friendly shift in Fed rate policy, appear to be trending more positively. However, equity valuations are not cheap here, particularly among the widely held and well-known (and expensive) “Magnificent Seven” stocks.

 

PGIM Quantitative Solutions’ model continues to identify many attractively valued stocks, and the Fund remains significantly cheaper than the Russell 1000 Value Index, based on various measures of value, such as earnings yield, book yield, and cash flow yield. PGIM Quantitative Solutions believes that the deeply discounted stocks within the Fund offer the prospect of strong relative returns and remains committed to these attractively valued names to capture the value premium.

*This strategy and performance overview, which discusses what strategies or holdings (including derivatives, if applicable) affected the Fund’s performance, is compiled based on how the Fund performed relative to the Index and is viewed for performance attribution purposes at the aggregate Fund level, which in most instances will not directly correlate to the amounts disclosed in the Statement of Operations which conform to US generally accepted accounting principles.

 

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 9


Fees and Expenses (unaudited)

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

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 held through the six-month period ended February 29, 2024. The example is for illustrative purposes only; you should consult the Prospectus for information on initial and subsequent minimum investment requirements.

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

10 Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


provided in the expense table. Additional fees have the effect of reducing investment returns.

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

 

       

PGIM Quant Solutions

Large-Cap Value Fund

  

Beginning

 Account Value 

September 1, 2023

  

Ending

Account Value 

February 29, 2024

  

Annualized

Expense

 Ratio Based on

the

Six-Month Period

  

Expenses Paid

During the

Six-Month

Period*

       

Class A

  Actual    $1,000.00    $1,090.00    1.12%    $   5.82
       
  Hypothetical    $1,000.00    $1,019.29    1.12%    $   5.62
       

Class C

  Actual    $1,000.00    $1,084.00    2.14%    $11.09
       
  Hypothetical    $1,000.00    $1,014.22    2.14%    $10.72
       

Class R

  Actual    $1,000.00    $1,088.70    1.33%    $  6.91
       
  Hypothetical    $1,000.00    $1,018.25    1.33%    $  6.67
       

Class Z

  Actual    $1,000.00    $1,091.60    0.80%    $  4.16
       
  Hypothetical    $1,000.00    $1,020.89    0.80%    $  4.02
       

Class R6

  Actual    $1,000.00    $1,090.80    0.80%    $  4.16
       
    Hypothetical    $1,000.00    $1,020.89    0.80%    $  4.02

*Fund expenses (net of fee waivers or subsidies, if any) for each share class are equal to the annualized expense ratio for each share class (provided in the table), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the 182 days in the six-month period ended February 29, 2024, and divided by the 366 days in the Fund’s fiscal year ended February 29, 2024 (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 Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 11


Schedule of Investments

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description      Shares       

   Value

 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS  99.8%

     

COMMON STOCKS  99.5%

     

Aerospace & Defense  1.1%

                 

Boeing Co. (The)*

     4,100      $ 835,252  

General Dynamics Corp.

     2,200        601,150  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

     600        126,996  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

     700        322,714  

RTX Corp.

     15,201        1,363,074  

TransDigm Group, Inc.

     100        117,774  
     

 

 

 
        3,366,960  

Air Freight & Logistics  0.8%

                 

FedEx Corp.

     8,300        2,066,451  

United Parcel Service, Inc. (Class B Stock)

     3,600        533,736  
     

 

 

 
        2,600,187  

Automobile Components  0.6%

                 

BorgWarner, Inc.

     39,000        1,214,070  

Lear Corp.

     4,600        631,810  
     

 

 

 
        1,845,880  

Automobiles  2.1%

                 

Ford Motor Co.

     198,310        2,466,976  

General Motors Co.

     63,696        2,610,262  

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

     41,200        1,494,324  

Thor Industries, Inc.(a)

     600        76,908  
     

 

 

 
          6,648,470  

Banks  9.1%

                 

Bank of America Corp.

     130,811        4,515,596  

Citigroup, Inc.

     46,304        2,569,409  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

     7,200        226,008  

Fifth Third Bancorp

     14,700        504,798  

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     500        786,905  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

     30,300        395,112  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

     46,564        8,663,698  

M&T Bank Corp.

     9,046        1,264,088  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

     12,397        1,824,838  

Regions Financial Corp.

     5,800        108,054  

Truist Financial Corp.

     52,768        1,845,824  

U.S. Bancorp

     43,709        1,834,030  

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 13


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description      Shares       

   Value

 

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Banks (cont’d.)

                 

Webster Financial Corp.

     1,300      $ 61,932  

Wells Fargo & Co.

     73,032        4,059,849  
     

 

 

 
          28,660,141  

Beverages  0.8%

                 

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

     8,500        510,170  

Keurig Dr. Pepper, Inc.

     11,100        332,001  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. (Class B Stock)

     27,182        1,696,700  
     

 

 

 
        2,538,871  

Biotechnology  0.3%

                 

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

     9,200        663,320  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     200        193,218  
     

 

 

 
        856,538  

Broadline Retail  0.6%

                 

eBay, Inc.

     37,100        1,754,088  

Nordstrom, Inc.

     10,800        226,476  
     

 

 

 
        1,980,564  

Building Products  0.6%

                 

Builders FirstSource, Inc.*

     5,600        1,093,008  

Carrier Global Corp.

     900        50,022  

Owens Corning

     4,900        733,922  

Trane Technologies PLC

     200        56,394  
     

 

 

 
        1,933,346  

Capital Markets  3.4%

                 

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.

     2,700        422,037  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

     42,110        2,361,950  

BlackRock, Inc.

     900        730,206  

CME Group, Inc.

     700        154,245  

Franklin Resources, Inc.

     3,100        85,095  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

     3,290        1,279,975  

Invesco Ltd.

     84,460        1,301,529  

Morgan Stanley

     18,162        1,562,658  

Northern Trust Corp.

     400        32,852  

S&P Global, Inc.

     700        299,866  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

14


 

 Description      Shares       

   Value

 

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Capital Markets (cont’d.)

                 

State Street Corp.

     26,318      $ 1,940,426  

Virtu Financial, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     21,900        395,295  
     

 

 

 
          10,566,134  

Chemicals  3.0%

                 

Albemarle Corp.(a)

     7,800        1,075,230  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

     10,300        831,416  

Corteva, Inc.

     7,700        412,104  

Dow, Inc.

     14,700        821,436  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

     3,436        237,737  

Eastman Chemical Co.

     1,200        105,288  

Linde PLC

     2,900        1,301,578  

LyondellBasell Industries NV (Class A Stock)

     20,374        2,043,105  

Mosaic Co. (The)

     46,476        1,448,192  

Olin Corp.

     9,700        521,860  

Westlake Corp.

     5,800        804,518  
     

 

 

 
        9,602,464  

Commercial Services & Supplies  0.0%

                 

Driven Brands Holdings, Inc.*

     7,800        107,562  

Communications Equipment  0.8%

                 

Cisco Systems, Inc.

     50,000        2,418,500  

Construction & Engineering  0.2%

                 

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

     35,400        767,472  

Consumer Finance  1.7%

                 

Ally Financial, Inc.

     27,434        1,014,784  

Capital One Financial Corp.

     18,241        2,510,144  

Synchrony Financial

     42,000        1,734,600  
     

 

 

 
        5,259,528  

Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail  1.9%

                 

Kroger Co. (The)

     44,600        2,212,606  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

     76,165        1,619,268  

Walmart, Inc.

     37,356        2,189,435  
     

 

 

 
        6,021,309  

Containers & Packaging  0.9%

                 

Berry Global Group, Inc.

     12,900        750,909  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 15


Schedule of Investments (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description      Shares       

   Value

 

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Containers & Packaging (cont’d.)

                 

Graphic Packaging Holding Co.

     16,200      $ 420,390  

International Paper Co.

     24,200        855,712  

Sonoco Products Co.

     15,900        901,212  
     

 

 

 
        2,928,223  

Diversified Consumer Services  0.2%

                 

ADT, Inc.

     100,600        730,356  

Diversified Telecommunication Services  2.4%

                 

AT&T, Inc.

     203,603        3,446,999  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     103,916        4,158,718  
     

 

 

 
        7,605,717  

Electric Utilities  2.4%

                 

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

     9,900        843,381  

Duke Energy Corp.

     10,969        1,007,283  

Edison International

     11,500        782,230  

Entergy Corp.

     1,600        162,512  

Evergy, Inc.

     5,000        247,700  

Eversource Energy

     20,700        1,215,090  

Exelon Corp.

     25,041        897,470  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

     25,600        1,412,864  

Southern Co. (The)

     8,900        598,525  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

     4,600        242,374  
     

 

 

 
        7,409,429  

Electrical Equipment  0.6%

                 

Eaton Corp. PLC

     3,800        1,098,200  

Emerson Electric Co.

     2,600        277,810  

Sensata Technologies Holding PLC

     14,200        488,764  
     

 

 

 
        1,864,774  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components  1.2%

                 

Arrow Electronics, Inc.*

     11,800        1,386,500  

Coherent Corp.*

     10,800        642,384  

TD SYNNEX Corp.

     15,500        1,610,450  
     

 

 

 
        3,639,334  

Energy Equipment & Services  0.7%

                 

Baker Hughes Co.

     17,800        526,702  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

16


 

 Description      Shares       

   Value

 

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Energy Equipment & Services (cont’d.)

                 

Halliburton Co.

     32,200      $ 1,129,254  

Schlumberger NV

     9,200        444,636  
     

 

 

 
        2,100,592  

Entertainment  0.8%

                 

Walt Disney Co. (The)

     21,900        2,443,602  

Financial Services  5.2%

                 

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (Class B Stock)*

     25,898        10,602,641  

Corebridge Financial, Inc.

     7,900        196,157  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

     29,600        2,048,024  

Global Payments, Inc.

     11,200        1,452,640  

MGIC Investment Corp.

     84,800        1,686,672  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

     2,300        138,782  

Voya Financial, Inc.

     2,000        136,720  
     

 

 

 
        16,261,636  

Food Products  1.9%

                 

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

     16,300        865,693   

Bunge Global SA

     15,100        1,424,987  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

     17,600        494,208  

Darling Ingredients, Inc.*

     8,800        372,328  

Kraft Heinz Co. (The)

     51,022        1,800,056  

Mondelez International, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     12,200        891,454  
     

 

 

 
        5,848,726  

Gas Utilities  0.8%

                 

National Fuel Gas Co.

     15,400        750,596  

UGI Corp.

     69,900        1,711,152  
     

 

 

 
        2,461,748  

Ground Transportation  1.1%

                 

Avis Budget Group, Inc.

     2,700        291,708  

CSX Corp.

     9,700        368,018  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

     1,000        253,380  

Ryder System, Inc.

     7,900        901,390  

Schneider National, Inc. (Class B Stock)

     5,900        138,945  

U-Haul Holding Co.*

     6,100        392,718  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 17


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description      Shares       

   Value

 

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Ground Transportation (cont’d.)

                 

U-Haul Holding Co. (Non-Voting Shares)

     7,900      $ 502,203  

Union Pacific Corp.

     2,800        710,332  
     

 

 

 
        3,558,694  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies  1.6%

                 

Abbott Laboratories

     13,300        1,577,912  

Becton, Dickinson & Co.

     3,700        871,535  

GE HealthCare Technologies, Inc.

     1,000        91,280  

Hologic, Inc.*

     2,200        162,360  

Medtronic PLC

     17,606        1,467,636  

QuidelOrtho Corp.*

     15,800        720,480  
     

 

 

 
        4,891,203  

Health Care Providers & Services  4.3%

                 

Cardinal Health, Inc.

     10,300        1,153,394  

Centene Corp.*

     29,400        2,305,842  

Cigna Group (The)

     7,549        2,537,521  

CVS Health Corp.

     40,587        3,018,455  

Elevance Health, Inc.

     3,400        1,704,250  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

     1,600        498,720  

Humana, Inc.

     1,800        630,576  

Premier, Inc. (Class A Stock)

     63,900        1,332,954  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.*

     3,900        362,700  
     

 

 

 
        13,544,412  

Health Care REITs  0.2%

                 

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

     37,400        515,372  

Hotel & Resort REITs  0.3%

                 

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

     56,100        931,260  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure  0.7%

                 

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.*

     15,100        656,397  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

     11,100        1,034,409  

McDonald’s Corp.

     927        270,944  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.*

     2,100        259,035  
     

 

 

 
        2,220,785  

Household Durables  3.0%

                 

D.R. Horton, Inc.

     6,800        1,016,192  

Leggett & Platt, Inc.

     5,500        112,310  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

18


 

 Description      Shares       

   Value

 

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Household Durables (cont’d.)

                 

Lennar Corp. (Class A Stock)

     14,981      $ 2,374,638  

Mohawk Industries, Inc.*

     15,700        1,862,334  

PulteGroup, Inc.

     18,000        1,950,840  

Toll Brothers, Inc.

     16,400        1,880,096  

Whirlpool Corp.

     2,100        225,519  
     

 

 

 
        9,421,929  

Household Products  1.0%

                 

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

     19,672        3,126,668  

Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers  0.2%

                 

AES Corp. (The)

     23,300        354,160  

Vistra Corp.

     6,700        365,418  
     

 

 

 
        719,578  

Industrial Conglomerates  1.2%

                 

3M Co.

     8,200        755,384  

General Electric Co.

     12,100        1,898,369  

Honeywell International, Inc.

     5,600        1,112,888  
     

 

 

 
        3,766,641  

Industrial REITs  0.3%

                 

Prologis, Inc.

     7,400        986,198  

Insurance  5.2%

                 

Aflac, Inc.

     3,400        274,516  

American International Group, Inc.

     34,985        2,550,057  

Arch Capital Group Ltd.*

     15,500        1,357,645  

Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.

     18,100        1,132,517  

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.*

     12,400        577,220  

Chubb Ltd.

     10,208        2,569,047  

Everest Group Ltd.

     1,800        663,984  

First American Financial Corp.

     7,100        414,711  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

     17,600        1,686,784  

Loews Corp.

     20,300        1,525,139  

MetLife, Inc.

     3,200        223,168  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Bermuda)

     900        202,338  

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)

     7,314        1,616,101  

Unum Group

     28,600        1,414,270  
     

 

 

 
        16,207,497  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 19


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description      Shares       

   Value

 

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

IT Services  0.5%

                 

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. (Class A Stock)

     4,800      $ 379,296  

International Business Machines Corp.

     5,800        1,073,174  
     

 

 

 
        1,452,470  

Leisure Products  0.2%

                 

Brunswick Corp.

     4,800        419,520  

Polaris, Inc.

     4,100        380,111  
     

 

 

 
        799,631  

Life Sciences Tools & Services  0.4%

                 

Danaher Corp.

     3,700        936,618  

Maravai LifeSciences Holdings, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     52,200        403,506  
     

 

 

 
        1,340,124  

Machinery  2.0%

                 

AGCO Corp.

     3,800        416,860  

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.

     9,200        693,036  

Cummins, Inc.(a)

     4,700        1,262,467  

Fortive Corp.

     4,600        391,598  

Gates Industrial Corp. PLC*

     88,400        1,301,248  

PACCAR, Inc.

     17,200        1,907,308  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

     700        374,815  
     

 

 

 
        6,347,332  

Media  2.4%

                 

Charter Communications, Inc. (Class A Stock)*

     4,600        1,352,078  

Comcast Corp. (Class A Stock)

     97,082        4,159,964  

Fox Corp. (Class A Stock)

     16,900        503,451  

Fox Corp. (Class B Stock)

     19,000        520,220  

Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty SiriusXM*

     12,200        353,556  

Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty SiriusXM (Class A Stock)*

     11,100        323,454  

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.

     2,400        398,808  
     

 

 

 
        7,611,531  

Metals & Mining  2.1%

                 

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.*

     38,200        794,560  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

     3,500        132,335  

Newmont Corp.

     17,400        543,750  

Nucor Corp.

     12,837        2,468,555  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

20


 

 Description      Shares       

   Value

 

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Metals & Mining (cont’d.)

                 

Reliance, Inc.

     2,400      $ 770,928  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

     13,400        1,793,188  
     

 

 

 
        6,503,316  

Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)  1.9%

                 

AGNC Investment Corp.

     145,020        1,386,391  

Annaly Capital Management, Inc.

     81,500        1,555,835  

Rithm Capital Corp.

     154,250        1,672,070  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc.(a)

     65,500        1,335,545  
     

 

 

 
        5,949,841  

Multi-Utilities  1.2%

                 

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

     5,300        462,213  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

     39,900        1,908,417  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

     8,300        517,920  

Sempra

     13,200        931,920  
     

 

 

 
        3,820,470  

Office REITs  0.2%

                 

Highwoods Properties, Inc.

     19,400        474,330  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

     6,300        238,707  
     

 

 

 
        713,037  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels  8.9%

                 

Cheniere Energy, Inc.

     2,600        403,520  

Chesapeake Energy Corp.

     9,200        761,576  

Chevron Corp.

     26,638        4,049,243  

ConocoPhillips

     22,215        2,500,076  

Coterra Energy, Inc.

     25,400        654,812  

Devon Energy Corp.

     24,500        1,079,470  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

     7,300        1,332,396  

EOG Resources, Inc.

     13,400        1,533,764  

EQT Corp.

     18,600        690,990  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

     66,871        6,989,357  

HF Sinclair Corp.

     10,400        577,200  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

     45,300        787,767  

Marathon Oil Corp.

     12,300        298,275  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

     10,640        1,800,607  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

     15,300        927,333  

Ovintiv, Inc.

     6,800        335,988  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 21


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 Description      Shares       

   Value

 

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (cont’d.)

                 

Phillips 66

     12,400      $ 1,767,124  

Valero Energy Corp.

     10,900        1,541,914  
     

 

 

 
        28,031,412  

Passenger Airlines  1.4%

                 

Alaska Air Group, Inc.*

     32,900        1,230,131  

American Airlines Group, Inc.*

     29,000        454,720  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

     38,700        1,635,849  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.*

     23,200        1,055,368  
     

 

 

 
        4,376,068  

Pharmaceuticals  4.9%

                 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

     56,900        2,887,675  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC*

     3,700        439,930  

Johnson & Johnson

     27,020        4,360,488  

Merck & Co., Inc.

     19,500        2,479,425  

Pfizer, Inc.

     100,086        2,658,284  

Royalty Pharma PLC (Class A Stock)

     21,300        646,242  

Viatris, Inc.

     145,200        1,796,124  
     

 

 

 
        15,268,168  

Professional Services  0.2%

                 

Concentrix Corp.

     9,400        681,030  

ManpowerGroup, Inc.

     1,000        72,160  
     

 

 

 
        753,190  

Residential REITs  0.2%

                 

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

     1,500        265,545  

Camden Property Trust

     2,300        217,304  

Equity Residential

     700        42,147  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

     6,700        228,269  

Sun Communities, Inc.

     200        26,752  
     

 

 

 
        780,017  

Retail REITs  0.2%

                 

Realty Income Corp.

     10,300        536,733  

Simon Property Group, Inc.

     600        88,884  
     

 

 

 
        625,617  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

22


 

 Description      Shares       

   Value

 

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment  3.8%

                 

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

     10,300      $ 1,983,059  

Analog Devices, Inc.

     8,700        1,668,834  

GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Inc.*

     4,200        229,614  

Intel Corp.

     65,964        2,839,750  

Marvell Technology, Inc.

     12,800        917,248  

Micron Technology, Inc.

     16,300        1,476,943  

ON Semiconductor Corp.*

     6,400        505,088  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

     3,000        473,370  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

     7,500        786,900  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

     5,600        937,048  
     

 

 

 
        11,817,854  

Software  0.1%

                 

NCR Voyix Corp.*

     25,200        368,172  

Specialized REITs  0.8%

                 

Crown Castle, Inc.

     3,500        384,790  

EPR Properties

     19,300        792,844  

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

     2,200        310,134  

Gaming & Leisure Properties, Inc.

     2,700        122,796  

Public Storage

     300        85,161  

SBA Communications Corp.

     1,100        230,153  

VICI Properties, Inc.

     19,600        586,628  
     

 

 

 
        2,512,506  

Specialty Retail  1.1%

                 

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

     18,000        1,215,720  

AutoNation, Inc.*(a)

     4,000        599,200  

Best Buy Co., Inc.

     3,100        250,728  

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

     1,800        320,202  

Penske Automotive Group, Inc.(a)

     4,000        614,000  

Victoria’s Secret & Co.*

     11,600        331,296  
     

 

 

 
        3,331,146  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals  1.1%

                 

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

     112,063        1,706,719  

HP, Inc.

     64,300        1,821,619  
     

 

 

 
        3,528,338  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods  0.6%

                 

Carter’s, Inc.

     8,600        696,170  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 23


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

 

 Description      Shares       

   Value

 

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

     

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods (cont’d.)

                 

Crocs, Inc.*

     2,100      $ 256,725  

PVH Corp.

     2,400        328,008  

Tapestry, Inc.

     10,400        494,312  
     

 

 

 
        1,775,215  

Tobacco  1.1%

                 

Altria Group, Inc.

     64,800        2,650,968  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

     7,943        714,552  
     

 

 

 
        3,365,520  

Trading Companies & Distributors  0.7%

                 

Air Lease Corp.

     32,726        1,312,313  

United Rentals, Inc.

     1,500        1,039,905  
     

 

 

 
        2,352,218  

Wireless Telecommunication Services  0.3%

                 

T-Mobile US, Inc.

     5,700        930,810  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(cost $245,951,143)

 

     312,712,303  
     

 

 

 

UNAFFILIATED EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND  0.3%

     

iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF
(cost $862,187)

     5,700        976,182  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $246,813,330)

 

     313,688,485  
     

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS  1.2%

     

AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUNDS

     

PGIM Core Government Money Market Fund (7-day effective yield 5.545%)(wb)

     128,548        128,548  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

24


 

 Description      Shares       

   Value

 

AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUNDS (Continued)

     

PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund (7-day effective yield 5.683%) (cost $3,591,052; includes $3,577,511 of cash collateral for securities on loan)(b)(wb)

     3,595,201      $    3,593,762  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $3,719,600)

 

     3,722,310  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS  101.0%
(cost $250,532,930)

 

     317,410,795  

Liabilities in excess of other assets  (1.0)%

 

     (3,184,648
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS  100.0%

      $ 314,226,147  
     

 

 

 

 

 

Below is a list of the abbreviation(s) used in the annual report:

ETF—Exchange-Traded Fund

REITs—Real Estate Investment Trust

SOFR—Secured Overnight Financing Rate

 

*

Non-income producing security.

(a)

All or a portion of security is on loan. The aggregate market value of such securities, including those sold and pending settlement, is $3,547,896; cash collateral of $3,577,511 (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, or portion thereof, purchased with cash collateral received for securities on loan and includes dividend reinvestment.

(wb)

Represents an investment in a Fund affiliated with the Manager.

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 February 29, 2024 in valuing such portfolio securities:

 

     Level 1      Level 2    Level 3  

Investments in Securities

              

Assets

              

Long-Term Investments

              

Common Stocks

              

Aerospace & Defense

   $  3,366,960      $—       $     

Air Freight & Logistics

     2,600,187                  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 25


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

     Level 1      Level 2    Level 3  

Investments in Securities (continued)

              

Assets (continued)

              

Long-Term Investments (continued)

              

Common Stocks (continued)

              

Automobile Components

   $ 1,845,880      $—         $—     

Automobiles

     6,648,470              

Banks

     28,660,141              

Beverages

     2,538,871              

Biotechnology

     856,538              

Broadline Retail

     1,980,564              

Building Products

     1,933,346              

Capital Markets

     10,566,134              

Chemicals

     9,602,464              

Commercial Services & Supplies

     107,562              

Communications Equipment

     2,418,500              

Construction & Engineering

     767,472              

Consumer Finance

     5,259,528              

Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail

     6,021,309              

Containers & Packaging

     2,928,223              

Diversified Consumer Services

     730,356              

Diversified Telecommunication Services

     7,605,717              

Electric Utilities.

     7,409,429              

Electrical Equipment

     1,864,774              

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

     3,639,334              

Energy Equipment & Services

     2,100,592              

Entertainment

     2,443,602              

Financial Services

     16,261,636              

Food Products

     5,848,726              

Gas Utilities

     2,461,748              

Ground Transportation.

     3,558,694              

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

     4,891,203              

Health Care Providers & Services

     13,544,412              

Health Care REITs

     515,372              

Hotel & Resort REITs

     931,260              

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

     2,220,785              

Household Durables

     9,421,929              

Household Products

     3,126,668              

Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers

     719,578              

Industrial Conglomerates

     3,766,641              

Industrial REITs

     986,198              

Insurance

     16,207,497              

IT Services

     1,452,470              

Leisure Products

     799,631              

Life Sciences Tools & Services

     1,340,124              

Machinery

     6,347,332              

Media

     7,611,531              

Metals & Mining

     6,503,316              

Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

     5,949,841              

Multi-Utilities

     3,820,470              

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

26


 

     Level 1      Level 2    Level 3

Investments in Securities (continued)

              

Assets (continued)

              

Long-Term Investments (continued)

              

Common Stocks (continued)

              

Office REITs

   $ 713,037      $—        $—    

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

     28,031,412              

Passenger Airlines

     4,376,068              

Pharmaceuticals.

     15,268,168              

Professional Services

     753,190              

Residential REITs

     780,017              

Retail REITs

     625,617              

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

     11,817,854              

Software

     368,172              

Specialized REITs

     2,512,506              

Specialty Retail

     3,331,146              

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

     3,528,338              

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

     1,775,215              

Tobacco

     3,365,520              

Trading Companies & Distributors

     2,352,218              

Wireless Telecommunication Services

     930,810              

Unaffiliated Exchange-Traded Fund

     976,182              

Short-Term Investments

              

Affiliated Mutual Funds

     3,722,310              
  

 

 

    

 

     

 

  

Total

   $ 317,410,795      $—       $—   
  

 

 

    

 

     

 

  

Industry Classification:

The industry classification of investments and liabilities in excess of other assets shown as a percentage of net assets as of February 29, 2024 were as follows:

 

Banks

     9.1

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

     8.9  

Financial Services

     5.2  

Insurance

     5.2  

Pharmaceuticals

     4.9  

Health Care Providers & Services

     4.3  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

     3.8  

Capital Markets

     3.4  

Chemicals

     3.0  

Household Durables

     3.0  

Media

     2.4  

Diversified Telecommunication Services

     2.4  

Electric Utilities

     2.4  

Automobiles

     2.1  

Metals & Mining

     2.1  

Machinery

     2.0  

Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail

     1.9  

 

Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

     1.9

Food Products

     1.9  

Consumer Finance

     1.7  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

     1.6  

Passenger Airlines

     1.4  

Multi-Utilities

     1.2  

Industrial Conglomerates

     1.2  

Affiliated Mutual Funds (1.1% represents investments purchased with collateral from securities on loan)

     1.2  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

     1.2  

Ground Transportation

     1.1  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

     1.1  

Aerospace & Defense

     1.1  

Tobacco

     1.1  

Specialty Retail

     1.1  

Household Products

     1.0  
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 27


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

as of February 29, 2024

 

Industry Classification (continued):

 

Containers & Packaging

     0.9

Air Freight & Logistics

     0.8  

Beverages

     0.8  

Specialized REITs

     0.8  

Gas Utilities

     0.8  

Entertainment

     0.8  

Communications Equipment

     0.8  

Trading Companies & Distributors

     0.7  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

     0.7  

Energy Equipment & Services

     0.7  

Broadline Retail

     0.6  

Building Products

     0.6  

Electrical Equipment

     0.6  

Automobile Components

     0.6  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

     0.6  

IT Services

     0.5  

Life Sciences Tools & Services

     0.4  

Industrial REITs

     0.3  

Unaffiliated Exchange-Traded Fund

     0.3  

Hotel & Resort REITs

     0.3  

Wireless Telecommunication Services

     0.3  

 

Biotechnology

     0.3

Leisure Products

     0.2  

Residential REITs

     0.2  

Construction & Engineering

     0.2  

Professional Services

     0.2  

Diversified Consumer Services

     0.2  

Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers

     0.2  

Office REITs

     0.2  

Retail REITs

     0.2  

Health Care REITs

     0.2  

Software

     0.1  

Commercial Services & Supplies

     0.0
  

 

 

 
     101.0  

Liabilities in excess of other assets

     (1.0
  

 

 

 
     100.0
  

 

 

 

 

*

Less than 0.05% 

 

 

Financial Instruments/Transactions—Summary of Offsetting and Netting Arrangements:

The Fund entered into financial instruments/transactions during the reporting 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

   $3,547,896   

$(3,547,896)

   $—  

 

(1)

Collateral amount disclosed by the Fund is limited to the market value of financial instruments/transactions. 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

28


Statement of Assets and Liabilities 

as of February 29, 2024

 

Assets

Investments at value, including securities on loan of $3,547,896:

Unaffiliated investments (cost $246,813,330)

$313,688,485

Affiliated investments (cost $3,719,600)

3,722,310

Dividends receivable

817,192

Receivable for Fund shares sold

163,708

Tax reclaim receivable

4,452

Prepaid expenses and other assets

28,911

 

Total Assets

318,425,058

 

Liabilities

Payable to broker for collateral for securities on loan

3,577,511

Payable for Fund shares purchased

229,454

Management fee payable

165,036

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

141,821

Distribution fee payable

78,553

Affiliated transfer agent fee payable

3,702

Trustees’ fees payable

2,834

 

Total Liabilities

4,198,911

 

Net Assets

$314,226,147

 

  

Net assets were comprised of:

Shares of beneficial interest, at par

$     24,152

Paid-in capital in excess of par

252,054,398

Total distributable earnings (loss)

         62,147,597

 

Net assets, February 29, 2024

$314,226,147

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 29


Statement of Assets and Liabilities

as of February 29, 2024

 

Class A

                 

Net asset value and redemption price per share,

     

($37,601,649 ÷ 2,982,661 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 12.61     

Maximum sales charge (5.50% of offering price)

     0.73     
  

 

 

    

Maximum offering price to public

   $ 13.34     
  

 

 

    

Class C

                 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share,

     

($2,424,868 ÷ 217,218 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 11.16     
  

 

 

    

Class R

                 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share,

     

($176,558,564 ÷ 13,492,639 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 13.09     
  

 

 

    

Class Z

                 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share,

     

($42,356,285 ÷ 3,234,499 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 13.10     
  

 

 

    

Class R6

                 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share,

     

($55,284,781 ÷ 4,225,287 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)

   $ 13.08     
  

 

 

    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

30


Statement of Operations 

Year Ended February 29, 2024 

 

Net Investment Income (Loss)

 

Income

           

Unaffiliated dividend income (net of $4,796 foreign withholding tax)

              $8,829,668  

Affiliated dividend income

              40,552  

Affiliated income from securities lending, net

              26,448  
           

 

 

 

Total income

              8,896,668  
           

 

 

 

Expenses

           

Management fee

              2,369,396  

Distribution fee(a)

              1,420,958  

Transfer agent’s fees and expenses (including affiliated expense of $22,396)(a)

              303,724  

Custodian and accounting fees

              51,351  

Shareholders’ reports

              50,694  

Registration fees(a)

              43,147  

Professional fees

              43,109  

Audit fee

              24,910  

Trustees’ fees

              14,557  

Miscellaneous

              50,974  
           

 

 

 

Total expenses

              4,372,820  

Less: Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement(a)

              (474,351

Distribution fee waiver(a)

              (446,584
           

 

 

 

Net expenses

              3,451,885  
           

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

              5,444,783  
           

 

 

 

Realized And Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Investments

                                   

Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions (including affiliated of $7,488)

              (176,478

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments (including affiliated of $(11,801))

              16,761,678  
           

 

 

 

Net gain (loss) on investment transactions

              16,585,200  
           

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets Resulting From Operations

              $22,029,983  
           

 

 

 

 

(a)

Class specific expenses and waivers were as follows: 

 

   

Class A

   

Class C

   

Class R

   

Class Z

   

Class R6

 

Distribution fee

    105,506       28,453       1,286,999              

Transfer agent’s fees and expenses

    48,206       5,669       223,058       25,719       1,072  

Registration fees

    10,608       8,524       4,826       7,260       11,929  

Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement

    (58,408)       (5,866)       (297,397)       (64,172)       (48,508

Distribution fee waiver

    (17,584)             (429,000)              

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 31


Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

     Year Ended  
     February 28/29,  
     2024     2023  

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

                

Operations

    

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 5,444,783     $ 5,250,123  

Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions

     (176,478     10,344,622  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     16,761,678       (34,337,254
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     22,029,983       (18,742,509
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions

    

Distributions from distributable earnings

    

Class A

     (1,290,078     (3,406,436

Class C

     (81,755     (339,108

Class R

     (5,648,748     (16,060,532

Class Z

     (1,554,871     (4,305,745

Class R6

     (1,924,229     (3,049,327
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (10,499,681     (27,161,148
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fund share transactions (Net of share conversions)

    

Net proceeds from shares sold

     55,680,263       119,478,555  

Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     10,473,130       27,068,296  

Cost of shares purchased

     (60,226,282     (172,637,027
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

     5,927,111       (26,090,176
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     17,457,413       (71,993,833

Net Assets:

                

Beginning of year

     296,768,734       368,762,567  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

   $ 314,226,147     $ 296,768,734  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

32


Financial Highlights

 

 

 

   

Class A Shares

 

                              
     

Year Ended February 28/29,

 

 
     

2024

 

   

 

2023

 

   

 

2022

 

   

 

2021

 

   

 

2020

 

 
   

Per Share Operating Performance(a):

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $12.15       $13.86       $12.74       $10.47       $12.19  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                        

Net investment income (loss)

     0.22       0.21       0.20       0.19       0.21  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions      0.69       (0.72     2.21       2.29       (1.32

Total from investment operations

     0.91       (0.51     2.41       2.48       (1.11

Less Dividends and Distributions:

                                        

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.13     (0.23     (0.24     (0.17     (0.24

Distributions from net realized gains

     (0.32     (0.97     (1.05     (0.04     (0.37

Total dividends and distributions

     (0.45     (1.20     (1.29     (0.21     (0.61

Net asset value, end of year

     $12.61       $12.15       $13.86       $12.74       $10.47  

Total Return(b):

     7.66     (3.63 )%      19.13     24.05     (9.86 )% 
                                          
   
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                                    

Net assets, end of year (000)

     $37,602       $37,826       $38,102       $30,685       $27,769  

Average net assets (000)

     $35,169       $37,739       $36,266       $24,971       $32,667  

Ratios to average net assets(c):

                                        

Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement

     1.12     1.12     1.12     1.15     1.13

Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement

     1.34     1.34     1.34     1.37     1.35

Net investment income (loss)

     1.86     1.62     1.39     1.89     1.74

Portfolio turnover rate(d)

     81     96     73     53     56

 

(a)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)

Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.

(c)

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

(d)

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 33


Financial Highlights  (continued)

 

 

   

Class C Shares

 

                              
     

Year Ended February 28/29,

 

 
     

 

2024

 

   

 

2023

 

   

 

2022

 

   

 

2021

 

   

 

2020

 

 
   

Per Share Operating Performance(a):

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $10.81       $12.48       $11.59       $9.56       $11.20  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                        

Net investment income (loss)

     0.09       0.07       0.06       0.07       0.08  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions      0.60       (0.65     2.00       2.07       (1.21

Total from investment operations

     0.69       (0.58     2.06       2.14       (1.13

Less Dividends and Distributions:

                                        

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.02     (0.12     (0.12     (0.07     (0.14

Distributions from net realized gains

     (0.32     (0.97     (1.05     (0.04     (0.37

Total dividends and distributions

     (0.34     (1.09     (1.17     (0.11     (0.51

Net asset value, end of year

     $11.16       $10.81       $12.48       $11.59       $9.56  

Total Return(b):

     6.50     (4.60 )%      17.97     22.62     (10.82 )% 
                                          
   
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                                    

Net assets, end of year (000)

     $2,425       $3,700       $3,977       $3,165       $3,007  

Average net assets (000)

     $2,845       $3,753       $3,661       $2,561       $4,593  

Ratios to average net assets(c):

                                        

Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement

     2.16     2.14     2.09     2.29     2.13

Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement

     2.37     2.31     2.26     2.46     2.30

Net investment income (loss)

     0.83     0.59     0.44     0.76     0.70

Portfolio turnover rate(d)

     81     96     73     53     56

 

(a)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)

Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.

(c)

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

(d)

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

34


 

   

Class R Shares

 

                              
     

Year Ended February 28/29,

 

 
     

2024

 

   

2023

 

   

2022

 

   

2021

 

   

2020

 

 
   

Per Share Operating Performance(a):

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $12.60       $14.32       $13.13       $10.78       $ 12.54  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                        

Net investment income (loss)

     0.20       0.19       0.17       0.17       0.19  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions      0.71       (0.74     2.27       2.38       (1.36

Total from investment operations

     0.91       (0.55     2.44       2.55       (1.17

Less Dividends and Distributions:

                                        

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.10     (0.20     (0.20     (0.16     (0.22

Distributions from net realized gains

     (0.32     (0.97     (1.05     (0.04     (0.37

Total dividends and distributions

     (0.42     (1.17     (1.25     (0.20     (0.59

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.09       $12.60       $14.32       $13.13       $ 10.78  

Total Return(b):

     7.41     (3.79 )%      18.91     23.82     (10.08 )% 
                                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                                    

Net assets, end of year (000)

     $176,559       $173,940       $234,737       $240,673       $170,352  

Average net assets (000)

     $171,600       $189,944       $241,292       $197,850       $205,065  

Ratios to average net assets(c):

                                        

Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement

     1.33     1.33     1.33     1.33     1.33

Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement

     1.75     1.75     1.75     1.75     1.75

Net investment income (loss)

     1.65     1.39     1.19     1.69     1.53

Portfolio turnover rate(d)

     81     96     73     53     56

 

(a)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)

Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.

(c)

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

(d)

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 35


Financial Highlights  (continued)

 

 

 

   

Class Z Shares

 

                              
     

Year Ended February 28/29,

 

 
     

2024

 

   

2023

 

   

2022

 

   

2021

 

   

2020

 

 
   

Per Share Operating Performance(a):

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $12.60       $14.33       $13.13       $10.78       $12.53  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                        

Net investment income (loss)

     0.27       0.26       0.25       0.23       0.26  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions      0.72       (0.75     2.28       2.37       (1.35

Total from investment operations

     0.99       (0.49     2.53       2.60       (1.09

Less Dividends and Distributions:

                                        

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.17     (0.27     (0.28     (0.21     (0.29

Distributions from net realized gains

     (0.32     (0.97     (1.05     (0.04     (0.37

Total dividends and distributions

     (0.49     (1.24     (1.33     (0.25     (0.66

Net asset value, end of year

     $ 13.10       $12.60       $14.33       $13.13       $10.78  

Total Return(b):

     8.03     (3.34 )%      19.58     24.37     (9.56 )% 
                                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                                    

Net assets, end of year (000)

     $42,356       $46,000       $55,747       $80,486       $46,231  

Average net assets (000)

     $41,869       $49,467       $71,101       $53,264       $54,581  

Ratios to average net assets(c):

                                        

Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement

     0.80     0.80     0.80     0.81     0.80

Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement

     0.95     0.95     0.96     0.98     0.95

Net investment income (loss)

     2.18     1.93     1.69     2.17     2.07

Portfolio turnover rate(d)

     81     96     73     53     56

 

(a)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)

Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.

(c)

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

(d)

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

36


 

   

Class R6 Shares

 

                              
     

Year Ended February 28/29,

 

 
     

2024

 

   

2023

 

   

2022

 

   

2021

 

   

2020

 

 
   

Per Share Operating Performance(a):

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $12.59       $14.32       $13.13       $10.78       $12.53  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                        

Net investment income (loss)

     0.27       0.28       0.21       0.23       0.26  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions      0.71       (0.77     2.31       2.37       (1.35

Total from investment operations

     0.98       (0.49     2.52       2.60       (1.09

Less Dividends and Distributions:

                                        

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.17     (0.27     (0.28     (0.21     (0.29

Distributions from net realized gains

     (0.32     (0.97     (1.05     (0.04     (0.37

Total dividends and distributions

     (0.49     (1.24     (1.33     (0.25     (0.66

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.08       $12.59       $14.32       $13.13       $10.78  

Total Return(b):

     7.96     (3.34 )%      19.52     24.37     (9.56 )% 
                                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                                    

Net assets, end of year (000)

     $55,285       $35,302       $36,200       $618       $356  

Average net assets (000)

     $47,186       $49,222       $13,569       $362       $7,619  

Ratios to average net assets(c):

                                        

Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement

     0.80     0.80     0.80     0.81     0.80

Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement

     0.90     0.90     0.98     4.98     1.02

Net investment income (loss)

     2.18     2.07     1.37     2.15     2.12

Portfolio turnover rate(d)

     81     96     73     53     56

 

(a)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)

Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day and a sale on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any. Total returns may reflect adjustments to conform to GAAP.

(c)

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

(d)

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 37


Notes to Financial Statements

 

1.

Organization

Prudential Investment Portfolios 3 (the “Registered Investment Company” or “RIC”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The RIC is organized as a Delaware Statutory Trust. These financial statements relate only to the PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”), a series of the RIC. The Fund is classified as a diversified fund for purposes of the 1940 Act.

The investment objective of the Fund is long-term growth 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 is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). 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 as of the close of each day (generally, 4:00 PM Eastern time) the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for trading. As described in further detail below, the Fund’s investments are valued daily based on a number of factors, including the type of investment and whether market quotations are readily available. The RIC’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has approved the Fund’s valuation policies and procedures for security valuation and designated PGIM Investments LLC (“PGIM Investments” or the “Manager”) as the “Valuation Designee,” as defined by Rule 2a-5(b) under the 1940 Act, to perform the fair value determination relating to all Fund investments. Pursuant to the Board’s oversight, the Valuation Designee has established a Valuation Committee to perform the duties and responsibilities as Valuation Designee under Rule 2a-5. 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. Fair value is the estimated 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.

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 securities

 

38


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 Measurement.

Common or preferred stocks, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and derivative instruments, if applicable, 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 a 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 ETFs) 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 policies and procedures 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. Altering one or more unobservable inputs may result in a significant change to a Level 3 security’s fair value measurement.

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; and any available analyst media or other reports or information deemed reliable by the Valuation Designee 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.

Master Netting Arrangements: The RIC, 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

 

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 39


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

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.

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 the 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. The remaining open loans of the securities lending transactions are considered overnight and continuous. 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, which are reflected in interest income or unaffiliated dividend income based on the nature of the payment on the Statement of Operations. 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.

Equity and Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (collectively REITs): The Fund invested in REITs, which report information on the source of their distributions annually. Based on current and historical information, a portion of distributions received from REITs during the period is estimated to be dividend income, capital gain or return of capital and recorded accordingly. When material, these estimates are adjusted periodically when the actual source of distributions is disclosed by the REITs.

 

40


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. Expenses are recorded on an accrual basis, which may require the use of certain estimates by management that may differ from actual expense amounts. Net investment income or loss (other than class specific expenses and waivers, which are allocated as noted below) and unrealized and realized gains (losses) are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of adjusted net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Class specific expenses and waivers, where applicable, are charged to the respective share classes. Such class specific expenses and waivers include distribution fees and distribution fee waivers, shareholder servicing fees, transfer agent’s fees and expenses, registration fees and fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, as applicable.

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: Dividends and distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations and which may differ from GAAP, 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. The chart below sets forth the expected frequency of dividend and capital gains distributions to shareholders. Various factors may impact the frequency of dividend distributions to shareholders, including but not limited to adverse market conditions or portfolio holding-specific events.

 

 Expected Distribution Schedule to Shareholders*

     Frequency  

Net Investment Income

     Annually  

Short-Term Capital Gains

     Annually  

Long-Term Capital Gains

     Annually  

 

*

Under certain circumstances, the Fund may make more than one distribution of short-term and/or long-term capital gains during a fiscal year.

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 Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 41


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

3. Agreements

The RIC, on behalf of the Fund, has a management agreement with the Manager pursuant to which it has responsibility for all investment advisory services, including supervision of the subadviser’s performance of such services, and for rendering administrative services.

The Manager has entered into a subadvisory agreement with PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC (“PGIM Quantitative Solutions” or the “subadviser”). The Manager pays for the services of PGIM Quantitative Solutions.

Fees payable under the management agreement are computed daily and paid monthly. For the reporting period ended February 29, 2024, the contractual and effective management fee rates were as follows:

 

   
 Contractual Management Rate*   

Effective Management Fee, before any waivers

and/or expense reimbursements

 0.79% to $1 billion of average daily net assets;

   0.79%

 0.75% over $1 billion of average daily net assets

    

 

*

Prior to July 1, 2023, the contractual management fee rate was as follows: 0.80% to $1 billion of average daily net assets; 0.75% over $1 billion of average daily net assets.

Effective July 1, 2023, the Manager has contractually agreed, through June 30, 2025, to limit total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. Prior to July 1, 2023, the Manager has contractually agreed to waive and/or reimburse up to 0.17% of fees and expenses from the Fund to the extent that the Fund’s net operating expenses (exclusive of taxes, interest, distribution (12b-1 fees) and certain extraordinary expenses) exceed 0.80% of the Fund’s average daily assets on an annualized basis. This contractual limitation excludes interest, brokerage, taxes (such as income and foreign withholding taxes, stamp duty and deferred tax expenses), acquired fund fees and expenses, extraordinary expenses, and certain other Fund expenses such as dividend and interest expense and broker charges on short sales.

Where applicable, the Manager agrees to waive management fees or shared operating expenses on any share class to the same extent that it waives such expenses on any other share class. In addition, total annual operating expenses for Class R6 shares will not exceed total annual operating expenses for Class Z shares. Fees and/or expenses waived and/or reimbursed by the Manager for the purposes of preventing the expenses from exceeding a certain expense ratio limit may be recouped by the Manager within the same fiscal year during which such waiver and/or reimbursement is made if such recoupment can be

 

42


realized without exceeding the expense limit in effect at the time of the recoupment for that fiscal year. The expense limitations attributable to each class are as follows:

 

   
 Class   

Expense

Limitations

 A

   1.11%

 C

   2.13 

 R

   1.32 

 Z

   0.79 

 R6

   0.79 

The RIC, on behalf of the Fund, has a distribution agreement with Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (“PIMS”), which acts as the distributor of the Class A, Class C, Class R, Class Z and Class R6 shares of the Fund. The Fund compensates PIMS for distributing and servicing the Fund’s Class A, Class C and Class R shares, pursuant to the plans of distribution (the “Distribution Plans”), regardless of expenses actually incurred by PIMS.

Pursuant to the Distribution Plans, the Fund compensates PIMS for distribution related activities at an annual rate based on average daily net assets per class. PIMS has contractually agreed through June 30, 2025 to limit such fees on certain classes based on the average daily net assets. The distribution fees are accrued daily and payable monthly.

The Fund’s annual gross and net distribution rates, where applicable, are as follows:

 

 Class    Gross Distribution Fee      Net Distribution Fee 

 A

   0.30%    0.25%

 C

   1.00     1.00 

 R

   0.75     0.50 

 Z

   N/A      N/A  

 R6

   N/A      N/A  

For the year ended February 29, 2024, PIMS received front-end sales charges (“FESL”) resulting from sales of certain class shares and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) imposed upon redemptions by certain shareholders. From these fees, PIMS paid such sales charges to broker-dealers, who in turn paid commissions to salespersons and incurred other distribution costs. The sales charges are as follows where applicable:

 

     
 Class    FESL      CDSC 

 A

     $11,129      $—

 C

          112

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

 

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 43


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

4.

Other Transactions with Affiliates

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

The Fund may invest its overnight sweep cash in the PGIM Core Government Money Market Fund (the “Core Government Fund”), a series of the Prudential Government Money Market Fund, Inc., and its securities lending cash collateral in the PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund (the “Money Market Fund”), a series of Prudential Investment Portfolios 2, each registered under the 1940 Act and managed by PGIM Investments. PGIM Investments and/or its affiliates are paid fees or reimbursed for providing their services to the Core Government Fund and the Money Market Fund. In addition to the realized and unrealized gains on investments in the Core Government Fund and the Money Market Fund, earnings from such investments are disclosed on the Statement of Operations as “Affiliated dividend income” and “Affiliated 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/trustees, and/or common officers. For the year ended February 29, 2024, no Rule 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 reporting period ended February 29, 2024, were as follows:

 

   
Cost of Purchases    Proceeds from Sales

$245,701,322

   $243,253,986

A summary of the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of shares of affiliated mutual funds for the year ended February 29, 2024, is presented as follows:

 

44


               

 Value, 

 Beginning

 of Year 

  Cost of
Purchases
    Proceeds
from Sales
   

Change in
Unrealized

Gain

(Loss)

   

Realized

Gain

(Loss)

   

Value,

End of Year

   

Shares,

End

of Year

    Income   

 Short-Term Investments - Affiliated Mutual Funds:

                             

 PGIM Core Government Money Market Fund (7-day effective yield 5.545%)(1)(wb)

 $    —     $ 37,242,127       $ 37,113,579       $   —       $  —       $ 128,548       128,548     $40,552   

 PGIM Institutional Money Market Fund (7-day effective yield 5.683%)(1)(b)(wb)

  18,785,536     167,310,227       182,497,688       (11,801)       7,488       3,593,762       3,595,201     26,448(2)
 $18,785,536     $204,552,354       $219,611,267       $(11,801)       $7,488       $3,722,310             $67,000   

 

(1)

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

(2)

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

(b)

Represents security, or portion thereof, purchased with cash collateral received for securities on loan and includes dividend reinvestment.

(wb)

Represents an investment in a Fund affiliated with the Manager.

 

6.

Distributions and Tax Information

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

For the year ended February 29, 2024, 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
     Tax Return
of Capital
     Total Dividends 
and Distributions 

$2,838,419

     $7,661,262      $—      $10,499,681

For the year ended February 28, 2023, 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
     Tax Return
of Capital
     Total Dividends 
and Distributions 

$10,687,329

     $16,473,819      $—      $27,161,148

For the year ended February 29, 2024, the Fund had the following amounts of accumulated undistributed earnings on a tax basis:

 

Undistributed

Ordinary

Income

 

Undistributed

Long-Term

Capital Gains

$3,572,329

  $—

 

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 45


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

The United States federal income tax basis of the Fund’s investments and the net unrealized appreciation as of February 29, 2024 were as follows:

 

       
 Tax Basis   Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
  Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
  Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
$256,676,715   $74,540,909   $(13,806,829)   $60,734,080

The difference between GAAP and tax basis was primarily attributable to deferred losses on wash sales.

For federal income tax purposes, the Fund had an approximated capital loss carryforward as of February 29, 2024 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

 

Capital Loss

Carryforward Utilized

$2,159,000

  $—

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 four fiscal years up to the most recent fiscal year ended February 29, 2024 are subject to such review.

 

7.

Capital and Ownership

The Fund offers Class A, Class C, Class R, Class Z and Class R6 shares. Class A shares are sold with a maximum front-end sales charge of 5.50%. Investors who purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares and sell these shares within 12 months of purchase are subject to a CDSC of 1%, although they are not subject to an initial sales charge. The Class A CDSC is waived for certain retirement and/or benefit plans. A special exchange privilege is also available for shareholders who qualified to purchase Class A shares at net asset value. Class C shares are sold with a CDSC of 1% on sales made within 12 months of purchase. Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares on a monthly basis approximately eight years (ten years prior to January 22, 2021) after purchase. Class R, Class Z and Class R6 shares are not subject to any sales or redemption charges and are available exclusively for sale to a limited group of investors.

 

46


Under certain circumstances, an exchange may be made from specified share classes of the Fund to one or more other share classes of the Fund as presented in the table of transactions in shares of beneficial interest, below.

The RIC has authorized an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of the Fund at $0.001 par value per share, currently divided into five classes, designated Class A, Class C, Class R, Class Z and Class R6.

As of February 29, 2024, Prudential, through its affiliated entities, including affiliated funds (if applicable), owned shares of the Fund as follows:

 

     
Class    Number of Shares    Percentage of Outstanding Shares

Z

   38,921    1.2%

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

 

     
      Number of Shareholders    Percentage of Outstanding Shares

Affiliated

       —%

Unaffiliated

    2    74.1  

Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:

 

     
Share Class    Shares     Amount  

Class A

                

Year ended February 29, 2024:

                

Shares sold

     261,107       $  3,136,420  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     105,612       1,269,450  

Shares purchased

     (498,925     (5,901,060)  

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

     (132,206     (1,495,190

Shares issued upon conversion from other share class(es)

     29,188       353,367  

Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

     (27,192     (323,463

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     (130,210     $ (1,465,286)  

Year ended February 28, 2023:

                

Shares sold

     569,866       $ 7,487,708  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     278,019       3,350,133  

Shares purchased

     (522,694     (6,676,851

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

     325,191       4,160,990  

Shares issued upon conversion from other share class(es)

     48,082       640,333  

Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

     (9,453     (122,185

Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     363,820       $  4,679,138  

 

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 47


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

     
 Share Class    Shares     Amount  

 Class C

                

 Year ended February 29, 2024:

                

 Shares sold

     21,051       $   221,722  

 Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     7,497       79,995  

 Shares purchased

     (134,483     (1,404,451)  

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

     (105,935     (1,102,734)  

 Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

     (19,076     (202,867)  

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     (125,011     $  (1,305,601)  

 Year ended February 28, 2023:

                

 Shares sold

     87,744       $    1,033,356  

 Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     30,986       333,104  

 Shares purchased

     (67,117     (766,474)  

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

     51,613       599,986  

 Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

     (28,006     (324,090)  

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     23,607       $   275,896  

 Class R

                

 Year ended February 29, 2024:

                

 Shares sold

     1,475,883       $  17,613,983  

 Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     452,624       5,648,748  

 Shares purchased

     (2,243,678     (27,540,189)  

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     (315,171     $ (4,277,458)  

 Year ended February 28, 2023:

                

 Shares sold

     754,602       $ 9,345,593  

 Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     1,284,843       16,060,532  

 Shares purchased

     (4,622,258     (62,660,520)  

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     (2,582,813     $(37,254,395)  

 Class Z

                

 Year ended February 29, 2024:

                

 Shares sold

     80,519       $ 998,465  

 Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     124,255       1,550,708  

 Shares purchased

     (632,991     (7,822,797)  

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

     (428,217     (5,273,624)  

 Shares issued upon conversion from other share class(es)

     24,626       305,331  

 Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

     (11,824     (150,500)  

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     (415,415     $ (5,118,793)  

 

48


     
 Share Class    Shares     Amount  

 Year ended February 28, 2023:

                

 Shares sold

     299,145     $ 4,058,809  

 Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     342,307       4,275,409  

 Shares purchased

     (868,337     (11,598,747

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

     (226,885     (3,264,529

 Shares issued upon conversion from other share class(es)

     12,201       160,468  

 Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

     (26,040     (364,591

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     (240,724     $(3,468,652)  

 Class R6

                

 Year ended February 29, 2024:

                

 Shares sold

     2,713,383     $ 33,709,673  

 Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     154,309       1,924,229  

 Shares purchased

     (1,446,876     (17,557,785

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

     1,420,816       18,076,117  

 Shares issued upon conversion from other share class(es)

     1,649       19,183  

 Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

     (84     (1,051

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     1,422,381       $ 18,094,249  

 Year ended February 28, 2023:

                

 Shares sold

     7,072,921     $ 97,553,089  

 Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     244,320       3,049,118  

 Shares purchased

     (7,043,196     (90,934,435

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding before conversion

     274,045       9,667,772  

 Shares issued upon conversion from other share class(es)

     831       11,712  

 Shares purchased upon conversion into other share class(es)

     (116     (1,647

 Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding

     274,760     $ 9,677,837  

 

8.

Borrowings

The RIC, 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

   9/29/2023 - 9/26/2024    9/30/2022 – 9/28/2023

Total Commitment

   $ 1,200,000,000    $ 1,200,000,000

Annualized Commitment Fee on the

Unused Portion of the SCA

   0.15%    0.15%

Annualized Interest Rate on Borrowings

   1.00% plus the higher of (1)

the effective federal funds
rate, (2) the daily SOFR rate
plus 0.10% or (3) zero
percent

   1.00% plus the higher of (1)
the effective federal funds
rate, (2) the daily SOFR
rate plus 0.10% or (3) zero
percent

 

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 49


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

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 year ended February 29, 2024. The average daily balance for the 12 days that the Fund had loans outstanding during the period was approximately $2,879,000, borrowed at a weighted average interest rate of 6.05%. The maximum loan outstanding amount during the period was $6,969,000. At February 29, 2024, 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.

Economic and Market Events Risk: Events in the U.S. and global financial markets, including actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth or the functioning of the securities markets, or otherwise reduce inflation, may at times result in unusually high market volatility, which could negatively impact performance. Governmental efforts to curb inflation often have negative effects on the level of economic activity. Relatively reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets could adversely affect issuers worldwide.

Equity and Equity-Related Securities Risk: Equity and equity-related securities may be subject to changes in value, and their values may be more volatile than those of other asset classes. In addition to an individual security losing value, the value of the equity markets or a sector in which the Fund invests could go down. Different parts of a market can react differently to adverse issuer, market, regulatory, political and economic developments.

Increase in Expenses Risk: Your actual cost of investing in the Fund may be higher than the expenses shown in the expense table of the Fund’s prospectus for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and Fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile. Active and frequent trading of Fund securities can increase expenses.

 

50


Large Capitalization Company Risk: Companies with large market capitalizations go in and out of favor based on market and economic conditions. Larger companies tend to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. In exchange for this potentially lower risk, the Fund’s value may not rise or fall as much as the value of funds that emphasize companies with smaller market capitalizations.

Large Shareholder and Large Scale Redemption Risk: Certain individuals, accounts, funds (including funds affiliated with the Manager) or institutions, including the Manager and its affiliates, may from time to time own or control a substantial amount of the Fund’s shares. There is no requirement that these entities maintain their investment in the Fund. There is a risk that such large shareholders or that the Fund’s shareholders generally may redeem all or a substantial portion of their investments in the Fund in a short period of time, which could have a significant negative impact on the Fund’s NAV, liquidity, and brokerage costs. Large redemptions could also result in tax consequences to shareholders and impact the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategy. The Fund’s ability to pursue its investment objective after one or more large scale redemptions may be impaired and, as a result, the Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents.

Management Risk: Actively managed funds are subject to management risk. The subadviser will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these techniques will produce the desired results. Additionally, the investments selected by the subadviser may underperform the markets in general, the Fund’s benchmark and other funds with similar investment objectives.

Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risks: Market disruption can be caused by economic, financial or political events and factors, including but not limited to, international wars or conflicts (including Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war), geopolitical developments (including trading and tariff arrangements, sanctions and cybersecurity attacks), instability in regions such as Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, terrorism, natural disasters and public health epidemics (including the outbreak of COVID-19 globally).

The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Fund. These and other similar events could adversely affect the U.S. and foreign financial markets and lead to increased market volatility, reduced liquidity in the securities markets, significant negative impacts on issuers and the markets for certain securities and commodities and/or government intervention. They may also cause short- or long-term economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide. As a result, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments may be negatively impacted. Further, due to closures of certain markets and restrictions on trading certain securities, the value of certain securities held by the Fund could be significantly impacted, which could lead to such securities being valued at zero.

 

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 51


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Market 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 your investment in the Fund will decline.

Model Design Risk: The subadviser uses certain quantitative models to help guide its investment decisions. The design of the underlying models may be flawed or incomplete. The investment models the subadviser uses are based on historical and theoretical underpinnings that it believes are sound. There can be no guarantee, however, that these underpinnings will correlate with security price behavior in the manner assumed by the subadviser’s models. Additionally, the quantitative techniques that underlie the subadviser’s portfolio construction processes may fail to fully anticipate important risks.

Model Implementation Risk: While the subadviser strives to mitigate the likelihood of material implementation errors, it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of error in the implementation of the computer models that guide the subadviser’s quantitative investment processes. Additionally, it may be difficult to implement model recommendations in volatile and rapidly changing market conditions.

Value Style Risk: Since the Fund follows a value investment style, there is the risk that the value style may be out of favor for long periods of time, that the market will not recognize a security’s intrinsic value for a long time or at all, or that a stock judged to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced or overvalued. Issuers of value stocks may have experienced adverse business developments or may be subject to special risks that have caused the stock to be out of favor. In addition, the Fund’s value investment style may go out of favor with investors, negatively affecting the Fund’s performance. If the Fund’s assessment of market conditions or a company’s value is inaccurate, the Fund could suffer losses or produce poor performance relative to other funds.

 

10.

Recent Regulatory Developments

Effective January 24, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted rule and form amendments to require mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semiannual reports to shareholders that highlight key information deemed important for retail investors to assess and monitor their fund investments (the “Rule”). Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in the funds’ streamlined shareholder reports but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. The Rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the Rule and its impact to the Fund.

 

52


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Trustees of Prudential Investment Portfolios 3 and Shareholders of PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund (one of the funds constituting Prudential Investment Portfolios 3, referred to hereafter as the “Fund”) as of February 29, 2024, the related statement of operations for the year ended February 29, 2024, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended February 29, 2024, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the four years in the period ended February 29, 2024 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of February 29, 2024, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended February 29, 2024 and the financial highlights for each of the four years in the period ended February 29, 2024 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The financial statements of the Fund as of and for the year ended February 29, 2020 and the financial highlights for the year ended February 29, 2020 (not presented herein, other than the financial highlights) were audited by other auditors whose report dated April 17, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial highlights.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements 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 of these financial statements 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 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, 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. 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. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of February 29, 2024 by correspondence with the custodian and transfer agent. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York

April 16, 2024

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the PGIM Retail Funds complex since 2020.

 

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund 53


Tax Information (unaudited)

We are advising you that during the year ended February 29, 2024, the Fund reports the maximum amount allowed per share but not less than $0.32 for Class A, C, R, Z and R6 shares as a capital gain distribution in accordance with Section 852(b)(3)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code.

For the year ended February 29, 2024, the Fund reports 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 Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund

     100     100

In January 2025, you will be advised on IRS Form 1099-DIV or substitute 1099-DIV, as to the federal tax status of dividends and distributions received by you in calendar year 2024.

 

54


INFORMATION ABOUT BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS (unaudited)

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

 

  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:

103

   Chief Executive Officer and President, The Joyce Foundation (charitable foundation) (since 2002); formerly Vice Chair, City Colleges of Chicago (community college system) (2011-2015); formerly Trustee, National Park Foundation (charitable foundation for national park system) (2009-2018); formerly Trustee, Economic Club of Chicago (2009-2016); Trustee, Loyola University (since 2018).    None.    Since September 2013
       

Kevin J. Bannon

1952

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen:

104

   Retired; formerly 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; formerly President (May 2003-May 2007) of BNY Hamilton Family of Mutual Funds.    Director of Urstadt Biddle Properties (equity real estate investment trust) (September 2008-August 2023).    Since July 2008

 

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund


 
  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:

101

   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).    Trustee of Equity Residential (residential real estate) (since December 2009); Director of Northern Trust Corporation (financial services) (since April 2006); formerly Director of Anixter International, Inc. (communication products distributor) (January 2006-June 2020).    Since March 2005
       

Barry H. Evans

1960

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen:

104

   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 (asset management).    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 September 2017
       

Keith F. Hartstein

1956

Board Member &

Independent Chair

Portfolios Overseen:

104

   Retired; formerly Member (November 2014-September 2022) of the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council (IDC) (organization of independent mutual fund directors); formerly Executive Committee of the IDC Board of Governors (October 2019-December 2021); 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); formerly Chairman, Investment Company Institute’s Sales Force Marketing Committee (2003-2008).    None.    Since September 2013

 

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:

101

   A. Barton Hepburn Professor Emerita of Economics in the Faculty of Business, Columbia Business School (since 2018); Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University (since 2015); Sole Member, ReidCourt LLC (since 2008) (a consulting firm); formerly Visiting Professor of Law, Stanford Law School (2015-2021); 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, Andela (since January 2022) (global talent network); Independent Director, Roku (since December 2020) (communication services); formerly Independent Director, Synnex Corporation (2019-2021) (information technology); formerly Independent Director, Kabbage, Inc. (2018-2020) (financial services); formerly Independent Director, Corporate Capital Trust (2017-2018) (a business development company).    Since September 2017
       

Brian K. Reid

1961

Board Member

Portfolios Overseen:

104

   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); formerly Director, ICI Mutual Insurance Company (2012-2017).    None.    Since March 2018

 

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund


 
  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:

104

   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.    Director (since January 2018) of OceanFirst Financial Corp. and OceanFirst Bank; formerly Director (July 2015-January 2018) of Sun Bancorp, Inc. N.A. and Sun National Bank.    Since November 2014

 

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
       

Stuart S. Parker

1962

Board Member,

President & Principal

Executive Officer

Portfolios Overseen:

104

   President, Chief Executive Officer and Officer in Charge of PGIM Investments LLC (formerly known as Prudential Investments LLC) (since January 2012); President and Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”) (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; President and PEO (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; President and PEO (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; formerly Chief Operating Officer for PGIM Investments LLC (January 2012-January 2024); formerly Executive Vice President of Jennison Associates LLC and Head of Retail Distribution of PGIM Investments LLC (June 2005-December 2011); Investment Company Institute - Board of Governors (since May 2012).    None.    Since January 2012

 

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund


 
  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:

131

   Executive Vice President (since May 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 Global Product Management and Marketing, PGIM Investments (since February 2006); Vice President (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Vice President (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Vice President (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; formerly Vice President of Product Development and Product Management, PGIM Investments LLC (2003-2006).    None.    Since March 2010

 

 
  Fund Officers(a)     
     

Name

Year 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, Executive Vice President and Secretary of PGIM Investments (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); Corporate Counsel of AST Investment Services, Inc. (since August 2020) and Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since January 2005) of Prudential; Chief Legal Officer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Chief Legal Officer (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Chief Legal Officer (since July 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; formerly, Vice President and Assistant Secretary of PGIM Investments LLC (2005-2020); formerly Associate at Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP (1999-2004).   

Since December

2005

 

Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


 
  Fund Officers(a)     
     

Name

Year of Birth

Fund Position

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years   

Length of

Service as Fund

Officer

     

Andrew Donohue

1972

Chief Compliance Officer

   Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer of PGIM Investments LLC (since September 2022); Chief Compliance Officer of AST Investment Services, Inc. (since October 2022); Chief Compliance Officer (since May 2023) of the PGIM Funds, Target Funds, PGIM ETF Trust, PGIM Global High Yield Fund, Inc., PGIM High Yield Bond Fund, Inc., PGIM Short Duration High Yield Opportunities Fund, Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund, Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc., PGIM Private Credit Fund, PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; Chief Compliance Officer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and PGIM Rock ETF Trust; formerly various senior compliance roles within Principal Global Investors, LLC., global asset management for Principal Financial (2011-2022), most recently as Global Chief Compliance Officer (2016-2022).    Since May 2023
     

Andrew R. French

1962

Secretary

   Vice President (since December 2018) of PGIM Investments LLC; Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Secretary (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Secretary (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; 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 October

2006

     

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; Assistant Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Assistant Secretary (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Assistant Secretary (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; 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; Assistant Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Assistant Secretary (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Assistant Secretary (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.    Since June 2020

 

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund


 
  Fund Officers(a)     
     

Name

Year of Birth

Fund Position

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years   

Length of

Service as Fund

Officer

     

Debra Rubano

1975

Assistant Secretary

   Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since November 2020) of Prudential; Assistant Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Assistant Secretary (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Assistant Secretary (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc; formerly Director and Senior Counsel of Allianz Global Investors U.S. Holdings LLC (2010-2020) and Assistant Secretary of numerous funds in the Allianz fund complex (2015-2020).    Since December 2020
     

George Hoyt

1965

Assistant Secretary

   Vice President and Corporate Counsel of Prudential (since September 2023); Assistant Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Rock ETF Trust, PGIM Credit Income Fund, PGIM Private Credit Fund and PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; formerly Associate General Counsel of Franklin Templeton and Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton complex (2020-2023) and Managing Director (2016-2020) and Associate General Counsel for Legg Mason, Inc. and its predecessors (2004-2020).    Since December 2023
     

Devan Goolsby

1991

Assistant Secretary

   Vice President and Corporate Counsel of Prudential (since May 2023); Assistant Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Rock ETF Trust, PGIM Credit Income Fund, PGIM Private Credit Fund and PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; formerly Associate at Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP (2021-2023); Compliance Officer at Bloomberg LP (2019-2021); and an Examiner at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (2015-2019).    Since December 2023
     

Kelly A. Coyne

1968 Assistant Secretary

   Director, Investment Operations of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (since 2010); Assistant Secretary (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund; Assistant Secretary (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Assistant Secretary (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.    Since March 2015

 

Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


 
  Fund Officers(a)     
     

Name

Year of Birth

Fund Position

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years   

Length of

Service as Fund

Officer

     

Christian J. Kelly 

1975

Chief Financial Officer

   Vice President, Global Head of Fund Administration of PGIM Investments LLC (since November 2018); Chief Financial Officer (since March 2023) of PGIM Investments mutual funds, closed end funds, the PGIM ETF Trust, and Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund and Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Chief Financial Officer of PGIM Private Credit Fund (since September 2022); Chief Financial Officer of PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc. (since July 2022); formerly Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer (January 2019- March 2023) of PGIM Investments mutual funds, closed end funds, the PGIM ETF Trust, and Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund and Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc.; formerly Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer (March 2022 – July 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; 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
     

Russ Shupak

1973

Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer

   Vice President (since 2017) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer of PGIM Investments mutual funds, closed end funds and PGIM ETF Trust (since March 2023); Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund; Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer (since July 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Assistant Treasurer (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; formerly Assistant Treasurer (March 2022 – July 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer of Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund and Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc. (since October 2019); formerly Director (2013-2017) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.    Since October 2019
     

Lana Lomuti

1967

Assistant Treasurer

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

Deborah Conway

1969

Assistant Treasurer

   Vice President (since 2017) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; formerly Director (2007-2017) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.    Since October 2019

 

PGIM Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund


 
  Fund Officers(a)     
     

Name

Year of Birth

Fund Position

   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years   

Length of

Service as Fund

Officer

     

Elyse M. McLaughlin

1974

Assistant Treasurer

   Vice President (since 2017) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund and Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc. (since March 2023); Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Assistant Treasurer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund; Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Assistant Treasurer (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer of PGIM Investments mutual funds, closed end funds and the PGIM ETF Trust (since October 2019); formerly Director (2011-2017) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.    Since October 2019
     

Robert W. McCormack

1973

Assistant Treasurer

   Vice President (since 2019) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; Assistant Treasurer (since March 2023) of PGIM Investments mutual funds, closed end funds, PGIM ETF Trust, Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund and Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer (since September 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund and the PGIM Rock ETF Trust; Assistant Treasurer (since September 2022) of the PGIM Private Credit Fund; Assistant Treasurer (since March 2022) of the PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc.; formerly Director (2016-2019) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; formerly Vice President within Goldman, Sachs & Co. Investment Management Controllers (2008-2016), Assistant Treasurer of Goldman Sachs Family of Funds (2015-2016).    Since March 2023
     

Kelly Florio

1978

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer

   Vice President, Corporate Compliance, Global Compliance Programs and Compliance Risk Management (since December 2021) of Prudential; formerly Head of Fraud Risk Management (October 2019-December 2021) at New York Life Insurance Company; formerly Head of Key Risk Area Operations (November 2018-October 2019), Director of the US Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Unit (2009-2018) and Bank Loss Prevention Associate (2006-2009) at MetLife.    Since June 2022

(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.

 

 

Visit our website at pgim.com/investments


“Portfolios Overseen” includes such applicable investment companies managed by PGIM Investments LLC and overseen by the Board Member. The investment companies for which PGIM Investments LLC serves as manager include the PGIM Mutual Funds, Target Funds, PGIM ETF Trust, PGIM Rock ETF Trust, PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc., PGIM Private Credit Fund, PGIM Credit Income Fund, PGIM High Yield Bond Fund, Inc., PGIM Global High Yield Fund, Inc., PGIM Short Duration High Yield Opportunities Fund, 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 Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund


MAIL

 

TELEPHONE

  WEBSITE

655 Broad Street

 

(800) 225-1852

 

pgim.com/investments

Newark, NJ 07102

       

 

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 Stuart S. Parker Brian K. Reid Grace C. Torres

 

OFFICERS

 

Stuart S. Parker, President and Principal Executive Officer Scott E. Benjamin, Vice President Christian J. Kelly, Chief Financial Officer Claudia DiGiacomo, Chief Legal Officer Andrew Donohue, Chief Compliance Officer Russ Shupak, Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer Kelly Florio, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer Andrew R. French, Secretary Melissa Gonzalez, Assistant Secretary Kelly A. Coyne, Assistant Secretary Patrick E. McGuinness, Assistant Secretary Debra Rubano, Assistant Secretary George Hoyt, Assistant Secretary Devan Goolsby, Assistant Secretary Lana Lomuti, Assistant Treasurer Elyse M. McLaughlin, Assistant Treasurer Deborah Conway, Assistant Treasurer Robert W. McCormack, Assistant Treasurer

 

MANAGER

   PGIM Investments LLC    655 Broad Street
Newark, NJ 07102
    

SUBADVISER

   PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC    655 Broad Street
Newark, NJ 07102
    

DISTRIBUTOR

   Prudential Investment Management Services LLC    655 Broad Street
Newark, NJ 07102
    

CUSTODIAN

   The Bank of New York Mellon    240 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10286
    

TRANSFER AGENT

   Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC    PO Box 534432
Pittsburgh, PA 15253
    

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

   PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP    300 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
    

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 mutual 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 Quant Solutions Large-Cap Value Fund, 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 HOLDINGS
 
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.

Mutual Funds:

 

     

ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FDIC OR ANY

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

   MAY LOSE VALUE   

ARE NOT A DEPOSIT OF OR GUARANTEED

BY ANY BANK OR ANY BANK AFFILIATE

 


LOGO

 

 

 

PGIM QUANT SOLUTIONS LARGE-CAP VALUE FUND   
SHARE CLASS    A    C    R    Z     R6  

NASDAQ

   SUVAX    SUVCX    PRVRX    SUVZX      SUVQX  

CUSIP

   74440K108    74440K306    74440K736    74440K405      74440K538  

MF502E


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, Principal Financial Officer and 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 February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”), the Registrant’s principal accountant, billed the Registrant $113,420 and $108,000, respectively, for professional services rendered for the audit of the Registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings.

(b) Audit-Related Fees

For the fiscal years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023: none.

(c) Tax Fees

For the fiscal years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023: none.

(d) All Other Fees

For the fiscal years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023: 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 described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X

 

     Fiscal Year Ended February 29, 2024           Fiscal Year Ended February 28, 2023
4(b)      Not applicable.           Not applicable.
4(c)      Not applicable.           Not applicable.
4(d)      Not applicable.           Not applicable.

 

(f)

Percentage of hours expended attributable to work performed by other than full time employees of principal accountant if greater than 50%.

The percentage of hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees was 0%.

(g) Non-Audit Fees

The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the Registrant’s principal accountant 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 February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023 was $0 and $0, respectively.

(h) Principal Accountant’s Independence

Not applicable as the Registrant’s principal accountant 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.

(i) Not applicable.

(j) Not applicable.

Item 5 – Audit Committee of Listed Registrants – Not applicable.


Item 6 –

Schedule of Investments – The schedule is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

 

Item 7 –

Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies – Not applicable.

 

Item 8 –

Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies – Not applicable.

 

Item 9 –

Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers – Not applicable.

Item 10 – Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders – 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 (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably 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.

(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act – Attached hereto as Exhibit EX-99.CERT.

(a)(2)(1) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 – Not applicable.

(a)(2)(2) Change in the registrant’s independent public accountant – Not applicable.

(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act – Attached hereto as Exhibit EX-99.906CERT.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Registrant:    Prudential Investment Portfolios 3
By:   

/s/ Andrew R. French

Andrew R. French

Secretary

Date:    April 16, 2024

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:    April 16, 2024

By:

  

/s/ Christian J. Kelly

Christian J. Kelly

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

Date:    April 16, 2024

ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS

ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS

CODE OF ETHICS

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO SECTION 302

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO SECTION 906