# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000814679
**File Stem:** 0000814679-26-000073
**Filing Date:** 2026-5
**Character Count:** 874725
**Document Hash:** ee367583b9ff551c6fdda3c380c25d6a
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0000814679-26-000073.hdr.sgml**: 20260501

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0000814679-26-000073

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: POS AMI

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 6

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260501

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260501

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** ADVANCED SERIES TRUST
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000814679

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MA
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** POS AMI
- **SEC ACT:** 1940 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 811-05186
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26929769

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 655 BROAD STREET
- **STREET 2:** 6TH FLOOR
- **CITY:** NEWARK
- **STATE:** NJ
- **ZIP:** 07102
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** (973) 367-8982

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 655 BROAD STREET
- **STREET 2:** 6TH FLOOR
- **CITY:** NEWARK
- **STATE:** NJ
- **ZIP:** 07102

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** AMERICAN SKANDIA TRUST
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19920703

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** HENDERSON INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19920506

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** HENDERSON GLOBAL ASSET TRUST
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19900302

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio (Series ID: S000076800)

| Class ID   | Class Name                            | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000236844 | AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio |  |

### AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio (Series ID: S000077474)

| Class ID   | Class Name                              | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000237935 | AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio |  |

### AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio (Series ID: S000079726)

| Class ID   | Class Name                                     | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000241018 | AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio |  |

**As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 1, 2026**

Securities Act Registration No.

Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-05186

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549**

**FORM N-1A**

**REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933**

**PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO.**

**POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO.** 

**and/or**

**REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940**

**AMENDMENT NO. 216 (X)**

Check appropriate box or boxes

**ADVANCED SERIES TRUST** 

Exact name of registrant as specified in charter

**655 Broad Street**

**Newark, New Jersey 07102**

Address of Principal Executive Offices including Zip Code

**1-800-225-1852**

Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code

**Andrew R. French**

**655 Broad Street**

**Newark, New Jersey 07102**

Name and Address of Agent for Service

This Amendment No. 216 to the Registrant's Registration Statement under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Amendment) only relates to the AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio, AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio and AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio, each a series of the Registrant.

The Amendment is not intended to amend the current prospectuses and statements of additional information for the other series of the Registrant not included herein.

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![](img3adf6a171.gif)

**ADVANCED SERIES TRUST**

**PROSPECTUS • May 1, 2026**

The portfolios offered in this Prospectus are set forth on this cover (each, a Portfolio and together, the Portfolios). The Portfolios issue shares only in private placement transactions in accordance with Regulation D or other applicable exemptions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act). The Prospectus and the related Statement of Additional Information are not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy, any security to the public within the meaning of the Securities Act. In addition, there shall be no sale of the shares referred to herein in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

**These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission or the SEC) or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the CFTC) nor has the Commission or the CFTC passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.**

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

**AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio**

**AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio**

**AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio**

![](img4e9ae8302.gif)

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**Table of Contents**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **1** | **[ABOUT THE PORTFOLIOS AND THE](#xx_344a4314-6523-495b-8611-ff7be985ab04_1)[TRUST](#xx_344a4314-6523-495b-8611-ff7be985ab04_1)**  |
| **3** | **[DETAILED INFORMATION ON HOW THE PORTFOLIOS](#xx_bd1b008d-11d6-42ef-b84b-45664a09913e_1)[INVEST](#xx_bd1b008d-11d6-42ef-b84b-45664a09913e_1)**  |
| **15** | **[MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT OTHER INVESTMENTS &](#xx_bd1b008d-11d6-42ef-b84b-45664a09913e_13)**<br> **[STRATEGIES USED BY THE](#xx_bd1b008d-11d6-42ef-b84b-45664a09913e_13)[PORTFOLIOS](#xx_bd1b008d-11d6-42ef-b84b-45664a09913e_13)** <br>|
| **21** | **[PRINCIPAL](#xx_d7b01f46-1a4c-4bfe-b5e7-c7c560cb0093_1)[RISKS](#xx_d7b01f46-1a4c-4bfe-b5e7-c7c560cb0093_1)**  |
| **31** | **[HOW THE TRUST IS](#xx_b4e57b4c-22d6-461b-ae0b-495c1752005a_1)[MANAGED](#xx_b4e57b4c-22d6-461b-ae0b-495c1752005a_1)**  |
| **36** | **[HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIOS](#xx_249a219f-0a03-408a-845c-ca8930f92135_1)**  |
| **41** | **[OTHER INFORMATION](#xx_5d7b7ddf-0a0c-4d59-84cd-11bd7dbce9a9_1)**  |
| **43** | **[FINANCIAL](#xx_c51d6325-4c8d-44ac-bf09-8a61269840f5_1)[HIGHLIGHTS](#xx_c51d6325-4c8d-44ac-bf09-8a61269840f5_1)**  |
| **46** | **[GLOSSARY: PORTFOLIO](#xx_585dea86-d0de-481a-8c6c-4fcebafcbca1_1)[INDEXES](#xx_585dea86-d0de-481a-8c6c-4fcebafcbca1_1)**  |

---

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ABOUT THE PORTFOLIOS AND THE TRUST

This Prospectus provides information about the AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio, AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio and AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio (each, a Portfolio, and together, the Portfolios), each a series of Advanced Series Trust (the Trust). Each Portfolio is a diversified investment company as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act).

Shares of each Portfolio have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), or the securities laws of any state. Each Portfolio issues its shares only in private placement transactions in accordance with Regulation D or other applicable exemptions under the Securities Act.

This Prospectus and the related Statement of Additional Information (the SAI) are not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy, any security to the public within the meaning of the Securities Act. In addition, there shall be no sale of the shares referred to herein in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

**MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIOS**

PGIM Investments LLC (PGIM Investments or the Manager), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. (Prudential Financial), serves as the sole investment manager for each Portfolio. Prudential Financial, which is incorporated in the United States, has its principal place of business in the United States. Neither Prudential Financial nor any of its subsidiaries are affiliated in any manner with Prudential plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom. The Manager has retained one or more subadvisers (each, a Subadviser, and together, the Subadvisers), to manage the day-to-day investment of the assets of each Portfolio in a multi-manager structure.

**MANAGEMENT OF THE AST PGIM FIXED INCOME CENTRAL PORTFOLIO** 

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Manager** | **Subadviser** | **Portfolio Managers** | **Title** | **Service Date** |
| PGIM Investments LLC | PGIM Fixed Income\*; PGIM Limited | Richard Piccirillo | &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director <br> and co-head of PGIM <br> Multi-Sector Team<br>| June 2022 |
|  |  | Gregory Peters | &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director <br> and Co-Chief <br> Investment Officer<br>| June 2022 |
|  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp; Matthew Angelucci, <br> CFA<br>| Managing Director  | September 2023 |
|  |  | Tyler Thorn | Managing Director | September 2023 |

---

\*PGIM Fixed Income, an investment group of PGIM, Inc. is now known as PGIM Credit. PGIM Limited, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PGIM, Inc., serves as a sub-subadviser to the Portfolio.

**MANAGEMENT OF THE AST J.P. MORGAN FIXED INCOME CENTRAL PORTFOLIO** 

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Manager** | **Subadviser** | **Portfolio Managers** | **Title** | **Service Date** |
| PGIM Investments LLC | J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. | Morgan Moriarty, CFA | Executive Director | November 2022 |
|  |  | Gary Herbert, CFA | Managing Director | November 2022 |
|  |  | Navdeep Saini | Vice President | May 2025 |

---

**MANAGEMENT OF THE AST TARGET MATURITY CENTRAL PORTFOLIO** 

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Manager** | **Subadviser** | **Portfolio Managers** | **Title** | **Service Date** |
| PGIM Investments LLC | PGIM Fixed Income\*; PGIM Limited | Richard Piccirillo | &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director <br> and co-head of PGIM <br> Multi-Sector Team<br>| April 2022 |
|  |  | Gregory Peters | &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director <br> and Co-Chief <br> Investment Officer<br>| April 2022 |
|  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp; Matthew Angelucci, <br> CFA<br>| Managing Director  | September 2023 |

---

------

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Manager** | **Subadviser** | **Portfolio Managers** | **Title** | **Service Date** |
|  |  | Tyler Thorn | Managing Director | September 2023 |

---

\*PGIM Fixed Income, an investment group of PGIM, Inc. is now known as PGIM Credit. PGIM Limited, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PGIM, Inc., serves as a sub-subadviser to the Portfolio.

More information about the Manager, each Subadviser and the multi-manager structure is included in "How the Trust is Managed" later in this Prospectus.

**PURCHASING AND REDEEMING PORTFOLIO SHARES**

Shares of each Portfolio are available for purchase only by certain investment companies managed by PGIM Investments and/or AST Investment Services, Inc. (ASTIS), in accordance with applicable provisions of 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission or the SEC) under the 1940 Act.

Shares of the Portfolios may be purchased and redeemed on days that the NYSE is open for regular trading. More information about purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares is included in "How to Buy and Sell Shares of the Portfolios" later in this Prospectus.

**TAX INFORMATION**

Each Portfolio currently intends to be treated as a partnership for US federal income tax purposes. As a result, each Portfolio's income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits are "passed through" pro rata directly to the shareholders of the Portfolio (i.e. the other portfolios of the Trust that invest in the Portfolio) and retain the same character for US federal income tax purposes. More information about federal tax consequences of investments in the Portfolios is included in "Other Information" later in this Prospectus.

Additional information about each Portfolio is set forth in the following sections and is also provided in the SAI.

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DETAILED INFORMATION ON HOW THE PORTFOLIOS INVEST

**AST PGIM FIXED INCOME CENTRAL PORTFOLIO**

**Investment Objective:** to seek the highest total return, consistent with the preservation of capital and liquidity needs. Total return is comprised of current income and capital appreciation.

**Principal Investment Strategies:** In pursuing its investment objective, the Portfolio normally invests at least 80% of its assets (net assets plus any borrowings made for investment purposes) in investment grade bonds. For purposes of this 80% policy, investment grade bonds include: (i) all debt securities and all fixed income securities, excluding preferred stock, issued by both government and non-government issuers and rated BBB- or higher by S&P Global Ratings (S&P), or Baa3 or higher by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's) or an equivalent rating by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO), or if unrated, are considered by the Portfolio's Subadviser, PGIM Fixed Income, to be of comparable quality; and (ii) all derivatives and synthetic instruments that have economic characteristics that are similar, or provide investment and economic exposure, to such debt securities and such fixed income securities.

The Portfolio may also invest up to 10% of its net assets in high-yield/high-risk debt securities (commonly known as junk bonds). The Portfolio also may invest in debt securities issued outside the US by US or foreign issuers, whether or not such securities are denominated in the US dollar. The Portfolio may invest in derivatives, including for purposes of complying with its 80% policy. The Portfolio may invest in derivatives, such as credit default swaps, foreign exchange derivatives, and futures. The Portfolio may also use derivative instruments to hedge its investments or to seek to enhance returns.

PGIM Fixed Income currently intends to maintain an overall weighted average credit quality rating of A– or better for the Portfolio. This target overall credit quality for the Portfolio will be based on ratings as of the date of purchase. In the event the overall credit quality drops below A– due to downgrades of individual portfolio securities, the Portfolio's Subadviser will take appropriate action based upon the relevant facts and circumstances.

Although the Portfolio may invest in individual bonds of any maturity, PGIM Fixed Income expects to maintain the Portfolio's duration within +/- 1 year of its primary benchmark index (i.e., the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index).

**Principal Investments of the Portfolio:**

**General.** The Subadviser has a team of fixed income professionals, including credit analysts and traders, with experience in many sectors of the US and foreign fixed income securities markets. The Subadviser will use qualitative and quantitative analysis to evaluate each bond issue considered for a Portfolio. In selecting portfolio securities for a Portfolio, the Subadviser will consider economic conditions and interest rate fundamentals. The Subadviser will also evaluate individual issues within each bond sector based upon their relative investment merit and will consider factors such as yield and potential for price appreciation as well as credit quality, maturity and risk.

In managing the Portfolio's assets, the Subadviser uses a combination of top-down economic analysis and bottom-up research in conjunction with proprietary quantitative models and risk management systems. In the top-down economic analysis, the Subadviser develops views on economic, policy and market trends by continually evaluating economic data that affect the movement of markets and securities prices. This top-down macroeconomic analysis is integrated into the Subadviser's bottom-up research which informs security selection. In its bottom-up research, the Subadviser develops an internal rating and outlook on issuers. The rating and outlook are determined based on a thorough review of the financial health and trends of the issuer, which include a review of the composition of revenue, profitability, cash flow margin, and leverage.

The Subadviser may also consider investment factors such as expected total return, yield, spread and potential for price appreciation as well as credit quality, maturity and risk. The Portfolio may invest in a security based upon the expected total return rather than the yield of such security.

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Further, the Portfolio may invest in other pooled investment vehicles, including other portfolios of the Trust, other open-end or closed-end investment companies, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), unit investment trusts, and domestic or foreign private investment pools (collectively referred to as underlying portfolios).

The Subadviser may also utilize proprietary quantitative tools to support relative value trading and asset allocation for portfolio management as well as various risk models to support risk management.

The Portfolio invests in a diversified portfolio of high-quality debt securities and other securities and instruments. To that end, the Portfolio emphasizes investments in several different types of securities and financial instruments, including, without limitation: (i) US Government securities; (ii) certain debt obligations issued or guaranteed by the US Government and government-related entities, including mortgage-related securities; (iii) privately-issued mortgage-related and asset-backed securities; (iv) debt obligations of US corporate issuers; and (v) derivatives and synthetic instruments that have economic characteristics that are similar, or provide investment and economic exposure, to these types of securities and obligations. The Portfolio also may invest up to 50% of its total assets in US dollar denominated debt securities issued in the United States by certain foreign issuers (referred to herein as Yankee obligations).

**US Government Securities.** US Government securities include debt obligations issued by the US Treasury. Treasury securities are all backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government, which means that payment of interest and principal is guaranteed, but yield and market value are not. The Portfolio may also acquire US Government securities in the form of custodial receipts that show ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on certain US Treasury notes or bonds. Such notes or bonds are held in custody by a bank on behalf of the owners. These custodial receipts are commonly referred to as Treasury strips.

**Other Debt Obligations Issued or Guaranteed by the US Government and Government-Related Entities.** Securities issued by agencies of the US Government or instrumentalities of the US Government, including those which are guaranteed by Federal agencies or instrumentalities, may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Obligations of Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA or Ginnie Mae), the Farmers Home Administration, the Export-Import Bank, and the Small Business Administration are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Obligations of the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA or Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC or Freddie Mac), the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Tennessee Valley Authority and the United States Postal Service are not backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, a Portfolio generally must look principally to the agency issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States if the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitments. The yield and market value of these securities are not guaranteed by the US government or the relevant government sponsored enterprise.

Most mortgage-backed securities are issued by federal government agencies such as Ginnie Mae, or by government sponsored enterprises such as Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. Principal and interest payments on mortgage-backed securities issued by the federal government and some Federal government agencies, such as Ginnie Mae, are guaranteed by the Federal government and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Mortgage-backed securities issued by other government agencies or government sponsored enterprises, such as Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, are backed only by the credit of the government agency or enterprise and are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are authorized to borrow from the US Treasury to meet their obligations. Although the US government has provided financial support to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, there can be no assurance that it will support these or other government-sponsored enterprises in the future.

**Privately-Issued Mortgage-Related Securities.** The Portfolio may also invest in privately issued mortgage-related securities. Privately issued mortgage-related securities are issued by private corporations rather than government agencies or government-sponsored enterprises. Privately issued mortgage-related securities are not guaranteed by US governmental entities and generally have one or more types of credit enhancement to ensure timely receipt of payments and to protect against default.

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Mortgage-related securities are usually pass-through instruments that pay investors a share of all interest and principal payments from an underlying pool of fixed or adjustable-rate mortgages. Mortgage pass-through securities include collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO), real estate mortgage investment conduits, multi-class pass-through securities, stripped mortgage-backed securities and balloon payment mortgage-backed securities. A CMO is a security backed by an underlying portfolio of mortgages or mortgage-backed securities that may be issued or guaranteed by a bank or by US governmental entities. CMOs rely on assumptions about the timing of cash flows on the underlying mortgages, including expected prepayment rates. The primary risk of a CMO is that these assumptions are wrong, which would either shorten or lengthen the bond's maturity. A real estate mortgage investment conduit (REMIC) is a security issued by a US Government agency or private issuer and secured by real property. REMICs consist of classes of regular interest, some of which may be adjustable-rate, and a class of non-economic residual interests. The Portfolio does not intend to invest in non-economic residual interests. A multi-class pass-through security is an equity interest in a trust composed of underlying mortgage assets. Payments of principal of and interest on the mortgage assets and any reinvestment income thereon provide funds to pay debt service on the CMO or to make scheduled distributions on the multi-class pass-through security. An MBS strip may be issued by US governmental entities or by private institutions. MBS strips take the pieces of a debt security (principal and interest) and break them apart. The resulting securities may be sold separately and may perform differently. The Portfolio may also invest in balloon payment mortgage-backed securities, which are amortizing mortgage securities offering payments of principal and interest, the last payment of which is predominantly principal.

**Asset-Backed Securities.** Asset-backed 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. Payments of principal and interest may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the entities issuing the securities. Asset-backed securities may be classified as pass-through certificates or collateralized obligations.

Pass-through certificates are asset-backed securities that represent an undivided fractional ownership interest in an underlying pool of assets. Pass-through certificates usually provide for payments of principal and interest to be passed through to their holders, usually after deduction for certain costs and expenses incurred in administering the pool. Because pass-through certificates represent an ownership interest in the underlying assets, the holders thereof bear directly the risk of any defaults by the obligors on the underlying assets not covered by any credit support.

Asset-backed securities issued in the form of debt instruments are generally issued as the debt of a special purpose entity organized solely for the purpose of owning such assets and issuing such debt. Such assets are most often trade, credit card or automobile receivables. The assets collateralizing such asset-backed securities are pledged to a trustee or custodian for the benefit of the holders thereof. Such issuers generally hold no assets other than those underlying the asset-backed securities and any credit support provided. As a result, although payments on such asset-backed securities are obligations of the issuers, in the event of defaults on the underlying assets not covered by any credit support, the issuing entities are unlikely to have sufficient assets to satisfy their obligations on the related asset-backed securities.

**Corporate Debt Obligations.** The Portfolio also may invest in the bonds of corporations. For purposes of this policy, the term "corporations" includes all non-government issuers. Corporate bonds are subject to the risk of the issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligation and may also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer, and general market liquidity. When interest rates rise, the value of corporate bonds can be expected to decline. Debt securities with longer maturities tend to be more sensitive to interest rate movements than those with shorter maturities.

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may be difficult to terminate or otherwise offset; derivatives used for hedging may reduce or magnify losses but also may reduce or eliminate gains; and the price of commodity-linked derivatives may be more volatile than the prices of traditional equity and debt securities. The Portfolio is subject to a derivatives risk management program, which may limit the ability of the Portfolio to invest in derivatives.

**Junk Bonds.** The Portfolio may invest up to 10% of its net assets in debt obligations rated below investment grade (also referred to herein as high-yield debt securities or junk bonds) by an NRSRO or considered by the Subadviser to be of comparable quality. In the event that a security receives different ratings from different NRSROs, the Portfolio will treat the security as being rated in the highest rating category received from an NRSRO.

**Yankee Obligations.** The Portfolio may invest up to 50% of its total assets in Yankee obligations. Yankee obligations are US dollar-denominated debt securities of foreign corporations issued in the United States and US dollar-denominated debt securities issued or guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by governments, quasi-governmental entities, government agencies, and other governmental entities of foreign countries and supranational entities, which securities are issued in the United States. Debt securities of quasi-governmental entities are issued by entities owned by either a national, state, or equivalent government or are obligations of a political unit that is not backed by the national government's full faith and credit and general taxing powers.

**AST J.P. MORGAN FIXED INCOME CENTRAL PORTFOLIO**

**Investment Objective:** to seek the highest total return, consistent with the preservation of capital and liquidity needs. Total return is comprised of current income and capital appreciation.

**Principal Investment Strategies:** In pursuing its investment objective, the Portfolio normally invests at least 80% of its assets (net assets plus any borrowings made for investment purposes) in intermediate and long-term debt obligations and high-quality money market instruments. For purposes of this 80% policy, the debt securities purchased by the Portfolio will be rated BBB- or higher by S&P, or Baa3 or higher by Moody's, or an equivalent rating by another NRSRO, or if unrated, are considered by the Portfolio's Subadviser, J.P. Morgan, to be of comparable quality. In addition, for purposes of complying with its 80% policy, the Portfolio invests in derivative instruments that are linked to, or provide investment and economic exposure to, intermediate and long-term debt obligations and high-quality money market instruments.

The Portfolio may also invest up to 10% of its net assets in high-yield/high-risk debt securities (commonly known as junk bonds). The Portfolio also may invest in debt securities issued outside the US by US or foreign issuers, whether or not such securities are denominated in the US dollar. The Portfolio may also invest in derivatives, including for purposes of complying with its 80% policy. The Portfolio may invest in derivatives, such as credit default swaps, foreign exchange derivatives, and futures. The Portfolio may use derivative instruments to hedge its investments or to seek to enhance returns.

J.P. Morgan currently intends to maintain an overall weighted average credit quality rating of A- or better for the Portfolio. This target overall credit quality for the Portfolio will be based on ratings as of the date of purchase. In the event the overall credit quality drops below A- due to downgrades of individual portfolio securities, J.P. Morgan will take appropriate action based upon the relevant facts and circumstances.

Although the Portfolio may invest in individual bonds of any maturity, J.P. Morgan expects to maintain the Portfolio's duration within +/- 1 year of its primary benchmark index (i.e., the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index).

**Principal Investments of the Portfolio:**

**General.** The Subadviser has a team of fixed income professionals, including credit analysts and traders, with experience in many sectors of the US and foreign fixed income securities markets. The Subadviser will use qualitative and quantitative analysis to evaluate each bond issue considered for a Portfolio. In selecting portfolio securities for a

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Portfolio, the Subadviser will consider economic conditions and interest rate fundamentals. The Subadviser will also evaluate individual issues within each bond sector based upon their relative investment merit and will consider factors such as yield and potential for price appreciation as well as credit quality, maturity and risk.

In managing the Portfolio's assets, the Subadviser uses a combination of top-down economic analysis and bottom-up research in conjunction with proprietary quantitative models and risk management systems. In the top-down economic analysis, the Subadviser develops views on economic, policy and market trends by continually evaluating economic data that affect the movement of markets and securities prices. This top-down macroeconomic analysis is integrated into the Subadviser's bottom-up research which informs security selection. In its bottom-up research, the Subadviser develops an internal rating and outlook on issuers. The rating and outlook are determined based on a thorough review of the financial health and trends of the issuer, which include a review of the composition of revenue, profitability, cash flow margin, and leverage.

The Subadviser may also consider investment factors such as expected total return, yield, spread and potential for price appreciation as well as credit quality, maturity and risk. The Portfolio may invest in a security based upon the expected total return rather than the yield of such security.

Further, the Portfolio may invest in other pooled investment vehicles, including, other portfolios of the Trust, other open-end or closed-end investment companies, ETFs, unit investment trusts, and domestic or foreign private investment pools (collectively referred to as underlying portfolios).

The Subadviser may also utilize proprietary quantitative tools to support relative value trading and asset allocation for portfolio management as well as various risk models to support risk management.

The Portfolio invests in a diversified portfolio of high-quality debt obligations and other securities and instruments. To that end, the Portfolio emphasizes investments in several different types of securities and financial instruments, including, without limitation: (i) US Government securities; (ii) certain debt obligations issued or guaranteed by the US Government and government-related entities, including mortgage-related securities; (iii) privately-issued mortgage-related and asset-backed securities; (iv) debt obligations of US corporate issuers; and (v) derivatives and synthetic instruments that have economic characteristics that are similar, or provide investment and economic exposure, to these types of securities and obligations. The Portfolio also may invest up to 50% of its total assets in US dollar denominated debt securities issued in the United States by certain foreign issuers (referred to herein as Yankee obligations).

**US Government Securities.** US Government securities include debt obligations issued by the US Treasury. Treasury securities are all backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government, which means that payment of interest and principal is guaranteed, but yield and market value are not. The Portfolio may also acquire US Government securities in the form of custodial receipts that show ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on certain US Treasury notes or bonds. Such notes or bonds are held in custody by a bank on behalf of the owners. These custodial receipts are commonly referred to as Treasury strips.

**Other Debt Obligations Issued or Guaranteed by the US Government and Government-Related Entities.** Securities issued by agencies of the US Government or instrumentalities of the US Government, including those which are guaranteed by Federal agencies or instrumentalities, may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Obligations of Ginnie Mae, the Farmers Home Administration, the Export-Import Bank, and the Small Business Administration are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Obligations of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Tennessee Valley Authority and the United States Postal Service are not backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, a Portfolio generally must look principally to the agency issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States if the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitments. The yield and market value of these securities are not guaranteed by the US government or the relevant government sponsored enterprise.

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Most mortgage-backed securities are issued by federal government agencies such as Ginnie Mae, or by government sponsored enterprises such as Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. Principal and interest payments on mortgage-backed securities issued by the federal government and some Federal government agencies, such as Ginnie Mae, are guaranteed by the Federal government and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Mortgage-backed securities issued by other government agencies or government sponsored enterprises, such as Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, are backed only by the credit of the government agency or enterprise and are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are authorized to borrow from the US Treasury to meet their obligations. Although the US government has provided financial support to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, there can be no assurance that it will support these or other government-sponsored enterprises in the future.

**Privately-Issued Mortgage-Related Securities.** The Portfolio may also invest in privately issued mortgage-related securities. Privately issued mortgage-related securities are issued by private corporations rather than government agencies or government-sponsored enterprises. Privately issued mortgage-related securities are not guaranteed by US governmental entities and generally have one or more types of credit enhancement to ensure timely receipt of payments and to protect against default.

Mortgage-related securities are usually pass-through instruments that pay investors a share of all interest and principal payments from an underlying pool of fixed or adjustable-rate mortgages. Mortgage pass-through securities include CMOs, real estate mortgage investment conduits, multi-class pass-through securities, stripped mortgage-backed securities and balloon payment mortgage-backed securities. A CMO is a security backed by an underlying portfolio of mortgages or mortgage-backed securities that may be issued or guaranteed by a bank or by US governmental entities. CMOs rely on assumptions about the timing of cash flows on the underlying mortgages, including expected prepayment rates. The primary risk of a CMO is that these assumptions are wrong, which would either shorten or lengthen the bond's maturity. A REMIC is a security issued by a US Government agency or private issuer and secured by real property. REMICs consist of classes of regular interest, some of which may be adjustable-rate, and a class of non-economic residual interests. The Portfolio does not intend to invest in non-economic residual interests. A multi-class pass-through security is an equity interest in a trust composed of underlying mortgage assets. Payments of principal of and interest on the mortgage assets and any reinvestment income thereon provide funds to pay debt service on the CMO or to make scheduled distributions on the multi-class pass-through security. An MBS strip may be issued by US governmental entities or by private institutions. MBS strips take the pieces of a debt security (principal and interest) and break them apart. The resulting securities may be sold separately and may perform differently. The Portfolio may also invest in balloon payment mortgage-backed securities, which are amortizing mortgage securities offering payments of principal and interest, the last payment of which is predominantly principal.

**Asset-Backed Securities.** Asset-backed 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. Payments of principal and interest may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the entities issuing the securities. Asset-backed securities may be classified as pass-through certificates or collateralized obligations.

Pass-through certificates are asset-backed securities that represent an undivided fractional ownership interest in an underlying pool of assets. Pass-through certificates usually provide for payments of principal and interest to be passed through to their holders, usually after deduction for certain costs and expenses incurred in administering the pool. Because pass-through certificates represent an ownership interest in the underlying assets, the holders thereof bear directly the risk of any defaults by the obligors on the underlying assets not covered by any credit support.

Asset-backed securities issued in the form of debt instruments are generally issued as the debt of a special purpose entity organized solely for the purpose of owning such assets and issuing such debt. Such assets are most often trade, credit card or automobile receivables. The assets collateralizing such asset-backed securities are pledged to a trustee or custodian for the benefit of the holders thereof. Such issuers generally hold no assets other than those underlying the asset-backed securities and any credit support provided. As a result, although payments on such asset-backed

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securities are obligations of the issuers, in the event of defaults on the underlying assets not covered by any credit support, the issuing entities are unlikely to have sufficient assets to satisfy their obligations on the related asset-backed securities.

**Corporate Debt Obligations.** The Portfolio also may invest in the bonds of corporations. For purposes of this policy, the term "corporations" includes all non-government issuers. Corporate bonds are subject to the risk of the issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligation and may also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer, and general market liquidity. When interest rates rise, the value of corporate bonds can be expected to decline. Debt securities with longer maturities tend to be more sensitive to interest rate movements than those with shorter maturities.

**Junk Bonds.** The Portfolio may invest up to 10% of its net assets in debt obligations rated below investment grade (also referred to herein as high-yield debt securities or junk bonds) by an NRSRO or considered by the Subadviser to be of comparable quality. In the event that a security receives different ratings from different NRSROs, the Portfolio will treat the security as being rated in the highest rating category received from an NRSRO.

**Yankee Obligations.** The Portfolio may invest up to 50% of its total assets in Yankee obligations. Yankee obligations are US dollar-denominated debt securities of foreign corporations issued in the United States and US dollar-denominated debt securities issued or guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by governments, quasi-governmental entities, government agencies, and other governmental entities of foreign countries and supranational entities, which securities are issued in the United States. Debt securities of quasi-governmental entities are issued by entities owned by either a national, state, or equivalent government or are obligations of a political unit that is not backed by the national government's full faith and credit and general taxing powers.

**AST TARGET MATURITY CENTRAL PORTFOLIO**

**Investment Objective:** The highest total return, consistent with the preservation of capital and liquidity needs. Total return is comprised of current income and capital appreciation.

**Principal Investment Policies:** In pursuing its investment objective, the Portfolio normally invests at least 80% of its assets (net assets plus any borrowings made for investment purposes) in intermediate and long-term debt obligations that are rated investment grade by the major ratings services, or, if unrated, considered to be of comparable quality by the Portfolio's subadviser, PGIM Fixed Income, and high-quality money market instruments.

In managing the Portfolio's assets, PGIM Fixed Income uses a combination of top-down economic analysis and bottom-up research in conjunction with proprietary quantitative models and risk management systems. In the top-down economic analysis, the subadviser develops views on economic, policy and market trends. In its bottom-up research, the subadviser develops an internal rating and outlook on issuers. The rating and outlook is determined based on a thorough review of the financial health and trends of the issuer. The subadviser may also consider investment factors such as expected total return, yield, spread and potential for price appreciation as well as credit quality, maturity and risk. The Portfolio may invest in a security based upon the expected total return rather than the yield of such security.

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The Portfolio may also invest up to 10% of its net assets in high-yield/high-risk debt securities (commonly known as junk bonds). The Portfolio also may invest in debt securities issued outside the US by US or foreign issuers, whether or not such securities are denominated in the US dollar. The Portfolio may invest in derivatives, such as credit default swaps, foreign exchange derivatives, and futures. The Portfolio may use derivative instruments to hedge its investments or to seek to enhance returns.

PGIM Fixed Income currently intends to maintain an overall weighted average credit quality rating of A- or better for the Portfolio. This target overall credit quality for the Portfolio will be based on ratings as of the date of purchase. In the event the overall credit quality drops below A- due to downgrades of individual portfolio securities, the PGIM Fixed Income will take appropriate action based upon the relevant facts and circumstances. In addition, PGIM Fixed Income expects to maintain the duration of the Portfolio within +/– 1 year of the benchmark index (Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Index) for the Portfolio.

**Principal Investments of the Portfolio**

**General**. The Subadviser has a team of fixed income professionals, including credit analysts and traders, with experience in many sectors of the US and foreign fixed income securities markets. The Subadviser will use qualitative and quantitative analysis to evaluate each bond issue considered for the Portfolio. In selecting portfolio securities for the Portfolio, the Subadviser will consider economic conditions and interest rate fundamentals. The Subadviser will also evaluate individual issues within each bond sector based upon their relative investment merit and will consider factors such as yield and potential for price appreciation as well as credit quality, maturity, and risk.

The Portfolio seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a diversified portfolio of high-quality debt obligations and other securities and instruments. To that end, the Portfolio emphasizes investments in several different types of securities and financial instruments, including, without limitation: (i) US Government securities; (ii) certain debt obligations issued or guaranteed by the US Government and government-related entities, including mortgage-related securities; (iii) privately-issued mortgage-related and asset-backed securities; (iv) debt obligations of US corporate issuers; and (v) derivatives and synthetic instruments that have economic characteristics that are similar to these types of securities and obligations. The Portfolio also may invest up to 50% of its total assets in US dollar-denominated debt securities issued in the United States by certain foreign issuers (referred to herein as Yankee obligations).

**US Government Securities.** US Government securities include debt obligations issued by the US Treasury. Treasury securities are all backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government, which means that payment of interest and principal is guaranteed, but yield and market value are not. The Portfolio may also acquire US Government securities in the form of custodial receipts that show ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on certain US Treasury notes or bonds. Such notes or bonds are held in custody by a bank on behalf of the owners. These custodial receipts are commonly referred to as Treasury strips.

**Other Debt Obligations Issued or Guaranteed by the US Government and Government Related Entities.** Securities issued by agencies of the US Government or instrumentalities of the US Government, including those which are guaranteed by Federal agencies or instrumentalities, may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Obligations of Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), the Farmers Home Administration, the Export-Import Bank, and the Small Business Administration are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Obligations of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Tennessee Valley Authority and the United States Postal Service are not backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the Portfolio generally must look principally to the agency issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States if the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitments. The yield and market value of these securities are not guaranteed by the US government or the relevant government sponsored enterprise.

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Most mortgage-backed securities are issued by federal government agencies such as Ginnie Mae, or by government sponsored enterprises such as Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. Principal and interest payments on mortgage-backed securities issued by the federal government and some Federal government agencies, such as Ginnie Mae, are guaranteed by the Federal government and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Mortgage-backed securities issued by other government agencies or government sponsored enterprises, such as Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, are backed only by the credit of the government agency or enterprise and are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are authorized to borrow from the US Treasury to meet their obligations. Although the US government has provided financial support to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, there can be no assurance that it will support these or other government-sponsored enterprises in the future.

**Privately-Issued Mortgage-Related Securities.** The Portfolio may also invest in privately issued mortgage-related securities. Privately issued mortgage-related securities are issued by private corporations rather than government agencies or government-sponsored enterprises. Privately issued mortgage-related securities are not guaranteed by US governmental entities and generally have one or more types of credit enhancement to ensure timely receipt of payments and to protect against default.

Mortgage-related securities are usually pass-through instruments that pay investors a share of all interest and principal payments from an underlying pool of fixed- or adjustable-rate mortgages. Mortgage pass-through securities include collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO), real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMIC), multi-class pass-through securities, stripped mortgage-backed securities and balloon payment mortgage-backed securities. A CMO is a security backed by an underlying portfolio of mortgages or mortgage-backed securities (MBS) that may be issued or guaranteed by a bank or by US governmental entities. CMOs rely on assumptions about the timing of cash flows on the underlying mortgages, including expected prepayment rates. The primary risk of a CMO is that these assumptions are wrong, which would either shorten or lengthen the bond's maturity. A REMIC is a security issued by a US Government agency or private issuer and secured by real property. REMICs consist of classes of regular interest, some of which may be adjustable-rate, and a class of non-economical residual interests. The Portfolio does not intend to invest in non-economic residual interests. A multi-class pass-through security is an equity interest in a trust composed of underlying mortgage assets. Payments of principal of and interest on the mortgage assets and any reinvestment income thereon provide funds to pay debt service on the CMO or to make scheduled distributions on the multi-class pass-through security. An MBS strip may be issued by US governmental entities or by private institutions. MBS strips take the pieces of a debt security (principal and interest) and break them apart. The resulting securities may be sold separately and may perform differently. The Portfolio may also invest in balloon payment mortgage-backed securities, which are amortizing mortgage securities offering payments of principal and interest, the last payment of which is predominantly principal.

**Asset-Backed Securities.** Asset-backed 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. Payments of principal and interest may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the entities issuing the securities. Asset-backed securities may be classified as pass-through certificates or collateralized obligations.

Pass-through certificates are asset-backed securities that represent an undivided fractional ownership interest in an underlying pool of assets. Pass-through certificates usually provide for payments of principal and interest to be passed through to their holders, usually after deduction for certain costs and expenses incurred in administering the pool. Because pass-through certificates represent an ownership interest in the underlying assets, the holders thereof bear directly the risk of any defaults by the obligors on the underlying assets not covered by any credit support.

Asset-backed securities issued in the form of debt instruments are generally issued as the debt of a special purpose entity organized solely for the purpose of owning such assets and issuing such debt. Such assets are most often trade, credit card or automobile receivables. The assets collateralizing such asset-backed securities are pledged to a trustee or custodian for the benefit of the holders thereof. Such issuers generally hold no assets other than those underlying the asset-backed securities and any credit support provided. As a result, although payments on such asset-backed

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securities are obligations of the issuers, in the event of defaults on the underlying assets not covered by any credit support, the issuing entities are unlikely to have sufficient assets to satisfy their obligations on the related asset-backed securities.

**Corporate Debt Obligations.** The Portfolio also may invest in the bonds of corporations. For purposes of this policy, the term "corporations" includes all non-government issuers. Corporate bonds are subject to the risk of the issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligation and may also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer, and general market liquidity. When interest rates rise, the value of corporate bonds can be expected to decline. Debt securities with longer maturities tend to be more sensitive to interest rate movements than those with shorter maturities.

**Junk Bonds.** The Portfolio may invest up to 10% of its net assets in debt obligations rated below investment grade (also referred to herein as high-yield debt securities or junk bonds) by a NRSRO, or which are considered by the subadviser to be of comparable quality. In the event that a security receives different ratings from different NRSROs, the Portfolio will treat the security as being rated in the highest rating category received from an NRSRO.

**Yankee Obligations.** The Portfolio may invest up to 50% of its total assets in Yankee obligations. Yankee obligations are US dollar-denominated debt securities of foreign corporations issued in the United States and US dollar-denominated debt securities issued or guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by governments, quasi-governmental entities, government agencies, and other governmental entities of foreign countries and supranational entities, which securities are issued in the United States. Debt securities of quasi-governmental entities are issued by entities owned by either a national, state, or equivalent government or are obligations of a political unit that is not backed by the national government's full faith and credit and general taxing powers.

**OTHER INVESTMENTS AND STRATEGIES OF THE PORTFOLIOS:**

In addition to the principal strategies described above, for any of the Portfolios offered in this Prospectus, a subadviser also may use the following investments and strategies to try to increase a Portfolio's returns or protect its assets if market conditions warrant:

**Zero Coupon Bonds, Pay-In-Kind (PIK) and Deferred Payment Securities.** Each Portfolio may invest in zero coupon bonds, pay-in-kind (PIK) or deferred payment securities. Zero coupon bonds do not pay interest during the life of the security. An investor purchases the security at a price that is less than the amount the investor will receive when the borrower repays the amount borrowed (face value). PIK securities pay interest in the form of additional securities. Deferred payment securities pay regular interest after a predetermined date. A Portfolio will record the amount these securities rise in price each year for accounting and US federal income tax purposes, but does not receive income currently. Because each Portfolio generally distributes income to its shareholders each year, in certain circumstances, each Portfolio may have to dispose of its portfolio securities under disadvantageous conditions or borrow to generate enough cash to distribute phantom income and the value of the PIK interest.

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**Short Sales.** In a short sale, a Portfolio sells a security it does not own to take advantage of an anticipated decline in the stock's price. A Portfolio borrows the stock for delivery and if it can buy the stock later at a lower price, a profit results. A Portfolio that sells a security short in effect borrows and then sells the security with the expectation that it will later repurchase the security at a lower price and then return the amount borrowed with interest. In contrast, when a Portfolio buys a security long, it purchases the security with cash with the expectation that it later will sell the security at a higher price. A Portfolio that enters into short sales exposes the Portfolio to the risk that it will be required to buy the security sold short (also known as "covering" the short position) at a time when the security has appreciated in value, thus resulting in a loss to the Portfolio. Theoretically, the amount of these losses can be unlimited. Although a Portfolio may try to reduce risk by holding both long and short positions at the same time, it is possible that the Portfolio's securities held long will decline in value at the same time that the value of the Portfolio's securities sold short increases, thereby increasing the potential for loss.

**Short Sales Against-the-Box.** A short sale against-the-box involves selling a security that a Portfolio owns, or has the right to obtain without additional costs, for delivery at a specified date in the future. A Portfolio may make a short sale against the box to hedge against anticipated declines in the market price of a portfolio security. If the value of the security sold short increases instead, the Portfolio loses the opportunity to participate in the gain.

**Repurchase Agreements.** In a repurchase transaction, a Portfolio agrees to purchase certain securities and the seller agrees to repurchase the same securities at an agreed upon price on a specified date. This creates a fixed return for the Portfolio, and functions as a loan by the Portfolio.

**Reverse Repurchase Agreements.** In a reverse repurchase transaction, a Portfolio sells a security it owns and agrees to buy it back at a set price and date. During the period the security is held by the other party, the Portfolio may continue to receive principal and interest payments on the security.

**Convertible Securities and Preferred Stock.** Each Portfolio may invest in convertible securities, which include preferred stocks and debt securities of a corporation that may be converted into underlying shares of common stock either because they have warrants attached or otherwise permit the holder to buy common stock of the corporation at a set price. Convertible securities provide an income stream (usually lower than non-convertible bonds) and give investors opportunities to participate in the capital appreciation of the underlying common stock. Convertible securities typically offer greater potential for appreciation than nonconvertible debt securities. Each Portfolio will sell common stock received upon conversion.

**Dollar Rolls.** Each Portfolio may enter into dollar rolls. In a dollar roll, a Portfolio takes the risk that: (i) the market price of the mortgage-backed securities will drop below their future repurchase price; (ii) the securities that it repurchases at a later date will have less favorable market characteristics; (iii) the other party to the agreement will not be able to perform; (iv) the dollar roll adds leverage to the Portfolio; and (v) the dollar roll increases the Portfolio's sensitivity to interest rate changes. In addition, investments in dollar rolls may increase the portfolio turnover rate of the Portfolio.

**Bank Loans.** Each Portfolio may invest in bank loans. Bank loans include fixed and floating rate loans that are privately negotiated between a corporate borrower and one or more financial institutions, including, but not limited to, term loans, revolvers, delayed draw loans, synthetic letters of credit, and other instruments issued in the bank loan market. Each Portfolio may acquire interests in loans directly (by way of assignment from the selling institution) or indirectly (by way of the purchase of a participation interest from the selling institution). Under a bank loan assignment, a Portfolio generally will succeed to all the rights and obligations of an assigning lending institution and becomes a lender under the loan agreement with the relevant borrower in connection with that loan. Under a bank loan participation, a Portfolio generally will have a contractual relationship only with the lender, not with the relevant borrower. As a result, a Portfolio generally will have the right to receive payments of principal, interest, and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the participation and only upon receipt by the lender of the payments from the relevant borrower.

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**When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Securities.** With when-issued or delayed delivery securities, the delivery and payment can take place a month or more after the date of the transaction. A Portfolio will make commitments for when-issued transactions only with the intention of actually acquiring the securities. The Portfolio's custodian will maintain in a segregated account, liquid assets having a value equal to or greater than such commitments. If a Portfolio chooses to dispose of the right to acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition, it could, as with the disposition of any other security, incur a gain or loss.

**Money Market Instruments.** Each Portfolio may invest in money market instruments, including commercial paper of a US or foreign company, foreign government securities, certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, time deposits of domestic and foreign banks, and obligations issued or guaranteed by the US government or its agencies. These obligations may be US dollar denominated or denominated in a foreign currency.

**Additional Strategies.** Each Portfolio follows certain policies when it borrows money (each Portfolio can borrow up to 33 <sup>1</sup>∕3% of the value of its total assets); lends its securities to others (each Portfolio can lend up to 33 <sup>1</sup>∕3% of the value of its total assets); and holds illiquid investments (each Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments, including securities with legal or contractual restrictions on resale, those without a readily available market and repurchase agreements with maturities longer than seven days). Each Portfolio's subadviser will seek to maintain an adequate level of portfolio liquidity for each Portfolio, based on all relevant facts and circumstances, with consideration given to a Portfolio's exposure to illiquid investments in the event the market value of such securities exceeds 15% of the Portfolio's net assets due to an increase in the aggregate value of its illiquid investments and/or a decline in the aggregate value of its other portfolio securities. Each Portfolio is subject to certain other investment restrictions that are fundamental policies, which means they cannot be changed without shareholder approval. For more information about these restrictions, please see the SAI.

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MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT OTHER INVESTMENTS & STRATEGIES USED BY THE PORTFOLIOS

**INTRODUCTION**

In addition to the principal investment strategies described above, a Portfolio may invest in the following types of securities and/or use the following investment strategies to increase returns or protect Portfolio assets if market conditions warrant.

Although the Portfolios make every effort to achieve their investment objectives, there can be no guarantee of success, and it is possible that you could lose money by investing in the Portfolios. Each Portfolio's investment objective is a non-fundamental investment policy and, therefore, may be changed by the Trust's Board of Trustees (the Board) without shareholder approval. A Portfolio will provide written notice to shareholders prior to, or concurrent with, any such change as required by applicable law.

Each Portfolio has investment strategies and policies that include percentage estimates and limitations. Those percentages are generally applied at the time the Portfolio makes an investment. As a result, the Portfolio generally may continue to hold positions that met a particular investment policy or limitation at the time the investment was made, but subsequently do not meet the investment policy or limitation. A Portfolio may have a policy to invest at least 80% of its assets in a particular category of investments suggested by the name of the Portfolio. Pursuant to Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act, this 80% policy relates to the Portfolio's net assets plus borrowings, if any, for investment purposes. The 80% requirement is applied at the time the Portfolio makes an investment. These 80% policies are non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. A Portfolio, however, will provide 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders of any change in an 80% policy based on the Portfolio's name if required by applicable rules.

**Additional Investments & Strategies**

In addition to the principal investment strategies described above, a Portfolio may invest in the following types of securities and/or use the following investment strategies to increase returns or protect Portfolio assets if market conditions warrant.

**Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDOs)**—A CDO is a security backed by an underlying portfolio of debt obligations, typically including one or more of the following types of investments: high yield securities, investment grade securities, bank loans, futures or swaps. A CDO provides a single security that has the economic characteristics of a diversified portfolio. The cash flows generated by the collateral are used to pay interest and principal to investors.

**Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs)**—A CLO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, as well as loans rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. The risks of an investment in a CLO depend largely on the quality of the underlying loans and may be classified by a Portfolio as illiquid investments.

**Credit Default Swaps**—In a credit default swap, a Portfolio and another party agree to exchange payment of the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation in the event of a default on that debt obligation in return for a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided no event of default has occurred. See also "Swaps" defined below.

**Credit-Linked Securities**—Credit linked securities are securities that are collateralized by one or more credit default swaps on corporate credits. A Portfolio has the right to receive periodic interest payments from the issuer of the credit-linked security at an agreed-upon interest rate and a return of principal at the maturity date. See also "Credit Default Swaps" defined above.

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**Depositary Receipts**—A Portfolio may invest in the securities of foreign issuers in the form of Depositary Receipts or other securities convertible into securities of foreign issuers. Depositary Receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and American Depositary Shares (ADSs) are receipts or shares typically issued by an American bank or trust company that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) are receipts issued in Europe that evidence a similar ownership arrangement. Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) are receipts issued throughout the world that evidence a similar arrangement. Generally, ADRs and ADSs, in registered form, are designed for use in the US securities markets, and EDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in European securities markets. GDRs are tradable both in the United States and in Europe and are designed for use throughout the world. A Portfolio may invest in unsponsored Depositary Receipts. The issuers of unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States, and, therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts. Depositary Receipts are generally subject to the same risks as the foreign securities that they evidence or into or for which they may be converted or exchanged. Investments in Depositary Receipts may be less liquid and more volatile than the underlying securities in their primary trading market.

**Energy Companies**—Companies that are involved in oil or gas exploration, production, refining or marketing, or any combination of the above are greatly affected by the prices and supplies of raw materials such as oil or gas. The earnings and dividends of energy companies can fluctuate significantly as a result of international economics, politics and regulation.

**Equity Swaps**—In an equity swap, a Portfolio and another party agree to exchange cash flow payments that are based on the performance of equities or an equity index. See also "Swaps" defined below.

**Event-Linked Bonds**—Event-linked bonds are fixed income securities for which the return of principal and payment of interest is contingent on the non-occurrence of a specific "trigger" event, such as a hurricane, earthquake, or other physical or weather-related phenomenon. If a trigger event occurs, a Portfolio may lose a portion or all of its principal invested in the bond. Event-linked bonds often provide for an extension of maturity to process and audit loss claims where a trigger event has, or possibly has, occurred. An extension of maturity may increase volatility. Event-linked bonds may also expose a Portfolio to certain unanticipated risks including credit risk, and adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations. Event-linked bonds may also be subject to liquidity risk.

**Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)**— A Portfolio may temporarily invest up to 10% of its assets in ETFs during stressed and/or volatile market conditions. An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional mutual fund (i.e., one that is not exchange-traded) that has the same investment objective, strategies and policies. The price of an ETF can fluctuate up or down, and a Portfolio could lose money investing in an ETF if the prices of the securities owned by the ETF go down. In addition, ETFs may be subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional mutual funds: (i) the market price of an ETF's shares may trade above or below their net asset value; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF's shares may not develop or be maintained; or (iii) trading of an ETF's shares may be halted if the listing exchange's officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are delisted from the exchange or the activation of market-wide "circuit breakers'' (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally.

**Financial Services Companies**—Financial services companies are subject to extensive government regulation that may affect their profitability in many ways, including by limiting the amount and types of loans and other commitments they can make, and the interest rates and fees they can charge. A financial services company's profitability, and therefore its stock price, is especially sensitive to interest rate changes as well as the ability of borrowers to repay their loans. Changing regulations, continuing consolidations, and development of new products and structures all are likely to have a significant impact on financial services companies.

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**Foreign Currency Forward Contracts**—A foreign currency forward contract is an obligation to buy or sell a given currency on a future date at a set price. When a Portfolio enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency, or when a Portfolio anticipates the receipt in a foreign currency of dividends or interest payments on a security which it holds, the Portfolio may desire to "lock-in" the US dollar price of the security or the US dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest payment, as the case may be. By entering into a forward contract for a fixed amount of dollars, for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying transactions, the Portfolio will be able to protect itself against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the US dollar and the foreign currency during the period between the date on which the security is purchased or sold, or on which the dividend or interest payment is declared, and the date on which such payments are made or received. At the maturity of a forward contract, a Portfolio may either sell the security and make delivery of the foreign currency or it may retain the security and terminate its contractual obligation to deliver the foreign currency by purchasing an "offsetting" contract with the same currency trader obligating it to purchase, on the same maturity date, the same amount of the foreign currency.

**Futures Contracts—**A futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell a set quantity of an underlying product at a future date, or to make or receive a cash payment based on the value of a securities index. When a futures contract is entered into, a Portfolio deposits collateral with a futures commission merchant. This is known as the "initial margin." The amount of initial margin required to be deposited is set by the exchange on which the contract is listed, subject to increase by the futures commission merchant, and is equal to a percentage, typically 3-12%, of the notional amount of the futures contract. Every day during the futures contract, a Portfolio will make or receive payments equal to the change in the mark-to-market value of the futures contract, known as "variation margin." A stock index futures contract is an agreement between the buyer and the seller of the contract to transfer an amount of cash equal to the daily variation margin of the contract. No physical delivery of the underlying stocks in the index is made.

**Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs)**—GDRs are receipts issued by a non-US financial institution evidencing ownership of underlying foreign securities and are usually denominated in foreign currencies. They may not be denominated in the same currency as the securities they represent. Generally, GDRs are designed for use in the foreign securities markets. Investments in GDRs involve certain risks unique to foreign investments.

**Healthcare Technology Companies**—These companies will be affected by government regulatory requirements, regulatory approval for new drugs and medical products, patent considerations, product liability, and similar matters. In addition, this industry is characterized by competition and rapid technological developments that may make a company's products or services obsolete in a short period of time.

**Illiquid Investments**—An "illiquid investment" is an investment that a Portfolio reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. A Portfolio may not acquire any "illiquid investment" if, immediately after the acquisition, a Portfolio would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets. A Portfolio may purchase certain restricted securities that can be resold to institutional investors and which may be determined to be liquid pursuant to procedures adopted by the Trust on behalf of a Portfolio. Those securities are not subject to the 15% limit. The 15% limit is applied as of the date the Portfolio purchases an illiquid investment. In the event the market value of a Portfolio's illiquid investments exceeds the 15% limit due to an increase in the aggregate value of its illiquid investments and/or a decline in the aggregate value of its other investments, a Portfolio must take steps to bring its illiquid investments that are assets to or below 15% of its net assets within a reasonable period of time.

**Inflation-Indexed Securities**—Inflation-indexed securities have a tendency to react to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (stated) interest rates lowered by the anticipated effect of inflation. In general, the price of an inflation-indexed security can decrease when real interest rates increase and can increase when real interest rates decrease. Interest payments on inflation indexed securities will fluctuate as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation and can be unpredictable. Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-protected debt security will be considered taxable ordinary income for US federal income tax purposes, even though investors, such as a Portfolio, do not receive their principal until maturity.

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**Interest Rate Swaps**—In an interest rate swap, a Portfolio and another party agree to exchange interest payments. For example, the Portfolio may wish to exchange a floating rate of interest for a fixed rate. See also "Swaps" defined below.

**Investments in Affiliated Funds**—A Portfolio may invest its assets in affiliated funds, as an efficient means to gain exposure to certain asset classes or investment strategies when carrying out its investment strategies. Such underlying affiliated funds are registered investment companies under the 1940 Act. A Portfolio can invest its free cash balances in the underlying affiliated funds to obtain income on short-term cash balances while awaiting attractive investment opportunities, to provide liquidity in preparation for anticipated redemptions, for defensive purposes, or as an efficient means to gain exposure to certain asset classes or investment strategies when carrying out its investment strategies. Such an investment could also allow a Portfolio to obtain the benefits of a more diversified portfolio available in the affiliated funds than might otherwise be available through direct investments in those asset classes, and will subject the Portfolio to the risks associated with the particular asset class. As a shareholder in underlying affiliated funds, a Portfolio will pay its proportional share of the expenses of such underlying affiliated funds. Management fees of either a Portfolio or an affiliated fund in which it invests, as applicable, will be waived, so that shareholders of the Portfolio are not paying management fees of both the Portfolio and the underlying affiliated fund. The investment results of the portions of a Portfolio's assets invested in underlying affiliated funds will be based on the investment results of such underlying affiliated funds.

**Joint Repurchase Account**—In a joint repurchase transaction, uninvested cash balances of various Portfolios are added together and invested in one or more repurchase agreements. Each of the participating Portfolios receives a portion of the income earned in the joint account based on the percentage of its investment.

**Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs)**—MLP investments may include, but are not limited to: MLPs structured as LPs or LLCs; MLPs that are taxed as "C" corporations for US federal income tax purposes; I-Units issued by MLP affiliates; parent companies of MLPs; shares of companies owning MLP general partnership interests and other securities representing indirect beneficial ownership interests in MLP common units; "C" corporations that hold significant interests in MLPs; and other equity and fixed income securities and derivative instruments, including pooled investment vehicles and exchange traded products, that provide exposure to MLP investments. MLPs generally own and operate assets that are used in the energy sector, including assets used in exploring, developing, producing, generating, transporting (including marine), transmitting, terminal operation, storing, gathering, processing, refining, distributing, mining, or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined products, coal or electricity, or that provide energy related equipment or services. A Portfolio's MLP investments may be of any capitalization size.

**Non-Voting Depositary Receipts (NVDRs)**—NVDRs are listed securities on the Stock Exchange of Thailand through which investors receive the same financial benefits as those who invest directly in a company's ordinary shares; however, unlike ordinary shareholders, NVDR holders cannot be involved in company decision-making. NVDRs are designed for use in the Thailand securities market. Investments in NVDRs involve certain risks unique to foreign investments.

**Options**—A call option on stock is a short-term contract that gives the option purchaser or "holder" the right to acquire a particular equity security for a specified price at a particular time on a specified date or at any time during a specified period depending upon the style of the option. For this right, the option purchaser pays the option seller a certain amount of money or "premium" which is set before the option contract is entered into. The seller or "writer" of the option is obligated to deliver the particular security if the option purchaser exercises the option. A put option on stock is a similar contract. In a put option, the option purchaser has the right to sell a particular security to the option seller for a specified price at a particular time on a specified date or at any time during a specified period depending upon the style of the option. In exchange for this right, the option purchaser pays the option seller a premium. Options on debt securities are similar to stock options except that the option holder has the right to acquire or sell a debt security rather than an equity security. Options on stock indexes are similar to options on stocks, except that instead of giving the option holder the right to receive or sell a stock, it gives the holder the right to receive an amount of cash if the closing level of the stock index is greater than (in the case of a call) or less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option. The amount of cash the holder will receive is determined by

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multiplying the difference between the index's closing price and the option's exercise price, expressed in dollars, by a specified "multiplier." Unlike stock options, stock index options are always settled in cash, and gain or loss depends on price movements in the stock market generally (or a particular market segment, depending on the index) rather than the price movement of an individual stock.

**Participation Notes (P-Notes)**—P-Notes are a type of equity-linked derivative that generally are traded over-the-counter. Even though a P-Note is intended to reflect the performance of the underlying equity securities, the performance of a P-Note will not replicate exactly the performance of the issuers or markets that the P-Note seeks to replicate due to transaction costs and other expenses. Investments in P-Notes involve risks normally associated with a direct investment in the underlying securities. In addition, P-Notes are subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the broker-dealer or bank that issues the P-Notes will not fulfill its contractual obligation to complete the transaction with a Portfolio.

**Prepayment**—Debt securities are subject to prepayment risk when the issuer can "call" the security, or repay principal, in whole or in part, prior to the security's maturity. When a Portfolio reinvests the prepayments of principal it receives, it may receive a rate of interest that is lower than the rate on the existing security, potentially lowering the Portfolio's income, yield and its distributions to shareholders. Securities subject to prepayment may offer less potential for gains during a declining interest rate environment and have greater price volatility. Prepayment risk is greater in periods of falling interest rates.

**Private Investments in Public Equity (PIPEs)**—A PIPE is an equity security in a private placement that is issued by issuers who have outstanding, publicly-traded equity securities of the same class. Shares in PIPEs generally are not registered with the SEC until after a certain time period from the date the private sale is completed. This restricted period can last many months. Until the public registration process is completed, PIPEs are restricted as to resale and a Portfolio cannot freely trade the securities. Generally, such restrictions and other relevant market, trading and investment-specific considerations cause the PIPEs to be classified as illiquid investments during this time. PIPEs may contain provisions that the issuer will pay specified financial penalties to the holder if the issuer does not publicly register the restricted equity securities within a specified period of time, but there is no assurance that the restricted equity securities will be publicly registered, or that the registration will remain in effect.

**Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)**—A REIT is a company that manages a portfolio of real estate to earn profits for its shareholders. Some REITs acquire equity interests in real estate and then receive income from rents and capital gains when the buildings are sold. Other REITs lend money to real estate developers and receive interest income from the mortgages. Some REITs invest in both types of interests.

**Swap Options**—A swap option (known as a "swaption") is a contract that gives a counterparty the right (but not the obligation) to enter into a swap agreement or to shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement at some designated future time on specified terms. See also "Options" defined above.

**Swaps**—Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. Credit Default Swaps, Equity Swaps, Interest Rate Swaps, and Total Return Swaps are four types of swap agreements.

**Temporary Defensive Investments**—In response to adverse or unstable market, economic, political, or other conditions or to satisfy redemptions, a Portfolio may take a temporary defensive position and invest up to 100% of its assets in money market instruments, including short-term obligations of, or securities guaranteed by, the US Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or in high-quality obligations of banks and corporations, repurchase agreements, or hold up to 100% of its assets in cash, cash equivalents or shares of money market or short-term bond funds. Investing heavily in these securities may limit a Portfolio's ability to pursue or achieve its investment objective

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and could reduce the benefit to the Portfolio from any upswing in the market, but can help to preserve the value of the Portfolio's assets during adverse or unstable environments. The use of temporary defensive investments may be inconsistent with a Portfolio's investment objective.

**Total Return Swaps**—In a total return swap, payment (or receipt) of an index's total return is exchanged for the receipt (or payment) of a floating interest rate. See also "Swaps" defined above.

**Unrated Debt Securities**—Unrated debt securities may be determined by the Manager to be of comparable quality to rated securities which a Portfolio may purchase. In making ratings determinations, the Manager may take into account different factors than those taken into account by rating agencies, and the Manager's rating of a security may differ from the rating that a rating agency may have given the same security. Unrated debt securities may pay a higher interest rate than such rated debt securities and be subject to a greater risk of decreased liquidity or price changes. Less public information is typically available about unrated securities or issuers.

**Utilities Industry**—Utility company equity securities, which are generally purchased for their dividend yield, historically have been sensitive to interest rate movements: when interest rates have risen, the stock prices of these companies have tended to fall. In some states, utility companies and their rates are regulated; other states have moved to deregulate such companies thereby causing non-regulated companies' returns to generally be more volatile and more sensitive to changes in revenue and earnings. Certain utilities companies face risks associated with the operation of nuclear facilities for electric generation, including, among other considerations, litigation, the problems associated with the use of radioactive materials and the effects of natural or man-made disasters. In general, all utility companies may face additional regulation and litigation regarding their power plant operations; increased costs from new or greater regulation of these operations; the need to purchase expensive emissions control equipment or new operations due to regulations; and the availability and cost of fuel, all of which may lower their earnings.

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PRINCIPAL RISKS

An investment or type of security specifically identified in this Prospectus generally reflects a principal investment. The Portfolio also may invest in or use certain other types of investments and investing techniques that are described in the SAI. An investment or type of security only identified in the SAI typically is treated as a non-principal investment. The risks identified below are the principal risks of investing in the Portfolios. This section provides more detailed information about each risk. Each Portfolio may be subject to additional risks other than those identified and described below because the types of investments made by a Portfolio can change over time. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor. For Portfolios that invest in a combination of underlying investment companies and other underlying portfolios, a Portfolio may be exposed to these risks directly through securities and other investments held directly by the Portfolio or indirectly through investments made by underlying portfolios in which the Portfolio invests.

All investments have risks to some degree and it is possible that you could lose money by investing in the Portfolios. An investment in a Portfolio is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. While the Portfolios make every effort to achieve their objectives, the Portfolios cannot guarantee success.

In addition, each Portfolio reserves the right to discontinue offering shares at any time, to merge or reorganize itself, or to cease operations and liquidate at any time.

**AI Technologies Development Risk.** Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, "artificial intelligence"), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Portfolio invests and subject the Portfolio or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Portfolio or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Portfolio, the Portfolio's Manager, Subadviser(s), distributor, and other service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Portfolio invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for a Portfolio, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Portfolios. For instance, the Portfolio may also be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Portfolio expects. The economy may be significantly impacted by the advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence technologies. As artificial intelligence technologies are used more widely, the profitability and growth of a Portfolio's holdings may be impacted, which could significantly impact the overall performance of the Portfolio. The legal and regulatory frameworks within which artificial intelligence technologies operate continue to rapidly evolve, and it is not possible to predict the full extent of current or future risks related thereto.

**Asset-Backed and/or Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk**. Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities primarily are fixed income securities that represent an interest in an underlying pool of assets, such as credit card receivables or, in the case of mortgage-backed securities, mortgage loans on residential and/or commercial real estate. Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and liquidity risk, which are further described under Fixed Income Securities Risk.

Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities may also be subject to prepayment and extension risks. In a period of declining interest rates, borrowers may repay principal on mortgages or other loan obligations underlying a security more quickly than anticipated, which may require a Portfolio to reinvest the repayment proceeds in securities that pay lower interest rates (prepayment risk). In a period of rising interest rates, prepayments may occur at a slower rate than expected, which may prevent a Portfolio from reinvesting repayment proceeds in securities that pay higher

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interest rates (extension risk). The more a Portfolio invests in longer-term asset-backed securities, the more likely it will be affected by changes in interest rates, which may result in lower than anticipated yield-to-maturity and expected returns as well as reduced market value of such securities.

Mortgage-backed securities are a specific type of asset-backed security—one backed by mortgage loans on residential and/or commercial real estate. Therefore, they also have risks related to real estate, including significant sensitivity to changes in real estate prices and interest rates and, in the case of commercial mortgages, office and factory occupancy rates. Mortgage-backed securities issued by private non-government entities are subject to the risks that the underlying mortgage borrowers fail to make timely payments of interest and principal and that any guarantee or other structural feature, if present, is insufficient to enable the timely payment of interest and principal on the mortgage-backed securities. Moreover, securities backed by mortgages issued by private, non-government issuers may experience higher rates of default on the underlying mortgages than government-issued mortgages because private issuer mortgage loans often do not meet the underwriting standards of government-issued mortgages. Private issuer mortgage-backed securities may include loans on commercial or residential properties. Although certain mortgage-backed securities issued by private non-government entities are guaranteed as to timely payment of interest and principal by a government-sponsored entity, the market price for such securities is not guaranteed and will fluctuate. Asset-backed securities backed by sub-prime mortgage loans expose a Portfolio to potentially greater declines in value due to defaults because sub-prime mortgage loans are typically made to less creditworthy borrowers and thus have a greater risk of default than conventional mortgage loans.

A Portfolio may invest in securities issued or guaranteed by the US Government or its agencies and instrumentalities, such as Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac. Unlike Ginnie Mae securities, securities issued or guaranteed by US Government-related organizations such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac are not backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government, and no assurance can be given that the US Government would provide financial support to such securities.

**Cybersecurity Risk.** Failures or breaches of the electronic systems of a Portfolio, the Portfolio's Manager, Subadviser(s), distributor, and other service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Portfolio invests have the ability to cause disruptions and negatively impact the Portfolio's business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses to the Portfolio and its shareholders. While each Portfolio has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to address system breaches or failures, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems. Furthermore, a Portfolio cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems of the Portfolio's service providers or issuers of securities in which the Portfolio invests. In addition, the rapid development and increasingly widespread use of artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence, could exacerbate these risks or result in cybersecurity incidents that implicate personal data.

**Derivatives Risk**. A derivative is a financial contract, the value of which depends upon, or is derived from, the value of one or more underlying investments, such as an asset, reference rate, or index, and may relate to stocks, bonds, interest rates, currencies, and currency exchange rates. Derivatives in which the Portfolios may invest include exchange-traded instruments as well as privately-negotiated instruments, also called over-the-counter instruments. Examples of derivatives include, but are not limited to, options, futures, forward agreements, interest rate swap agreements, credit default swap agreements, and credit-linked securities. A Portfolio may, but is not required to, use derivatives to seek to earn income or enhance returns, manage or adjust its risk profile, replace more traditional direct investments, or obtain exposure to certain markets. The use of derivatives to seek to earn income or enhance returns may be considered speculative. The use of derivative instruments also exposes a Portfolio to transaction costs. Derivatives involve the risk that changes in their value may not correlate perfectly with the assets, rates, indices or instruments they are designed to hedge or closely track. In addition, fluctuations in derivatives' values may not correlate perfectly with the securities markets. For exchange-traded and/or centrally cleared derivatives, such as futures, many options and certain swaps, the primary credit/counterparty risk is the creditworthiness of a Portfolio's clearing broker and the central clearing house itself through which such derivative positions are traded and held. Such risk is concentrated in relatively few clearinghouses and clearing members.

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The use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that involves a variety of risks and costs that are different from, or possibly greater than, investing directly in traditional equity and debt securities, including:

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*Counterparty credit risk*. There is a risk that the counterparty (the party on the other side of the transaction) on a derivative transaction will be unable to make timely payments or otherwise honor its financial obligations to a Portfolio. This risk is especially important in the context of privately negotiated instruments. For example, a Portfolio would be exposed to counterparty credit risk to the extent it enters into a credit default swap, that is, it purchases protection against a default by a debt issuer, and the swap counterparty does not maintain adequate reserves to cover such a default.

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*Leverage risk*. Borrowings, certain derivatives and other trading strategies can create leverage (i.e., a Portfolio's investment exposures exceed its net asset value). Leverage can result in losses to a Portfolio that exceed the amount originally invested. A Portfolio may manage some of its derivative positions by offsetting derivative positions against one another or against other assets. To the extent offsetting positions do not behave in relation to one another as expected, a Portfolio may perform as if it were leveraged. The use of leverage may cause a Portfolio to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or to meet margin requirements.

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*Liquidity and valuation risk*. Certain exchange-traded derivatives may be difficult or impossible to buy or sell at the time that the seller would like, or at the price that the seller believes the derivative is currently worth. Privately-negotiated instruments may be difficult to terminate, and from time to time, a Portfolio may find it difficult to enter into a transaction that would offset the losses incurred by another derivative that it holds. Derivatives, and especially privately-negotiated instruments, also involve the risk of incorrect valuation (that is, the value assigned to the derivative may not always reflect its risks or potential rewards).

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*Hedging risk*. Hedging is a strategy in which a Portfolio uses a derivative to offset the risks associated with its other portfolio holdings. While hedging can reduce losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains or magnify losses if the market moves in a manner different from that anticipated by the Portfolio. Hedging also involves the risk that changes in the value of the derivative will not match the value of the holdings being hedged, to the extent expected by the Portfolio, in which case any losses on the holdings being hedged may not be reduced and in fact, may be increased. No assurance can be given that any hedging strategy will reduce risk or that hedging transactions will be either available or cost effective. A Portfolio is not required to use hedging and may choose not to do so.

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*Futures and Forward Contracts risk.* The primary risks associated with the use of futures or forward contracts are: (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the instruments held by a Portfolio and the price of the futures or forward contract; (b) possible lack of a liquid market for a futures or forward contract and the resulting inability to close a futures or forward contract when desired; (c) losses caused by unanticipated market movements, which are potentially unlimited; (d) the failure to predict correctly the direction of securities or commodities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; and (e) the possibility that the counterparty to the futures or forward contract will default in the performance of its obligations. Additionally, not all forward contracts require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose a Portfolio to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.

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*Government Regulation of Derivatives risk.* The derivatives markets are subject to various regulations. For example, the SEC has adopted Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act which governs the use of derivative investments and certain financing transactions (e.g., reverse repurchase agreements) by registered investment companies. Among other things, Rule 18f-4 requires funds that invest in derivative instruments beyond a specified limited amount to apply a value-at-risk based limit to their use of derivative instruments and financing transactions and to adopt and implement a derivatives risk management program. Rule 18f-4 as well as other applicable government regulations more generally can, among other things, adversely affect the value of the investments held by a Portfolio, restrict a Portfolio's ability to engage in derivatives transactions (for example, by making certain derivatives transactions no longer available to that Portfolio) and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions (for example, by increasing margin or capital requirements), which could adversely affect investors. Regulations may also limit and/or delay a Portfolio's ability to recover amounts owed to it (including collateral held by its counterparties) which could increase counterparty risk. In particular, position limits imposed on a Portfolio or its counterparties may impact that Portfolio's ability to invest in a manner that efficiently meets its investment objective, and requirements, including capital and mandatory clearing for certain swaps, may increase the cost of a Portfolio's investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors. Because derivatives regulations are evolving, their ultimate impact remains unclear.

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**Dollar Roll Transactions Risk.** Dollar rolls involve the sale by a Portfolio of a security for delivery in the current month with a promise to repurchase from the buyer a substantially similar—but not necessarily the same—security at a set price and date in the future. In a dollar roll, the Portfolio takes the risk that: (i) the market price of the mortgage-backed securities will drop below their future repurchase price; (ii) the securities that it repurchases at a later date will have less favorable market characteristics; (iii) the other party to the agreement will not be able to perform; (iv) the roll adds leverage to the Portfolio; and (v) the roll increases the Portfolio's sensitivity to interest rate changes. In addition, investments in dollar rolls may increase the portfolio turnover rate of the Portfolio. A dollar roll can be viewed as a borrowing. If a Portfolio makes additional investments while a dollar roll is outstanding, this may be considered a form of leverage.

**Equity and Equity-Related Securities Risk**. From time to time, the Portfolio may purchase or hold equity or equity-related securities incidental to the purchase or ownership of fixed income instruments or in connection with a reorganization of a borrower. These include common stock, preferred stock or securities that may be converted into or exchanged for common stock—known as convertible securities—like rights and warrants. There is a risk that the value of a particular stock or equity-related security held by a Portfolio could fluctuate, perhaps greatly, in response to a number of factors, such as changes in the issuer's financial condition, changes in interest rates, or heightened levels of inflation. In addition to an individual stock losing value, the value of the equity markets or a sector of those markets in which a Portfolio invests could go down. A Portfolio's holdings can vary from broad market indexes, and the performance of a Portfolio can deviate from the performance of such indexes. Different parts of a market can react differently to adverse issuer, market, regulatory, political and economic developments. Such events may result in losses to a Portfolio. Preferred stock generally pays dividends at a specified rate and has preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of assets, but does not ordinarily carry voting rights. The price of a preferred stock is generally determined by earnings, type of products or services, projected growth rates, experience of management, liquidity, and general market conditions of the markets on which the stock trades. The most significant risks associated with investments in preferred stock include the risk of losses attributable to adverse changes in interest rates, broader market conditions and the financial condition of the stock's issuer. Preferred stock may also be subordinated to bonds or other debt instruments in a company's capital structure and is typically less liquid than common stock. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other types of investments. These risks are generally magnified in the case of equity investments in distressed companies.

**Expense Risk**. Your actual cost of investing in a Portfolio may be higher than the expenses shown in "Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses" for a variety of reasons. For example, Portfolio operating expense ratios may be higher than those shown if a Portfolio's average net assets decrease, fee waivers or expense limitations change, or the Portfolio incurs more expenses than expected. Net assets are more likely to decrease and Portfolio expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile. Active and frequent trading of Portfolio securities can increase expenses.

**Fixed Income Securities Risk**. Investment in fixed income securities involves a variety of risks, including credit risk, liquidity risk and interest rate risk. The market price of a fixed-income investment can decline due to market-related factors, including rising interest rates and widening credit spreads, rising inflation, or decreased liquidity due, for example, to market uncertainty about the value of a fixed-income investment (or class of fixed income investments).

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*Credit risk*. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer or guarantor of a security will be unable or unwilling to pay principal and interest when due, or that the value of the security will suffer because investors believe the issuer is less able or willing to make required principal and interest payments. The risk that such issuer or guarantor is less willing or able to make required principal and interest payments is heightened in market environments where interest rates are rising. The downgrade of the credit of a security held by a Portfolio may decrease its value. 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 a Portfolio, 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 Portfolio assets allocated to lower-rated securities generally will increase the credit risk to which a Portfolio is subject. Information on the ratings issued to debt securities by certain credit rating agencies is included in Appendix I to the Statement of Additional Information (SAI). Not all securities are rated. In the event that the relevant credit rating agencies assign different ratings to the same security, a Portfolio's Subadviser may determine which rating it believes best reflects the security's

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quality and risk at that time. The Portfolio will not necessarily sell a security when its rating is reduced below its rating at the time of purchase. Some, but not all, US government securities are insured or guaranteed by the US government, while others are only insured or guaranteed by the issuing agency, which must rely on its own resources to repay the debt. Although credit risk may be lower for US government securities than for other investment-grade securities, the return may be lower.

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*Liquidity risk*. Liquidity risk is the risk that a Portfolio may not be able to sell some or all of the securities it holds, either at the price it values the security or at any price. Liquidity risk also includes the risk that there may be delays in selling a security, if it can be sold at all, which could prevent a Portfolio from taking advantage of other investment opportunities. The liquidity of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities may change over time. During periods of deteriorating economic conditions, such as recessions or periods of rising unemployment, delinquencies and losses generally increase, sometimes dramatically, with respect to securitizations involving loans, sales contracts, receivables and other obligations underlying asset-backed securities. In addition, liquidity risk refers to the risk that a Portfolio may not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period or without significant dilution to remaining investors' interests because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests, redemption requests by certain large shareholders such as institutional investors, or other reasons. Meeting such redemption requests may cause a Portfolio to have to liquidate portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices or times and/or unfavorable conditions and, thus, could reduce the returns of a Portfolio and dilute remaining investors' interests. The reduction in dealer market-making capacity in fixed income markets that has occurred in recent years also has the potential to decrease liquidity.

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*Interest rate risk.* Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of an investment will fluctuate because of a change in interest rates. The prices of fixed income securities generally move in the opposite direction to that of market interest rates. Changes in interest rates may also affect the liquidity of a Portfolio's investments in fixed income securities. Interest rates in the US may increase, possibly suddenly and significantly, with unpredictable effects on the markets and a Portfolio's investments. A wide variety of factors can cause interest rates to rise, including central bank monetary policies and inflation rates. As interest rates rise, the value of fixed income investments typically decreases and there is risk that rates across the financial system also may rise. To the extent rates increase substantially and/or rapidly, a Portfolio may be subject to significant losses if it has significant investments in fixed income investments. Generally, the longer the maturity of a fixed income security, the greater is the decline in its value when rates increase. As a result, portfolios with longer durations and longer weighted average maturities generally have more volatile share prices than portfolios with shorter durations and shorter weighted average maturities. Certain securities acquired by a Portfolio may pay interest at a variable rate or the principal amount of the security periodically adjusts according to the rate of inflation or other measure. In either case, the interest rate at issuance is generally lower than the fixed interest rate of bonds of similar seniority from the same issuer; however, variable interest rate securities generally are subject to a lower risk that their value will decrease during periods of increasing interest rates and increasing inflation. Decreases in interest rates create the potential for a decrease in income earned by a Portfolio. During periods of very low or negative interest rates, a Portfolio may be unable to maintain positive returns. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. Changing interest rates may have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from Portfolio performance to the extent the Portfolio is exposed to such interest rates.

**Fund of Funds Risk**. A Portfolio that is structured as a "fund of funds" invests primarily in a combination of underlying investment companies and other underlying portfolios describes in such Portfolio's Prospectus. In addition to the risks associated with the investment in the underlying portfolios, these Portfolios are subject to the following risks:

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To the extent that a Portfolio concentrates its assets among underlying portfolios that invest principally in one or several asset classes, a Portfolio may from time to time underperform mutual funds exposed primarily to other asset classes. For example, a Portfolio may be overweighed in the equity asset class when the stock market is falling and the fixed income market is rising. Likewise, a Portfolio may be overweighted in the fixed income asset class when the fixed income market is falling and the stock market is rising.

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The ability of a Portfolio to achieve its investment objective depends on the ability of the selected underlying portfolios to achieve their investment objectives. There is a risk that the selected underlying portfolios will underperform relevant markets, relevant indices, or other portfolios with similar investment objectives and strategies.

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A Portfolio will incur its pro rata share of the expenses of an underlying portfolio in which the Portfolio invests, such as investment advisory and other management expenses, and shareholders incur the operating expenses of these underlying portfolios.

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The performance of a Portfolio may be affected by large purchases and redemptions of underlying portfolio shares. For example, large purchases and redemptions may cause an underlying portfolio to hold a greater percentage of its assets in cash than other portfolios pursuing similar strategies, and large redemptions may cause an underlying portfolio to sell assets at inopportune times. Underlying portfolios that have experienced significant redemptions may, as a result, have higher expense ratios than other portfolios pursuing similar strategies. The Manager and a Portfolio's Subadviser(s) seek to minimize the impact of large purchases and redemptions of underlying portfolio shares, but their abilities to do so may be limited.

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There is a potential conflict of interest between a Portfolio and its Manager and a Portfolio's Subadviser(s). Because the amount of the management fees to be retained by the Manager and their affiliates may differ depending upon which underlying portfolios are used in connection with a Portfolio, there is a potential conflict of interest for the Manager and a Portfolio's Subadviser(s) in selecting the underlying portfolios. In addition, the Manager and a Portfolio's Subadviser(s) may have an incentive to take into account the effect on an underlying portfolio in which the Portfolio may invest in determining whether, and under what circumstances, to purchase or sell shares in that underlying portfolio. Although the Manager and a Portfolio's Subadviser(s) take steps to address the potential conflicts of interest, it is possible that the potential conflicts could impact the Portfolios.

**High Yield Risk**. Investments in high yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality (commonly known as "high yield securities" or "junk bonds") may be subject to greater levels of interest rate, credit, call and liquidity risk than investments in investment grade securities. High yield securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's continuing ability to make principal and interest payments, and may be more volatile than other types of securities. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for high yield securities and reduce a Portfolio's ability to sell its high yield securities at an advantageous time or price. An economic downturn generally leads to a higher non-payment rate, and a high yield investment may lose significant value before a default occurs.

In addition, the market for lower-rated bonds may be thinner and less active than the market for higher-rated bonds, and the prices of lower-rated bonds may fluctuate more than the prices of higher-rated bonds, particularly in times of market stress. High yield securities frequently have redemption features that permit an issuer to repurchase the security from a Portfolio prior to maturity, which may result in the Portfolio having to reinvest the proceeds in other high yield securities or similar instruments that may pay lower interest rates.

**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 Portfolio's shares. There is no requirement that these entities maintain their investment in the Portfolio. There is a risk that such large shareholders or that the Portfolio's shareholders generally may redeem all or a substantial portion of their investments in the Portfolio in a short period of time, which could have a significant negative impact on the Portfolio's NAV, liquidity, and brokerage costs. Large redemptions could also result in tax consequences to shareholders subject to tax on distributions from the Portfolio, such as Participating Insurance Companies, and impact the Portfolio's ability to implement its investment strategy. The Portfolio's ability to pursue its investment objective after one or more large scale redemptions may be impaired and, as a result, the Portfolio may invest a larger portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents.

**Liquidity and Valuation Risk**. From time to time, a Portfolio may hold one or more securities for which there are no or few buyers and sellers, or where the securities are subject to limitations on transfer. In those cases, a Portfolio may have difficulty determining the values of those securities for the purpose of determining a Portfolio's net asset value. The Portfolio also may have difficulty disposing of those securities at an advantageous time or at the values determined by the Portfolio for the purpose of determining the Portfolio's net asset value, especially during periods of significant net redemptions of Portfolio shares. As a result, a Portfolio may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to certain issuers, asset classes or sectors. Private equity investments and private real estate-related investments are generally classified as illiquid investments and generally cannot be readily sold. As a result, private real estate-related investments owned by a Portfolio may be valued at fair value pursuant to policies and procedures adopted and implemented by the Manager acting in its capacity as valuation designee under Rule 2a-5. Fair value determinations are inherently subjective and reflect good faith judgments based on available information.

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Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the fair value prices accurately reflect the price a Portfolio would receive upon the sale of the investment. The Portfolio's ability to value its investments may also be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

Portfolios with principal investment strategies that involve foreign securities, private placement investments, derivatives, or securities with substantial market and/or credit risk tend to have the greatest exposure to liquidity and valuation risk.

In 2022, the SEC proposed amendments to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act and Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act, that, if adopted, would, among other things, cause more investments to be treated as illiquid, and could prevent the Portfolio from investing in securities that the Manager believes are appropriate or desirable. While the SEC has withdrawn that particular proposal, there can be no assurance that the SEC will not re-propose similar or related rulemaking in the future.

**Loan Risk**. The loans in which a Portfolio may invest are typically rated below investment grade or are unrated securities of similar quality. The loans in which a Portfolio may invest may not be (i) rated at the time of investment; (ii) registered with the SEC; or (iii) listed on a securities exchange. The amount of public information available with respect to such loans may be less extensive than that available for more widely rated, registered or exchange-listed securities. Because no active trading market may exist for some of the loans in which a Portfolio may invest, such loans may be less liquid and more difficult to value than more liquid investments for which a trading market does exist. Portfolio transactions may take up to two or three weeks to settle, and in some cases much longer. Unlike the securities markets, there is no central clearinghouse for loan trades, and the loan market has not established enforceable settlement standards or remedies for failure to settle. As a result, sale proceeds potentially will not be available to a Portfolio to make additional investments or to use proceeds to meet its current redemption obligations. A Portfolio thus is subject to the risk of selling other investments at disadvantageous times or prices or taking other actions necessary to raise cash to meet its redemption obligations. Because the interest rates of floating-rate loans in which a Portfolio may invest may reset frequently, if market interest rates fall, the loans' interest rates will be reset to lower levels, potentially reducing a Portfolio's income. Loans are also subject to the risk that scheduled interest or principal payments will not be made in a timely manner or at all, either of which may adversely affect the value of the loan. In addition, the collateral underlying a loan may be unavailable or insufficient to satisfy a borrower's obligation, and a Portfolio could become a partial owner of such collateral if a loan is foreclosed, subjecting the Portfolio to costs associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. If a Portfolio purchases a participation, it may only be able to enforce its rights through the lender and may assume the credit risk of the lender in addition to the borrower. Loans that are secured and senior to other debtholders of a borrower tend to have more favorable loss recovery rates as compared to more junior types of below investment grade debt obligations. Due to their lower place in the borrower's capital structure and, in some cases, their unsecured status, junior loans involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior loans of the same borrower.

To the extent a Portfolio invests in loans of non-US issuers, the risks of investing in non-US issuers are applicable. Loan interests may not be considered "securities," and purchasers, such as a Portfolio, therefore may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws. A Portfolio may be in possession of material non-public information about a borrower or issuer as a result of its ownership of a loan or security of such borrower or issuer. Because of prohibitions on trading in securities of issuers while in possession of such information, a Portfolio may be unable to enter into a transaction in a loan or security of such a borrower or issuer when it would otherwise be advantageous to do so.

To the extent that legislation or state or federal regulators that regulate certain financial institutions impose additional requirements or restrictions with respect to the ability of such institutions to make loans, particularly in connection with highly leveraged transactions, the availability of loans for investment may be adversely affected. Further, such legislation or regulation could depress the market value of loans. In November 2022, the SEC proposed rule amendments which, among other things, would amend the liquidity rule framework for open-end funds. If the rule

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amendments are adopted as proposed, they could have a negative impact on the market for loans as open-end funds subject to the rule exit the market. The nature and extent of the proposal's impact will not be known unless and until any final rulemaking is adopted.

**Market and Management Risk**. Market risk is the risk that the markets in which a Portfolio invests will experience market volatility and go down in value, including the possibility that a market will go down sharply and unpredictably in short periods of time. All markets go through cycles, and market risk involves being on the wrong side of a cycle. Factors affecting market risk, whether real or perceived, include political events, broad economic and social changes, and the mood of the investing public. If investor sentiment turns negative, the price of all securities may decline. Market risk also includes the risk that geopolitical and other events will disrupt the economy on a national or global level. For instance, war, terrorism, market manipulation, government defaults, government shutdowns, significant or unexpected failures, near-failures or credit downgrades of key institutions, unexpected changes in the prices of key commodities (such as oil), government actions (including interest rate changes, protectionist measures, sanctions, intervention in the financial markets, or other regulation, and changes in fiscal, monetary or tax policies), political changes or diplomatic developments, economic sanctions and countermeasures in response to sanctions, major cybersecurity events, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics, or epidemics), and natural/environmental disasters can all negatively impact the securities markets, which could cause a Portfolio to lose value. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to significant market volatility, exchange suspensions and closures, declines in global financial markets, higher default rates, supply chain disruptions, and a substantial economic downturn in economies throughout the world. Such events may reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, global supply chain disruptions and significantly adversely impact the economy.

War, terrorism, economic uncertainty, and related geopolitical events, such as sanctions, the threat of or imposition of tariffs, the imposition of exchange controls or other cross-border trade barriers, have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on US and world economies and markets generally. For example, the US has imposed economic sanctions, which consist of asset freezes, restrictions on dealings in debt and equity, and certain industry-specific restrictions. Sanctions impair the ability of the Portfolios to buy, sell, receive or deliver those securities and/or assets that are subject to the sanctions. The nature and severity of sanctions or other similar measures (including counter sanctions or other retaliatory actions) may vary broadly in scope, and their impact is impossible to predict. Sanctions and other similar measures could limit or prevent the Portfolio's ability to buy and sell securities (in the sanctioned country and other markets), significantly delay or prevent the settlement of trades, and significantly impact the Portfolio's liquidity or performance. Instability and conflict, including in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, as well as the imposition of various economic sanctions by the US and many other countries, could also negatively impact global and regional energy and financial markets and cause significant investment losses or inability to invest in certain markets. Any or all of the foregoing could disrupt the operations of the Portfolio and its service providers, adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Portfolio's investments, and negatively impact the Portfolio's performance. The extent and duration of the military action, sanctions, and the resulting market disruptions are impossible to predict and could be substantial.

Policy decisions of the U.S. government and governments of foreign countries may increase geopolitical risks that could adversely affect the investment performance of a Portfolio. These policies have the potential to impact international relations, trade agreements and the overall regulatory environment in ways that could create uncertainty and instability in domestic and global markets. Actions taken by the U.S. government and governments of foreign countries in respect of international trade relations could lead to trade wars, increased costs for imported goods, disruptions in supply chains, reduced foreign investment, and instability in regions where a Portfolio invests.

During periods of severe market stress, it is possible that the market for some or all of a Portfolio's investments may become highly volatile and/or illiquid. While a Portfolio's portfolio manager or Subadviser(s) may make efforts to control the risks associated with market changes, and may attempt to identify changes as they occur, market environment changes can be sudden and extreme. Price changes may be temporary or last for extended periods of time. In such an event, the Portfolio may find it difficult to sell some or all of its investments and, for certain assets,

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the trade settlement period may be longer than anticipated. In periods of market volatility and/or declines, a Portfolio may experience high levels of shareholder redemptions, and may have to sell securities at times when it would otherwise not do so, and at unfavorable prices. These events can adversely affect the liquidity and volatility of investments held by the Portfolio, and there is no assurance a Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.

In addition, economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Exchanges and securities markets may close early, close late or issue trading halts on specific securities, which may result in, among other things, a Portfolio being unable to buy or sell certain securities at an advantageous time or accurately price its portfolio investments. In addition, a Portfolio may rely on various third-party sources to calculate its net asset value. As a result, a Portfolio is subject to certain operational risks associated with reliance on service providers and service providers' data sources. In particular, errors or systems failures and other technological issues may adversely impact the Portfolio's calculations of its net asset value. Such net asset value calculation issues may result in inaccurately calculated net asset values, delays in net asset value calculations and/or the inability to calculate net asset values over extended periods. The Portfolio may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures.

Management risk is the risk that the investment strategy of the Manager or a Subadviser will not work as intended. All decisions by the Manager or a Subadviser require judgment and are based on imperfect information. In addition, if a Portfolio is managed using a quantitative investment model, it is subject to the risk that the model may not perform as expected. Similarly, there can be no assurance that quantitative models or methods utilized by the Manager or a Subadviser, or related data sources, will always be available, and the loss of access to any such model(s) or data sources could have an adverse impact on a Portfolio's ability to realize its investment objective. Moreover, regulatory restrictions, actual or potential conflicts of interest or other considerations may cause the Manager or a Subadviser to restrict or prohibit participation in certain investments. There is no guarantee that the investment objective of a Portfolio will be achieved.

**Portfolio Turnover Risk.** A Subadviser generally does not consider the length of time a Portfolio has held a particular security in making investment decisions. In fact, a Subadviser may engage in active and frequent trading on behalf of a Portfolio—that is, frequent trading of its securities—in order to take advantage of new investment opportunities or yield differentials. A Portfolio's turnover rate may be higher than that of other mutual funds due to a Subadviser's investment strategies and the above-referenced asset transfer programs. Portfolio turnover generally involves some expense to a Portfolio, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestment in other securities. A Portfolio may experience an increase in its portfolio turnover rate when the Portfolio's portfolio is modified in connection with a change in investment objective, strategies, or a Subadviser.

**Regulatory Risk**. Each Portfolio is subject to a variety of laws and regulations which govern its operations. Each Portfolio is subject to regulation by the SEC. Similarly, the businesses and other issuers of the securities and other instruments in which a Portfolio invests are also subject to considerable regulation. These laws and regulations are subject to change. Changes in laws and regulations may materially impact a Portfolio, a security, business, sector or market. For example, changes in laws or regulations made by the government or a regulatory body may impact the ability of a Portfolio to achieve its investment objective, may impact a Portfolio's investment policies and/or strategies, or may reduce the attractiveness of an investment.

**Sovereign Debt Securities Risk.** Investing in sovereign debt securities exposes a Portfolio to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social or economic changes in the countries that issue the securities. Periods of economic and political uncertainty may result in the illiquidity and increased price volatility of sovereign debt securities held by a Portfolio. The issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or pay interest when it becomes due, due to factors such as debt service burden, political constraints, cash flow problems and other national economic factors. In addition, foreign governments may

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default on their debt securities, which may require holders of such securities to participate in debt rescheduling or additional lending to defaulting governments. Moreover, there is no bankruptcy proceeding by which defaulted sovereign debt may be collected in whole or in part.

**US Government Securities Risk**. US Treasury obligations are backed by the "full faith and credit" of the US Government. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities and US Government-sponsored instrumentalities or enterprises may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the US 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 US Government. These securities may be supported by the ability to borrow from the US 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 US Treasury. Further, the US 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 US Congress to increase the statutory debt ceiling. If the US Congress is unable to negotiate an adjustment to the statutory debt ceiling, there is also the risk that the US Government may default on payments on certain US Government securities, including those held by a Portfolio, which could have a negative impact on the Portfolio. An increase in demand for US Government securities resulting from an increase in demand for government money market funds may lead to lower yields on such securities.

The downgrade in the long-term US credit rating by major rating agencies has introduced greater uncertainty about the ability of the US to repay its obligations. Further credit rating downgrades or a US credit default may result in increased volatility or liquidity risk, higher interest rates, lower prices for US government securities, and increased costs for all kinds of debt. The value of a Portfolio's shares may be adversely affected by rating agency downgrades of the US government's credit rating given that the Portfolios may invest in US government securities.

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HOW THE TRUST IS MANAGED

**Board of Trustees**

The Board of trustees of the Trust (the Board) oversees the actions of the investment manager and the Subadvisers, and decides on general policies. The Board also oversees the Trust's officers who conduct and supervise the daily business operations of the Trust.

**Investment Manager**

**PGIM Investments** 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey, 07102, serves as the investment manager (the Manager) of each Portfolio and other portfolios of the Trust not covered by this Prospectus. PGIM Investments and AST Investment Services, Inc. (ASTIS), One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut, serve as co-investment managers for other portfolios of the Trust not covered by this Prospectus.

PGIM Investments has been in the business of providing advisory services since 1996. ASTIS has been in the business of providing advisory services since 1992.

The Trust's Investment Management Agreement with the Manager on behalf of each Portfolio (the Management Agreement) provides that the Manager will furnish each Portfolio with investment advice and administrative services subject to the supervision of the Board and in conformity with the stated policies of each Portfolio. The Manager must also provide, or obtain and supervise, the executive, administrative, accounting, custody, transfer agent and shareholder servicing services that are deemed advisable by the Board.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio** | **Management Fee Rate** |
| AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio | 0% of average daily net assets |
| AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio | 0% of average daily net assets |
| AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio  | 0% of average daily net assets |

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The Manager does not directly charge a management fee to the Portfolios. Rather, the Manager will continue to be paid directly for assets in each of the investing portfolios. The investing portfolios will be the only portfolios permitted to invest in the Portfolios.

The Manager has engaged the Subadvisers to conduct the day-to-day investment programs of each Portfolio, including the purchase, retention and sale of portfolio securities and other financial instruments. The Manager is responsible for monitoring the activities of the Subadvisers and reporting on such activities to the Board. The Trust has obtained an exemptive order from the SEC that permits the Manager, subject to approval by the Board, to hire or change subadvisers for each Portfolio by entering into new subadvisory agreements with affiliated and non-affiliated subadvisers, without obtaining shareholder approval of such changes. The exemptive order (which is similar to exemptive orders granted to other investment companies that are organized in a manner similar to the Trust) is intended to facilitate the efficient supervision and management of the Subadvisers by the Manager and the Board. The Manager also participates in the day-to-day management of each Portfolio.

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**Investment Subadvisers**

The Portfolios each have one or more investment Subadvisers providing the day-to-day investment management of each Portfolio. PGIM Investments also participates in the day-to-day management of several Portfolios, as noted in the "Portfolio Managers" section later in this Prospectus. The Manager pays each investment Subadviser a subadvisory fee out of the Manager's own assets. The Subadvisers for each Portfolio of the Trust are described below:

**PGIM, Inc. (PGIM)** is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. PGIM was formed in June 1984 and was registered with the SEC as an investment adviser in December 1984. As of December 31, 2025, PGIM had approximately $1.47 trillion in assets under management. PGIM's address is 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102.

**PGIM Fixed Income**<sup>†</sup> is the primary fixed-income asset management investment group of PGIM, with $909.2 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2025, and is the unit of PGIM that provides investment advisory services.<sup>\*</sup>

PGIM Fixed Income's investment strategies include but are not limited to the following: multi-sector, investment grade credit, securitized products, leverage finance, emerging markets and alternative strategies.

**PGIM Limited** is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of PGIM. PGIM Limited is located at Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5HR. PGIM Limited provides investment advisory services with respect to securities in certain foreign markets. As of December 31, 2025, PGIM Limited managed approximately $68.1 billion in assets.

<sup>\*</sup>PGIM Fixed Income's assets under management includes the assets under management of PGIM Limited.

<sup>†</sup>PGIM Fixed Income is now known as PGIM Credit.

**J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (J.P. Morgan)** is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan Chase Co., a publicly held bank holding company and global financial services firm. J.P. Morgan manages assets for governments, corporations, endowments, foundations and individuals worldwide. As of December 31, 2025, J.P. Morgan and its affiliated companies had approximately $4.1 trillion in assets under management worldwide. J.P. Morgan's address is 383 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10179.

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**Portfolio Managers**

Information about the portfolio managers responsible for the day-to-day management of the Portfolios is set forth below.

In addition to the information set forth below, the SAI provides additional information about each portfolio manager's compensation, other accounts managed by each portfolio manager, and each portfolio manager's ownership of shares of the Trust's Portfolios.

**AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio**

Richard Piccirillo, Gregory Peters, Matthew Angelucci, CFA and Tyler Thorn are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Portfolio.

Gregory Peters is Co-Chief Investment Officer of PGIM Fixed Income. Mr. Peters is one of the co-heads on the PGIM Multi-Sector Team at PGIM Fixed Income. Prior to joining the Firm in 2014, Mr. Peters was Morgan Stanley's Global Director of Fixed Income & Economic Research and Chief Global Cross Asset Strategist, responsible for the Firm's macro research and asset allocation strategy. Earlier, he worked at Salomon Smith Barney and the Department of U.S. Treasury. Mr. Peters serves as a member of the Treasury Borrowing Advisory Committee of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. He is also a member of Chatham House, The Institute of International & European Affairs (IIEA) and the Bretton Woods Committee. Mr. Peters was named a 2018 and 2019 winner of the Pension and Investment Provider Award for Global Multi-Asset Credit. In October 2025, Mr. Peters was inducted into the Fixed Income Analysts Society Inc. (FIASI) Fixed Income Hall of Fame. He received a BA in Finance from The College of New Jersey and an MBA from Fordham University.

Tyler Thorn is a Managing Director and a portfolio manager on the PGIM Multi-Sector Team at PGIM Fixed Income. Mr. Thorn joined the Firm in 2015 and previously was an analyst in the Portfolio Analysis Group. He has also worked on the Quantitative Modeling and Strategies team. Mr. Thorn received a BS in business administration with concentrations in finance, economics, and computer science from Boston College

Richard Piccirillo is a Managing Director and one of the co-heads on the PGIM Multi-Sector Team at PGIM Fixed Income. Mr. Piccirillo had specialized in mortgage-and asset-backed securities since joining the Firm in 1993. Before joining the Firm, Mr. Piccirillo was a fixed income analyst with Fischer Francis Trees & Watts. Mr. Piccirillo started his career as a financial analyst at Smith Barney. He received a BBA in Finance from George Washington University and an MBA in Finance and International Business from New York University. Mr. Piccirillo was named a 2019 winner of the Pension and Investment Provider Award for Global Multi-Asset Credit.

Matthew Angelucci, CFA**,** is a Managing Director on the PGIM Multi-Sector Team responsible for Global Bond Strategies. Mr. Angelucci specializes in global interest rates, country and sector allocation, ETFs and derivatives. Prior to assuming his current position, he was an analyst in the Portfolio Analysis Group. Mr. Angelucci joined the Firm in 2005. He received a BS in Corporate Finance and Accounting from Bentley University. Mr. Angelucci holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

**AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio**

Morgan Moriarty, CFA , Gary Herbert, CFA and Navdeep Saini are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Portfolio.

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

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Diversified Fund. Morgan holds a B.S. in Business Administration with majors in finance and entrepreneurship and a minor in psychology from the University of Dayton. Morgan is a CFA charterholder. Ms. Moriarty has served as a portfolio manager of the Portfolio since November 2022.

Gary Herbert, CFA, Managing Director, is Chief Investment Officer of Multi-Asset Solutions – U.S. for J.P. Morgan Asset Management's Solutions business. In this role, he is responsible for investment oversight of mandates managed in the US. This includes providing oversight with respect to manager, strategy suitability and fit, and ensuring that the team's asset allocation views are reflected appropriately across a diverse set of mandates. Gary is also a portfolio manager on Global Tactical Asset Allocation and Global Income strategies.

With more than 30 years of macro and cross-asset portfolio management experience, Gary joined J.P. Morgan in 2020 from Brandywine Global LLC. During his 10 years at Brandywine, he was Head of Global Credit strategies. While there, he helped build and implement proprietary research processes to improve macroeconomic, fundamental and quantitative research and decision-making, and led global marketing efforts for those strategies. His prior experience includes senior portfolio management and research experience at Morgan Stanley Investment Management.

Gary has an M.B.A. in Finance with Honors from Columbia University and a B.S. in Business Administration and International Business from Villanova University. Gary is also a CFA charterholder.

Navdeep Saini, Vice President, is a portfolio manager in Multi-Asset Solutions (MAS) focused on global tactical asset allocation strategies, based in New York. An employee since 2012, Navdeep's current responsibilities include portfolio construction, manager selection and tactical asset allocation. Previously, Navdeep worked on the Portfolio Implementation team within MAS, covering day-to-day order management and liquidity monitoring across various books of business (e.g., sub-advised clients, target date funds). Prior to working in MAS, Navdeep held a role in the Internal Audit department where he helped investment product teams identify gaps in their processes to enhance their control environment and improve operational efficiency. Navdeep earned a B.A. in accountancy from Baruch College.

**AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio**

Richard Piccirillo, Gregory Peters, Matthew Angelucci, CFA and Tyler Thorn are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Portfolio.

Gregory Peters is Co-Chief Investment Officer of PGIM Fixed Income. Mr. Peters is one of the co-heads on the PGIM Multi-Sector Team at PGIM Fixed Income. Prior to joining the Firm in 2014, Mr. Peters was Morgan Stanley's Global Director of Fixed Income & Economic Research and Chief Global Cross Asset Strategist, responsible for the Firm's macro research and asset allocation strategy. Earlier, he worked at Salomon Smith Barney and the Department of U.S. Treasury. Mr. Peters serves as a member of the Treasury Borrowing Advisory Committee of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. He is also a member of Chatham House, The Institute of International & European Affairs (IIEA) and the Bretton Woods Committee. Mr. Peters was named a 2018 and 2019 winner of the Pension and Investment Provider Award for Global Multi-Asset Credit. In October 2025, Mr. Peters was inducted into the Fixed Income Analysts Society Inc. (FIASI) Fixed Income Hall of Fame. He received a BA in Finance from The College of New Jersey and an MBA from Fordham University.

Tyler Thorn is a Managing Director and a portfolio manager on the PGIM Multi-Sector Team at PGIM Fixed Income. Mr. Thorn joined the Firm in 2015 and previously was an analyst in the Portfolio Analysis Group. He has also worked on the Quantitative Modeling and Strategies team. Mr. Thorn received a BS in business administration with concentrations in finance, economics, and computer science from Boston College

Richard Piccirillo is a Managing Director and one of the co-heads on the PGIM Multi-Sector Team at PGIM Fixed Income. Mr. Piccirillo had specialized in mortgage-and asset-backed securities since joining the Firm in 1993. Before joining the Firm, Mr. Piccirillo was a fixed income analyst with Fischer Francis Trees & Watts. Mr. Piccirillo started his

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career as a financial analyst at Smith Barney. He received a BBA in Finance from George Washington University and an MBA in Finance and International Business from New York University. Mr. Piccirillo was named a 2019 winner of the Pension and Investment Provider Award for Global Multi-Asset Credit.

Matthew Angelucci, CFA**,** is a Managing Director on the PGIM Multi-Sector Team responsible for Global Bond Strategies. Mr. Angelucci specializes in global interest rates, country and sector allocation, ETFs and derivatives. Prior to assuming his current position, he was an analyst in the Portfolio Analysis Group. Mr. Angelucci joined the Firm in 2005. He received a BS in Corporate Finance and Accounting from Bentley University. Mr. Angelucci holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

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HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIOS

**Purchasing and Redeeming PORTFOLIO Shares**

The Portfolios are not available as an investment option for contract owners. Rather, the Portfolios are only available for investment by other portfolios of the Trust (each, an Investing Portfolio, and collectively, the Investing Portfolios). You may have invested in such Investing Portfolios through certain variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts. If so, you should have received a prospectus for the contract and for the Investing Portfolio in which you invested. You should refer to those prospectuses for further information on your investment. The Trust does not provide investment advice. You should contact your financial advisor for advice regarding your investment options under the contract.

Each Portfolio typically expects to pay redemption proceeds within three days after receipt of a proper notice of the redemption request. Such notice requirements are described in further detail in the prospectus for the applicable contract. However, it may take a Portfolio up to seven days to pay redemption proceeds. There is no redemption charge. We may suspend the right to redeem shares or receive payment when the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is closed (other than weekends or holidays), when trading on the NYSE is restricted, or as permitted by the SEC.

Under normal circumstances, each Portfolio typically expects to meet redemption requests by using cash or cash equivalents or proceeds from the sale of portfolio securities (or a combination of these methods). Each Portfolio reserves the right to use borrowing arrangements that may be available from time to time to meet redemption requests. The use of borrowings in order to meet redemption requests is typically expected to be used only during stressed or abnormal market conditions, when an increased portion of a Portfolio's holdings may be comprised of less liquid investments, or during emergency or temporary circumstances. The Portfolios' use of redemptions in-kind is discussed below.

**Redemption in-Kind**

The Trust may pay the redemption price to shareholders of record in whole or in part by a distribution in-kind of securities from the relevant investment portfolio of the Trust, in lieu of cash, in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC and procedures adopted by the Board. Securities will be readily marketable and will be valued in the same manner as in a regular redemption.

If shares are redeemed in-kind, the recipient will incur transaction costs in converting such assets into cash. These procedures govern the redemption by the shareholder of record, generally a Participating Insurance Company separate account. The procedures do not affect payments by a Participating Insurance Company to a contract owner under a variable contract.

**Frequent Purchases or Redemptions of Portfolio Shares**

The Trust is part of the group of investment companies advised by PGIM Investments (the PGIM Investment funds), which seek to prevent patterns of frequent purchases and redemptions of shares by its investors. Frequent purchases and redemptions may adversely affect the investment performance and interests of long-term investors in the Portfolios. When an investor engages in frequent or short-term trading, the PGIM Investment funds may have to sell portfolio securities to have the cash necessary to pay the redemption amounts. This may cause the PGIM Investment funds to sell Portfolio securities at inopportune times, hurting their investment performance. When large dollar amounts are involved, frequent trading can also make it difficult for the PGIM Investment funds to use long-term investment strategies because they cannot predict how much cash they will have to invest. In addition, if a PGIM Investment fund is forced to liquidate investments due to short-term trading activity, it may incur increased transaction and tax costs.

Similarly, the PGIM Investment funds may bear increased administrative costs as a result of the asset level and investment volatility that accompanies patterns of short-term trading. Moreover, frequent or short-term trading by certain investors may cause dilution in the value of PGIM Investment fund shares held by other investors. To the extent a Portfolio invests in foreign securities, a Portfolio may be particularly susceptible to frequent trading, because time zone differences among international stock markets can allow an investor engaging in short-term trading to

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exploit fund share prices that may be based on closing prices of foreign securities established some time before the fund calculates its own share price. To the extent a Portfolio invests in certain fixed income securities, such as high yield bonds or certain asset-backed securities, a Portfolio may also constitute an effective vehicle for an investor's frequent trading strategies.

The Boards of Directors/Trustees of the PGIM Investment funds, including the Trust, have adopted policies and procedures designed to discourage or prevent frequent trading by investors. The policies and procedures for the Trust are limited, however, because the Trust does not sell its shares directly to the public. Instead, Portfolio shares are sold only to Participating Insurance Company separate accounts that fund variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Therefore, Participating Insurance Companies, not the Trust, maintain the individual contract owner account records. Each Participating Insurance Company submits to the Trust's transfer agent daily aggregate orders combining the transactions of many contract owners. Therefore, the Trust and its transfer agent do not monitor trading by individual contract owners.

Under the Trust's policies and procedures, the Trust has notified each Participating Insurance Company that the Trust expects the Participating Insurance Company to impose restrictions on transfers by contract owners. The current Participating Insurance Companies are Prudential and three insurance companies not affiliated with Prudential. The Trust may add additional Participating Insurance Companies in the future. The Trust receives reports on the trading restrictions imposed by Prudential on variable contract owners investing in the Portfolios, and the Trust monitors the aggregate cash flows received from unaffiliated insurance companies. In addition, the Trust has entered shareholder information agreements with Participating Insurance Companies as required by Rule 22c-2 under the 1940 Act. Under these agreements, the Participating Insurance Companies have agreed to: (i) provide certain information regarding contract owners who engage in transactions involving Portfolio shares; and (ii) execute any instructions from the Trust to restrict or prohibit further purchases or exchanges of Portfolio shares by contract owners who have been identified by the Trust as having engaged in transactions in Portfolio shares that violate the Trust's frequent trading policies and procedures. The Trust and its transfer agent each reserve the right, in its sole discretion, to reject all or a portion of a purchase order from a Participating Insurance Company for any reason or no reason. If a purchase order is rejected, the purchase amount will be returned to the Participating Insurance Company.

The Trust also employs fair value pricing procedures to deter frequent trading. Those procedures are described in more detail under "Net Asset Value," below.

Each Portfolio is structured as a fund-of-funds in which the Investing Portfolios invest. The policies that have been implemented by the Participating Insurance Companies to discourage frequent trading apply to transactions in Investing Portfolio shares. Transactions by the Investing Portfolios in a Portfolio, however, are not subject to any limitations and are not considered frequent or short-term trading. For example, the Investing Portfolios may engage in significant transactions in a Portfolio's shares in order to: (i) change their investment focus, (ii) rebalance their investments to match the then-current asset allocation mix, (iii) respond to significant purchases or redemptions of Investing Portfolio shares, or (iv) respond to changes required by the underlying contracts. These transactions by the Investing Portfolios in a Portfolio's shares may be disruptive to the management of the Portfolio because such transactions may: (i) cause the Portfolio to sell portfolio securities at inopportune times to have the cash necessary to pay redemption requests, hurting their investment performance, (ii) make it difficult for the subadvisers for the Portfolio to fully implement its investment strategies, and (iii) lead to increased transaction and tax costs.

Each Portfolio may be used in connection with certain living benefit programs, including, without limitation, certain "guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit" programs and certain "guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit" programs. In order for the Participating Insurance Companies to manage the guarantees offered in connection with these benefit programs, the Participating Insurance Companies generally: (i) limit the number and types of variable sub-accounts in which contract holders may allocate their account values (referred to in this Prospectus as the Permitted Sub-Accounts) and (ii) require contract holders to participate in certain specialized asset transfer programs. Under these asset transfer programs, the Participating Insurance Companies will monitor each contract owner's account value from time to time and, if necessary, will systematically transfer amounts among the Permitted

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Sub-Accounts as dictated by certain non-discretionary mathematical formulas. These mathematical formulas will generally focus on the amounts guaranteed at specific future dates or the present value of the estimated lifetime payments to be made, as applicable.

As an example of how these asset transfer programs might operate under certain market environments, a downturn in the equity markets (i.e., a reduction in a contract holder's account value within the Permitted Sub-Accounts) and certain market return scenarios involving "flat" returns over a period of time may cause Participating Insurance Companies to transfer some or all of such contract owner's account value to a Portfolio. In general terms, such transfers are designed to ensure that an appropriate percentage of the projected guaranteed amounts are offset by assets in investments like the Portfolios.

The above-referenced asset transfer programs are an important part of the guarantees offered in connection with the applicable living benefit programs. Such asset transfers may, however, result in large-scale asset flows into and out of a Portfolio. Such asset transfers could adversely affect a Portfolio's investment performance by requiring the Manager or Subadvisers to purchase and sell securities at inopportune times and by otherwise limiting the ability of the Manager or Subadvisers to fully implement the Portfolio's investment strategies. In addition, these asset transfers may result in relatively small asset bases and relatively high transaction costs and operating expense ratios for a Portfolio compared to other similar funds.

**Net Asset Value**

Any purchase or sale of Portfolio shares is made at the net asset value, or NAV, of such shares. The price at which a purchase or redemption is made is typically based on the next calculation of the NAV after the order is received in good order. The NAV of each Portfolio is typically determined on each day the NYSE is open for trading as of the close of the exchange's regular trading session (which is generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). The Trust will not treat an intraday unscheduled disruption in NYSE trading as a closure of the NYSE and will price its shares as of 4:00 p.m. if the particular disruption directly affects only the NYSE. The NYSE is closed on most national holidays and Good Friday. The Trust does not price, and shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem, the Trust's shares on days when the NYSE is closed but the primary markets for the Trust's foreign securities are open, even though the value of these securities may have changed. Conversely, the Trust will ordinarily price its shares, and shareholders may purchase and redeem shares, on days that the NYSE is open but foreign securities markets are closed.

The securities held by each of the Trust's portfolios are valued based upon market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available, at fair value as determined in good faith under policies and procedures adopted and implemented by the Manager. The Trust may use fair value pricing if it determines that a market quotation for a security is not reliable based, among other things, on events or market conditions that occur after the quotation is derived or after the closing of the primary market on which the security is traded, but before the time that the NAV is determined. This use of fair value pricing commonly occurs with securities that are primarily traded outside of the US, because such securities present time-zone arbitrage opportunities when events or conditions affecting the prices of specific securities or the prices of securities traded in such markets generally occur after the close of the foreign markets but prior to the time that a Portfolio determines its NAV.

With respect to any portion of the Portfolio's assets that are invested in one or more open-end management investment companies, the Portfolio's NAV is calculated based upon the NAV of the registered open-end management investment companies in which the Portfolio invests. The prospectuses for these companies explain the circumstances under which those companies will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing. The Trust may also use fair value pricing with respect to US traded securities if, for example, trading in a particular security is halted and does not resume before a Portfolio calculates its NAV or the exchange on which a security is traded closes early. In addition, fair value pricing is used for securities where the pricing agent or principal market maker does not provide a valuation or methodology or provides a valuation or methodology that, in the judgment of PGIM Investments (or a Subadviser) does not represent fair value. Different valuation methods may result in differing values for the same security. The fair value of a portfolio security that a Portfolio uses to determine its NAV may differ from the security's published or quoted price. If a Portfolio needs to implement fair value pricing after the NAV publishing deadline but before shares of the Portfolio are processed, the NAV you receive or pay may differ from the

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published NAV price. For purposes of computing the Trust's NAV, we will value the Trust's futures contracts 15 minutes after the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Except when we fair value securities, we normally value each foreign security held by the Trust as of the close of the security's primary market.

Fair value pricing procedures are designed to result in prices for a Portfolio's securities and its NAV that are reasonable in light of the circumstances that make or have made market quotations unavailable or unreliable, and to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders. There is no assurance, however, that fair value pricing will more accurately reflect the market value of a security than the market price of such security on that day or that it will prevent dilution of a Portfolio's NAV by short-term traders.

The NAV for each of the Portfolios is determined by a simple calculation. It's the total value of a Portfolio (assets minus liabilities) divided by the total number of shares outstanding. Each business day, each Portfolio's current NAV per share is transmitted electronically to Participating Insurance Companies that use the Portfolios as underlying investment options for Contracts.

To determine a Portfolio's NAV, its holdings are valued as follows:

**Equity Securities** for which the primary market is on an exchange (whether domestic or foreign) shall be valued at the last sale price on such exchange or market on the day of valuation or, if there was no sale on such day, at the mean between the last bid and asked prices on such day or at the last bid price on such day in the absence of an asked price. Securities included within the NASDAQ market shall be valued at the NASDAQ official closing price (NOCP) on the day of valuation, or if there was no NOCP issued, at the last sale price on such day. Securities included within the NASDAQ market for which there is no NOCP and no last sale price on the day of valuation shall be valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices on such day or at the last bid price on such day in the absence of an asked price. Equity securities that are not sold on an exchange or NASDAQ are generally valued by an independent pricing agent or principal market maker.

A Portfolio may own securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Portfolios do not price their shares. Therefore, the value of a Portfolio's assets may change on days when shareholders cannot purchase or redeem Portfolio shares.

**Convertible debt securities** that are traded in the over-the-counter market, including listed convertible debt securities for which the primary market is believed by PGIM Investments or a Subadviser, as available, to be over-the-counter, shall be valued on the day of valuation at an evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing agent or, in the absence of a valuation provided by an independent pricing agent, at the bid price provided by a principal market maker or primary market dealer.

**Other debt securities**—those that are not valued on an amortized cost basis—are valued using an independent pricing service.

**Options on stock and stock indexes** that are traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on such exchange on the day of valuation or, if there was no such sale on such day, at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on such exchange.

**Futures contracts and options on futures contracts** are valued at the last sale price at the close of the commodities exchange or board of trade on which they are traded. If there has been no sale that day, the securities will be valued at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on that exchange or board of trade.

**Forward currency exchange contracts** are valued at the cost of covering or offsetting such contracts calculated on the day of valuation. Securities that are valued in accordance herewith in a currency other than US dollars shall be converted to US dollar equivalents at a rate obtained from a recognized bank, dealer or independent service on the day of valuation.

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**Over-the-counter (OTC) options** are valued at the mean between bid and asked prices provided by a dealer (which may be the counterparty). A subadviser will monitor the market prices of the securities underlying the OTC options with a view to determining the necessity of obtaining additional bid and ask quotations from other dealers to assess the validity of the prices received from the primary pricing dealer.

**All short-term debt securities** held by the Portfolios, including bonds, notes, debentures and other debt securities, and money market instruments such as certificates of deposit, commercial paper, bankers' acceptances and obligations of domestic and foreign banks for which market quotations are readily available, are valued by an independent pricing agent or principal market maker (if available, otherwise a primary market dealer).

**Distributor & DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS**

The Trust offers a single class of shares on behalf of each Portfolio. Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. (PAD) serves as the distributor for the shares of each Portfolio of the Trust. Each class of shares is offered and redeemed at its net asset value without any sales load. PAD is an affiliate of PGIM Investments. PAD is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

The Trust has adopted a Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the 12b-1 Plan) for shares of certain other portfolios of the Trust not covered by this Prospectus. The Portfolios are not subject to a 12b-1 fee. No 12b-1 fee is charged for the assets of portfolios that are invested in other portfolios of the Trust.

PAD may receive payments from certain subadvisers of the Portfolios or their affiliates to help defray expenses for sales meetings or seminar sponsorships that may relate to the Contracts and/or the subadvisers' respective Portfolios. These sales meetings or seminar sponsorships may provide the subadvisers with increased access to persons involved in the distribution of the Contracts. PAD also may receive marketing support from the subadvisers in connection with the distribution of the Contracts.

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OTHER INFORMATION

**US Federal Income Taxes**

Each Portfolio currently intends to be treated as a partnership for US federal income tax purposes that is not a "publicly traded partnership" as defined in Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). If a Portfolio were not to qualify for such treatment, it could be subject to US federal income tax at the Portfolio level, which generally would reduce the value of an investment in the Portfolio. As a result of each Portfolio's treatment as a partnership that is not a publicly traded partnership, each Portfolio is generally not itself subject to US federal income tax. Instead, each Portfolio's income, gains, losses, deductions, credits and other tax items are "passed through" pro rata directly to the shareholders of the Portfolio, generally the Investing Portfolios (without regard to whether such corresponding amounts are distributed from the Portfolio) and retain the same character for US federal income tax purposes. Distributions may be made to the various separate accounts of the Participating Insurance Companies in the form of additional shares (not in cash).

The shares of each Portfolio are owned by the Investing Portfolios, which are owned by separate accounts of Participating Insurance Companies, and may be owned by qualified pension and retirement plans, and certain other eligible persons or plans permitted to hold shares of such Portfolio pursuant to the applicable US Treasury regulations without impairing the ability of the separate accounts of the Participating Insurance Companies to satisfy the diversification requirements of Section 817(h) of the Code.

Each Portfolio intends to comply with the diversification requirements currently imposed by the Code and US Treasury regulations thereunder on separate accounts of insurance companies as a condition of maintaining the favorable tax status of the Contracts issued by separate accounts of Participating Insurance Companies. If a Portfolio does not meet such diversification requirements, the Contracts could lose their favorable tax treatment, and thus income and gain allocable to the Contracts could be taxable currently to shareholders of the Portfolio. This could also occur if Contract holders are found to have an impermissible level of control over the investments underlying their Contracts.

Owners of Contracts should consult the applicable prospectus or description of the plan for a discussion and information on the tax consequences of the Contract, policy or plan. In addition, Contract owners may wish to consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of investing in a Portfolio, including the application of US federal, state and local and non-US taxes.

**Monitoring for Possible Conflicts**

The Trust sells its shares to fund variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity contracts and is authorized to offer its shares to qualified retirement plans. Because of differences in tax treatment and other considerations, it is possible that the interest of variable life insurance contract owners, variable annuity contract owners and participants in qualified retirement plans could conflict. The Trust will monitor the situation and, in the event that a material conflict does develop, the Trust would determine what action, if any, to take in response.

**Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings**

A description of the Trust's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of each Portfolio's portfolio securities is included in the SAI.

**Payments to Affiliates**

PGIM Investments and ASTIS and their affiliates, including a subadviser or PAD, may compensate affiliates of PGIM Investments and ASTIS, including the insurance companies issuing variable annuity or variable life contracts by providing reimbursement, defraying the costs of, or paying directly for, among other things, marketing and/or administrative services and/or other services they provide in connection with the variable annuity and/or variable life contracts that offer the Portfolios as investment options. These services may include, but are not limited to: sponsoring or co-sponsoring various promotional, educational or marketing meetings and seminars attended by distributors, wholesalers, and/or broker dealer firms' registered representatives, and creating marketing materials that discuss the contracts, available options, and the Portfolios.

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The amounts paid depend on the nature of the meetings, the number of meetings attended by PGIM Investments or ASTIS, the Subadviser, or PAD, the number of participants and attendees at the meetings, the costs expected to be incurred, and the level of PGIM Investments', ASTIS', the Subadviser's or PAD's participation. These payments or reimbursements may not be offered by PGIM Investments, ASTIS, Subadvisers, or PAD and the amounts of such payments may vary between and among PGIM Investments, ASTIS, the Subadviser and PAD, depending on their respective participation.

With respect to variable annuity contracts, the amounts paid under these arrangements to Prudential-affiliated insurers are set forth in the prospectuses for the variable annuity contracts which offer certain portfolios as investment options.

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

**Introduction**

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

The financial highlights for the for the fiscal year or period ended December 31, 2025 were derived from each Portfolio's financial statements, which were audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm, whose reports thereon were unqualified. The Trust's financial statements are included in the Trust's filings on Form N-CSR and are available upon request.

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio**  |  |  |  |  |
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **June 27,** <br> **2022**<sup>(a)</sup> <br>**through** <br>**December 31,** <br>**2022**  |
|  | **2025**  | **2024**  | **2023**  | **June 27,** <br> **2022**<sup>(a)</sup> <br>**through** <br>**December 31,** <br>**2022**  |
| **Per Share Operating Performance**<sup>(b)</sup>**:**  | **Per Share Operating Performance**<sup>(b)</sup>**:**  | **Per Share Operating Performance**<sup>(b)</sup>**:**  | **Per Share Operating Performance**<sup>(b)</sup>**:**  | **Per Share Operating Performance**<sup>(b)</sup>**:**  |
| Net Asset Value, beginning of Period  | $11.04  | $10.67  | $9.83  | &nbsp;&nbsp; $10.00  |
| **Income (Loss) From Investment Operations:**  | **Income (Loss) From Investment Operations:**  | **Income (Loss) From Investment Operations:**  | **Income (Loss) From Investment Operations:**  | **Income (Loss) From Investment Operations:**  |
| Net investment income (loss)  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.63  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.59  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.54  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.24  |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.28  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (0.22)  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.30  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (0.41)  |
| Total from investment operations  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.91  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.37  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.84  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (0.17)  |
| Net Asset Value, end of Period  | $11.95  | $11.04  | $10.67  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $9.83  |
| **Total Return**<sup>(c)</sup>  | &nbsp;&nbsp; 8.24%  | &nbsp;&nbsp; 3.47%  | 8.43%  | (1.60)%  |
| **Ratios/Supplemental Data:**  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of Period (in millions)  | $9883  | $11292  | $9410  | &nbsp;&nbsp; $6296  |
| Average net assets (in millions)  | $10818  | $9427  | $8093  | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5563  |
| Ratios to average net assets<sup>(d)</sup>:  |  |  |  |  |
| Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement  | &nbsp;&nbsp; 0.01%  | &nbsp;&nbsp; 0.01%  | 0.01%  | 0.01%<sup>(e)</sup>  |
| Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement  | &nbsp;&nbsp; 0.01%  | &nbsp;&nbsp; 0.01%  | 0.01%  | 0.01%<sup>(e)</sup>  |
| Net investment income (loss)  | &nbsp;&nbsp; 5.45%  | &nbsp;&nbsp; 5.43%  | 5.31%  | 4.73%<sup>(e)</sup>  |
| Portfolio turnover rate<sup>(f)(g)</sup>  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 123%  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 70%  | 174%  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 232% |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

(a) Commencement of operations.

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

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

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

(e) Annualized, with the exception of certain non-recurring expenses.

(f) The Portfolio accounts for mortgage dollar roll transactions, when applicable, as
 purchases and sales which, as a result, can increase its portfolio turnover rate.

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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio**  |  |  |  |  |
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **November 29,** <br> **2022**<sup>(a)</sup> <br>**through** <br>**December 31,** <br>**2022**  |
|  | **2025**  | **2024**  | **2023**  | **November 29,** <br> **2022**<sup>(a)</sup> <br>**through** <br>**December 31,** <br>**2022**  |
| **Per Share Operating Performance**<sup>(b)</sup>**:**  | **Per Share Operating Performance**<sup>(b)</sup>**:**  | **Per Share Operating Performance**<sup>(b)</sup>**:**  | **Per Share Operating Performance**<sup>(b)</sup>**:**  | **Per Share Operating Performance**<sup>(b)</sup>**:**  |
| Net Asset Value, beginning of Period  | $10.78  | $10.54  | $10.00  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $10.00  |
| **Income (Loss) From Investment Operations:**  | **Income (Loss) From Investment Operations:**  | **Income (Loss) From Investment Operations:**  | **Income (Loss) From Investment Operations:**  | **Income (Loss) From Investment Operations:**  |
| Net investment income (loss)  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.57  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.55  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.48  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.04  |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.30  | (0.31)  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.06  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (0.04)  |
| Total from investment operations  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.87  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.24  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.54  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; —  |
| Net Asset Value, end of Period  | $11.65  | $10.78  | $10.54  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $10.00  |
| **Total Return**<sup>(c)</sup>  | 8.07%  | 2.28%  | 5.40%  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; —%  |
| **Ratios/Supplemental Data:**  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of Period (in millions)  | $3603  | $3335  | $3261  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $1557  |
| Average net assets (in millions)  | $3472  | $3296  | $2716  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $1580  |
| Ratios to average net assets<sup>(d)</sup>:  |  |  |  |  |
| Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement  | 0.02%  | 0.02%  | 0.01%  | 0.02%<sup>(e)(f)</sup>  |
| Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement  | 0.02%  | 0.02%  | 0.01%  | 0.02%<sup>(e)(f)</sup>  |
| Net investment income (loss)  | 5.10%  | 5.16%  | 4.73%  | 4.79%<sup>(e)(f)</sup>  |
| Portfolio turnover rate<sup>(g)</sup>  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 43%  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 81%  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 69%  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 31% |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

(a) Commencement of operations.

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

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

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

(e) Annualized, with the exception of certain non-recurring expenses.

(f) Differs from calculation of net expenses presented on the Statement of Operations
 due to non-annualized non-recurring expenses, which eliminate the expense reimbursement for the partial period.

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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

------

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio**  |  |  |  |  |
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **April 25,** <br> **2022**<sup>(a)</sup> <br>**through** <br>**December 31,** <br>**2022**  |
|  | **2025**  | **2024**  | **2023**  | **April 25,** <br> **2022**<sup>(a)</sup> <br>**through** <br>**December 31,** <br>**2022**  |
| **Per Share Operating Performance**<sup>(b)</sup>**:**  | **Per Share Operating Performance**<sup>(b)</sup>**:**  | **Per Share Operating Performance**<sup>(b)</sup>**:**  | **Per Share Operating Performance**<sup>(b)</sup>**:**  | **Per Share Operating Performance**<sup>(b)</sup>**:**  |
| Net Asset Value, beginning of Period  | $10.40  | $10.16  | $9.52  | &nbsp;&nbsp; $10.00  |
| **Income (Loss) From Investment Operations:**  | **Income (Loss) From Investment Operations:**  | **Income (Loss) From Investment Operations:**  | **Income (Loss) From Investment Operations:**  | **Income (Loss) From Investment Operations:**  |
| Net investment income (loss)  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.52  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.48  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.44  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.24  |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.28  | (0.24)  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.20  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (0.72)  |
| Total from investment operations  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.80  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.24  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0.64  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (0.48)  |
| Net Asset Value, end of Period  | $11.20  | $10.40  | $10.16  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $9.52  |
| **Total Return**<sup>(c)</sup>  | 7.69%  | 2.36%  | 6.72%  | (4.80)%  |
| **Ratios/Supplemental Data:**  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of Period (in millions)  | &nbsp;&nbsp; $328  | &nbsp;&nbsp; $375  | &nbsp;&nbsp; $488  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $582  |
| Average net assets (in millions)  | &nbsp;&nbsp; $361  | &nbsp;&nbsp; $428  | &nbsp;&nbsp; $534  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $628  |
| Ratios to average net assets<sup>(d)</sup>:  |  |  |  |  |
| Expenses after waivers and/or expense reimbursement  | 0.05%  | 0.05%  | 0.05%  | 0.03%<sup>(e)</sup>  |
| Expenses before waivers and/or expense reimbursement  | 0.07%  | 0.06%  | 0.05%  | 0.03%<sup>(e)</sup>  |
| Net investment income (loss)  | 4.83%  | 4.68%  | 4.51%  | 3.61%<sup>(e)</sup>  |
| Portfolio turnover rate<sup>(f)(g)</sup>  | 126%  | 118%  | 189%  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 362% |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

(a) Commencement of operations.

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

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

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

(e) Annualized, with the exception of certain non-recurring expenses.

(f) The Portfolio accounts for mortgage dollar roll transactions, when applicable, as
 purchases and sales which, as a result, can increase its portfolio turnover rate.

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

------

GLOSSARY: PORTFOLIO INDEXES

**Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index.** The Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged, market-value weighted index comprised of taxable US investment grade, fixed rate bond market securities, including government, government agency, corporate, asset-backed, and mortgage-backed securities between one and 10 years. These returns do not include the effect of any operating expenses of a mutual fund or taxes payable by investors and would be lower if they included these effects.

------

**INVESTOR INFORMATION SERVICES:**

Shareholder inquiries should be made by calling 1-800-346-3778 or by writing to Advanced Series Trust at 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102. Additional information about the Portfolios is included in the SAI, which is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Additional information about the Portfolio's investments is available in the Portfolio's annual and semi-annual report to shareholders and in Form N-CSR. In the annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Portfolio's performance during its last fiscal year. In Form N-CSR, you will find the Portfolio's annual and semi-annual financial statements. The SAI, financial statements, and additional copies of the annual and semi-annual report will be available without charge by calling the above number. The SAI, financial statements, and the annual and semi-annual report will be available without charge on the Trust's website at <u>www.prudential.com/variableinsuranceportfolios</u>.

*Delivery of Prospectus and Other Documents to Households*. To lower costs and eliminate duplicate documents sent to your address, the Trust, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, may begin mailing only one copy of the Trust's prospectus, prospectus supplements, annual and semi-annual reports, proxy statements and information statements, or any other required documents to your address even if more than one shareholder lives there. If you have previously consented to have any of these documents delivered to multiple investors at a shared address, as required by law, and you wish to revoke this consent or would otherwise prefer to continue to receive your own copy, you should call the number above, or write to the Trust at the above address. The Trust will begin sending individual copies to you within thirty days of revocation.

The information in the Trust's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including the SAI) is available from the SEC. Copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of duplicating fees, by electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov, by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090, or by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, DC 20549-0102. Finally, information about the Trust is available on the EDGAR database on the SEC's internet site at www.sec.gov.

Investment Company File Act No. 811-05186

------

![](imga2cb33711.gif)

**Advanced Series Trust**

**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION • May 1, 2026**

This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) of Advanced Series Trust (the Trust, and each series thereof, a Portfolio) is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of the Trust dated May 1, 2026. This SAI has been incorporated by reference into the Trust's Prospectus.

The Trust's prospectus, annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, and other information, including the Trust's financial statements included in Form N-CSR are available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-346-3778, writing to the Trust at 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, visiting our website at www.prudential.com/variableinsuranceportfolios, or visiting the SEC website at sec.gov.

The portfolios of the Trust which are discussed in this SAI are noted on this front cover (each, a Portfolio, and together, the Portfolios).

**AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio**

**AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio**

**AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio**

![](img9c41e6b72.gif)

------

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **3** | **[PART I](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_1)**  |
| 3 | [INTRODUCTION](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_1)  |
| 4 | [Trust PORTFOLIOS, INVESTMENT POLICIES & STRATEGIES](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_2)  |
| 4 | [FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_2)  |
| 5 | [INFORMATION ABOUT BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_3)  |
| 15 | [MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORY ARRANGEMENTS](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_13)  |
| 20 | [PORTFOLIO MANAGERS: OTHER ACCOUNTS](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_18)  |
| 21 | [PORTFOLIO MANAGERS: COMPENSATION & CONFLICTS POLICIES](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_19)  |
| 31 | [OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_29)  |
| 33 | [PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS & BROKERAGE](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_31)  |
| 35 | [ADDITIONAL INFORMATION](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_33)  |
| 36 | [PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_34)  |
| 37 | [FINANCIAL STATEMENTS](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_35)  |
| **38** | **[PART II](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_36)**  |
| 38 | [INVESTMENT RISKS & CONSIDERATIONS](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_36)  |
| 75 | [NET ASSET VALUES](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_73)  |
| 76 | [TAXATION](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_74)  |
| 79 | [DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_77)  |
| 79 | [PROXY VOTING](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_77)  |
| 79 | [CODES OF ETHICS](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_77)  |
| 79 | [APPENDIX I: DESCRIPTIONS OF SECURITY RATINGS](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_77)  |
| 83 | [APPENDIX II: PROXY VOTING POLICIES OF THE SUBADVISERS](#xx_8b59a81c-4fb1-4173-b74c-89cb54c8633d_81)  |

---

------

PART I

**INTRODUCTION**

This SAI sets forth information about the Trust and the Portfolios covered by the SAI. Part I provides additional information about the Trust's Board of Trustees, certain investments restrictions that apply to the Portfolios, the advisory services provided to and the management fees paid by the Trust, and information about other fees paid by and services provided to the Trust. Part II provides additional information and explanations about certain investments and investment strategies which may be used by the Trust's Portfolios, and should be read in conjunction with Part I.

Before reading the SAI, you should consult the Glossary below, which defines certain of the terms used in the SAI:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Glossary** |  |
| **Term** | **Definition** |
| 1933 Act | Securities Act of 1933, as amended |
| 1934 Act | Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended |
| 1940 Act | Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended |
| ADR | American Depositary Receipt |
| ADS | American Depositary Share |
| ASTIS | AST Investment Services, Inc. |
| Board | Trust's Board of Directors or Trustees |
| Board Member | A Trustee or Director of the Trust's Board |
| CFTC | Commodity Futures Trading Commission |
| Code | Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended |
| EDR | European Depositary Receipt |
| ETF | Exchange-Traded Fund |
| Fannie Mae or FNMA | Federal National Mortgage Association |
| Fitch | Fitch Ratings, Inc. |
| Freddie Mac or FHLMC | The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation |
| GDR | Global Depositary Receipt |
| Ginnie Mae | Government National Mortgage Association |
| IPO | Initial Public Offering |
| IRS | Internal Revenue Service |
| LIBOR | London Interbank Offered Rate |
| Moody's | Moody's Investor Services, Inc. |
| NASDAQ | National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System |
| NAV | Net Asset Value |
| NYSE | New York Stock Exchange |
| OTC | Over-the-Counter |
| PGIM Investments, Investment Manager or Manager | PGIM Investments LLC or ASTIS, as designated in the Prospectus  |
| PMFS | Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC |
| REIT | Real Estate Investment Trust |
| RIC | Regulated Investment Company, as the term is used in the Code |
| S&P | S&P Global Ratings |
| SEC | US Securities & Exchange Commission |
| SIRG | Strategic Investment Research Group of PGIM Investments |
| SOFR | Secured Overnight Financing Rate |
| World Bank | International Bank for Reconstruction and Development |

---

------

**3**

------

**Trust PORTFOLIOS, INVESTMENT POLICIES & STRATEGIES**

The Trust is an open-end management investment company (commonly known as a mutual fund) that is intended to provide a range of investment alternatives through its separate portfolios, each of which is, for investment purposes, in effect a separate fund. The Portfolios offered by the Trust that are discussed in this SAI are set forth below:

■

AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio

■

AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio

■

AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio

References to "the Portfolio" relate to the Portfolios listed above unless the context requires otherwise.

This SAI provides information about the Portfolios. Each Portfolio is a diversified investment company as defined by the 1940 Act. Shares of the Portfolios are available for purchase only by certain investment companies managed by PGIM Investments and/or ASTIS, in accordance with applicable provisions of 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC or the Commission) under the 1940 Act.

Shares of the Portfolios have not been registered under the 1933 Act, or the securities laws of any state. The Portfolios issue their shares only in private placement transactions in accordance with Regulation D or other applicable exemptions under the Securities Act. The SAI and the related Prospectus are not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy, any security to the public within the meaning of the 1933 Act, as amended. In addition, there shall be no sale of the shares referred to herein in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

PGIM Investments (the Manager or the Investment Manager), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. (Prudential Financial), serves as overall investment manager of the Portfolios. As discussed in the Prospectus, the Portfolios may invest in money market instruments and comparable securities. The investment objectives of the Portfolios are discussed in the Prospectus.

Each Portfolio, which operates as a fund-of-funds, as described in the Prospectus, may engage in all of the investments and investment strategies discussed in Part II of this SAI, either by the Portfolio's investments in an underlying fund or by investing in the Portfolio's assets in the investments or strategies.

The Prospectus and SAI do not purport to create any contractual obligations between the Trust or the Portfolios and their shareholders. In addition, shareholders are not intended third-party beneficiaries of any contracts entered into by (or on behalf of) the Portfolios, including contracts with the Manager or other parties who provide services to the Portfolios.

**FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS**

Set forth below are certain investment restrictions applicable to the Portfolios. Fundamental restrictions may not be changed without a majority vote of shareholders as required by the 1940 Act. Non-fundamental restrictions may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

The investment restrictions set forth below are "fundamental" policies. These fundamental policies may not be changed without the approval of the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the shares of a Portfolio present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the shares of the Portfolio.

**FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS:**

Under its fundamental investment restrictions, a Portfolio may not:

1. Issue senior securities or borrow money or pledge its assets, except as permitted by the 1940 Act and rules thereunder, exemptive order, SEC release, no-action letter or similar relief or interpretations. For purposes of this restriction, the purchase or sale of securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls, short sales, derivative and hedging transactions such as interest rate swap transactions, and collateral arrangements with respect thereto, and transactions similar to any of the foregoing and collateral arrangements with respect thereto, and obligations of a Portfolio to Trustees pursuant to any deferred compensation arrangements are not deemed to be a pledge of assets or the issuance of a senior security, provided such transactions comply with Rule 18f-4 or other applicable SEC Rule order or guidance.

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

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4**

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

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

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

6. Purchase any security if, as a result, more than 25% of the value of a Portfolio's assets would be invested in the securities of issuers having their principal business activities in the same industry; provided that this restriction does not apply to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the US Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities or to municipal securities (or repurchase agreements with respect thereto). For purposes for this limitation, a Portfolio will consider the investments of its underlying investment companies when determining the Portfolio's compliance with concentration policies.

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

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

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

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

**INFORMATION ABOUT BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS**

Information about the Board Members and the officers of the Trust is set forth below. Board members who are not deemed to be "interested persons" of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as "Independent Board Members." Board Members who are deemed to be "interested persons" of the Trust are referred to as "Interested Board Members." The Board Members oversee the operations of the Trust and appoint officers who are responsible for day-to-day business decisions based on policies set by the Board.

------

**5**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Independent Board** <br> **Members**<br>|  |  |  |
| **Name**<br> **Year of Birth**<br> **No. of Portfolios** <br> **Overseen**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five** <br> **Years**<br>| **Other Directorships Held** | **Length of Board Service** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Susan Davenport Austin<br> 1967<br> No. of Portfolios <br> Overseen: 49<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Chief Operating Officer of Grace Church School <br> (since July 2023) and Chief Financial Officer of <br> Grace Church School (since September 2019); <br> President, Candide Business Advisors, Inc. <br> (since 2011); formerly Senior Managing Director <br> of Brock Capital (2014-2019); formerly Vice <br> Chairman (2013-2017), Senior Vice President <br> and Chief Financial Officer (2007-2012) and <br> Vice President of Strategic Planning and <br> Treasurer (2002-2007) of Sheridan <br> Broadcasting Corporation; formerly President of <br> Sheridan Gospel Network (2004-2014).<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Director of NextEra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE: <br> NEP) (since February 2015); Member of the <br> Board of Directors, Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. <br> (Since 2026); formerly Member of the Board of <br> Directors, Hubbard Radio, LLC (2011-2026); <br> formerly Chairman (2011-2014), formerly <br> Presiding Director (2014-2017) and formerly <br> Member of the Board of Directors, Broadcast <br> Music, Inc. (2007-2024); formerly Member of <br> the Board of Directors, The MacDowell Colony <br> (2010-2021).<br>| Since February 2011 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Jessica M. Bibliowicz<br> 1959<br> No. of Portfolios <br> Overseen: 49<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Chairman of the Board of Fellows of Weill <br> Cornell Medicine (since 2014); Director of Apollo <br> Global Management, Inc. (since 2022); formerly <br> Chief Executive Officer (1999-2013) of National <br> Financial Partners (independent distributor of <br> financial services products).<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Formerly Director of the Asia-Pacific Fund, Inc. <br> (2006-2019); formerly Director of Sotheby's <br> (2014-2019) auction house and art-related <br> finance.<br>| Since September 2014 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Kay Ryan Booth<br> 1950<br> No. of Portfolios <br> Overseen: 49<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Trinity Investors (since September 2014); <br> formerly, Managing Director of Cappello <br> Waterfield & Co. LLC (2011-2014); formerly Vice <br> Chair, Global Research, J.P. Morgan (financial <br> services and investment banking institution) <br> (June 2008-January 2009); formerly Global <br> Director of Equity Research, Bear Stearns & Co., <br> Inc. (financial services and investment banking <br> institution) (1995-2008); formerly Associate <br> Director of Equity Research, Bear Stearns & Co., <br> Inc. (1987-1995).<br>| None.  | Since January 2013 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Stephen M. Chipman<br> 1961<br> No. of Portfolios <br> Overseen: 49<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Formerly Group Managing Director, International <br> Expansion and Regional Managing Director, <br> Americas of Vistra (June 2018-June 2019); <br> formerly Chief Executive Officer and Director of <br> Radius (2016-2018); formerly Senior Vice <br> Chairman (January 2015-October 2015) and <br> Chief Executive Officer (January 2010-December <br> 2014) of Grant Thornton LLP. <br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Board Advisor of DM Acquisition Holdings, LLC <br> (since January 1, 2025); Board of Directors of <br> Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company <br> (WTW) (since April 1, 2023); Non-Executive <br> Director of Stout (since January 2020); formerly <br> Chairman of the Board of Auxadi Holdco, S.L. <br> (February 2022 – November 2024); formerly <br> Non-Executive Director of Auxadi Holdco, S.L <br> (November 2020 – November 2024); formerly <br> Non-Executive Director of Clyde & Co. (January <br> 2020 - June 2021); formerly Non-Executive <br> Chairman of Litera Microsystems (September <br> 2019 – January 2021)<br>| Since January 2018 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Robert F. Gunia<br> 1946<br> No. of Portfolios <br> Overseen: 49<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Director of ICI Mutual Insurance Company (June <br> 2024 – Present; June 2020-June 2023; June <br> 2016-2019; June 2012-June 2015)<br>| None.  | Since July 2003 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Independent Board** <br> **Members**<br>|  |  |  |
| **Name**<br> **Year of Birth**<br> **No. of Portfolios** <br> **Overseen**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five** <br> **Years**<br>| **Other Directorships Held** | **Length of Board Service** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Thomas M. O'Brien<br> 1950<br> No. of Portfolios <br> Overseen: 49<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Formerly Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and <br> President of Sterling Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: <br> SBT) (June 2020 - April 2025); Formerly <br> Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President <br> of Sterling Bank and Trust, F.S.B.; formerly Vice <br> Chairman of Emigrant Bank and President of its <br> Naples Commercial Finance Division (October <br> 2018-March 2020); formerly Director, President <br> and CEO Sun Bancorp, Inc. N.A. (NASDAQ: <br> SNBC) and Sun National Bank (July <br> 2014-February 2018); formerly Consultant, <br> Valley National Bancorp, Inc. and Valley <br> National Bank (January 2012-June 2012); <br> formerly President and COO (November <br> 2006-April 2017) and CEO (April <br> 2007-December 2011) of State Bancorp, Inc. <br> and State Bank; formerly Vice Chairman <br> (January 1997-April 2000) of North Fork Bank; <br> formerly President and Chief Executive Officer <br> (December 1984-December 1996) of North Side <br> Savings Bank; formerly President and Chief <br> Executive Officer (May 2000-June 2006) Atlantic <br> Bank of New York.<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Director, Sterling Hold Co. (In Liquidation); <br> Formerly Director, Sun Bancorp, Inc. N.A. <br> (NASDAQ: SNBC) and Sun National Bank (July <br> 2014-February 2018); formerly Director, <br> BankUnited, Inc. and BankUnited N.A. (NYSE: <br> BKU) (May 2012-April 2014); formerly Director <br> (April 2008-January 2012) of Federal Home Loan <br> Bank of New York; formerly Director (December <br> 1996-May 2000) of North Fork Bancorporation, <br> Inc.; formerly Director (May 2000-April 2006) of <br> Atlantic Bank of New York; Director (November <br> 2006-January 2012) of State Bancorp, Inc. <br> (NASDAQ: STBC) and State Bank of Long Island.<br>| Since July 2003 |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Interested Board** <br> **Members**<br>|  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Timothy S. Cronin<br> 1965<br> No. of Portfolios <br> Overseen: 49<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Formerly Vice President of Prudential Strategies <br> Group (May 2003 – April 2025); formerly Senior <br> Vice President of PGIM Investments LLC (May <br> 2009 – April 2025); formerly Chief Investment <br> Officer and Strategist of Prudential Annuities <br> (January 2004 – April 2025); formerly Director of <br> Investment & Research Strategy (February 1998 <br> – April 2025); formerly President of AST <br> Investment Services, Inc. (March 2006 – April <br> 2025).<br>| None. | Since October 2009 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Kenneth Allen<br> 1969<br> President<br> No. of Portfolios <br> Overseen: 49<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Chief Investment Officer and President of <br> Prudential Annuities Investment Management <br> (since May 2025); formerly Vice President of <br> Prudential Annuities Investment Management <br> (December 2009 – April 2025); President of AST <br> Investment Services, Inc. (since May 1, 2025); <br> formerly Vice President of AST Investment <br> Services, Inc. (June 2019 – April 2025); Vice <br> President of PGIM Investments LLC (since June <br> 2019).<br>| None. | Since May 2025 |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Officers**<sup>(a)</sup> <br>|  |  |
| **Name**<br> **Year of Birth**<br> **Position**<br>| **Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years** | **Length of Service as Officer** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Claudia DiGiacomo<br> 1974<br> Chief Legal Officer and Assistant Secretary<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Chief Legal Officer, Executive Vice President and Secretary (since <br> August 2020) of PGIM Investments LLC; Chief Legal Officer (since <br> January 2024) of PGIM DC Solutions LLC, (since July 2022) of the <br> PGIM Alternatives Funds and (since August 2020) of the PGIM <br> Retail Funds, Prudential Annuities Funds, Prudential Mutual <br> Fund Services LLC, and PIFM Holdco, LLC; Vice President and <br> Corporate Counsel (since January 2005) of Prudential; and <br> Corporate Counsel (since August 2020) of AST Investment <br> Services, Inc.; formerly Vice President and Assistant Secretary of <br> PGIM Investments LLC (2005-2020); formerly Associate at Sidley <br> Austin Brown & Wood LLP (1999-2004).<br>| Since December 2005 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Andrew R. French<br> 1962<br> Secretary<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of <br> PGIM Investments LLC; Secretary (since March 2022) of the PGIM <br> Alternatives Funds and (since December 2018) of the PGIM Retail <br> Funds and Prudential Annuities Funds; Vice President and <br> Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of Prudential Mutual <br> Fund Services LLC; formerly Vice President and Corporate <br> Counsel (2010-2018) of Prudential; formerly Director and <br> Corporate Counsel (2006-2010) of Prudential.<br>| Since October 2006 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Melissa Gonzalez<br> 1980<br> Assistant Secretary<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since September 2018) of <br> Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary of DC <br> Solutions (since August 2025); Vice President and Assistant <br> Secretary (since August 2020) of PGIM Investments LLC; Vice <br> President and Assistant Secretary (since June 2025) of AST <br> Investment Services, Inc.; Assistant Secretary (since March 2022) <br> of the PGIM Alternatives Funds, (since March 2020) of the PGIM <br> Retail Funds and (since March 2019) of the Prudential Annuities <br> Funds; formerly Director and Corporate Counsel (March <br> 2014-September 2018) of Prudential.<br>| Since March 2019 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Patrick E. McGuinness<br> 1986<br> Assistant Secretary<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since March 2026) of <br> Prudential; formerly Director and Corporate Counsel (February <br> 2017 – March 2026) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant <br> Secretary (since August 2020) of PGIM Investments LLC; <br> Assistant Secretary (since March 2022) of the PGIM Alternatives <br> Funds and (since June 2020) of the PGIM Retail Funds and <br> Prudential Annuities Funds.<br>| Since June 2020 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Debra Rubano<br> 1975<br> Assistant Secretary <br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since November 2020) of <br> Prudential; Assistant Secretary of the PGIM Alternatives Funds <br> (since March 2022) and of the PGIM Retail Funds (since <br> December 2020) and of the Prudential Annuities Funds (since <br> November 2020); formerly Director and Senior Counsel of Allianz <br> Global Investors U.S. Holdings LLC (2010-2020) and Assistant <br> Secretary of numerous funds in the Allianz fund complex <br> (2015-2020).<br>| Since March 2021 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; George Hoyt<br> 1965<br> Assistant Secretary<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since September 2023) of <br> Prudential; Assistant Secretary (since March 2024) of the <br> Prudential Annuities Funds, (since December 2023) of the PGIM <br> Retail Funds, and (since September 2023) of the PGIM <br> Alternatives Funds; formerly Associate General Counsel of <br> Franklin Templeton and Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of <br> certain funds in the Franklin Templeton complex (2020-2023) <br> and Managing Director (2016-2020) and Associate General <br> Counsel for Legg Mason, Inc. and its predecessors (2004-2020).<br>| Since March 2024 |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Officers**<sup>(a)</sup> |  |  |
| **Name**<br> **Year of Birth**<br> **Position**<br>| **Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years** | **Length of Service as Officer** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Devan Goolsby<br> 1991<br> Assistant Secretary<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since May 2023) of <br> Prudential; Assistant Secretary (since March 2024) of the <br> Prudential Annuities Funds, (since December 2023) of the PGIM <br> Retail Funds and (since September 2023) of the PGIM <br> Alternatives Funds; formerly Associate at Eversheds Sutherland <br> (US) LLP (2021-2023); Compliance Officer at Bloomberg LP <br> (2019-2021); and an Examiner at the Financial Industry <br> Regulatory Authority (2015-2019).<br>| Since March 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Armando Capasso <br> 1974<br> Chief Compliance Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President (since June 2024) of PGIM Investments LLC; Chief <br> Compliance Officer (since July 2024) of the PGIM Retail Funds, <br> Prudential Annuities Funds and PGIM Alternatives Funds; <br> formerly Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President (May 2022 <br> - May 2024) of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., T. Rowe Price <br> Investment Management, Inc., and the T. Rowe Price mutual fund <br> complex; formerly Chief Compliance Officer (September 2019 - <br> April 2022) of PGIM Investments LLC and AST Investment <br> Services, Inc. (ASTIS); formerly Chief Compliance Officer (July <br> 2019 – April 2022) of the PGIM Retail Funds and Prudential <br> Annuities Funds and (March 2022 – April 2022) of PGIM Private <br> Real Estate Fund, Inc.; formerly Vice President and Deputy Chief <br> Compliance Officer (June 2017 - September 2019) of PGIM <br> Investments LLC and ASTIS.<br>| Since June 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Kelly Florio<br> 1978<br> Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President, Corporate Compliance, Global Compliance <br> Programs and Compliance Risk Management (since December <br> 2021) of Prudential; formerly Head of Fraud Risk Management <br> (October 2019-December 2021) at New York Life Insurance <br> Company; formerly Head of Key Risk Area Operations (November <br> 2018-October 2019), Director of the US Anti-Money Laundering <br> Compliance Unit (2009-2018) and Bank Loss Prevention <br> Associate (2006-2009) at MetLife.<br>| Since June 2022 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Christian J. Kelly<br> 1975<br> Chief Financial Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director, Head of Registered Products Fund Operations <br> (since March 2026); Chief Financial Officer (since March 2023) <br> of the PGIM Retail Funds and Prudential Annuities Funds and <br> (since July 2022) of the PGIM Alternatives Funds; formerly Vice <br> President, Global Head of Investment Operations (2018 -2026) of <br> PGIM Investments LLC; formerly Treasurer and Principal Financial <br> Officer (January 2019 - March 2023) of the PGIM Retail Funds <br> and Prudential Annuities Funds; formerly Treasurer and Principal <br> Financial Officer (March 2022 – July 2022) of the PGIM Private <br> Real Estate Fund, Inc.<br>| Since January 2019 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Elyse M. McLaughlin<br> 1974<br> Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Executive Director, RIC Fund Administration (since March 2026); <br> Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer (since September <br> 2023) of the PGIM Rock ETF Trust, (since March 2023) of the <br> Prudential Annuities Funds, and (since September 2022) of the <br> PGIM Private Credit Fund; Assistant Treasurer (since September <br> 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund, (since March 2022) of the <br> PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc., and (since October 2019) of <br> the PGIM Retail Funds; formerly Vice President (2017-2026) <br> within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.<br>| Since October 2019 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Lana Lomuti<br> 1967<br> Assistant Treasurer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Director, RIC Fund Administration (since March 2026); <br> Assistant Secretary (since April 2014) of the PGIM Retail Funds <br> and Prudential Annuities Funds; formerly Vice President <br> (2007-2026) within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.<br>| Since April 2014 |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Officers**<sup>(a)</sup> |  |  |
| **Name**<br> **Year of Birth**<br> **Position**<br>| **Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years** | **Length of Service as Officer** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Russ Shupak<br> 1973<br> Assistant Treasurer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Executive Director, RIC Fund Administration (since March 2026); <br> Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer (since September <br> 2023) of the PGIM Credit Income Fund, (since March 2023) of the <br> PGIM Retail Funds, and (since July 2022) of the PGIM Private <br> Real Estate Fund, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer (since September <br> 2023) of the PGIM Rock ETF Trust, (since September 2022) of the <br> PGIM Private Credit Fund and (since October 2019) of the <br> Prudential Annuities Funds; formerly Vice President (2017-2026) <br> within PGIM Investments Fund Administration; formerly Assistant <br> Treasurer (March 2022 – July 2022) of the PGIM Private Real <br> Estate Fund, Inc.<br>| Since October 2019 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Deborah Conway<br> 1969<br> Assistant Treasurer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Director, RIC Tax (since March 2026); Assistant Secretary <br> (since October 2019) of the PGIM Retail Funds and Prudential <br> Annuities Funds; formerly Vice President (2017-2026) within <br> PGIM Investments Fund Administration.<br>| Since October 2019 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Robert W. McCormack<br> 1973<br> Assistant Treasurer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Director, RIC Fund Administration (since March 2026); <br> Assistant Treasurer (since March 2023) of the PGIM Retail Funds <br> and Prudential Annuities Funds and (since March 2022) of the <br> PGIM Alternatives Funds; formerly Vice President (2019-2026) <br> within PGIM Investments Fund Administration.<br>| Since March 2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Alina Srodecka, CPA<br> 1966<br> Assistant Treasurer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President of Tax at Prudential Financial, Inc. (Since August <br> 2007); formerly Director of Tax at MetLife (January 2003 – May <br> 2006); formerly Tax Manager at Deloitte & Touché (October 1997 <br> – January 2003); formerly Staff Accountant at Marsh & <br> McLennan (May 1994 – May 1997).<br>| Since June 2017 |

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<sup>(a)</sup> Excludes Mr. Allen, an Interested Board Member who also serves as President and Principal Executive Officer of the Trust.

**Explanatory Notes to Tables:**

■

Timothy S. Cronin is formerly an officer of the Portfolios and formerly an officer of the Manager. Due to his prior employment, he is considered to be an "interested person" under the 1940 Act. Mr. Cronin is a Non-Management Interested Board Member.

■

Kenneth Allen is an Interested Board Member because he is an officer of the Portfolios and an officer of the Manager.

■

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

■

There is no set term of office for Board Members or Officers. The Independent 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 78, provided that the Board may extend the retirement age on a year-by-year basis for a Board Member.

■

"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.

■

"No. of Portfolios Overseen" includes all investment companies managed by PGIM Investments and/or ASTIS that are overseen by the Board Member. The investment companies for which PGIM Investments and/or ASTIS serves as Manager include:

■

The "PGIM Retail Funds" (currently consisting of the PGIM Retail Mutual Funds, PGIM ETF Trust, PGIM High Yield Bond Fund, Inc., PGIM Global High Yield Fund, Inc. and PGIM Short Duration High Yield Opportunities Fund);

■

The "Prudential Annuities Funds" (currently consisting of The Prudential Series Fund, Prudential's Gibraltar Fund, Inc. and the Advanced Series Trust); and

■

The "PGIM Alternatives Funds" (currently consisting of PGIM Rock ETF Trust, PGIM Private Real Estate Fund, Inc., PGIM Private Credit Fund, and PGIM Credit Income Fund).

■

As used in the Officer's table, "Prudential" means The Prudential Insurance Company of America.

**COMPENSATION OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS.** Pursuant to a Management Agreement with the Trust (the Management Agreement), the Investment Manager pays all compensation of Trustees, officers and employees of the Trust, other than the fees and expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated persons of the Investment Manager or any subadviser. The Trust pays each of its Independent Trustees annual compensation in addition to certain out-of-pocket expenses. Trustees who serve on Board Committees may receive additional compensation.

Independent Trustees may defer receipt of their compensation pursuant to a deferred fee agreement with the Trust. Under the terms of the agreement, the Trust accrues deferred Trustees' compensation daily which, in turn, accrue interest at a rate equivalent to the prevailing rate to 90-day US Treasury Bills at the beginning of each calendar quarter or, at the daily rate of return of one or more funds

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10**

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managed by PGIM Investments chosen by the Trustee. Payment of the interest so accrued is also deferred and becomes payable at the option of the Trustee. The Trust's obligation to make payments of deferred Trustees' compensation, together with interest thereon, is a general obligation of the Trust. The Trust does not have a retirement or pension plan for its Trustees.

The following table sets forth the aggregate compensation paid by the Trust for the Trust's most recently completed fiscal year to the Independent Trustees for service on the Trust's Board, and the Board of any other investment company in the Fund Complex (as defined below) for the most recently completed calendar year. Trustees and officers who are "interested persons" of the Trust (as defined in the 1940 Act) do not receive compensation from the Fund Complex.

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name | &nbsp;&nbsp; Aggregate Compensation <br> from the Trust<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Pension or Retirement Benefits <br> Accrued as Part of Fund Expenses<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Estimated Annual Benefits <br> Upon Retirement<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Total Compensation from Trust <br> and Fund Complex\*<sup>(1)</sup> <br>|
| **Compensation Received by Independent Board Members** | **Compensation Received by Independent Board Members** | **Compensation Received by Independent Board Members** | **Compensation Received by Independent Board Members** | **Compensation Received by Independent Board Members** |
| Susan Davenport Austin | $356030 |  |  | $470,000 (3/49)\*\* |
| Jessica M. Bibliowicz | $356030 |  |  | $470,000 (3/49)\*\* |
| Kay Ryan Booth | $356030 |  |  | $470,000 (3/49)\*\* |
| Stephen M. Chipman | $356030 |  |  | $470,000 (3/49)\*\* |
| Timothy S. Cronin<sup>†</sup> <br>| $156970 |  |  | $210,000 (3/49)\*\* |
| Robert F. Gunia\*\*\* | $356030 |  |  | $470,000 (3/49)\*\* |
| Thomas M. O'Brien | $451670 |  |  | $595,000 (3/49)\*\* |

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**Explanatory Notes to Compensation Table**

<sup>(1)</sup> Compensation relates to portfolios that were in existence and having investment operations during 2025.

<sup>†</sup> Timothy S. Cronin serves as a Non-Management Interested Director, and receives compensation from the Portfolios for his service as a Board Member.

\* "Fund Complex" includes the Prudential Annuities Funds, the PGIM Retail Mutual Funds, the PGIM Alternatives Funds, and any other funds that are managed by PGIM Investments LLC and /or ASTIS.

\*\* No. of Portfolios Overseen represent those in existence as of December 31, 2025, and excludes funds/portfolios that have merged or liquidated during the year. Additionally, the number of funds/portfolios includes those which are approved as of December 31, 2025, however, may commence operations after that date. No compensation is paid out from such funds/portfolios.

\*\*\* Under the deferred fee agreement for the PGIM Investments-managed funds, certain Board Members have elected to defer all or part of their total compensation. The amount of compensation deferred during the calendar year ended December 31, 2025 amounted to $200,000 for Mr. Gunia. Under the deferred fee arrangement, this amount is deposited into a trust held for the benefit of the participating Board Member and is not a continuing obligation of the Portfolios.

**BOARD COMMITTEES.** The Board has established four standing committees in connection with governance of the Trust—Audit, Compliance, Governance, and Investment Review and Risk. Information on the membership of each standing committee and its functions is set forth below.

**Audit Committee.** The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is not an "interested person" as defined in the 1940 Act. The responsibilities of the Audit Committee are to assist the Board in overseeing the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm, accounting policies and procedures, and other areas relating to the Trust's auditing processes. The Audit Committee is responsible for pre-approving all audit services and any permitted non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm directly to the Trust. The Audit Committee is also responsible for pre-approving permitted non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm to (1) the Investment Manager and (2) any entity in a control relationship with the Investment Manager that provides ongoing services to the Trust, provided that the engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm relates directly to the operation and financial reporting of the Trust. The scope of the Audit Committee's responsibilities is oversight. It is management's responsibility to maintain appropriate systems for accounting and internal control and the independent registered public accounting firm's responsibility to plan and carry out an audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). The Audit Committee Charter is available at <u>www.prudential.com/variableinsuranceportfolios</u>. The number of Audit Committee meetings held during the Trust's most recently completed fiscal year is set forth in the table below.

The membership of the Audit Committee is set forth below:

Stephen M. Chipman (Chair)

Susan Davenport Austin

Robert F. Gunia

Thomas M. O'Brien (ex officio)

**Compliance Committee.** The Compliance Committee serves as a liaison between the Board and the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). The Compliance Committee is responsible for considering, in consultation with the Board's Chair and outside counsel, any material compliance matters that are identified and reported by the CCO to the Compliance Committee between Board meetings. The

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Compliance Committee is also responsible for considering, when requested by the CCO, the CCO's recommendations regarding the materiality of compliance matters to be reported to the Board. The Compliance Committee reviews compliance matters that it determines warrant review between Board meetings. Further, when the CCO wishes to engage an independent third party to perform compliance-related work at the Trust's expense, the Compliance Committee and CCO will evaluate which third party to recommend to the Board as well as the appropriate scope of the work. The number of Compliance Committee meetings held during the Trust's most recently completed fiscal year is set forth in the table below. The Compliance Committee Charter is available on the Trust's website at <u>www.prudential.com/variableinsuranceportfolios</u>.

The membership of the Compliance Committee is set forth below:

Robert F. Gunia (Vice-Chair)

Jessica M. Bibliowicz

Kay Ryan Booth (Chair)

Timothy S. Cronin<sup>1</sup>

Thomas M. O'Brien (ex officio)

**Governance Committee.** The Governance Committee of the Board is responsible for nominating Trustees and making recommendations to the Board concerning Board composition, committee structure and governance, director compensation and expenses, director education, and governance practices. The Board has determined that each member of the Governance Committee is not an "interested person" as defined in the 1940 Act. The number of Governance Committee meetings held during the Trust's most recently completed fiscal year is set forth in the table below. The Governance Committee Charter is available on the Trust's website at <u>www.prudential.com/variableinsuranceportfolios</u>.

The membership of the Governance Committee is set forth below:

Susan Davenport Austin (Chair)

Jessica M. Bibliowicz

Kay Ryan Booth

Stephen M. Chipman

Thomas M. O'Brien (ex officio)

**Investment Review and Risk Committee (IRRC).** The IRRC consists of all members of the Board and is chaired by Ms. Bibliowicz. The Board created the IRRC to help the Board in reviewing certain types of risk, especially those risks related to portfolio investments, the subadvisers for the Portfolio and other related risks. The responsibilities of the IRRC include, but are not limited to: reviewing written materials and reports pertaining to Portfolio performance, investments and risk from subadvisers, SIRG, and others; considering presentations from subadvisers, the Investment Manager, SIRG or other service providers on matters relating to Portfolio performance, investments and risk; and periodically reviewing management's evaluation of various types of risks to the Portfolio. The number of IRRC meetings held during the Trust's most recently completed fiscal year is set forth in the table below.

<sup>1</sup>Timothy S. Cronin joined the Compliance Committee in September of 2025.

**LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.** The Board is responsible for oversight of the Trust. The Trust has engaged the Investment Manager to manage the Trust on a day-to-day basis. The Board oversees the Investment Manager and certain other principal service providers in the operations of the Trust. The Board is currently composed of seven members, six of whom are Independent Trustees. Under normal circumstances, the Board meets at regularly scheduled meetings ten times throughout the year. In addition, the Board Members may meet at special meetings. As described above, the Board has established four standing committees—Audit, Compliance, Governance, and Investment Review and Risk—and may establish ad hoc committees or working groups from time to time, to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Independent Trustees have also engaged independent legal counsel to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities.

The Board is chaired by an Independent Trustee. As Chair, this Independent Trustee leads the Board in its activities. Also, the Chair acts as a member or an ex-officio member of each standing committee and any ad hoc committee of the Board. The Trustees have determined that the Board's leadership and committee structure is appropriate because the Board believes it sets the proper tone to the relationships between the Trust, on the one hand, and the Investment Manager, the subadviser(s) and certain other principal service providers, on the other, and facilitates the exercise of the Board's independent judgment in evaluating and managing the relationships. In addition, the structure efficiently allocates responsibility among committees.

The Board has concluded that, based on each Trustee's experience, qualifications, attributes or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees, each Trustee should serve as a Trustee. Among other attributes common to all Trustees are their ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the various service providers to the Trust, and to exercise reasonable business judgment in the performance of their duties as Trustees. In addition, the

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Board has taken into account the actual service and commitment of the Trustees during their tenure in concluding that each should continue to serve. A Trustee's ability to perform his or her duties effectively may have been attained through a Trustee's educational background or professional training; business, consulting, public service or academic positions; experience from service as a Trustee of the Trust, other funds in the Fund Complex, public companies, or non-profit entities or other organizations; or other experiences. Set forth below is a brief discussion of the specific experience qualifications, attributes or skills of each Trustee that led the Board to conclude that he or she should serve as a Trustee.

*Susan Davenport Austin.* Ms. Austin currently serves as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Grace Church School. In addition to her experience in senior leadership positions with private companies, Ms. Austin has more than 10 years of experience in the investment banking industry, and has experience serving on boards of other public companies, private companies and non-profit entities.

*Jessica M. Bibliowicz.* Ms. Bibliowicz has more than 25 years of experience in senior leadership positions in the financial services and investment management industries. In addition, Ms. Bibliowicz also has experience in serving on the boards of other public companies, investment companies, and non-profit organizations.

*Kay Ryan Booth.* Ms. Booth has more than 35 years of experience in senior leadership positions in the investment management and investment banking industries. Ms. Booth is currently an Advisory Partner of Trinity Investors. In addition to her experience in senior leadership positions with private companies, Ms. Booth has experience serving on the boards of other entities.

*Stephen M. Chipman.* Mr. Chipman has more than 34 years of experience with a public accounting firm, serving in various senior leadership positions in Europe, North America and Asia. Mr. Chipman also has experience serving on boards of other entities.

*Robert F. Gunia.* Mr. Gunia has served for more than 10 years as a Trustee of mutual funds advised by the Investment Manager or its predecessors. In addition, Mr. Gunia served in senior leadership positions for more than 28 years with the Investment Manager and its affiliates and predecessors.

*Thomas M. O'Brien.* Mr. O'Brien has served for more than 10 years as a Trustee of mutual funds advised by the Investment Manager or its predecessors, including some or all of the following funds: Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund, Prudential's Gibraltar Fund, Inc., and/or other mutual funds advised by the Investment Manager or its predecessors. Mr. O'Brien has more than 25 years of experience in senior leadership positions in the banking industry, and has experience serving on the boards of other entities.

*Timothy S. Cronin.* Mr. Cronin, a Non-Management Interested Trustee of the Trust and other funds advised by the Investment Manager since 2009, served as Vice President of the Trust and other funds advised by the Investment Manager from 2009 to 2015, as President of the Trust and other funds advised by the Investment Manager from 2015 to May 1, 2025, and has held senior positions with Prudential Financial (and American Skandia, which was purchased by Prudential Financial) since 1998.

*Kenneth Allen.* Mr. Allen, an Interested Trustee of the Trust and other funds advised by the Investment Manager since May 1, 2025, serves as President of the of AST Investment Services, Inc., the Trust, and other funds advised by the Investment Manager since May 1, 2025; Vice President of PGIM Investments LLC since June 2019; and Chief Investment Officer and President of Prudential Annuities Investment Management since May 1, 2025. Mr. Allen served as Vice President of the Trust and other funds advised by the Investment Manager from 2019 to 2025; Vice President of AST Investment Services, Inc. from 2019 to 2025; and Vice President of Prudential Annuities Investment Management from 2009 to 2025; and held senior positions with The Hartford Life Insurance, Inc. from 1991-2009.

Specific details about each Trustee's professional experience is set forth in the professional biography tables, above.

**Risk Oversight.** Investing in general and the operation of a mutual fund involve a variety of risks, such as investment risk, liquidity risk, compliance risk, and operational risk, among others. The Board oversees risk as part of its oversight of the Trust. Risk oversight is addressed as part of various regular Board and committee activities. The Board, directly or through its committees, reviews reports from among others, the Investment Manager, the administrator to the Trust's Liquidity Risk Management Program, sub-advisers, the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer, the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm, counsel, and internal auditors of the Investment Manager or its affiliates, as appropriate, regarding risks faced by the Trust and the risk management programs of the Investment Manager and certain service providers. The actual day-to-day risk management with respect to the Trust resides with the Investment Manager and other service providers to the Trust, including pursuant to the Board-approved Liquidity Risk Management Program for the Trust. Although the risk management policies of the Investment Manager and the service providers are designed to be effective, those policies and their implementation vary among service providers and over time, and there is no guarantee that they will be effective. Not all risks that may affect the Trust can be identified or processes and controls developed to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects, and some risks are simply beyond any control of the Trust or the Investment Manager, its affiliates, or other service providers.

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**13**

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**Selection of Trustee Nominees.** The Governance Committee is responsible for considering Trustee nominees for Trustees at such times as it considers electing new members to the Board. The Governance Committee may consider recommendations by business and personal contacts of current Board members, and by executive search firms which the Committee may engage from time to time and will also consider shareholder recommendations. The Governance Committee has not established specific, minimum qualifications that it believes must be met by a nominee. In evaluating nominees, the Governance Committee considers, among other things, an individual's background, skills, and experience; whether the individual is an "interested person" as defined in the 1940 Act; and whether the individual would be deemed an "audit committee financial expert" within the meaning of applicable SEC rules. The Governance Committee also considers whether the individual's background, skills, and experience will complement the background, skills, and experience of other nominees and will contribute to the diversity of the Board. There are no differences in the manner in which the Governance Committee evaluates nominees for the Board based on whether the nominee is recommended by a shareholder.

A shareholder who wishes to recommend a director for nomination should submit his or her recommendation in writing to the Chair of the Board (Thomas M. O'Brien) or the Chair of the Governance Committee (Susan Davenport Austin), in either case in care of the Trust, at 655 Broad Street, 6<sup>th</sup> Floor, Newark, New Jersey 07102. At a minimum, the recommendation should include: the name, address, and business, educational, and/or other pertinent background of the person being recommended; a statement concerning whether the person is an "interested person" as defined in the 1940 Act; any other information that the Trust would be required to include in a proxy statement concerning the person if he or she was nominated; and the name and address of the person submitting the recommendation, together with the number of shares held by such person and the period for which the shares have been held. The recommendation also can include any additional information which the person submitting it believes would assist the Governance Committee in evaluating the recommendation.

Shareholders should note that a person who owns securities issued by Prudential Financial, Inc. (the parent company of the Trust's Investment Manager) would be deemed an "interested person" under the 1940 Act. In addition, certain other relationships with Prudential Financial, Inc. or its subsidiaries, with registered broker-dealers, or with the Trust's outside legal counsel may cause a person to be deemed an "interested person." Before the Governance Committee decides to nominate an individual to the Board, Committee members and other Board members customarily interview the individual in person. In addition, the individual customarily is asked to complete a detailed questionnaire which is designed to elicit information which must be disclosed under SEC and stock exchange rules and to determine whether the individual is subject to any statutory disqualification from serving on the board of a registered investment company.

**Shareholder Communications with the Board of Trustees.** Shareholders of the Trust can communicate directly with the Board by writing to the Chair of the Board, c/o the Trust, 1 Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut 06484. Shareholders can communicate directly with an individual Trustee by writing to that Trustee, c/o the Trust, 1 Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut 06484. Such communications to the Board or individual Trustees are not screened before being delivered to the addressee.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Board Committee Meetings (for most recently completed fiscal year)** | **Board Committee Meetings (for most recently completed fiscal year)** | **Board Committee Meetings (for most recently completed fiscal year)** | **Board Committee Meetings (for most recently completed fiscal year)** |
| **Audit Committee** | **Governance Committee** | **Compliance Committee** | **Investment Review and Risk Committee** |
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 |

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**Share Ownership.** Information relating to each Trustee's share ownership in the Trust, other funds that are overseen by the respective Trustee as well as any other funds that are managed by the Manager as of the most recently completed calendar year is set forth in the chart below.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Dollar Range of Equity** <br> **Securities in the Trust**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Aggregate Dollar Range of** <br> **Equity Securities Owned** <br> **by Trustee in All** <br> **Registered Investment** <br> **Companies in Fund Complex\***<br>|
| **Trustee Share Ownership** |  |  |
| Susan Davenport Austin  |  | Over $100,000 |
| Jessica M. Bibliowicz |  | Over $100,000 |
| Kay Ryan Booth |  | Over $100,000 |
| Stephen M. Chipman |  | Over $100,000 |
| Timothy S. Cronin  |  |  |
| Robert F. Gunia  | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |
| Thomas M. O'Brien  |  | Over $100,000 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Dollar Range of Equity** <br> **Securities in the Trust**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Aggregate Dollar Range of** <br> **Equity Securities Owned** <br> **by Trustee in All** <br> **Registered Investment** <br> **Companies in Fund Complex\***<br>|
| Kenneth Allen\*\* | None | None |

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\* ""Fund Complex" includes the Prudential Annuities Funds, the PGIM Retail Mutual Funds, the PGIM Alternatives Funds, and any other funds that are managed by PGIM Investments and/or ASTIS. The above share ownership information relates to Portfolios and other registered investment companies in the Fund Complex that were in existence during 2025.

\*\*Kenneth Allen was named a Trustee of the Trust as of May 1, 2025.

Each Portfolio is not available as an investment option for contract holders. Rather, each Portfolio is only available for investment by other portfolios of the Trust (each, an Investing Portfolio, and collectively, the Investing Portfolios). You may have invested in such Investing Portfolios through certain variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts. If so, you should have received a prospectus for the contract and for the Investing Portfolio in which you invested. You should refer to those prospectuses for further information on your investment. The Trust does not provide investment advice. You should contact your financial advisor for advice regarding selection of a Portfolio.

Other than as set forth in the following paragraph, none of the Independent Trustees, or any member of his/her immediate family, owned beneficially or of record any securities in an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Trust or a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with an investment adviser or principal underwriter of a Portfolio as of the most recently completed calendar year.

**MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORY ARRANGEMENTS**

**TRUST MANAGEMENT**. PGIM Investments, 655 Broad Street, 6<sup>th</sup> Floor, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077, serves as the investment manager of the Portfolios covered by this SAI.

As of December 31, 2025, PGIM Investments served as investment manager to all of the Prudential US and offshore open-end investment companies, and as administrator to closed-end investment companies, with aggregate assets of approximately $333.2 billion. PGIM Investments is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PIFM Holdco, LLC, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PGIM Holding Company LLC, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. (Prudential). PGIM Investments has been in the business of providing investment advisory services since 1996.

*Services Provided by the Manager*. Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Manager, subject to the oversight of the Trust's Board and in conformity with the stated policies of the Portfolios, manages both the investment operations and composition of each Portfolio, including the purchase, retention, disposition and loan of securities and other assets. In connection therewith, the Manager is obligated to keep certain books and records of the Portfolios. The Manager is authorized to enter into subadvisory agreements for investment advisory services in connection with the management of the Portfolios. The Manager continues to have the ultimate responsibility for all investment advisory services performed pursuant to any such subadvisory agreements.

The Manager is specifically responsible for supervising and managing the Portfolios and the subadvisers. In this capacity, the Manager reviews the performance of the Portfolios and the subadvisers and makes recommendations to the Board with respect to the retention of investment subadvisers, the renewal of contracts, and the reorganization and merger of Portfolios, and other legal and compliance matters. The Manager takes on the entrepreneurial and other risks associated with the launch of each new Portfolio and its ongoing operations. The Manager utilizes the Strategic Investment Research Group (SIRG), a unit of PGIM Investments, to assist it in regularly evaluating and supervising the Portfolios and the subadvisers, including with respect to investment performance. SIRG is a centralized research department of PGIM Investments that is comprised of a group of highly experienced analysts. SIRG utilizes proprietary processes to analyze large quantities of industry data, both on a qualitative and quantitative level, in order to effectively manage the Portfolios and the subadvisers. The Manager utilizes this data in directly supervising the Portfolios and the subadvisers. SIRG provides reports to the Board and presents to the Board at special and regularly scheduled Board meetings. The Manager bears the cost of the oversight program maintained by SIRG.

In addition, the Manager provides or supervises all of the administrative functions necessary for the organization, operation and management of the Trust and its Portfolios. The Manager administers the Trust's corporate affairs and, in connection therewith, furnishes the Trust with office facilities, together with those ordinary clerical and bookkeeping services which are not being furnished by the Trust's custodian (the Custodian), and the Trust's transfer agent. The Manager is also responsible for the staffing and management of dedicated groups of legal, marketing, compliance and related personnel necessary for the operation of the Trust. The legal, marketing,

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compliance and related personnel are also responsible for the management and oversight of the various service providers to the Trust, including, but not limited to, the custodian, transfer agent, and accounting agent. The management services of the Manager to the Trust are not exclusive under the terms of the Management Agreement and the Manager is free to, and does, render management services to others.

The primary administrative services furnished by the Manager are more specifically detailed below:

■

furnishing of office facilities;

■

paying salaries of all officers and other employees of the Manager who are responsible for managing the Trust and the Portfolios;

■

monitoring financial and shareholder accounting services provided by the Trust's custodian and transfer agent;

■

providing assistance to the service providers of the Trust and the Portfolios, including, but not limited to, the custodian, transfer agent, and accounting agent;

■

monitoring, together with each subadviser, each Portfolio's compliance with its investment policies, restrictions, and with US federal and state laws and regulations, including US federal and state securities laws, the Code and other relevant US federal and state laws and regulations;

■

preparing and filing all required US federal, state and local tax returns for the Trust and the Portfolios;

■

preparing and filing with the SEC on Form N-CSR the Trust's annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, including supervising financial printers who provide related support services;

■

preparing and filing with the SEC required monthly reports of portfolio holdings on Form N-PORT;

■

preparing and filing the Trust's registration statement with the SEC on Form N-1A, as well as preparing and filing with the SEC supplements and other documents, as applicable;

■

preparing compliance, operations and other reports required to be received by the Trust's Board and/or its committees in support of the Board's oversight of the Trust; and

■

organizing the regular and any special meetings of the Board of the Trust, including the preparing Board materials and agendas, preparing minutes, and related functions.

*Expenses Borne by the Manager.* In connection with its management of the corporate affairs of the Trust, the Manager bears certain expenses, including, but not limited to:

■

the salaries and expenses of all of its and the Trust's personnel except the fees and expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated persons of the Manager or any subadviser;

■

all expenses incurred by the Manager or the Trust in connection with managing the ordinary course of a Trust's business, other than those assumed by the Trust as described below;

■

the fees, costs and expenses payable to any investment subadvisers pursuant to subadvisory agreements between the Manager and such investment subadvisers; and

■

with respect to the compliance services provided by the Manager, the cost of the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer, the Trust's Deputy Chief Compliance Officer, and all personnel who provide compliance services for the Trust, and all of the other costs associated with the Trust's compliance program, which includes the management and operation of the compliance program responsible for compliance oversight of the Portfolios and the subadvisers.

*Expenses Borne by the Trust.* Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Trust is responsible for the payment of Trust expenses not paid by the Manager, including:

■

the fees and expenses incurred by the Trust in connection with the management of the investment and reinvestment of the Trust's assets payable to the Manager;

■

the fees and expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated persons of the Manager or any subadviser;

■

the fees and certain expenses of the custodian and transfer and dividend disbursing agent, including the cost of providing records to the Manager in connection with their obligation of maintaining required records of the Trust and of pricing the Trust's shares;

■

the charges and expenses of the Trust's legal counsel and independent auditors;

■

brokerage commissions and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable to the Trust in connection with its securities (and futures, if applicable) transactions;

■

all taxes and corporate fees payable by the Trust to governmental agencies;

■

the fees of any trade associations of which the Trust may be a member;

■

the cost of share certificates representing and/or non-negotiable share deposit receipts evidencing shares of the Trust;

■

the cost of fidelity, directors and officers and errors and omissions insurance;

■

the fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining registration of the Trust and of its shares with the SEC and paying notice filing fees under state securities laws, including the preparation and printing of the Trust's registration statements and prospectuses for such purposes;

■

allocable communications expenses with respect to investor services and all expenses of shareholders' and Trustees' meetings and of preparing, printing and mailing reports and notices to shareholders; and

■

litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Trust's business and distribution and service (12b-1) fees.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**16**

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*Terms of the Management Agreement*. The Management Agreement provides that the Manager will not be liable for any error of judgment by PGIM Investments or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which the Management Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services (in which case any award of damages shall be limited to the period and the amount set forth in Section 36(b)(3) of the 1940 Act) or loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties. The Management Agreement provides that it will terminate automatically, if assigned (as defined in the 1940 Act), and that it may be terminated without penalty by either the Manager or the Trust by the Board or vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust, (as defined in the 1940 Act) upon not more than 60 days nor less than 30 days written notice. The Management Agreement will continue in effect for a period of more than two years from the date of execution only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act.

Fees payable under the Management Agreement are computed daily and paid monthly. The Manager may from time to time waive all or a portion of its management fee and subsidize all or a portion of the operating expenses of a Portfolio. Management fee waivers and subsidies will increase a Portfolio's total return. These voluntary waivers may be terminated at any time without notice.

*SEC Manager-of-Managers Order.* The manager-of-managers structure operates under exemptive orders issued by the SEC. The orders permit the Manager to hire subadvisers or amend subadvisory agreements, without shareholder approval.

The most recent order imposes the following conditions:

1. Before a Portfolio may rely on the order requested in the application, the operation of the Portfolio in the manner described in the application, including the hiring of wholly-owned subadvisers, will be, or has been, approved by a majority of the Portfolio's outstanding voting securities as defined in the 1940 Act, which in the case of a master fund will include voting instructions provided by shareholders of the feeder funds investing in such master fund or other voting arrangements that comply with section 12(d)(1)(E)(iii)(aa) of the 1940 Act (or, in the case of an insurance-related Portfolio, pursuant to the voting instructions provided by contract owners with assets allocated to any registered separate account for which the Portfolio serves as a funding medium), or, in the case of a new Portfolio whose public shareholders purchase shares on the basis of a prospectus containing the disclosure contemplated by condition 2 below, by the sole initial shareholder before offering the Portfolio's shares to the public.

2. The prospectus for each Portfolio, and in the case of a master fund relying on the requested relief, the prospectus for each feeder fund investing in such master fund, will disclose the existence, substance and effect of any order granted pursuant to the application. Each Portfolio (and any such feeder fund) will hold itself out to the public as employing the Multi-Manager Structure described in the application. Each prospectus will prominently disclose that the Manager has the ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight by the Board, to oversee the subadvisers and recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement.

3. The Manager will provide general management services to a Portfolio, including overall supervisory responsibility for the general management and investment of the Portfolio's assets. Subject to review and approval of the Board, the Manager will (a) set a Portfolio's overall investment strategies, (b) evaluate, select, and recommend subadvisers to manage all or a portion of a Portfolio's assets, and (c) implement procedures reasonably designed to ensure that subadvisers comply with a Portfolio's investment objective, policies and restrictions. Subject to review by the Board, the Manager will (a) when appropriate, allocate and reallocate a Portfolio's assets among subadvisers; and (b) monitor and evaluate the performance of subadvisers.

4. A Portfolio will not make any ineligible subadviser changes without the approval of the shareholders of the applicable Portfolio, which in the case of a master fund will include voting instructions provided by shareholders of the feeder fund investing in such master fund or other voting arrangements that comply with section 12(d)(1)(E)(iii)(aa) of the 1940 Act.

5. A Portfolio will inform shareholders, and if the Portfolio is a master fund, shareholders of any feeder funds, of the hiring of a new subadviser within 90 days after the hiring of the new subadviser pursuant to the Modified Notice and Access Procedures.

6. At all times, at least a majority of the Board will be Independent Trustees, and the selection and nomination of new or additional Independent Trustees will be placed within the discretion of the then-existing Independent Trustees.

7. Independent legal counsel, as defined in rule 0-1(a)(6) under the 1940 Act, will be engaged to represent the Independent Trustees. The selection of such counsel will be within the discretion of the then-existing Independent Trustees.

8. The Manager will provide the Board, no less frequently than quarterly, with information about the profitability of the Manager on a per Portfolio basis. The information will reflect the impact on profitability of the hiring or termination of any subadviser during the applicable quarter.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

9. Whenever a subadviser is hired or terminated, the Manager will provide the Board with information showing the expected impact on the profitability of the Manager.

10. Whenever a subadviser change is proposed for a Portfolio with an affiliated subadviser or a wholly-owned subadviser, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, will make a separate finding, reflected in the Board minutes, that such change is in the best interests of the Portfolio and its shareholders, and if the Portfolio is a master fund, the best interests of any applicable feeder funds and their respective shareholders, and does not involve a conflict of interest from which the Manager or the affiliated subadviser or wholly-owned subadviser derives an inappropriate advantage.

11. No Board member or officer of a Prudential investment company, a Portfolio, or a feeder fund that invests in a Portfolio that is a master fund, or director, manager or officer of the Manager, will own directly or indirectly (other than through a pooled investment vehicle that is not controlled by such person) any interest in a subadviser except for (a) ownership of interests in the Manager or any entity, other than a wholly-owned subadviser, that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Manager, or (b) ownership of less than 1% of the outstanding securities of any class of equity or debt of any publicly traded company that is either a subadviser or an entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, a subadviser.

12. Each Portfolio and any feeder fund that invests in a Portfolio that is a master fund will disclose an aggregate fee disclosure in its registration statement.

13. In the event the SEC adopts a rule under the 1940 Act providing substantially similar relief to that requested in the application, the requested order will expire on the effective date of that rule.

14. Any new subadvisory agreement or any amendment to a Portfolio's existing Management Agreement or subadvisory agreement that directly or indirectly results in an increase in the aggregate advisory fee rate payable by the Portfolio will be submitted to the Portfolio's shareholders for approval.

*Potential Conflicts.* Under the manager-of-managers structure, the Manager recommends the hiring and firing of subadvisers, determines the allocation of Portfolio assets among subadvisers for Portfolios with more than one subadviser, and reports to the Board regarding subadviser performance. The Manager also directly manages the assets for certain Portfolio sleeves or segments.

The Manager may face potential conflicts inherent in serving as a manager-of-managers including, but not limited to: (i) an incentive to recommend that a Portfolio retain an affiliated subadviser; (ii) an incentive to recommend that a Portfolio retain a subadviser because the subadviser may provide distribution support or other services that benefit the Manager or its affiliates or because of other relationships between the subadviser or its affiliates and the Manager or its affiliates; (iii) an incentive to recommend that the Manager provides direct management of assets for certain sleeves or segments; and (iv) an incentive to allocate assets among subadvisers of a single Portfolio based on profitability or other benefit to the Manager or its affiliates.

To mitigate potential conflicts presented by these issues, the Manager utilizes the services of SIRG, a unit of PGIM Investments, which provides investment manager oversight, analysis and recommendations. SIRG provides its input to both the Manager and the Board. SIRG representatives meet with the Board in connection with its quarterly meetings and any special meetings at which subadviser recommendations are made, and the Board makes the decision as to the retention of any subadviser. For recommendations involving a new subadviser or a replacement subadviser for a single asset class Portfolio or sleeve, SIRG conducts a search of qualified subadvisers and provides a recommendation. SIRG reviews with the Board the search process, finalists and the reasons for the recommendation. SIRG's investment analysis process is applied in the same manner to both affiliated and unaffiliated subadvisers. The Board makes the final decision with respect to the retention of a new or replacement subadviser. For some Portfolios, the Manager makes a recommendation for a subadviser based on the design of a Portfolio, such as a Portfolio designed in consultation with a specific subadviser. In those cases, SIRG reviews the proposed subadviser and reports to the Board regarding its assessment of the subadviser.

To the extent a subadviser's affiliation or other business relationship with Prudential is a factor in any subadviser recommendation, the Manager discusses the relevant factors with the Board, which makes the final decision on any new or replacement subadviser. SIRG personnel are not involved in subadvisory fee negotiations.

*Management Fees.* The tables below set forth the applicable contractual management fee rate for each Portfolio and the management fees received by the Manager from the Trust for each Portfolio for the indicated fiscal years. Any subadvisory fees for a Portfolio are paid out of the management fees received by the Manager, and therefore the management fees set forth below reflect the aggregate management fees paid to the Manager and any subadvisers. The Manager has not received any management fees from the Trust for each Portfolio since their respective inception dates.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Management Fee Rates (effective June 27, 2022 and thereafter)** | **Management Fee Rates (effective June 27, 2022 and thereafter)** |
| **Portfolio** | **Contractual Fee Rate** |
| AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio\* | N/A |

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\* Certain Asset Allocation Portfolios of Advanced Series Trust, subadvised by PGIM, Inc. and PGIM Limited (AA Portfolios) and the AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio (ASTIG, and together with AA Portfolios, the Investing Portfolios) will invest in the AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio. The Manager receives a management fee rate for services provided to the Investing Portfolios pursuant to an investment management agreement for each of the Investing Portfolios.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Management Fee Rates (effective November 29, 2022 and thereafter)** | **Management Fee Rates (effective November 29, 2022 and thereafter)** |
| **Portfolio** | **Contractual Fee Rate** |
| AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio\* | N/A |

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\* Certain Asset Allocation Portfolios of Advanced Series Trust, subadvised by J.P. Morgan Investment Management (AA Portfolios) and the AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio (ASTIG, and together with AA Portfolios, the Investing Portfolios) will invest in the AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio. The Manager receives a management fee rate for services provided to the Investing Portfolios pursuant to an investment management agreement for each of the Investing Portfolios.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Management Fee Rates (effective April 25, 2022 and thereafter)** | **Management Fee Rates (effective April 25, 2022 and thereafter)** |
| **Portfolio** | **Contractual Fee Rate\*** |
| AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio | N/A |

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\* Each of the Target Maturity Bond Portfolios invests in the Portfolio. The Manager receives a management fee rate for services provided to the Portfolio pursuant to Investment Management Agreement for each of the AST Target Maturity Bond Portfolios.

**FEE WAIVERS/SUBSIDIES.** PGIM Investments may from time to time waive all or a portion of its management fee and/or subsidize all or a portion of the operating expenses of the Portfolios. Fee waivers and subsidies will increase a Portfolio's return.

PGIM Investments has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee and/or limit total expenses (expressed as an annual percentage of average daily net assets) for certain Portfolios of the Trust, as set forth in the table below.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fee Waivers & Expense Limitations** |  |
| **Portfolio** | **Fee Waiver and/or Expense Limitation** |
| AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio | &nbsp;&nbsp; The Manager has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its investment <br> management fee and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Portfolio so that the <br> Portfolio's investment management fee plus other expenses (exclusive, in all cases, of <br> brokerage, taxes (such as income and foreign withholding taxes, including stamp duty <br> and deferred tax expenses), extraordinary expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, <br> and certain other Portfolio expenses such as dividend and interest expense and broker <br> charges on short sales) do not exceed 0.05% of the Portfolio's average daily net <br> assets through June 30, 2027. Expenses waived or reimbursed by the Manager for the <br> purpose of preventing the expenses from exceeding a stated expense ratio limit may <br> be recouped by the Manager within the same fiscal year in which such waiver and/or <br> reimbursement is made. Any such recoupment is limited to the lesser of the amounts <br> that would be recoupable under: (i) the expense limitation in effect at the time the <br> waiver and/or reimbursement was made or (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the <br> time of recoupment. This arrangement may not be terminated or modified without the <br> prior approval of the Trust's Board of Trustees.<br>|
| AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio | &nbsp;&nbsp; The Manager has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its investment <br> management fee and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Portfolio so that the <br> Portfolio's investment management fee plus other expenses (exclusive, in all cases, of <br> brokerage, taxes (such as income and foreign withholding taxes, including stamp duty <br> and deferred tax expenses), extraordinary expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, <br> and certain other Portfolio expenses such as dividend and interest expense and broker <br> charges on short sales) do not exceed 0.05% of the Portfolio's average daily net <br> assets through June 30, 2027. Expenses waived or reimbursed by the Manager for the <br> purpose of preventing the expenses from exceeding a stated expense ratio limit may <br> be recouped by the Manager within the same fiscal year in which such waiver and/or <br> reimbursement is made. Any such recoupment is limited to the lesser of the amounts <br> that would be recoupable under: (i) the expense limitation in effect at the time the <br> waiver and/or reimbursement was made or (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the <br> time of recoupment. This arrangement may not be terminated or modified without the <br> prior approval of the Trust's Board of Trustees.<br>|

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fee Waivers & Expense Limitations** |  |
| **Portfolio** | **Fee Waiver and/or Expense Limitation** |
| AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio | &nbsp;&nbsp; The Manager has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its investment <br> management fee and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Portfolio so that the <br> Portfolio's investment management fee plus other expenses (exclusive, in all cases, of <br> brokerage, taxes (such as income and foreign withholding taxes, including stamp duty <br> and deferred tax expenses), extraordinary expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, <br> and certain other Portfolio expenses such as dividend and interest expense and broker <br> charges on short sales) do not exceed 0.05% of the Portfolio's average daily net <br> assets through June 30, 2027. Expenses waived or reimbursed by the Manager for the <br> purpose of preventing the expenses from exceeding a stated expense ratio limit may <br> be recouped by the Manager within the same fiscal year in which such waiver and/or <br> reimbursement is made. Any such recoupment is limited to the lesser of the amounts <br> that would be recoupable under: (i) the expense limitation in effect at the time the <br> waiver and/or reimbursement was made or (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the <br> time of recoupment. This arrangement may not be terminated or modified without the <br> prior approval of the Trust's Board of Trustees.<br>|

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**SUBADVISERS.** The Manager has entered into subadvisory agreements with each of the subadvisers named in the Prospectus. The subadvisory agreements provide that the subadvisers will furnish investment advisory services in connection with the management of each Portfolio. In connection therewith, each subadviser is obligated to keep certain books and records of the Trust. Under each subadvisory agreement, each subadviser, subject to the supervision of the Manager, is responsible for managing the assets of a Portfolio in accordance with the Portfolio's investment objectives, investment program and policies. The subadvisers determine what securities and other instruments are purchased and sold for each Portfolio and are responsible for obtaining and evaluating financial data relevant to the Portfolio. The Manager continues to have the ultimate responsibility for all investment advisory services pursuant to the Management Agreement and supervise the subadvisers' performance of such services. Pursuant to each subadvisory agreement, the Manager pays each subadviser a fee out of the management fees received by the Manager from the Trust for the applicable Portfolio.

As discussed in the Prospectus, the Manager employs each subadviser under a "manager of managers" structure that allows the Manager to replace the subadvisers or amend a subadvisory agreement without seeking shareholder approval. The Manager is authorized to select (with approval of the Board's independent trustees) one or more subadvisers to handle the actual day-to-day investment management of each Portfolio. The Manager monitors each subadviser's performance through quantitative and qualitative analysis and periodically reports to the Board as to whether each subadviser's agreement should be renewed, terminated or modified. It is possible that the Manager will continue to be satisfied with the performance record of the existing subadvisers and not recommend any additional subadvisers. The Manager is also responsible for allocating assets among the subadvisers if a Portfolio has more than one subadviser. In those circumstances, the allocation for each subadviser can range from 0% to 100% of the Portfolio's assets, and the Manager can change the allocations without Board or shareholder approval. The Manager will review the allocations periodically and may adjust them without prior notice. The annual update to the Trust's prospectus will reflect these adjustments. Shareholders will be notified of any new subadvisers or materially amended subadvisory agreements. The "manager of managers" structure also provides relief from certain disclosure obligations with regard to subadvisory fees. With this relief, each Portfolio may elect to disclose the aggregate fees payable to the Manager and wholly-owned subadvisers and the aggregate fees payable to unaffiliated subadvisers and subadvisers affiliated with the Manager, other than wholly-owned subadvisers.

**PORTFOLIO MANAGERS: OTHER ACCOUNTS**

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS**—**Other Accounts and Portfolio Ownership.** The following tables set forth information about each Portfolio and accounts other than the Portfolio for which each Portfolio's portfolio managers (the Portfolio Managers) are primarily responsible for day-to-day portfolio management as of the Trust's most recently completed fiscal year. The table shows, for each portfolio manager, the number of accounts managed and the total assets in such accounts, within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts. For each category, the number of accounts and total assets in the accounts whose fees are based on performance is indicated in italics typeface. The tables also set forth the dollar range of equity securities of each Portfolio of the Trust beneficially owned by the Portfolio Managers as of the Trust's most recently completed fiscal year.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio** | **AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio** | **AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio** | **AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio** | **AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio** | **AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio** |
| **Subadviser** | **Portfolio Managers** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Registered Investment** <br> **Companies/Total Assets**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Other Pooled Investment** <br> **Vehicles/Total Assets**<br>| **Other Accounts/Total Assets** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Ownership of Fund** <br> **Securities**<br>|
| PGIM Fixed Income<sup>†</sup> <br>| Richard Piccirillo | 47/$116,439,800,899 | &nbsp;&nbsp; 24/$47,928,173,692<br> *1/$51,743,466*<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; 155/$122,269,541,867<br> *8/$6,477,548,415*<br>|  |
|  | Gregory Peters | 47/$116,439,800,899 | &nbsp;&nbsp; 24/$47,928,173,692<br> *1/$51,743,466*<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; 155/$122,269,541,867<br> *8/$6,477,548,415*<br>|  |

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio** | **AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio** | **AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio** | **AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio** | **AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio** | **AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio** |
| **Subadviser** | **Portfolio Managers** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Registered Investment** <br> **Companies/Total Assets**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Other Pooled Investment** <br> **Vehicles/Total Assets**<br>| **Other Accounts/Total Assets** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Ownership of Fund** <br> **Securities**<br>|
|  | Matthew Angelucci, CFA | 47/$114,303,264,756 | &nbsp;&nbsp; 26/$39,130,981,040<br> *4/$1,564,236,075*<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; 203/$155,643,434,783<br> *12/$12,343,839,152*<br>|  |
|  | Tyler Thorn | 39/$107,884,975,042 | &nbsp;&nbsp; 21/$34,825,492,149<br> *1/$51,743,466*<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; 85/$55,049,260,568<br> *3/$1,625,029,764*<br>|  |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio**  | **AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio**  | **AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio**  | **AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio**  | **AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio**  | **AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio**  |
| **Subadviser** | **Portfolio Managers** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Registered Investment** <br> **Companies/Total Assets**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Other Pooled Investment** <br> **Vehicles/Total Assets**<br>| **Other Accounts/Total Assets** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Ownership of Fund** <br> **Securities**<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; J.P. Morgan Investment Management <br> Inc. <br>| Morgan M. Moriarty, CFA | 10/$12,348.8 million | 4/$1,881.1 million | 47/$14,979.4 million |  |
|  | Gary Herbert, CFA | 12/$20,899 million | 18/$28,333.4 million | &nbsp;&nbsp; 5/$5,923.8 million<br> *2/$3,707.3 million*<br>|  |
|  | Navdeep Saini | 7/$11,351.2 million |  | &nbsp;&nbsp; 1/$114.6 million<br> *1/$3,386.4 million*<br>|  |

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio** | **AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio** | **AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio** | **AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio** | **AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio** | **AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio** |
| **Subadviser** | **Portfolio Managers** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Registered Investment** <br> **Companies/Total Assets**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Other Pooled Investment** <br> **Vehicles/Total Assets**<br>| **Other Accounts/Total Assets** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Ownership of Fund** <br> **Securities**<br>|
| PGIM Fixed Income<sup>†</sup> <br>| Richard Piccirillo | 47/$116,448,379,067 | &nbsp;&nbsp; 24/$47,928,173,692<br> *1/$51,743,466*<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; 155/$122,269,541,867<br> *8/$6,477,548,415*<br>|  |
|  | Gregory Peters | 47/$116,448,379,067 | &nbsp;&nbsp; 24/$47,928,173,692<br> *1/$51,743,466*<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; 155/$122,269,541,867<br> *8/$6,477,548,415*<br>|  |
|  | Matthew Angelucci, CFA | 47/$114,311,842,925 | &nbsp;&nbsp; 26/$39,130,981,040<br> *4/$1,564,236,075*<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; 203/$155,643,434,783<br> *12/$12,343,839,152*<br>|  |
|  | Tyler Thorn | 39/$107,893,553,210 | &nbsp;&nbsp; 21/$34,825,492,149<br> *1/$51,743,466*<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; 85/$55,049,260,568<br> *3/$1,625,029,764*<br>|  |

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**Notes to Other Account Tables:**

<sup>†</sup>PGIM Fixed Income, an investment group of PGIM, Inc., is now known as PGIM Credit. PGIM Limited, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PGIM, Inc., also serves as subadviser to the Portfolio.

**PORTFOLIO MANAGERS: COMPENSATION & CONFLICTS POLICIES**

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS—COMPENSATION AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.** Set forth below, for each portfolio manager, is an explanation of the structure of and method(s) used by each subadviser to determine, portfolio manager compensation. Also set forth below, for each portfolio manager, is an explanation of any material conflicts of interest that may arise between a portfolio manager's management of a Portfolio's investments and investments in other accounts.

**PGIM Investments LLC (PGIM Investments)**

*PORTFOLIO MANAGER COMPENSATION.* Prudential provides compensation opportunities to eligible employees to motivate and reward the achievement of outstanding results by providing market-based programs that:

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Attract and reward highly qualified employees

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Align with critical business goals and objectives

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Link to the performance results relevant to the business segment and Prudential

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Retain top performers

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Pay for results and differentiate levels of performance

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Foster behaviors and contributions that promote Prudential's success

The components of compensation for a Vice President in PGIM Investments consists of base salary, annual incentive compensation and long term incentive compensation.

*Base Pay Overview:* The Prudential compensation structure is organized in grades, each with its own minimum and maximum base pay (i.e., salary). The grades reflect pay patterns in the market. Each job in the plan—from CEO through an entry-level job—is included in one of the grades. The main determinant of placement in the base pay structure is market data. On an annual basis, Corporate Compensation collects and analyzes market data to determine if any change to the placement of job in the structure is necessary to maintain market competitiveness. If necessary, structural compensation changes (e.g., increases to base pay minimum and maximums) will be effective on the plan's effective date for base pay increases.

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*Annual Incentive Compensation Overview:* The plan provides an opportunity for all participants to share in the annual results of Prudential, as well as the results of their division or profit center. Results are reviewed and incentive payments are made as early as practicable after the close of the plan year. Incentive payments are awarded based on organizational performance—which determines the available dollar amounts—and individual performance. Individual performance will be evaluated on the basis of contributions relative to others in the organization. Incentive payments are granted from a budgeted amount of money that is made available by the Company. Initial budgets are developed by determining the competitive market rates for incentives as compared to our comparator companies. Each organization's budget pool may be increased or decreased based on organizational performance. Organizational performance is determined by a review of performance relative to our comparator group, as well as key measures indicated in our business plan, such as Return on Required Equity (RORE), earnings and revenue growth.

*Long Term Incentive Compensation Overview:* In addition, executives at the Vice President level and above are eligible to participate in a long term incentive program to provide an ownership stake in Prudential Financial. Long-Term incentives currently consist of restricted stock and stock options. The stock options vest <sup>1</sup>∕3 per year over 3 years and the restricted stock vests 100% at the end of 3 years.

*CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.* PGIM Investments follows Prudential Financial's policies on business ethics, personal securities trading by investment personnel, and information barriers and has adopted a code of ethics, allocation policies, supervisory procedures and conflicts of interest policies, among other policies and procedures, which are designed to ensure that clients are not harmed by these potential or actual conflicts of interests; however, there is no guarantee that such policies and procedures will detect and ensure avoidance, disclosure or mitigation of each and every situation in which a conflict may arise.

**PGIM, Inc. (PGIM)**

***COMPENSATION***. The base salary of an investment professional in the PGIM Fixed Income unit of PGIM is primarily based on market data relative to similar positions as well as the performance and scope of responsibility of the individual. PGIM Fixed Income is allocated an overall incentive pool based on the investment and financial performance of the business. Incentive compensation for investment professionals, including the annual cash bonus, the long-term equity grant and grants under PGIM Fixed Income's long-term incentive plans, is primarily based on such person's contribution to PGIM Fixed Income's goal of providing investment performance to clients consistent with portfolio objectives, guidelines, risk parameters, and its compliance, risk management and other policies, as well as market-based data such as compensation trends and levels of overall compensation for similar positions in the asset management industry. In addition, an investment professional's qualitative contributions to the organization and its commercial success are considered in determining incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not solely based on the performance of, or value of assets in, any single account or group of client accounts.

The PGIM Fixed Income unit within PGIM Limited ("PGIM Fixed Income (U.K.)") has adopted a remuneration policy in relation to activities conducted through the entities authorized and regulated by the FCA in the United Kingdom. The remuneration policy is intended to be compliant with the United Kingdom's Investment Firms Prudential Regime ("IFPR") and governs the remuneration of PGIM Fixed Income (U.K.) staff and "material risk takers" of PGIM Fixed Income (U.K.) including those that are based outside the United Kingdom.

An investment professional's annual cash bonus is paid from an annual incentive pool. The pool is developed as a percentage of PGIM Fixed Income's operating income and the percentage used to calculate the pool may be refined by factors such as:

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business initiatives;

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the number of investment professionals receiving a bonus and related peer group compensation;

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financial metrics of the business relative to those of appropriate peer groups;

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overall performance of PGIM; and

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investment performance of portfolios: relative to appropriate peer groups; and/or as measured against relevant investment indices.

Long-term compensation consists of Prudential Financial, Inc. restricted stock and grants under the PGIM Fixed Income long-term incentive plan and targeted long-term incentive plan. Long-term compensation is intended to align compensation with investment performance. The targeted long-term incentive plan is intended to align the interests certain of PGIM Fixed Income's investment professionals with the performance of the particular alternative investment strategies or commingled investment vehicles they manage. Grants under the long-term incentive plan and targeted long-term incentive plan are participation interests in notional accounts with a beginning value of a specified dollar amount. For the long-term incentive plan, the value attributed to these notional accounts increases or decreases over a defined period of time based on the performance of investment composites representing a number of PGIM Fixed Income's investment strategies. With respect to targeted long-term incentive awards, the value attributed to the notional accounts increases or decreases over a defined period of time based (as applicable) on the performance of either a composite of particular alternative investment strategies or a commingled investment vehicle. An investment composite is an aggregation of accounts with similar investment strategies. In addition, PGIM Fixed Income may, in the future, grant carried interest awards which would allow certain investment professionals to receive a portion of the carried interest or other performance-related remuneration related to an investment

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vehicle or mandate. The head of PGIM Fixed Income also receives performance shares which represent the right to receive shares of Prudential Financial, Inc. common stock conditioned upon, and subject to, the achievement of specified financial performance goals by Prudential Financial, Inc. Each of the restricted stock, grants under the long-term incentive plans, and performance shares is subject to vesting requirements.

***CONFLICTS OF INTEREST***. Like other investment advisers, PGIM Fixed Income is subject to various conflicts of interest in the ordinary course of its business. PGIM Fixed Income strives to identify potential risks, including conflicts of interest, that are inherent in its business, and PGIM Fixed Income conducts annual conflict of interest reviews. However, it is not possible to identify every potential conflict that can arise. When actual or potential conflicts of interest are identified, PGIM Fixed Income seeks to address such conflicts through one or more of the following methods:

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elimination of the conflict;

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disclosure of the conflict; or

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management of the conflict through the adoption of appropriate policies, procedures or other mitigants.

PGIM Fixed Income follows the policies of Prudential Financial, Inc. on business ethics, personal securities trading, and information barriers. PGIM Fixed Income has adopted a code of ethics, allocation policies and conflicts of interest policies, among others, and has adopted supervisory procedures to monitor compliance with its policies. PGIM Fixed Income cannot guarantee, however, that its policies and procedures will detect and prevent, or result in the disclosure of, each and every situation in which a conflict arises or could potentially arise.

*Side-by-Side Management of Accounts and Related Conflicts of Interest*. PGIM Fixed Income's side-by-side management of multiple accounts can create conflicts of interest. Examples are detailed below, followed by a discussion of how PGIM Fixed Income addresses these conflicts.

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*Performance Fees* - PGIM Fixed Income manages accounts with asset-based fees alongside accounts with performance-based fees. This side-by-side management creates an incentive for PGIM Fixed Income and its investment professionals to favor one account over another. Specifically, PGIM Fixed Income or its affiliates have an incentive to favor accounts for which PGIM Fixed Income or an affiliate receives performance fees, and possibly take greater investment risks in those accounts, in order to bolster performance and increase its fees.

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*Affiliated accounts* - PGIM Fixed Income manages accounts on behalf of its affiliates as well as unaffiliated accounts. PGIM Fixed Income could be considered to have a financial incentive to prefer accounts of affiliates over others. Additionally, at times, PGIM Fixed Income's affiliates provide initial funding or otherwise invest in vehicles managed by it, for example by providing "seed capital" for a fund or account. Managing "seeded" accounts alongside "non-seeded" accounts creates an incentive to favor the "seeded" accounts to establish a track record for a new strategy or product and possibly earn a higher return for an affiliate. Additionally, PGIM Fixed Income's affiliated investment advisers from time to time allocate their asset allocation clients' assets to PGIM Fixed Income. PGIM Fixed Income has an incentive to favor accounts used by its affiliates for their asset allocation clients to receive more assets from its affiliates.

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*Larger accounts/higher fee strategies* - larger accounts and clients typically generate more revenue than do smaller accounts or clients and certain of PGIM Fixed Income's strategies have higher fees than others. As a result, a portfolio manager could have an incentive when allocating scarce investment opportunities to favor accounts that pay a higher fee or generate more income for PGIM Fixed Income (or which it believes would generate more revenue in the future).

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*Long only and long/short accounts* - PGIM Fixed Income manages accounts that only allow it to hold securities long as well as accounts that permit short selling. As a result, there are times when PGIM Fixed Income sells a security short in some client accounts while holding the same security long in other client accounts. These short sales could reduce the value of the securities held in the long only accounts. Conversely, purchases for long only accounts could have a negative impact on the short positions in long/short accounts. Consequently, PGIM Fixed Income has conflicts of interest in determining the timing and direction of investments.

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*Securities of the same kind or class* - PGIM Fixed Income sometimes buys or sells, or direct or recommend that a client buy or sell, securities of the same kind or class that are purchased or sold for another client at prices that may be different. Although such pricing differences could appear as preferences for one client over another, PGIM Fixed Income's trade execution in each case is driven by its consideration of a variety of factors consistent with its duty to seek best execution. There are times when PGIM Fixed Income executes trades in securities of the same kind or class in one direction for an account and in the opposite direction for another account, or it determines not to trade securities in one or more accounts while trading for others. While such trades (or a decision not to trade) could appear inconsistent in how PGIM Fixed Income views or treats a security for one client versus another, they generally result from differences in investment strategy, portfolio composition or client direction.

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*Investment at different levels of an issuer's capital structure* - There are times when PGIM Fixed Income invests client assets in the same issuer, but at different levels in the issuer's capital structure. This could occur, for instance, when a client holds private securities or loans of an issuer and other clients hold publicly traded securities of the same issuer. Additionally, PGIM Fixed Income may invest client assets in a class or tranche of securities of a securitized finance vehicle (such as a collateralized loan obligation, asset-backed security or mortgage-backed security) while simultaneously investing one or more clients in different classes or tranches of securities within the same vehicle. These different securities can have varying voting rights, dividend or repayment priorities, rights in bankruptcy, or other features that conflict with one another. In some cases particularly with private securitized products and

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asset-based finance investments where clients own all or a significant portion of the outstanding securities or obligations PGIM Fixed Income has, input regarding the characteristics and the relative rights and priorities of the various classes or tranches.

When PGIM Fixed Income invests client assets in different levels of an issuer's capital structure, it is permitted to take actions with respect to the assets held by one client (including affiliated clients) that are potentially adverse to other clients, for example, by foreclosing on loans or by putting an issuer into default. In negotiating the terms and conditions of any such investments, or any subsequent amendments or waivers, PGIM Fixed Income could find that the interests of a client and the interests of one or more other clients (including affiliated clients) could conflict. In these situations, decisions over proxy voting, corporate reorganizations, how to exit an investment, bankruptcy matters (including, for example, whether to trigger an event of default or the terms of any workout) or other actions or inactions can result in conflicts of interest. Similarly, if an issuer in which a client and one or more other clients directly or indirectly hold different classes of securities encounters financial problems, decisions over the terms of any workout will raise conflicts of interest (including potential conflicts over proposed waivers and amendments to debt covenants). For example, a senior bond holder or lender might prefer a liquidation of the issuer in which it could be paid in full, whereas an equity or junior bond holder might prefer a reorganization that holds the potential to create value for the equity holders or junior bond holders. There will be times where PGIM Fixed Income refrains from taking certain actions (including participating in workouts and restructurings) or making investments on behalf of certain clients or where PGIM Fixed Income determines to sell investments for certain clients, in each case in order to mitigate conflicts of interest or legal, regulatory or other risks to PGIM Fixed Income. This could potentially disadvantage the clients on whose behalf the actions are not taken, investments are not made, or investments are sold. Conversely, in other cases, PGIM Fixed Income will not refrain from taking such actions or making investments on behalf of some clients (including affiliated clients), which could potentially disadvantage other clients. Any of the foregoing (or similar) conflicts of interest will be resolved or managed on a case-by-case basis (including, where determined to be required, by escalating matters to, and seeking direction and guidance from, senior management). Any such resolution will take into consideration the interests of the relevant clients, the circumstances giving rise to the conflict and applicable laws.

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*Financial interests of investment professionals* - PGIM Fixed Income investment professionals from time to time invest in certain investment vehicles that it manages, including exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"), mutual funds, private funds and (through a retirement plan) collective investment trusts. PGIM Fixed Income may also provide financing to facilitate the investment by its investment professional in certain of its private funds. Also, certain of these investment vehicles are options under the 401(k) and deferred compensation plans offered by Prudential Financial, Inc. In addition, the value of grants under PGIM Fixed Income's long-term incentive plan and targeted long-term incentive plan are affected by the performance of certain client accounts. As a result, PGIM Fixed Income investment professionals have financial interests in accounts managed by PGIM Fixed Income and/or that are related to the performance of certain client accounts.

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*Non-discretionary/limited discretion accounts* - PGIM Fixed Income provides non-discretionary and limited discretion investment advice to some clients and manages others on a fully discretionary basis. Trades in non-discretionary accounts or accounts where discretion is limited could occur before, in concert with, or after PGIM Fixed Income executes similar trades in its discretionary accounts. The non-discretionary/limited discretion clients may be disadvantaged if PGIM Fixed Income delivers investment advice to them after it initiates trading for the discretionary clients, or vice versa. Furthermore, a non-discretionary/limited discretion client may not be able to participate in trades if there is a delay in receiving such client's direction or consent. In some cases, when such a client requests additional information prior to giving its direction or consent, PGIM Fixed Income is prohibited from sharing information because, for example, the information is non-public.

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*Co-Investments* - From time to time, PGIM Fixed Income offers certain entities ("Co-Investors") co-investment opportunities, in which these Co-Investors will be offered the opportunity to participate directly in certain investments that PGIM Fixed Income is making for their clients (including funds that they manage). Co-investment opportunities may be offered to current clients, investors in PGIM Fixed Income funds or other third parties. Except to the extent a client or investor has entered into an agreement pursuant to which PGIM Fixed Income has granted such client or investor a right with respect to co-investment opportunities, clients and investors should be aware that they have no such right and should not expect that they will be offered any co-investment opportunities.

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Generally, PGIM Fixed Income's decision to grant co-investment rights will be based on the expectation of a commercial benefit to PGIM Fixed Income from a potential Co-Investor, such as increased management fees or other compensation resulting from a continued, increased or future investment in funds or accounts PGIM Fixed Income manages by such potential Co-Investor. Other factors PGIM Fixed Income may consider in deciding whether or not to grant co-investment rights may include: (i) whether a potential Co-Investor has demonstrated, or has the potential to demonstrate, a long-term and/or continuing commitment to the potential success of its firm or products; (ii) their assessment of a potential Co-Investor's ability to timely execute and fund co-investment opportunities; (iii) whether a potential Co-Investor has a history of successfully participating in co-investment programs; and (iv) the overall strategic value to PGIM Fixed Income of offering a co-investment opportunity to such potential Co-Investor.

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PGIM Fixed Income may grant co-investment opportunities to Co-Investors on terms and conditions that are more favorable than those of its other clients and investors. For example, such terms may include:

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Management fees and/or incentive compensation (including carried interest) that is reduced or waived;

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Rights to participate in follow-on investments; and

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With respect to investments held by Co-investors, rights to be notified of sales of the same or similar investments by their other clients and rights to participate alongside such clients in the sale of investments held by Co-investors.

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Co-investment opportunities will be offered to Co-Investors irrespective of whether the available investment opportunity exceeds the aggregate appetite of PGIM Fixed Income's other client accounts for such investment. Accordingly, the participation of a Co-Investor will, under some circumstances, reduce the amount of the investment opportunity available to PGIM Fixed Income's other clients.

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This presents a conflict of interest in allocating investment opportunities because PGIM Fixed Income can be considered to have the incentive to allocate a greater portion of an investment opportunity to a Co-Investor than they otherwise would because of the potential commercial benefit to them from the co-investment relationship.

*How PGIM Fixed Income Addresses These Conflicts of Interest.* PGIM Fixed Income has developed policies and procedures reasonably designed to address the conflicts of interest with respect to its different types of side-by-side management described above.

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Each quarter, one or both of PGIM Fixed Income's co-chief investment officers hold a series of meetings with the senior portfolio manager and team responsible for the management of each of PGIM Fixed Income's investment strategies. During these meetings, they review and discuss the investment performance and performance attribution for client accounts managed in the strategy. These meetings generally are also attended by the CEO of PGIM Fixed Income, the head of quantitative analysis and risk management or his designee and a member of the compliance group, among others.

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In keeping with PGIM Fixed Income's fiduciary obligations, its policy with respect to trade allocation is to treat all of its client accounts fairly and equitably over time. PGIM Fixed Income's trade management oversight committee, which generally meets quarterly, is responsible for providing oversight with respect to trade aggregation and allocation. Its compliance group periodically reviews a sampling of new issue allocations and related documentation to confirm compliance with the trade allocation policy. In addition, the compliance and investment risk management groups review forensic reports regarding new issue and secondary trade activity on a quarterly basis. This forensic analysis includes such data as the: number of new issues allocated in the strategy; size of new issue allocations to each portfolio in the strategy; profitability of new issue transactions; portfolio turnover; and metrics related to large trade activity, which includes block trades. The results of these analyses are reviewed and discussed at PGIM Fixed Income's trade management oversight committee meetings. The procedures above are designed to detect patterns and anomalies in PGIM Fixed Income's side-by-side management and trading so that it may assess and improve its processes.

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PGIM Fixed Income has procedures that specifically address conflicts related to its side-by-side management of certain long/short and long only portfolios. These procedures are designed to address potential conflicts that could arise from differing positions across accounts, including situations where one account holds a long position in a security while another holds a short position. In addition, lending opportunities with respect to securities for which the market is demanding a slight premium rate over normal market rates are allocated to long only accounts prior to allocating the opportunities to long/short accounts.

*Conflicts Related to PGIM Fixed Income's Affiliations*. As a business unit of PGIM, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc., PGIM Fixed Income is part of a diversified, global financial services organization. PGIM Fixed Income is affiliated with many types of U.S. and non-U.S. financial service providers, including insurance companies, broker-dealers, commodity trading advisors, commodity pool operators and other investment advisers. Some of its employees are officers of and/or provide services to some of these affiliates.

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Conflicts Related to Investment of Client Assets in Affiliated Funds. PGIM Fixed Income invests client assets in funds that it manages or sub-advises for one or more affiliates. In choosing to invest client assets in such affiliated funds, PGIM Fixed Income could be considered to have a financial incentive to prefer investing client assets in such funds instead of in funds, investments or products managed or sponsored by parties that are not affiliated with PGIM Fixed Income. Investments in affiliated funds may, for example, benefit PGIM Fixed Income and/or its affiliates through increasing assets under management and/or fees. Under certain conditions, PGIM Fixed Income may offset, rebate or otherwise reduce its fees or other compensation with respect to investments in affiliated funds; however, this offset, reduction or rebate, if available, will not necessarily eliminate conflicts, as PGIM Fixed Income could nevertheless be considered to have a financial incentive to favor investing client assets in affiliated funds (because, for example, the fee applicable to the affiliated fund is higher than the amount of any fee waiver, investing in such funds would increase assets under management of such funds or could be viewed as being undertaken solely for the purposes of supporting the commercial growth of PGIM Fixed Income or its affiliates' funds, products or lines of business). Further, if PGIM Fixed Income's affiliates provide initial funding to or otherwise invest in affiliated funds, PGIM Fixed Income is incentivized to invest client assets in such funds in order to facilitate the redemption of all or part of its affiliates' interest in such affiliated fund. PGIM Fixed Income also invests cash collateral from securities lending transactions in some of these funds. These investments benefit PGIM Fixed Income and/or its affiliate through increasing assets under management and/or fees.

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*Conflicts Related to Referral Fees to Affiliates.* From time to time, PGIM Fixed Income has arrangements where PGIM Fixed Income compensates affiliated parties for client referrals. PGIM Fixed Income also has arrangements with an affiliated entity or person which provide for payments to an affiliate if certain investments by others are made in certain of PGIM Fixed Income's products or if PGIM Fixed Income establishes certain other advisory relationships. These investments benefit both PGIM Fixed Income and its affiliates through increasing assets under management and fees.

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*Conflicts Related to Co-investment by Affiliates.* PGIM Fixed Income affiliates provide initial funding to or otherwise invest in certain vehicles it manages. When certain of its affiliates provide "seed capital" or other capital for a fund, they generally do so with the intention of redeeming all or part of their interest at a future point in time or when they deem that sufficient additional capital has been invested in that fund.

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The timing of a redemption by an affiliate could benefit the affiliate. For example, the fund may be more liquid at the time of the affiliate's redemption than it is at times when other investors may wish to withdraw all or part of their interests.

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In addition, a consequence of any withdrawal of a significant amount, including by an affiliate, is that investors remaining in the fund will bear a proportionately higher share of fund expenses following the redemption.

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PGIM Fixed Income could also face a conflict if the interests of an affiliated investor in a fund it manages diverge from those of the fund or other investors. For example, PGIM Fixed Income affiliates, from time to time, hedge some or all of the risks associated with their investments in certain funds PGIM Fixed Income manages. PGIM Fixed Income may provide assistance in connection with this hedging activity.

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*Insurance Affiliate General Accounts*. Because of the substantial size of the general accounts of PGIM Fixed Income's affiliated insurance companies (the "Insurance Affiliates"), trading by these general accounts, including PGIM Fixed Income's trades on behalf of the accounts, may affect the market prices or limit the availability of the securities or instruments transacted. Although PGIM Fixed Income does not expect that the general accounts of affiliated insurers will execute transactions that will move a market frequently, and generally only in response to unusual market or issuer events, the execution of these transactions could have an adverse effect on transactions for or positions held by other clients.

PGIM Fixed Income believes that the conflicts related to its affiliations described above are mitigated by its allocation policies and procedures, its supervisory review of accounts and its procedures with respect to side-by-side management, including of long only and long/short accounts.

*Conflicts Related to Financial Interests and the Financial Interests of Affiliates*

Prudential Financial, the general accounts of the Insurance Affiliates, PGIM Fixed Income and other affiliates of PGIM at times have financial interests in, or relationships with, companies whose securities or related instruments PGIM Fixed Income holds, purchases or sells in its client accounts. Certain of these interests and relationships are material to PGIM Fixed Income or to the Prudential enterprise. At any time, these interests and relationships could be inconsistent or in potential or actual conflict with positions held or actions taken by PGIM Fixed Income on behalf of PGIM Fixed Income's client accounts. For example:

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PGIM Fixed Income invests in the securities of one or more clients for the accounts of other clients.

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PGIM Fixed Income's affiliates sell various products and/or services to certain companies whose securities PGIM Fixed Income purchases and sells for PGIM Fixed Income clients.

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PGIM Fixed Income invests in the debt securities of companies whose equity is held by its affiliates.

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PGIM Fixed Income's affiliates hold public and private debt and equity securities of a large number of issuers. PGIM Fixed Income invests in some of the same issuers for other client accounts. For example:

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Affiliated accounts have held and can in the future hold the senior debt of an issuer whose subordinated debt is held by PGIM Fixed Income's clients or hold secured debt of an issuer whose public unsecured debt is held in client accounts. See "Investment at different levels of an issuer's capital structure" above for additional information regarding conflicts of interest resulting from investment at different levels of an issuer's capital structure.

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To the extent permitted by applicable law, PGIM Fixed Income can also invest client assets in offerings of securities the proceeds of which are used to repay debt obligations held in affiliated accounts or other client accounts. PGIM Fixed Income's interest in having the debt repaid creates a conflict of interest. PGIM Fixed Income has adopted a refinancing policy to address this conflict.

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Certain of PGIM Fixed Income's affiliates' directors or officers are directors or officers of issuers in which PGIM Fixed Income invests from time to time. These issuers could also be service providers to PGIM Fixed Income or its affiliates.

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PGIM Fixed Income has an internal arrangement outlining the respective areas of investment focus of its business and the business of an asset management affiliate. This arrangement aims to streamline sourcing and provide clarity by specifying the types of investments that each affiliate may pursue in areas of potential overlap (for instance, certain segments of the private credit market). As a result of this arrangement, there will be certain potentially beneficial investment opportunities that PGIM Fixed Income will decline to pursue for its clients.

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In addition, PGIM Fixed Income can invest client assets in securities backed by commercial mortgage loans that were originated or are serviced by an affiliate.

In general, conflicts related to the financial interests described above are addressed by the fact that PGIM Fixed Income makes investment decisions for each client independently considering the best economic interests of such client under the circumstances.

*Conflicts Arising Out of Legal and Regulatory Restrictions.* 

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At times, PGIM Fixed Income is restricted by law, regulation, executive order, contract or other constraints as to how much, if any, of a particular security it can purchase or sell on behalf of a client, and as to the timing of such purchase or sale. Sometimes these restrictions apply as a result of its relationship with Prudential Financial and other affiliates. For example, PGIM Fixed Income does not purchase securities issued by Prudential Financial or other affiliates for client accounts.

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In certain instances, PGIM Fixed Income's ability to buy or sell or transact for one or more client accounts will be constrained as a result of its voluntary or involuntary receipt of material, non-public information ("MNPI"), various insider trading laws and related legal requirements. For example, PGIM Fixed Income would generally be unable to invest in, divest securities of or share investment analyses regarding companies or other securities issuers for which it possesses MNPI, and such inability (which could last for an uncertain period of time until the information is no longer deemed material or non-public) can result in it being unable to buy, sell or transact for one or more client accounts or to take other actions that would otherwise be to the benefit of one or more clients.

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PGIM Fixed Income faces conflicts of interest in determining whether to accept MNPI. For example, PGIM Fixed Income has sought with respect to the management of investments in certain loans for clients, to retain the ability to purchase and sell other securities in the borrower's capital structure by remaining "public" on the loan. In such cases, PGIM Fixed Income will seek to avoid receiving MNPI about the borrowers to which an account can or expects to lend or has lent (through assignments, participations or otherwise), which could place an account at an information disadvantage relative to other accounts and lenders. Conversely, PGIM Fixed Income has chosen to receive MNPI about certain borrowers/issuers for its clients that invest in bank loans, securities, or private debt instruments, which has restricted its ability to trade in other securities of the borrowers/issuers for its clients that invest in corporate bonds or other public securities.

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PGIM Fixed Income's holdings of a security on behalf of its clients are required, under certain regulations, to be aggregated with the holdings of that security by other Prudential Financial affiliates. These holdings could, on an aggregate basis, exceed certain reporting or ownership thresholds. These aggregated holdings are centrally tracked and PGIM Fixed Income or Prudential Financial can choose to restrict purchases, sell existing positions, or otherwise restrict, forgo, or limit the exercise of rights to avoid crossing such thresholds because of the potential consequences to PGIM Fixed Income or Prudential Financial if such thresholds are exceeded. In some cases, these restrictions or sales could have an adverse impact on client account performance.

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Legal and regulatory constraints may limit certain client accounts from participating in specific investment transactions with others. Consequently, PGIM Fixed Income might allocate these opportunities in a manner that excludes some accounts, even if they could benefit. While this could impact the performance of affected accounts and create a conflict of interest, PGIM Fixed Income is committed to its allocation policy which is to seek to distribute investment opportunities fairly and equitably over time.

*Conflicts Related to Investment Consultants*. Many of PGIM Fixed Income's clients and prospective clients retain investment consultants (including discretionary investment managers and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) providers) to advise them on the selection and review of investment managers (including with respect to the selection of investment funds). PGIM Fixed Income has dealings with these investment consultants in their roles as discretionary managers or non-discretionary advisers to their clients. PGIM Fixed Income also has independent business relationships with investment consultants.

PGIM Fixed Income provides investment consultants with information about accounts that it manages for the consultant's clients (and similarly, PGIM Fixed Income provides information about funds in which such clients are invested), in each case pursuant to authorization from the clients. PGIM Fixed Income also provides information regarding its investment strategies to investment consultants, who use that information in connection with searches that they conduct for their clients. PGIM Fixed Income often responds to requests for proposals in connection with those searches.

Other interactions PGIM Fixed Income has with investment consultants include the following:

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it provides advisory services to the proprietary accounts of investment consultants and/or their affiliates, and advisory services to funds offered by investment consultants and/or their affiliates;

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it invites investment consultants to events or other entertainment hosted by PGIM Fixed Income;

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it purchases software applications, market data, access to databases, technology services and other products or services from certain investment consultants; and

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it sometimes pays for the opportunity to participate in conferences organized by investment consultants.

PGIM Fixed Income will provide clients with information about its relationship with the client's investment consultant upon request. In general, PGIM Fixed Income relies on the investment consultant to make the appropriate disclosure to its clients of any conflict that the investment consultant believes to exist due to its business relationships with PGIM Fixed Income.

A client's relationship with an investment consultant could result in restrictions in the eligible securities or trading counterparties for the client's account. For example, accounts of certain clients (including clients that are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA) can be restricted from investing in securities issued by the client's consultant or its affiliates and from trading with, or participating in transactions involving, counterparties that are affiliated with the investment consultant. In some cases, these restrictions could have a material impact on account performance.

*Conflicts Related to Service Providers*. PGIM Fixed Income retains third party advisors and other service providers to provide various services for PGIM Fixed Income as well as for funds that PGIM Fixed Income manages or sub-advises. Some service providers provide services to PGIM Fixed Income or one of PGIM Fixed Income's funds while also providing services to other PGIM units, other PGIM-advised funds, or affiliates of PGIM, and negotiate rates in the context of the overall relationship. PGIM Fixed Income can benefit from negotiated fee rates offered to its funds and vice versa. There is no assurance, however, that PGIM Fixed Income will be able to obtain or maintain advantageous fee rates from a given service provider negotiated by its affiliates based on their relationship with the service provider, or that PGIM Fixed Income will know of such negotiated fee rates.

*Conflicts Related to Valuation and Fees*. When client accounts hold illiquid or difficult to value investments, PGIM Fixed Income faces a conflict of interest when it makes recommendations regarding the value of such investments since its fees are generally based on the value of assets under management. PGIM Fixed Income could be viewed as having an incentive to provide higher valuations. PGIM

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Fixed Income has valuation policies and procedures that it believes mitigate this conflict effectively and enable it to value client assets fairly and in a manner that is consistent with the client's best interests. This conflict generally does not exist and is further mitigated or eliminated in circumstances where fees are calculated from custodian and/or administrator pricing and not PGIM Fixed Income's internal valuations.

*Conflicts Related to Securities Lending and Reverse Repurchase Fees*. In certain cases, when PGIM Fixed Income manages a client account and also serves as securities lending agent and/or engages in reverse repurchase transactions for the account, PGIM Fixed Income is compensated for its securities lending and reverse repurchase services by receiving a portion of the proceeds generated from the securities lending and reverse repurchase activities of the account. In cases where PGIM Fixed Income is compensated in this manner, it could, be considered to have an incentive to invest in securities that would generate higher securities lending and reverse repurchase returns, even if these investments were not otherwise in the best interest of the client account. In addition, if PGIM Fixed Income is acting as securities lending agent and providing reverse repurchase services for the same client, PGIM Fixed Income may be incented to select the option that generates higher proceeds for itself.

*Conflicts Related to Long-Term Compensation*. As a result of the long-term incentive plan (and any future carried interest grants) and targeted long-term incentive plan, PGIM Fixed Income's portfolio managers from time to time have financial interests related to the investment performance of some, but not all, of the accounts they manage. For example, the performance of some client accounts is not reflected in the calculation of changes in the value of participation interests under PGIM Fixed Income's long-term incentive plan. This may be because the composite representing the strategy in which the account is managed is not one of the composites included in the calculation or because the account is excluded from a specified composite due to guideline restrictions or other factors. In addition, the performance of only a small number of its investment strategies is covered under PGIM Fixed Income's targeted long-term incentive plan. Further, for certain PGIM Fixed Income investment professionals, participation interests in the targeted long-term incentive plan constitute a significant percentage of their total long-term compensation. To address potential conflicts related to these financial interests, PGIM Fixed Income has procedures, including trade allocation and supervisory review procedures, designed to confirm that each of its client accounts is managed in a manner that is consistent with PGIM Fixed Income's fiduciary obligations, as well as with the account's investment objectives, investment strategies and restrictions. For example, one or both of PGIM Fixed Income's co-chief investment officers review performance among similarly managed accounts on a quarterly basis during a series of meetings with the senior portfolio manager and team responsible for the management of each investment strategy. These quarterly investment strategy review meetings generally are also attended by the CEO of PGIM Fixed Income, the head of quantitative analysis and risk management or his designee and a member of the compliance group, among others.

*Conflicts Related to the Offer and Sale of Securities*. Certain of PGIM Fixed Income's employees offer and sell securities of, and interests in, commingled funds that it manages. Employees offer and sell securities in connection with their roles as registered representatives of an affiliated broker-dealer, officers of an affiliated trust company, agents of the Insurance Affiliates, approved persons of an affiliated investment adviser or other roles related to such commingled funds. There is an incentive for PGIM Fixed Income's employees to offer these securities to investors regardless of whether the investment is appropriate for such investor since increased assets in these vehicles will result in increased advisory fees to it. In addition, such sales could result in increased compensation to the employee.

*Conflicts Related to Employee/Investment Professional Trading*. Personal trading by PGIM Fixed Income employees creates a conflict when they are trading the same securities or types of securities as PGIM Fixed Income trades on behalf of its clients. This conflict is mitigated by PGIM Fixed Income's personal trading standards and procedures.

*Conflicts Related to Outside Business Activity*. From time to time, certain of PGIM Fixed Income employees or officers engage in outside business activity, including outside directorships. Any outside business activity is subject to prior approval pursuant to PGIM Fixed Income's personal conflicts of interest and outside business activities policy. Actual and potential conflicts of interest are analyzed during such approval process. PGIM Fixed Income could be restricted in trading the securities of certain issuers in client portfolios in the unlikely event that an employee or officer, as a result of outside business activity, obtains material, non-public information regarding an issuer.

**J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (JP Morgan)**

*POTENTIAL CONFLICTS.*

The potential for conflicts of interest exists when portfolio managers manage other accounts with similar investment objectives and strategies as the portfolio ("Similar Accounts"). Potential conflicts may include, for example, conflicts between investment strategies and conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities.

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Responsibility for managing J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (JP Morgan)'s and its affiliates clients' portfolios is organized according to investment strategies within asset classes. Generally, client portfolios with similar strategies are managed by portfolio managers in the same portfolio management group using the same objectives, approach and philosophy. Underlying sectors or strategy allocations within a larger portfolio are likewise managed by portfolio managers who use the same approach and philosophy as similarly managed portfolios. Therefore, portfolio holdings, relative position sizes and industry and sector exposures tend to be similar across similar portfolios and strategies, which minimize the potential for conflicts of interest.

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

**Acting for Multiple Clients**. In general, JPMIM faces conflicts of interest when it renders investment advisory services to several clients and, from time to time, provides dissimilar investment advice to different clients. For example, when portfolios or accounts managed by JPMIM ("Other Accounts") engage in short sales of the same securities held by a Portfolio, JPMIM could be seen as harming the performance of a Portfolio for the benefit of the Other Accounts engaging in short sales, if the short sales cause the market value of the securities to fall. In addition, a conflict could arise when one or more Other Accounts invest in different instruments or classes of securities of the same issuer than those in which a Portfolio invests. In certain circumstances, Other Accounts have different investment objectives or could pursue or enforce rights with respect to a particular issuer in which a Portfolio has also invested and these activities could have an adverse effect on the Portfolio. For example, if a Portfolio holds debt instruments of an issuer and an Other Account holds equity securities of the same issuer, then if the issuer experiences financial or operational challenges, the Portfolio (which holds the debt instrument) may seek a liquidation of the issuer, whereas the Other Account (which holds the equity securities) may prefer a reorganization of the issuer. In addition, an issuer in which the Portfolio invests may use the proceeds of the Portfolio's investment to refinance or reorganize its capital structure which could result in repayment of debt held by JPMorgan or an Other Account. If the issuer performs poorly following such refinancing or reorganization, the Portfolio's results will suffer whereas the Other Account's performance will not be affected because the Other Account no longer has an investment in the issuer. Conflicts are magnified with respect to issuers that become insolvent. It is possible that in connection with an insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization, or similar proceeding, a Portfolio will be limited (by applicable law, courts or otherwise) in the positions or actions it will be permitted to take due to other interests held or actions or positions taken by JPMorgan or Other Accounts.

JPMorgan, JPMorgan Chase, and any of its or their directors, partners, officers, agents or employees, may also buy, sell, or trade securities for their own accounts or the proprietary accounts of JPMorgan and/or JPMorgan Chase. JPMorgan and/or JPMorgan Chase, within their discretion, may make different investment decisions and other actions with respect to their own proprietary accounts than those made for client accounts, including the timing or nature of such investment decisions or actions. Further, JPMorgan is not required to purchase or sell for any client account securities that it, JPMorgan Chase, and any of its or their employees, principals, or agents may purchase or sell for their own accounts or the proprietary accounts of JPMorgan, or JPMorgan Chase or its clients. JP Morgan and/or its affiliates may receive more compensation with respect to certain Similar Accounts than that received with respect to the portfolio or may receive compensation based in part on the performance of certain Similar Accounts. This may create a potential conflict of interest for JP Morgan and its affiliates or its portfolio managers by providing an incentive to favor these Similar Accounts when, for example, placing securities transactions. In addition, JP Morgan or its affiliates could be viewed as having a conflict of interest to the extent that JP Morgan or an affiliate has a proprietary investment in Similar Accounts, the portfolio managers have personal investments in Similar Accounts or the Similar Accounts are investment options in JP Morgan's or its affiliate's employee benefit plans. Potential conflicts of interest may arise with both the aggregation and allocation of securities transactions and allocation of investment opportunities because of market factors or investment restrictions imposed upon JP Morgan and its affiliates by law, regulation, contract or internal policies. Allocations of aggregated trades, particularly trade orders that were only partially completed due to limited availability and allocation of investment opportunities generally, could raise a potential conflict of interest, as JP Morgan or its affiliates may have an incentive to allocate securities that are expected to increase in value to favored accounts. Initial public offerings, in particular, are frequently of very limited availability. JP Morgan and its affiliates may be perceived as causing accounts they manages to participate in an offering to increase JP Morgan's or its affiliates' overall allocation of securities in that offering.

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A potential conflict of interest also may be perceived to arise if transactions in one account closely follow related transactions in a different account, such as when a purchase increases the value of securities previously purchased by another account, or when a sale in one account lowers the sale price received in a sale by a second account. If JP Morgan or its affiliates manage accounts that engage in short sales of securities of the type in which the portfolio invests, JP Morgan or its affiliates could be seen as harming the performance of the Portfolio for the benefit of the accounts engaging in short sales if the short sales cause the market value of the securities to fall.

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

The goal of JP Morgan and its affiliates is to meet their fiduciary obligation with respect to all clients. JP Morgan and its affiliates have policies and procedures that seek to manage conflicts. JP Morgan and its affiliates monitor a variety of areas, including compliance with portfolio guidelines, review of allocation decisions and compliance with JP Morgan's Codes of Ethics and JPMC's Code of Conduct. With respect to the allocation of investment opportunities, JP Morgan and its affiliates also have certain policies designed to achieve fair and equitable allocation of investment opportunities among its clients over time. For example:

Orders received in the same security and within a reasonable time period from a market event (e.g., a change in a security rating) are continuously aggregated on the appropriate trading desk so that new orders are aggregated with current outstanding orders, consistent with JPMorgan's duty of best execution for its clients. However, there are circumstances when it may be appropriate to execute the second order differently due to other constraints or investment objectives. Such exceptions often depend on the asset class. Examples of these exceptions, particularly in the fixed-income area, are sales to meet redemption deadlines or orders related to less liquid assets.

If aggregated trades are fully executed, accounts participating in the trade will typically be allocated their pro rata share on an average price basis. Partially filled orders generally will be allocated among the participating accounts on a pro-rata average price basis, subject to certain limited exceptions. Use of average price for execution of aggregated trade orders is particularly true in the equity area. However, certain investment strategies, such as the use of derivatives, or asset classes, such as fixed-income that use individual trade executions due to the nature of the strategy or supply of the security, may not be subject to average execution price policy and would receive the actual execution price of the transaction. Additionally, some accounts may be excluded from pro rata allocations. Accounts that would receive a de minimis allocation relative to their size may be excluded from the order. Another exception may occur when thin markets or price volatility require that an aggregated order be completed in multiple executions over several days. Deviations from pro rata allocations are documented by the business. JPMorgan attempts to mitigate any potential unfairness by basing non-pro-rata allocations traded through a single trading desk or system upon an objective predetermined criteria for the selection of investments and a disciplined process for allocating securities with similar duration, credit quality and liquidity in the good faith judgment of JPMorgan so that fair and equitable allocation will occur over time.

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

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

The compensation framework for JPMIM Portfolio Managers participating in public market investing activities is based on several factors that drive alignment with client objectives, the primary of which is investment performance, alongside of the firm-wide performance dimensions. The framework focuses on Total Compensation – base salary and variable compensation. Variable compensation is in the form of cash incentives, and/or long-term incentives in the form of portfolio-tracking incentives (referred to as the "Mandatory Investment Plan" or "MIP") and/or equity-based JPMorgan Chase Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") with defined vesting schedules and corresponding terms and conditions. Long-term incentive awards may comprise up to 60% of overall incentive compensation, depending on an employee's pay level.

The performance dimensions for Portfolio Managers are evaluated annually based on several factors that drive investment outcomes and value—aligned with client objectives—including, but not limited to:

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Investment performance, generally weighted more to the long-term, with specific consideration for Portfolio Managers of investment performance relative to competitive indices or peers over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods, or, in the case of portfolios designed to track the performance of a particular index, the Portfolio Managers success in tracking such index;

The scale and complexity of their investment responsibilities;

Individual contribution relative to the client's risk and return objectives;

Business results, as informed by investment performance; risk, controls and conduct objectives; client/customer/stakeholder objectives, teamwork and leadership objectives; and

Adherence with JPMorgan's compliance, risk, regulatory and client fiduciary responsibilities, including, as applicable, adherence to the JPMorgan Asset Management Sustainability Risk Integration Policy, which contains relevant financially material Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance ("ESG") factors that are intended to be assessed in investment decision- making.

In addition to the above performance dimensions, the firm-wide pay-for-per performance framework is integrated into the final assessment of incentive compensation for an individual Portfolio Manager. Feedback from JPMorgan's risk and control professionals is considered in assessing performance and compensation.

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Portfolio Managers are subject to a mandatory deferral of long-term incentive compensation under JPMorgan's "MIP". In general, the MIP provides for a rate of return equal to that of the particular portfolio(s), thereby aligning the Portfolio Manager's pay with that of the client's experience/return.

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For Portfolio Managers participating in public market investing activities, 50% of their long-term incentives are subject to a mandatory deferral in the MIP, and the remaining 50% can be granted in the form of RSUs or additional participation in MIP at the election of the Portfolio Manager.

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For the portion of long-term incentives subject to mandatory deferral in the MIP (50%), the incentives are allocated to the portfolio(s) the Portfolio Manager manages, as determined by the employee's respective manager and reviewed by senior management.).

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In addition, named Portfolio Managers on a sustainable portfolio(s) are required to allocate at least 25% of their mandatory deferral in at least one dedicated sustainable portfolio(s).

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To hold individuals responsible for taking risks inconsistent with JPMorgan's risk appetite and to discourage future imprudent behavior, we have policies and procedures that enable us to take prompt and proportionate actions with respect to accountable individuals, including:

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• Reducing or altogether eliminating annual incentive compensation;

• Canceling unvested awards (in full or in part);

• Clawback/recovery of previously paid compensation (cash and / or equity);

• Demotion, negative performance rating or other appropriate employment actions; and

• Termination of employment.

The precise actions we take with respect to accountable individuals are based on circumstances, including the nature of their involvement, the magnitude of the event and the impact on JPMorgan.

In evaluating each portfolio manager's performance with respect to the accounts he or she manages, JPMorgan uses the following indices as benchmarks to evaluate the performance of the portfolio manager with respect to the accounts:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name of Fund** | **Benchmark** |
| AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio | Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index |

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**OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS**

**CUSTODIAN.** The Bank of New York Mellon Corp., (BNY) 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286 serves as Custodian for the Trust's portfolio securities and cash, and in that capacity, maintains certain financial accounting books and records pursuant to an agreement with the Trust. Subcustodians provide custodial services for any foreign assets held outside the United States.

**TRANSFER AGENT AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT.** PMFS, 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent of the Trust. PMFS is an affiliate of PGIM Investments. PMFS provides customary transfer agency services to the Trust, including the handling of shareholder communications, the processing of shareholder transactions, the maintenance of shareholder account records, the payment of dividends and distributions, and related functions. For these services, PMFS receives compensation from the Trust and is reimbursed for its transfer agent expenses which include an annual fee per shareholder account, a monthly inactive account fee per shareholder account and its out-of-pocket expenses; including but not limited to postage, stationery, printing, allocable communication expenses and other costs.

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BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (BNYAS) serves as sub-transfer agent to the Trust. PMFS has contracted with BNYAS, 301 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809, to provide certain administrative functions to the Transfer Agent. PMFS will compensate BNYAS for such services.

**INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.** PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 300 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017-6204 served as the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, and in that capacity will audit the annual financial statements for the Trust's next fiscal year.

**DISTRIBUTOR.** The Trust has distribution arrangements with PAD, pursuant to which PAD serves as the distributor for the shares of each Portfolio. PAD, One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Conneticut, 06484, is an affiliate of the Manager.

The Trust's distribution agreement with respect to the Trust and the Portfolios (Distribution Agreement) has been approved by the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees. The Distribution Agreement will remain in effect from year to year provided that the Distribution Agreement's continuance is approved annually by (i) a majority of the Independent Trustees who are not parties to the agreement and, if applicable, who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan (the 12b-1 Plan) or any such related agreement, by a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such Agreements and (ii) either by a vote of a majority of the Trustees or a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust, as applicable.

The Trust has adopted the 12b-1 Plan in the manner prescribed under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act for other Portfolios of the Trust. The Portfolios described in this SAI are not subject to the 12b-1 Plan.

The 12b-1 Plan and any related agreement will continue in effect, with respect to the Portfolio, for a period of more than one year only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a vote of (a) the Board and (b) the Trust's Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the 12b-1 Plan or such agreement, as applicable. In addition, the 12b-1 Plan and any related agreement may be terminated at any time with respect to the Portfolio by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities representing the shares of the Portfolio. The 12b-1 Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of distribution and shareholder service fees permissible with respect to the Portfolio until it has been approved by the Board and by a vote of at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities representing the shares of the Portfolio.

The distributor will not directly charge a distribution fee to the Portfolios. Rather, the distributor will continue to be paid directly for assets in each of the investing portfolios. The investing portfolios are the only portfolios permitted to invest in the Portfolios.

**SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES.** Goldman Sachs Bank USA, d/b/a Goldman Sachs Agency Lending (GSAL), serves as the securities lending agent for the Trust, and in that role administers the Portfolios' securities lending program pursuant to the terms of a securities lending agency agreement entered into between the Trust on behalf of each Portfolio and GSAL.

As securities lending agent, GSAL is responsible for marketing to approved borrowers available securities from each Portfolio's holdings. GSAL is responsible for the administration and management of each Portfolio's securities lending program, including the preparation and execution of a participant agreement with each borrower governing the terms and conditions of any securities loan, ensuring that securities loans are properly coordinated and documented with the Portfolio's custodian, ensuring that loaned securities are daily valued and that the corresponding required cash collateral is delivered by the borrower(s), and arranging for the investment of cash collateral received from borrowers in accordance with each Portfolio's investment guidelines.

GSAL receives as compensation for its services a portion of the amount earned by each Portfolio for lending securities.

The table below sets forth, for the Portfolio's most recently completed fiscal year, the Portfolio's gross income received from securities lending activities, the fees and/or other compensation paid by the Portfolio for securities lending activities, and the net income earned by the Portfolio for securities lending activities. The table below also discloses any other fees or payments incurred by the Portfolio resulting from lending securities.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Securities Lending Activities** | **Securities Lending Activities** | **Securities Lending Activities** | **Securities Lending Activities** |
|  | **AST Target Maturity** <br> **Central Portfolio**<br>| **AST PGIM Fixed** <br> **Income Central Portfolio**<br>| **AST J.P. Morgan Fixed** <br> **Income Central Portfolio**<br>|
| Gross Income from securities lending activities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $72213 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $8475749 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $3209004 |
| Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $(341) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $(26098) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $(10069) |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Securities Lending Activities** | **Securities Lending Activities** | **Securities Lending Activities** | **Securities Lending Activities** |
|  | **AST Target Maturity** <br> **Central Portfolio**<br>| **AST PGIM Fixed** <br> **Income Central Portfolio**<br>| **AST J.P. Morgan Fixed** <br> **Income Central Portfolio**<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fees paid for any cash collateral management service <br> (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral investment vehicle)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $(1205) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $(142470) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $(54115) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Administrative fees not included in revenue split | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $— | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $— | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Indemnification fee not included in revenue split | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $— | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $— | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rebate (paid to borrower) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $(67303) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $(8046094) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $(3042433) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Other fees not included in revenue split (specify) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $— | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $— | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $— |
| Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $(68849) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $(8214662) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $(3106617) |
| Net Income from securities lending activities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $3364 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $261087 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $102387 |

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**PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS & BROKERAGE**

The Trust has adopted a policy pursuant to which the Trust and its Investment Manager, subadvisers, and principal underwriter are prohibited from directly or indirectly compensating a broker-dealer for promoting or selling Trust shares by directing brokerage transactions to that broker. The Trust has adopted procedures for the purpose of deterring and detecting any violations of the policy. The policy permits the Trust, the Investment Manager, and the subadvisers to use selling brokers to execute transactions in portfolio securities so long as the selection of such selling brokers is the result of a decision that executing such transactions is in the best interest of the Trust and is not influenced by considerations about the sale of the Trust's shares.

The Investment Manager is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities, futures contracts and options on such securities and futures for the Trust, the selection of brokers, dealers and futures commission merchants to effect the transactions and the negotiation of brokerage commissions, if any. On a national securities exchange, broker-dealers may receive negotiated brokerage commissions on Trust portfolio transactions, including options, futures, and options on futures transactions and the purchase and sale of underlying securities upon the exercise of options. On a foreign securities exchange, commissions may be fixed. For purposes of this section, the term "Investment Manager" includes the investment subadvisers. Orders may be directed to any broker or futures commission merchant including, to the extent and in the manner permitted by applicable laws, affiliates of the Investment Manager and/or subadvisers (an affiliated broker). Brokerage commissions on US securities, options and futures exchanges or boards of trade are subject to negotiation between the Investment Manager and the broker or futures commission merchant.

In the over-the-counter market, securities are generally traded on a "net" basis with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without a stated commission, although the price of the security usually includes a profit to the dealer. In underwritten offerings, securities are purchased at a fixed price which includes an amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally referred to as the underwriter's concession or discount. On occasion, certain money market instruments and US government agency securities may be purchased directly from the issuer, in which case no commissions or discounts are paid. The Trust will not deal with an affiliated broker in any transaction in which an affiliated broker acts as principal except in accordance with the rules of the SEC.

In placing orders for portfolio securities of the Trust, the Investment Manager's overriding objective is to obtain the best possible combination of favorable price and efficient execution. The Investment Manager seeks to effect such transaction at a price and commission that provides the most favorable total cost of proceeds reasonably attainable in the circumstances. The factors that the Investment Manager may consider in selecting a particular broker, dealer or futures commission merchant (firms) are the Investment Manager's knowledge of negotiated commission rates currently available and other current transaction costs; the nature of the portfolio transaction; the size of the transaction; the desired timing of the trade; the activity existing and expected in the market for the particular transaction; confidentiality; the execution, clearance and settlement capabilities of the firms; the availability of research and research related services provided through such firms; the Investment Manager's knowledge of the financial stability of the firms; the Investment Manager's knowledge of actual or apparent operational problems of firms; and the amount of capital, if any, that would be contributed by firms executing the transaction. Given these factors, the Trust may pay transaction costs in excess of that which another firm might have charged for effecting the same transaction.

Unless prohibited by applicable law, such as the European Union's Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) as described below, when the Investment Manager selects a firm that executes orders or is a party to portfolio transactions, relevant factors taken into consideration are whether that firm has furnished research and research-related products and/or services, such as research reports, research compilations, statistical and economic data, computer databases, quotation equipment and services, research-oriented computer software, hardware and services, reports concerning the performance of accounts, valuations of securities, investment related periodicals, investment seminars and other economic services and consultations. Such services are used in connection with some or all of the Investment Manager's investment activities; some of such services, obtained in connection with the execution of transactions for

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one investment account, may be used in managing other accounts, and not all of these services may be used in connection with the Trust. The Investment Manager maintains an internal allocation procedure to identify those firms who have provided it with research and research-related products and/or services, and the amount that was provided, and to endeavor to direct sufficient commissions to them to ensure the continued receipt of those services that the Investment Manager believes provide a benefit to the Trust and its other clients. The Investment Manager makes a good faith determination that the research and/or service is reasonable in light of the type of service provided and the price and execution of the related portfolio transactions.

Under MiFID II, which became effective January 3, 2018, investment managers that are regulated under MiFID II, including certain investment managers, are no longer able to use soft dollars to pay for research from brokers. Investment managers that are regulated under MiFID II are required to either pay for research out of their own resources or agree with clients to have research costs paid by clients through "research payment accounts" that are funded out of execution commissions or by a specific client research charge, provided that the payments for research are unbundled from the payments for execution. MiFID II limits the ability of certain investment managers to pay for research using soft dollars in various circumstances. MiFID II's research requirements present various compliance and operational considerations for investment managers and broker-dealers serving clients in both the United States and the European Union, and the investment managers have adopted a variety of approaches to complying with the MiFID II requirements.

When the Investment Manager deems the purchase or sale of equities to be in the best interests of the Trust or its other clients, including Prudential, the Investment Manager may, but is under no obligation to, aggregate the transactions in order to obtain the most favorable price or lower brokerage commissions and efficient execution. In such event, allocation of the transactions, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Investment Manager in the manner it considers to be most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to its clients. The allocation of orders among firms and the commission rates paid are reviewed periodically by the Trust's Board Members. Portfolio securities may not be purchased from any underwriting or selling syndicate of which any affiliated broker, during the existence of the syndicate, is a principal underwriter (as defined in the 1940 Act), except in accordance with rules of the SEC. This limitation, in the opinion of the Trust, will not significantly affect the Trust's ability to pursue its present investment objective. However, in the future, in other circumstances, the Trust may be at a disadvantage because of this limitation in comparison to other funds with similar objectives but not subject to such limitations.

Subject to the above considerations, an affiliated broker may act as a broker or futures commission merchant for the Trust. In order for an affiliated broker to effect any portfolio transactions for the Trust, the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by the affiliated broker must be reasonable and fair compared to the commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to other firms in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities or futures being purchased or sold on an exchange or board of trade during a comparable period of time. This standard would allow the affiliated broker to receive no more than the remuneration which would be expected to be received by an unaffiliated firm in a commensurate arm's-length transaction. Furthermore, the Board Members of the Trust, including a majority of the non-interested Board Members, have adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to provide that any commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to the affiliated broker (or any affiliate) are consistent with the foregoing standard. In accordance with Section 11-(a) of the 1934 Act, an affiliated broker may not retain compensation for effecting transactions on a national securities exchange for a Portfolio unless the Portfolio or the Trust has expressly authorized the retention of such compensation. The affiliated broker must furnish to the Trust at least annually a statement setting forth the total amount of all compensation retained by it from transactions effected for the Trust during the applicable period. Brokerage transactions with an affiliated broker are also subject to such fiduciary standards as may be imposed upon the broker by applicable law. Transactions in options by the Trust will be subject to limitations established by each of the exchanges governing the maximum number of options which may be written or held by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options are written or held on the same or different exchanges or are written or held in one or more accounts or through one or more brokers. Thus, the number of options which the Trust may write, or hold may be affected by options written or held by the Investment Manager and other investment advisory clients of the Investment Manager. An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may impose certain other sanctions.

Each Portfolio of the Trust participates in a voluntary commission recapture program available through Capital Institutional Services, Inc. (CAPIS). Subadvisers that choose to participate in the program retain the responsibility to seek best execution and are under no obligation to place any specific trades with a broker available through the program (each, a designated broker). A portion of commissions on trades executed through designated brokers is rebated to a Portfolio as a credit that can be used by the Portfolio to pay expenses of the Portfolio.

The tables below set forth information concerning the payment of brokerage commissions by the Portfolios, including the amount of brokerage commissions paid to any affiliated broker for the three most recently completed fiscal years as applicable:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Total Brokerage Commissions Paid by the Portfolios** | **Total Brokerage Commissions Paid by the Portfolios** | **Total Brokerage Commissions Paid by the Portfolios** | **Total Brokerage Commissions Paid by the Portfolios** |
| **Portfolio** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio | $264332 | $320640 | $309479 |
| AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio | $117712 | $201018 | $192389 |
| AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio | $9441 | $10371 | $15184 |

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The below table shows the Portfolio's portfolio turnover rates over the two most recently completed fiscal years:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Turnover Rate** |  |  |
| **Portfolio Name** | **2025** | **2024** |
| AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio | 126% | 118% |
| AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio | 123% | 70% |
| AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio | 43% | 81% |

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**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

**FUND HISTORY.** The Trust is a managed, open-end investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust, the separate Portfolios of which are diversified, unless otherwise indicated. The Trust was organized under the laws of Massachusetts on October 31, 1988. Formerly, the Trust was known as the Henderson International Growth Fund, which consisted of only one Portfolio. The investment manager was Henderson International, Inc. Shareholders of what was, at the time, the Henderson International Growth Fund, approved certain changes in a meeting held April 17, 1992. These changes included engagement of a new investment manager, engagement of a Subadviser, and election of new Trustees. Subsequent to that meeting, the new Trustees adopted a number of resolutions, including, but not limited to, resolutions renaming the Trust. Since that time the Trustees have adopted a number of resolutions, including, but not limited to, making new Portfolios available and adopting forms of Investment Management Agreements and subadvisory agreements between the Investment Managers and the Trust and the Investment Managers and each subadviser, respectively.

The following Portfolios covered by this SAI are currently offered:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio** | **Approximate Date of First Offering or Commencement of Operations** |
| AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio | November 29, 2022 |
| AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio | June 27, 2022 |
| AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio | April 25, 2022 |

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If approved by the Trustees, the Trust may add more Portfolios and may cease to offer any existing Portfolios in the future.

**DESCRIPTION OF SHARES AND ORGANIZATION.** As of the date of this SAI, the beneficial interest in the Trust is divided into 34 separate Portfolios, each offering one class of shares.

The Trust's Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated December 1, 2005, which governs certain Trust matters, permits the Board to issue multiple classes of shares, and within each class, an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with a par value of $0.001 per share. Each share entitles the holder to one vote for the election of Trustees and on all other matters that are not specific to one class of shares, and to participate equally in dividends, distributions of capital gains and net assets of each applicable Portfolio. Only shareholders of shares of a specific Portfolio may vote on matters specific to that Portfolio. Shares of one class may not bear the same economic relationship to the Trust as shares of another class. In the event of dissolution or liquidation, holders of shares of a Portfolio will receive pro rata, subject to the rights of creditors, the proceeds of the sale of the assets held in such Portfolio less the liabilities attributable to such Portfolio. Shareholders of a Portfolio will not be liable for the expenses, obligations or debts of another Portfolio.

No preemptive or conversion rights apply to any of the Trust's shares. The Trust's shares, when issued, will be fully paid, non-assessable and transferable. The Trustees may at any time create additional series of shares without shareholder approval.

Generally, there will not be annual meetings of shareholders of any Portfolio of the Trust. A Trustee may, in accordance with certain rules of the SEC, be removed from office when the holders of record of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares either present a written declaration to the Trust's custodian or vote in person or by proxy at a meeting called for this purpose. In addition, the Trustees will promptly call a meeting of shareholders to remove a Trustee(s) when requested to do so in writing by record holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding shares. Finally, the Trustees shall, in certain circumstances, give such shareholders access to a list of the names and addresses of all other shareholders or inform them of the number of shareholders and the cost of mailing their request.

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Under Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held liable for the obligations of the Trust. However, the Declaration of Trust disclaims shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust and requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by the Trust or the Trustees to all parties, and each party thereto must expressly waive all rights of action directly against shareholders. The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of the Trust's property for all loss and expense of any shareholder of the Trust held liable on account of being or having been a shareholder. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Trust would be unable to meet its obligations wherein the complaining party was held not to be bound by the disclaimer.

The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees will have no personal liability to any person in connection with the Trust property or affairs of the Trust except for that arising from his bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his duty to that person. All persons must look solely to the Trust property for satisfaction of claims of any nature arising in connection with the Trust's affairs. In general, the Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification by the Trust of the Trustees and officers of the Trust except with respect to any matter as to which the Trustee or officer acted in bad faith, or with willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his duties.

From time to time, Prudential Financial, Inc. and/or its insurance company affiliates have purchased shares of the Trust to provide initial capital and to enable the Portfolios to avoid unrealistically poor investment performance that might otherwise result because the amounts available for investment are too small. Prudential will not redeem any of its shares until a Portfolio is large enough so that redemption will not have an adverse effect upon investment performance. Prudential will vote its shares in the same manner and in the same proportion as the shares held by the separate accounts that invest in the Trust, which in turn, are generally voted in accordance with instructions from Contract owners.

**PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS**

To the knowledge of the Trust, as of March 23, 2026 the following persons/entities (i) owned beneficially or of record 5% or more of any class of a Portfolio's outstanding shares (ii) or owned beneficially or of record of more than 25% of the voting securities of a Portfolio. As of March 23, 2026, the Trustees and Officers of the Trust, as a group, owned less than 1% of each class of a Portfolio's outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Trust.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Name** | **Shareholder Name/Address** | **No. Shares/% of Portfolio** |
| AST J.P. MORGAN FIXED INCOME CENTRAL PORTFOLIO | &nbsp;&nbsp; ADVANCED SERIES TRUST<br> AST JPM MODERATE MULTI-ASSET<br> PORTFOLIO<br> ATTN PGIM FUND ADMIN<br> 655 BROAD ST 17 FLOOR SOUTH TOWER<br> NEWARK NJ 07102<br>| 55,405,099.859 / 18.19% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; ADVANCED SERIES TRUST<br> AST JPM CONSERVATIVE MULTI-ASSET<br> PORTFOLIO<br> ATTN PGIM FUND ADMIN<br> 655 BROAD ST 17 FLOOR SOUTH TOWER<br> NEWARK NJ 07102<br>| 184,679,237.062 / 60.63% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; ADVANCED SERIES TRUST<br> AST INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND<br> ATTN PI FUND ADMIN<br> 655 BROAD ST 17TH FLR<br> NEWARK NJ 07102-4410<br>| 40,673,441.279 / 13.35% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; ADVANCED SERIES TRUST<br> AST J.P. MORGAN AGGRESSIVE<br> MULTI-ASSET PORTFOLIO<br> 655 BROAD STREET 17TH FLOOR<br> NEWARK NJ 07102-4410<br>| 23,826,220.509 / 7.82% |
| AST PGIM FIXED INCOME CENTRAL PORTFOLIO | &nbsp;&nbsp; ADVANCED SERIES TRUST<br> AST PRESERVATION ASSET<br> ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO<br> 655 BROAD STREET 7TH FLOOR<br> NEWARK NJ 07102<br>| 73,597,262.103 / 9.12% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; ADVANCED SERIES TRUST<br> AST BALANCED ASSET ALLOCATION<br> PORTFOLIO<br> 655 BROAD STREET 7TH FLOOR<br> NEWARK NJ 07102<br>| 306,174,388.619 / 37.94% |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Name** | **Shareholder Name/Address** | **No. Shares/% of Portfolio** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; ADVANCED SERIES TRUST<br> AST AGGRESSIVE ASSET ALLOCATION<br> PORTFOLIO<br> 655 BROAD STREET 7TH FLOOR<br> NEWARK NJ 07102<br>| 89,549,045.208 / 11.10% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; ADVANCED SERIES TRUST<br> AST PGIM AGGRESSIVE MULTI-ASSET<br> PORTFOLIO<br> 655 BROAD STREET 7TH FLOOR<br> NEWARK NJ 07102<br>| 130,157,158.379 / 16.13% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; ADVANCED SERIES TRUST<br> AST INVESTMENT GRADE BOND PORTFOLIO<br> 655 BROAD STREET 7TH FLOOR<br> NEWARK NJ 07102<br>| 138,317,829.183 / 17.14% |
| AST TARGET MATURITY CENTRAL PORTFOLIO | &nbsp;&nbsp; ADVANCED SERIES TRUST<br> AST BOND PORTFOLIO 2026<br> ATTN VERONICA AMATI<br> 655 BROAD STREET 17TH FLOOR<br> NEWARK NJ 07102<br>| 2,350,845.07 / 8.02% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; ADVANCED SERIES TRUST<br> AST BOND PORTFOLIO 2027<br> ATTN VERONICA AMATI<br> 655 BROAD STREET 17TH FLOOR<br> NEWARK NJ 07102<br>| 3,296,478.518 / 11.24% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; ADVANCED SERIES TRUST<br> AST BOND PORTFOLIO 2028<br> ATTN VERONICA AMATI<br> 655 BROAD STREET 17TH FLOOR<br> NEWARK NJ 07102<br>| 5,034,324.299 / 17.17% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; ADVANCED SERIES TRUST<br> AST BOND PORTFOLIO 2030<br> ATTN VERONICA AMATI<br> 655 BROAD STREET 17TH FLOOR<br> NEWARK NJ 07102<br>| 4,039,807.832 / 13.78% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; ADVANCED SERIES TRUST<br> AST BOND PORTFOLIO 2031<br> ATTN VERONICA AMATI<br> 655 BROAD STREET 17TH FLOOR<br> NEWARK NJ 07102<br>| 5,470,403.74 / 18.66% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; ADVANCED SERIES TRUST<br> AST BOND PORTFOLIO 2032<br> ATTN VERONICA AMATI<br> 655 BROAD STREET 17TH FLOOR<br> NEWARK NJ 07102<br>| 5,544,818.641 / 18.91% |

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**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

The financial statements of the Trust for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 have been incorporated into this SAI by reference to the Trust's Form N-CSR. The Trust's N-CSR was filed electronically with the SEC on [March 9, 2026 (Accession No.](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312526098536/d57466dncsr.htm)[0001193125-26-098536)](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312526098536/d57466dncsr.htm). Such financial statements have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose reports thereon are included in the Trust's Form N-CSR. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP's principal business address is 300 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017-6204.

The Trust's shareholder reports and Form N-CSR for the year ended December 31, 2025 can be obtained without charge by calling (800) 778-2255 or by writing to the Trust at 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102.

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PART II

**INVESTMENT RISKS & CONSIDERATIONS**

Set forth below are descriptions of some of the types of investments and investment strategies that a Portfolio may use, and the risks and considerations associated with those investments and investment strategies. A Portfolio may invest in the types of investments and investment strategies that are consistent with its investment objective, policies and any limitations described in the prospectus and in the SAI. For Portfolios that invest in a combination of underlying investment companies and other underlying portfolios, a Portfolio may be exposed to these risks directly through securities and other investments held directly by the Portfolio or indirectly through investments made by underlying portfolios in which the Portfolio invests.

**ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.** Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems that can perform tasks that would otherwise require human intelligence and encompasses various different forms of artificial intelligence, including machine learning models. Artificial intelligence is typically designed to analyze data, learn from patterns and experiences, make decisions, and solve problems. Artificial intelligence can be categorized into two types: narrow artificial intelligence, which is designed for specific tasks, and general artificial intelligence, which has the ability to perform any intellectual task that a human can do and includes generative artificial intelligence (GAI). GAI is a type of artificial intelligence technology that produces new text, images, audio, and other content based on training data that includes examples of the desired output. Typically, users enter questions, queries, or other inputs that prompt the GAI model or tool to produce output. In addition, some software uses GAI to suggest changes, summarize information, or translate text. Artificial intelligence has various applications in many fields such as healthcare, finance, transportation, and law.

PGIM Investments or the subadvisers may use and/or expand its use of artificial intelligence in connection with its business, operating and investment activities and a fund's investments may also use such technologies. Actual usage of such artificial intelligence will vary, and while PGIM Investments or the subadvisers may from time to time adopt and adjust usage policies and procedures governing the use of artificial intelligence by its personnel, there is a risk of misuse of artificial intelligence technologies.

Artificial intelligence is highly reliant on the collection and analysis of large amounts of data and complex algorithms, but it is not possible nor practicable to incorporate all data that would be relevant for a task conducted by artificial intelligence. Therefore, it is possible that the information provided through use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased leading to adverse effects for a fund, including, potentially, operational errors and investment losses.

Artificial intelligence and its current and potential future applications, including in the investment and financial sectors, as well as the regulatory frameworks within which they operate, continue to rapidly evolve, and it is impossible to predict the full extent of future applications or regulations. Ongoing and future regulatory actions with respect to artificial intelligence generally or artificial intelligence's use in any industry in particular may alter, perhaps to a materially adverse extent, the ability of PGIM Investments or the subadvisers, a fund or its investments to utilize artificial intelligence in the manner it has to-date, and may have an adverse impact on the ability of PGIM Investments or the subadvisers, or the fund or its investments to continue to operate as intended.

**ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES.** Certain Portfolios may invest in asset-backed securities. Asset-backed 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. Payments of principal and interest may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the entities issuing the securities. Asset-backed securities may be classified as pass-through certificates or collateralized obligations.

Pass-through certificates are asset-backed securities which represent an undivided fractional ownership interest in an underlying pool of assets. Pass-through certificates usually provide for payments of principal and interest received to be passed through to their holders, usually after deduction for certain costs and expenses incurred in administering the pool. Because pass-through certificates represent an ownership interest in the underlying assets, the holders thereof bear directly the risk of any defaults by the obligors on the underlying assets not covered by any credit support.

Asset-backed securities issued in the form of debt instruments, also known as collateralized obligations, are generally issued as the debt of a special purpose entity organized solely for the purpose of owning such assets and issuing such debt. Such assets are most often trade, credit card or automobile receivables. The assets collateralizing such asset-backed securities are pledged to a trustee or custodian for the benefit of the holders thereof. Such issuers generally hold no assets other than those underlying the asset-backed securities and any credit support provided. As a result, although payments on such asset-backed securities are obligations of the issuers, in the event of defaults on the underlying assets not covered by any credit support, the issuing entities are unlikely to have sufficient assets to satisfy their obligations on the related asset-backed securities.

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**Credit-Related Asset-Backed Securities.** This type of asset-backed security is collateralized by a basket of underlying corporate bonds or other securities, including junk bonds. Unlike the traditional asset-backed securities described above, these asset-backed securities often do have the benefit of a security interest or ownership interest in the related collateral. With a credit-related asset-backed security, the underlying bonds have the risk of being prepaid prior to maturity. Although generally not pre-payable at any time, some of the underlying bonds may have call options, while others may have maturity dates that are earlier than the asset-backed security itself. As with traditional asset-backed securities described above, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of the resulting increase or decrease in yield to maturity after a prepayment of an underlying bond. However, the primary risk associated with credit-related asset-backed securities is the potential loss of principal associated with losses on the underlying bonds.

**Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs).** This type of asset-backed security is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, as well as loans rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. The risks of an investment in a CLO depend largely on the quality of the underlying loans and may be classified by the Portfolio as illiquid investments.

For credit-related asset-backed securities and CLOs, the cash flows from the trust are split into two or more portions, called tranches, varying in risk and yield. The riskiest portion is the "equity" tranche, which bears the bulk of defaults from the bonds or loans in the trust and serves to protect the other, more senior tranches from default in all but the most severe circumstances. Since it is partially protected from defaults, a senior tranche from a trust typically has higher ratings and lower yields than their underlying securities, and can be rated investment grade. Despite the protection from the equity tranche, other tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of protecting tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as aversion to particular underlying assets as a class.

**BANKING INVESTMENTS.** Systemic risk events in the financial sectors and/or resulting government actions can negatively impact the Portfolios. For example, the shutdown of certain regional US banks and other financial institutions in March 2023 raised economic concerns over disruption in the US banking system, which could result in losses to the Portfolios if economic conditions persist or worsen, including through contagion to other areas of the US or global economies. These risks also may adversely affect financial intermediaries, such as clearing agencies, clearing houses, banks, securities firms, and exchanges, with which the Portfolios interact. There can be no certainty that any actions taken by the US government to strengthen public confidence in the US banking system or financial markets will be effective in mitigating the effects of financial institution failures on the economy and restoring or maintaining public confidence.

**BORROWING AND LEVERAGE.** A Portfolio may borrow up to 33 <sup>1</sup>∕3% of the value of its total assets (calculated at the time of the borrowing). The Portfolio may pledge up to 33 <sup>1</sup>∕3% of its total assets to secure these borrowings. If a Portfolio's asset coverage for borrowings falls below 300%, the Portfolio will take prompt action to reduce its borrowings. If a Portfolio borrows to invest in securities, any investment gains made on the securities in excess of interest paid on the borrowing will cause the NAV of the shares to rise faster than would otherwise be the case. On the other hand, if the investment performance of the additional securities purchased fails to cover their cost (including any interest paid on the money borrowed) to the Portfolio, the NAV of the Portfolio's shares will decrease faster than would otherwise be the case. This is the speculative factor known as "leverage."

A Portfolio may borrow from time to time, at the investment subadviser's discretion, to take advantage of investment opportunities when yields on available investments exceed interest rates and other expenses of related borrowing, or when, in the subadviser's opinion, unusual market conditions otherwise make it advantageous for the Portfolio to increase its investment capacity. A Portfolio will only borrow when there is an expectation that it will benefit a Portfolio after taking into account considerations such as interest income and possible losses upon liquidation. Borrowing by a Portfolio creates an opportunity for increased net income but, at the same time, creates risks, including the risks associated with leveraging such as the risks that leverage may exaggerate changes in the NAV of Portfolio shares and the yield on a Portfolio. A Portfolio may borrow through forward rolls, dollar rolls or reverse repurchase agreements, although no Portfolio currently has any intention of doing so, except for portfolios managed by PIMCO. If a Portfolio elects to treat reverse repurchase agreements (and certain related financing transactions) as derivative transactions, it shall comply with the requirements of Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act rather than being subject to the 33 1/3% limit.

**BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMPANIES (BDCS).** There are certain risks inherent in investing in BDCs, whose principal business is to invest in and lend capital to privately-held companies. The 1940 Act imposes certain restraints upon the operations of BDCs. For example, BDCs are required to invest at least 70% of their total assets primarily in securities of private companies or thinly-traded US public companies, cash, cash equivalents, US Government securities and high-quality debt instruments that will mature in one year or less. Generally, little public information exists for private and thinly-traded companies. With investments in debt instruments, there is a risk that the issuer may default on its payments or declare bankruptcy. Additionally, a BDC may incur indebtedness only in amounts such

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that the BDC's asset coverage, subject to certain conditions, equals at least 150% after such incurrence. These limitations on asset mix and leverage may prohibit the way that the BDC raises capital. BDCs generally invest in less-mature private companies, which involve greater risk than well-established publicly-traded companies.

Investments made by BDCs generally are subject to legal and other restrictions on resale and, otherwise, are less liquid than publicly-traded securities. The illiquidity of these investments may make it difficult to sell such investments if the need arises, and if there is a need for a BDC in which a Portfolio invests to liquidate its portfolio quickly, it may realize a loss on its investments. BDCs may have relatively concentrated investment portfolios, consisting of a relatively small number of holdings. A consequence of this limited number of investments is that the aggregate returns realized may be disproportionately impacted by the poor performance of a small number of investments, or even a single investment, particularly if a company experiences the need to write down the value of an investment, which tends to increase volatility and result in higher risk. Since BDCs rely on access to short-term money markets, longer-term capital markets and the bank markets as a significant source of liquidity, to the extent that BDCs are not able to access capital at competitive rates, their ability to implement certain financial strategies will be negatively impacted. Market disruptions, including a downturn in capital markets in general, or a downgrade of the credit rating of a BDC held by a Portfolio may increase the cost of borrowing to that company, thereby adversely impacting the Portfolio's returns. Credit downgrades also may result in requirements on a company to provide additional support in the form of letters of credit or cash or other collateral to various counterparties.

Since many of the assets of BDCs do not have readily ascertainable market values, such assets are most often recorded at fair value, in good faith, in accordance with valuation procedures adopted by such companies. Such determination requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances. Due to the absence of a readily ascertainable market value, and because of the inherent uncertainty of fair valuation, fair value of a BDC's investments may differ significantly from the values that would be reflected if the securities were traded in an established market, potentially resulting in material differences between a BDC's NAV per share and its market value.

Investment advisers to BDCs may be entitled to compensation based on the BDC's performance, which may result in riskier or more speculative investments in an effort to maximize incentive compensation and higher fees. In addition, to the extent that a Portfolio invests a portion of its assets in BDCs, a shareholder in the Portfolio not only will bear his or her proportionate share of the expenses of the Portfolio, but also will bear indirectly the expenses of the BDCs.

**CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES.** Convertible securities entitle the holder to receive interest payments paid on corporate debt securities or the dividend preference on a preferred stock until such time as the convertible security matures or is redeemed or until the holder elects to exercise the conversion privilege. The characteristics of convertible securities make them appropriate investments for an investment company seeking a high total return from capital appreciation and investment income. These characteristics include the potential for capital appreciation as the value of the underlying common stock increases, the relatively high yield received from dividend or interest payments as compared to common stock dividends, and decreased risks of decline in value relative to the underlying common stock due to their fixed income nature. As a result of the conversion feature, however, the interest rate or dividend preference on a convertible security is generally less than would be the case if the securities were issued in nonconvertible form.

In analyzing convertible securities, the subadviser(s) will consider both the yield on the convertible security relative to its credit quality and the potential capital appreciation that is offered by the underlying common stock, among other things.

Convertible securities are issued and traded in a number of securities markets. Even in cases where a substantial portion of the convertible securities held by a Portfolio are denominated in US dollars, the underlying equity securities may be quoted in the currency of the country where the issuer is domiciled. With respect to convertible securities denominated in a currency different from that of the underlying equity securities, the conversion price may be based on a fixed exchange rate established at the time the security is issued. As a result, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the currency in which the debt security is denominated and the currency in which the share price is quoted will affect the value of the convertible security. As described below, a Portfolio is authorized to enter into foreign currency hedging transactions in which it may seek to reduce the effect of such fluctuations.

Apart from currency considerations, the value of convertible securities is influenced by both the yield of nonconvertible securities of comparable issuers and by the value of the underlying common stock. The value of a convertible security viewed without regard to its conversion feature (i.e., strictly on the basis of its yield) is sometimes referred to as its "investment value." To the extent interest rates change, the investment value of the convertible security typically will fluctuate. However, at the same time, the value of the convertible security will be influenced by its "conversion value," which is the market value of the underlying common stock that would be obtained if the convertible security were converted. Conversion value fluctuates directly with the price of the underlying common stock. If, because of a low price of the common stock the conversion value is substantially below the investment value of the convertible security, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value.

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To the extent the conversion value of a convertible security increases to a point that approximates or exceeds its investment value, the price of the convertible security will be influenced principally by its conversion value. A convertible security will sell at a premium over the conversion value to the extent investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security. The yield and conversion premium of convertible securities issued in Japan and the Euromarket are frequently determined at levels that cause the conversion value to affect their market value more than the securities' investment value.

Holders of convertible securities generally have a claim on the assets of the issuer prior to the common stockholders but may be subordinated to other debt securities of the same issuer. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the charter provision, indenture or other governing instrument pursuant to which the convertible security was issued. If a convertible security held by a Portfolio is called for redemption, the Portfolio will be required to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell it to a third party. Certain convertible debt securities may provide a put option to the holder, which entitles the holder to cause the security to be redeemed by the issuer at a premium over the stated principal amount of the debt security under certain circumstances.

Synthetic convertible securities may be either (i) a debt security or preferred stock that may be convertible only under certain contingent circumstances or that may pay the holder a cash amount based on the value of shares of underlying common stock partly or wholly in lieu of a conversion right (a Cash-Settled Convertible), (ii) a combination of separate securities chosen by the subadviser(s) in order to create the economic characteristics of a convertible security, i.e., a fixed income security paired with a security with equity conversion features, such as an option or warrant (a Manufactured Convertible) or (iii) a synthetic security manufactured by another party.

A Manufactured Convertible differs from traditional convertible securities in several respects. Unlike a traditional convertible security, which is a single security having a unitary market value, a Manufactured Convertible is comprised of two or more separate securities, each with its own market value. Therefore, the total "market value" of such a Manufactured Convertible is the sum of the values of its fixed income component and its convertibility component.

More flexibility is possible in the creation of a Manufactured Convertible than in the purchase of a traditional convertible security. Because many corporations have not issued convertible securities, the subadviser(s) may combine a fixed income instrument and an equity feature with respect to the stock of the issuer of the fixed income instrument to create a synthetic convertible security otherwise unavailable in the market. The subadviser(s) may also combine a fixed income instrument of an issuer with an equity feature with respect to the stock of a different issuer when the subadviser(s) believe such a Manufactured Convertible would better promote a Portfolio's objective than alternate investments. For example, the subadviser(s) may combine an equity feature with respect to an issuer's stock with a fixed income security of a different issuer in the same industry to diversify the Portfolio's credit exposure, or with a US Treasury instrument to create a Manufactured Convertible with a higher credit profile than a traditional convertible security issued by that issuer. A Manufactured Convertible also is a more flexible investment in that its two components may be purchased separately and, upon purchasing the separate securities, "combined" to create a Manufactured Convertible. For example, a Portfolio may purchase a warrant for eventual inclusion in a Manufactured Convertible while postponing the purchase of a suitable bond to pair with the warrant pending development of more favorable market conditions.

The value of a Manufactured Convertible may respond differently to certain market fluctuations than would a traditional convertible security with similar characteristics. For example, in the event a Portfolio created a Manufactured Convertible by combining a short-term US Treasury instrument and a call option on a stock, the Manufactured Convertible would likely outperform a traditional convertible of similar maturity that is convertible into that stock during periods when Treasury instruments outperform corporate fixed income securities and underperform during periods when corporate fixed income securities outperform Treasury instruments.

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**CORPORATE LOANS.** Commercial banks and other financial institutions make corporate loans to companies that need capital to grow or restructure. These loans may be referred to as corporate loans, bank loans, leveraged loans, or bank floating rate loans (collectively, "corporate loans"). Borrowers generally pay interest on corporate loans at rates that change in response to changes in market interest rates such as the SOFR or the prime rate of US banks. These types of loans are sometimes called "floating rate loans" because the interest rates move up or down (i.e., they "float") in response to changes in market interest rates. The interest rate payable on some floating rate loans may be subject to an upper limit (a "cap") or lower (a "floor") that prevents the relevant benchmark rate from adjusting above or below a specified level. Because of their structure, the value of corporate loan investments is generally less responsive to shifts in market interest rates. Because the trading market for corporate loans is less developed than the secondary market for bonds and notes, a Portfolio may experience difficulties from time to time in selling its corporate loans. Borrowers frequently provide collateral to secure repayment of these obligations. Leading financial institutions often act as agent for a broader group of lenders, generally referred to as a "syndicate." The syndicate's agent arranges the corporate loans, holds collateral and accepts payments of principal and interest. If the agent develops financial problems, a Portfolio may not recover its investment, or there might be a delay in the Portfolio's recovery. By investing in a corporate loan, a Portfolio becomes a member of the syndicate.

In market conditions where short-term interest rates are particularly low, certain floating rate loans may be issued with a feature that prevents the relevant benchmark rate from adjusting below a specified minimum level. This is achieved by defining a "floor" to the benchmark rate, so that if downward market movements of the benchmark rate would, absent this feature, cause the benchmark rate to fall below the floor, with this feature, the benchmark rates of these floating rate loans become fixed at the applicable minimum floor level until short-term interest rates (and therefore the benchmark rate) rise above that level. Although this feature is intended to result in these floating rate loans yielding more than they otherwise would when short-term interest rates are low, the feature might also result in the secondary market prices of these floating rate loans becoming more sensitive to changes in interest rates should short-term interest rates rise.

As in the case of junk bonds, the corporate loans in which a Portfolio may invest can be expected to provide higher yields than higher-rated fixed income securities but may be subject to greater risk of loss of principal and income. There are, however, some significant differences between corporate loans and junk bonds. Corporate loans are frequently secured by pledges of liens and security interests in the assets of the borrower, and the holders of corporate loans are frequently the beneficiaries of debt service subordination provisions imposed on the borrower's bondholders. These arrangements are designed to give corporate loan investors preferential treatment over junk bond investors in the event of a deterioration in the credit quality of the issuer. Even when these arrangements exist, however, there can be no assurance that the principal and interest owed on the corporate loans will be repaid in full. Corporate loans generally bear interest at rates set at a margin above a generally recognized base lending rate that may fluctuate on a day-to-day basis or that may be adjusted on set dates, typically 30 days but generally not more than one year. Consequently, the value of corporate loans held by a Portfolio may be expected to fluctuate significantly less than the value of fixed rate junk bond instruments as a result of changes in the interest rate environment. On the other hand, the secondary dealer market for corporate loans is not as well developed as the secondary dealer market for junk bonds, and therefore presents increased market risk relating to liquidity and pricing concerns.

Loans that are secured and senior to other debtholders of a borrower tend to have more favorable loss recovery rates as compared to more junior types of below investment grade debt obligations. Due to their lower place in the borrower's capital structure and, in some cases, their unsecured status, junior loans involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior loans of the same borrower.

A Portfolio may acquire interests in corporate loans by means of a novation, assignment or participation. In a novation, a Portfolio would succeed to all the rights and obligations of the assigning institution and become a contracting party under the credit agreement with respect to the debt obligation. As an alternative, a Portfolio may purchase an assignment, in which case the Portfolio may be required to rely on the assigning institution to demand payment and enforce its rights against the borrower but would otherwise typically be entitled to all of such assigning institution's rights under the credit agreement. Participation interests in a portion of a debt obligation typically result in a contractual relationship only with the institution selling the participation interest and not with the borrower. In purchasing a loan participation, a Portfolio generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower, and the Portfolio may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, a Portfolio will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the institution selling the participation to the Portfolio.

To the extent the Portfolio invests in loans of non-US issuers, the risks of investing in non-US 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 Portfolio, may not have the benefit of these protections. If the Portfolio is in possession of material non-public information about a borrower as a result of its investment in such borrower's loan, the Portfolio 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.

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To the extent that legislation or state or federal regulators that regulate certain financial institutions impose additional requirements or restrictions with respect to the ability of such institutions to make loans, particularly in connection with highly leveraged transactions, the availability of loans for investment may be adversely affected. Further, such legislation or regulation could depress the market value of loans. In November 2022, the SEC proposed rule amendments which, among other things, would amend the liquidity rule framework for open-end funds. If the rule amendments are adopted as proposed, they could have a negative impact on the market for loans as open-end funds subject to the rule exit the market. The nature and extent of the proposal's impact will not be known unless and until any final rulemaking is adopted.

**CYBERSECURITY AND OPERATIONAL RISK.** With the increasing use of technology and computer systems in general and, in particular, the Internet to conduct necessary business functions, each Portfolio and its service providers is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. These risks, which are often collectively referred to as "cybersecurity" risks, may include deliberate or malicious attacks, as well as unintentional events and occurrences. Cybersecurity is generally defined as the technology, operations and related protocol surrounding and protecting a user's computer hardware, network, systems and applications and the data transmitted and stored therewith. These measures ensure the reliability of a user's systems, as well as the security, availability, integrity, and confidentiality of data assets.

Deliberate cyber attacks can include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to computer systems in order to misappropriate and/or disclose sensitive or confidential information; deleting, corrupting or modifying data; and causing operational disruptions. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (in order to prevent access to computer networks). In addition to deliberate breaches engineered by external actors, cybersecurity risks can also result from the conduct of malicious, exploited or careless insiders, whose actions may result in the destruction, release or disclosure of confidential or proprietary information stored on an organization's systems.

Cybersecurity failures or breaches, whether deliberate or unintentional, arising from a Portfolios' third-party service providers (e.g., custodians, financial intermediaries, transfer agents), subadvisers, shareholder usage of unsecure systems to access personal accounts, as well as breaches suffered by the issuers of securities in which the Portfolios invests, may cause significant disruptions in the business operations of the Portfolios. Potential impacts may include, but are not limited to, potential financial losses for the Portfolios and the issuers' securities, the inability of shareholders to conduct transactions with the Portfolios, an inability of the Portfolios to calculate NAV, and disclosures of personal or confidential shareholder information.

In addition to direct impacts on Portfolio shareholders, cybersecurity failures by a Portfolio and/or its service providers and others may result in regulatory inquiries, regulatory proceedings, regulatory and/or legal and litigation costs to the Portfolios, and reputational damage. The Portfolios may incur reimbursement and other expenses, including the costs of litigation and litigation settlements and additional compliance costs. The Portfolios may also incur considerable expenses in enhancing and upgrading computer systems and systems security following a cybersecurity failure.

The rapid proliferation of technologies, as well as the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, and others continue to pose new and significant cybersecurity threats. Although the Portfolios and its service providers and subadvisers may have established business continuity plans and risk management systems to mitigate cybersecurity risks, there can be no guarantee or assurance that such plans or systems will be effective, or that all risks that exist, or may develop in the future, have been completely anticipated and identified or can be protected against. Furthermore, the Portfolios cannot control or assure the efficacy of the cybersecurity plans and systems implemented by third-party service providers, the subadvisers, and the issuers in which a Portfolios invests.

A Portfolio's investments or its service providers may be negatively impacted due to operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology, changes in personnel, and errors caused by third-party service providers or trading counterparties. In particular, these errors or failures as well as other technological issues may adversely affect the Portfolios' ability to calculate their NAVs in a timely manner, including over a potentially extended period. Although the Portfolios attempt to minimize such failures through controls and oversight, it is not possible to identify all of the operational risks that may affect a Portfolio or to develop processes and controls that completely eliminate or mitigate the occurrence of such failures. A Portfolio and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

**DEBT SECURITIES.** Debt securities, such as bonds, involve credit risk. This is the risk that the issuer will not make timely payments of principal and interest. The degree of credit risk depends on the issuer's financial condition and on the terms of the bonds. Changes in an issuer's credit rating or the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness may also affect the value of a Portfolio's investment in that issuer. Litigation, legislation or other political events, business or economic conditions, or the bankruptcy of the issuer could have a significant effect on an issuer's or obligor's ability to make payments of principal and/or interest. Credit risk is reduced to the extent a

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Portfolio limits its debt investments to US Government securities. All debt securities, however, are subject to interest rate risk. This is the risk that the value of the security may fall when interest rates rise. In general, the market price of debt securities with longer maturities will go up or down more in response to changes in interest rates than the market price of shorter-term securities.

**DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS.** A Portfolio may invest in the securities of foreign issuers in the form of Depositary Receipts or other securities convertible into securities of foreign issuers. Depositary Receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. ADRs and ADSs are receipts or shares typically issued by an American bank or trust company that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs are receipts issued in Europe that evidence a similar ownership arrangement. GDRs are receipts issued throughout the world that evidence a similar arrangement. Generally, ADRs and ADSs, in registered form, are designed for use in the US securities markets, and EDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in European securities markets. GDRs are tradable both in the United States and in Europe and are designed for use throughout the world. A Portfolio may invest in unsponsored Depositary Receipts. The issuers of unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States, and, therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts. Depositary Receipts are generally subject to the same risks as the foreign securities that they evidence or into or for which they may be converted or exchanged, as well as the risks associated with foreign investments.

**DERIVATIVES.** A Portfolio may use instruments referred to as derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments the value of which is derived from another underlying instrument such as, a security, a commodity (such as gold or oil), a currency or an index (a measure of value or rates, such as the S&P 500 Index or the prime lending rate). Derivatives can allow a Portfolio to increase or decrease the level of risk to which the Portfolio is exposed more quickly and efficiently than transactions in other types of instruments. Each Portfolio may use derivatives for hedging purposes. A Portfolio may also use derivatives to seek to enhance returns. The use of a derivative is speculative if the Portfolio is primarily seeking to achieve gains, rather than offset the risk of other positions. When the Portfolio invests in a derivative for speculative purposes, the Portfolio will be fully exposed to the risks of loss of that derivative, which may sometimes be greater than the derivative's cost. No Portfolio may use any derivative to gain exposure to an asset or class of assets that it would be prohibited by its investment restrictions from purchasing directly.

The use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, and/or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying assets or references. The use of derivative instruments is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the portfolio manager is incorrect in the forecasts of security or market values, interest rates or currency exchange rates, as applicable, the investment performance of a Portfolio would be less favorable than it would have been if derivative instruments were not used. Potential losses from certain derivative instruments are unlimited. Derivative instruments can be highly volatile, illiquid, subject to counterparty risk and difficult to value. There is also the risk that changes in the value of a derivative instrument held by a Portfolio for hedging purposes may not correlate with the Portfolio's investments which are intended to be hedged, which could impact Portfolio performance. A Portfolio may choose not to invest in derivative instruments because of their cost, limited availability or other reasons.

The Portfolios are subject to Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act (the Derivatives Rule), which governs the use of derivatives by registered investment companies. The Derivatives Rule imposes limits on the amount of derivatives exposure a fund may take on and replaces the asset segregation framework previously used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, among other requirements. The Derivatives Rule may limit the ability of a Portfolio to use derivatives, short sales, and reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions as part of its investment strategies. These requirements may increase the cost of a Portfolio's investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect. The Derivatives Rules also requires the Portfolios to adopt and implement a comprehensive written derivatives risk management program (called a DRMP) and to comply with a relative or absolute limit on leverage risk calculated based on value-at-risk. The DRMP is administered by a "derivatives risk manager." The derivatives risk manager is appointed by the Board and periodically reviews the DRMP and reports to the Board. The Derivatives Rule provides an exception from the DRMP, value-at-risk limit, and certain other requirements if a Portfolio's "derivatives exposure" is limited to 10% of its net assets (as calculated in accordance with the Derivatives Rule) and the Portfolio adopts and implements written policies and procedures reasonably designed to manage its derivatives risks.

**ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) CONSIDERATIONS.** Certain ESG factors may be considered by a Portfolio's subadviser(s) in making investment decisions for a Portfolio. For these Portfolios, ESG factors are only one of many considerations a subadviser may evaluate for any potential investment and the extent to which ESG factors will affect a decision to invest in an issuer, if at all, will vary and depend on the analysis and judgment of the subadviser. ESG factors, either quantitative or qualitative, may be utilized by a subadviser as a component of its investment process to implement the Portfolio's investment strategy in pursuit of its investment objective. ESG considerations may affect a Portfolio's exposure to certain issuers, industries, sectors, and factors that may impact the performance of a Portfolio. A subadviser's consideration of ESG factors may also impact a Portfolio's performance relative to similar funds that do not consider ESG factors. Because ESG factors may be used as one part of an overall investment process, a subadviser

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may still invest in securities of issuers that are not considered ESG-focused or that may be viewed as having a high ESG risk profile. Investors can differ in their views of what constitutes positive or negative ESG factors. As a result, a Portfolio may invest in issuers that do not reflect the beliefs and values with respect to ESG of any particular investor. ESG factors are expected to evolve over time and one or more factors may not be relevant or material with respect to all issuers that are eligible for investment. In considering ESG factors, a subadviser may rely on proprietary research as well as third-party research, and such research may be incorrect, based on incomplete or inaccurate information, not sufficiently available, or subjective in nature, and thus could negatively affect the fund's performance.

**EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS.** A Portfolio may invest in ETFs. ETFs, which may be unit investment trusts or mutual funds, typically hold portfolios of securities designed to track the performance of various broad securities indexes or sectors of such indexes. ETFs provide another means, in addition to futures and options on indexes, of including stock index exposure in these Portfolios' investment strategies. A Portfolio will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such ETF. In addition, an investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional fund (i.e., one that is not exchange-traded) that has the same investment objectives, strategies, and policies.

Moreover, to the extent an ETF holds securities traded in markets that close at a different time from the ETF's listing exchange, liquidity in such securities may be reduced after the applicable closing times. In addition, during the time when the ETF's listing exchange is open but after the applicable market closing, fixing or settlement times, bid/ask spreads and the resulting premium or discount to the ETF's shares' NAV may widen.

**FUND OF FUNDS.** A Portfolio that is structured as a "fund of funds" invests primarily in a combination of underlying investment companies and other underlying portfolios described in such Portfolio's Prospectus. In addition to the risks associated with the investment in the underlying portfolios, these Portfolios are subject to the following risks:

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To the extent that a Portfolio concentrates its assets among underlying portfolios that invest principally in one or several asset classes, a Portfolio may from time to time underperform mutual funds exposed primarily to other asset classes. For example, a Portfolio may be overweighted in the equity asset class when the stock market is falling and the fixed income market is rising. Likewise, a Portfolio may be overweighted in the fixed income asset class when the fixed income market is falling and the stock market is rising.

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The ability of a Portfolio to achieve its investment objective depends on the ability of the selected underlying portfolios to achieve their investment objectives. There is a risk that the selected underlying portfolios will underperform relevant markets, relevant indices, or other portfolios with similar investment objectives and strategies.

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A Portfolio may incur its pro rata share of the expenses of an underlying portfolio in which the Portfolio invests, such as investment advisory and other management expenses, and shareholders incur the operating expenses of these underlying portfolios.

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The performance of a Portfolio may be affected by large purchases and redemptions of underlying portfolio shares. For example, large purchases and redemptions may cause an underlying portfolio to hold a greater percentage of its assets in cash than other portfolios pursuing similar strategies, and large redemptions may cause an underlying portfolio to sell assets at inopportune times. Underlying portfolios that have experienced significant redemptions may, as a result, have higher expense ratios than other portfolios pursuing similar strategies. The Manager and a Portfolio's subadviser(s) seek to minimize the impact of large purchases and redemptions of underlying portfolio shares, but their abilities to do so may be limited.

There is a potential conflict of interest between a Portfolio and its Manager and a Portfolio's subadviser(s). Because the amount of the management fees to be retained by the Manager and their affiliates may differ depending upon which underlying portfolios are used in connection with a Portfolio, there is a potential conflict of interest for the Manager and a Portfolio's subadviser(s) in selecting the underlying portfolios. In addition, the Manager and a Portfolio's subadviser(s) may have an incentive to take into account the effect on an underlying portfolio in which the Portfolio may invest in determining whether, and under what circumstances, to purchase or sell shares in that underlying portfolio. Although the Manager and a Portfolio's subadviser(s) take steps to address the potential conflicts of interest, it is possible that the potential conflicts could impact the Portfolios.

In October 2020, the SEC adopted a new regulatory framework, including new Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act, for fund-of-funds arrangements. Rule 12d1-4 permits a registered investment company to acquire the securities of any other registered investment company or business development company (BDC) in excess of the limits of the 1940 Act, provided that the registered investment company complies with several conditions imposed by Rule 12d1-4, which include: (i) limits on ownership and voting of acquired fund shares; (ii) evaluations and findings by investment advisers of funds in fund-of-funds arrangements; (iii) investment agreements between funds in fund-of-funds arrangements; and (iv) limits on complex fund-of-funds structures. In connection with new Rule 12d1-4, the SEC also rescinded Rule 12d1-2 and certain exemptive orders permitting fund-of-funds arrangements. These regulatory changes may adversely impact the Portfolios' investment strategies and operations.

**HEDGING.** Hedging is a strategy in which a derivative or security is used to offset the risks associated with other Portfolio holdings. Losses on the other investment may be substantially reduced by gains on a derivative that reacts in an opposite manner to market movements. While hedging can reduce losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains or cause losses if the market moves in a different manner than anticipated by a Portfolio or if the cost of the derivative outweighs the benefit of the hedge. Hedging also involves the risk that changes in

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the value of the derivative will not match those of the holdings being hedged as expected by a Portfolio, in which case any losses on the holdings being hedged may not be reduced or may be increased. The inability to close options and futures positions also could have an adverse impact on a Portfolio's ability to hedge effectively its portfolio. There is also a risk of loss by the Portfolio of margin deposits or collateral in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with whom the Portfolio has an open position in an option, a futures contract or a related option. There can be no assurance that a Portfolio's hedging strategies will be effective or that hedging transactions will be available to a Portfolio. No Portfolio is required to engage in hedging transactions and each Portfolio may choose not to do so.

**INDEXED AND INVERSE SECURITIES.** A Portfolio may invest in securities the potential return of which is based on an index or interest rate. As an illustration, a Portfolio may invest in a security whose value is based on changes in a specific index or that pays interest based on the current value of an interest rate index, such as the prime rate. A Portfolio may also invest in a debt security that returns principal at maturity based on the level of a securities index or a basket of securities, or based on the relative changes of two indices. In addition, certain Portfolios may invest in securities the potential return of which is based inversely on the change in an index or interest rate (that is, a security the value of which will move in the opposite direction of changes to an index or interest rate). For example, a Portfolio may invest in securities that pay a higher rate of interest when a particular index decreases and pay a lower rate of interest (or do not fully return principal) when the value of the index increases. If a Portfolio invests in such securities, it may be subject to reduced or eliminated interest payments or loss of principal in the event of an adverse movement in the relevant interest rate, index or indices. Indexed and inverse securities may involve credit risk, and certain indexed and inverse securities may involve leverage risk, liquidity risk and currency risk. A Portfolio may invest in indexed and inverse securities for hedging purposes or to seek to increase returns. When used for hedging purposes, indexed and inverse securities involve correlation risk. (Furthermore, where such a security includes a contingent liability, in the event of such an adverse movement, a Portfolio may be required to pay substantial additional margin to maintain the position.)

**INFLATION-PROTECTED SECURITIES.** Inflation-protected debt securities tend to react to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates can be described as nominal interest rates minus the expected impact of inflation. In general, the price of an inflation-protected debt security falls when real interest rates rise and rises when real interest rates fall. Interest payments on inflation-protected debt securities will vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation and may be more volatile than interest paid on ordinary bonds. In periods of deflation, a Portfolio may have no income at all from such investments. While these securities are expected to be protected from long-term inflationary trends, short-term increases in inflation may lead to a decline in value. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation (for example, due to changes in currency exchange rates), investors in these securities may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the security's inflation measure.

**INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS.** Each Portfolio may invest in IPOs. An IPO is the first sale of stock by a private company to the public. IPOs are often issued by smaller, younger companies seeking capital to expand, but can also be done by large privately owned companies looking to become publicly traded.

In an IPO, the issuer obtains the assistance of an underwriting firm, which helps it determine what type of security to issue (common or preferred), best offering price and time to bring it to market. 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 a Portfolio 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.

Investing in IPOs entails risks. Importantly, the prices of securities involved in IPOs are often subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than more established stocks. It is difficult to predict what the stock will do on its initial day of trading and in the near future since there is often little historical data with which to analyze the company. Also, most IPOs are of companies going through a transitory growth period, and they are therefore subject to additional uncertainty regarding their future value.

**PARTICIPATION NOTES**. Participation Notes (P-Notes) are a type of equity-linked derivative which generally are traded over-the-counter. Even though a P-Note is intended to reflect the performance of the underlying equity securities, the performance of a P-Note will not replicate exactly the performance of the issuers or markets that the P-Note seeks to replicate due to transaction costs and other expenses. Investments in P-Notes involve risks normally associated with a direct investment in the underlying securities. In addition, P-Notes are subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the broker-dealer or bank that issues the P-Notes will not fulfill its contractual obligation to complete the transaction with a Portfolio.

**POSITION LIMITS.** The CFTC, certain foreign regulators and many futures exchanges have established (and continue to evaluate and revise) speculative position limits, referred to as "position limits," on the maximum net long or net short positions which any person or entity may hold or control in particular options and futures contracts. In addition, U.S. federal position limits apply to swaps that are economically equivalent to futures contracts on certain agricultural, metals and energy commodities. All positions owned or controlled by the same person or entity, even if in different accounts, must be aggregated for purposes of determining whether applicable position

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limits have been exceeded, unless an exemption applies. Thus, even if the Portfolio does not intend to exceed applicable position limits, it is possible that positions of different clients managed by the Manager, a Subadviser and its affiliates may be aggregated for this purpose. Therefore, trading decisions of the Manager or Subadviser may have to be modified and positions held by the Portfolio may have to be liquidated in order to avoid exceeding such limits. The modification of investment decisions or the elimination of open positions, if it occurs, may adversely affect the performance of the Portfolio. A violation of position limits could also lead to regulatory action materially adverse to the Portfolio's investment strategy. The Portfolio may also be affected by other regimes, including those of the European Union and United Kingdom, and trading venues that impose position limits on commodity derivative contracts.

**SWAP AGREEMENTS.** Swap agreements are considered to be "derivative transactions" under Rule 18f-4 of the 1940 Act and therefore the Portfolios intend that any transactions involving swap agreements will be conducted in compliance with the requirements of Rule 18f-4. Certain Portfolios may enter into swap transactions, including but not limited to, interest rate, index, credit default, total return and, to the extent that it may invest in foreign currency-denominated securities, currency exchange rate known as "swaptions". In addition, certain portfolios may enter into options on swap agreements (swap options). These swap transactions are entered into in an attempt to obtain a particular return when it is considered desirable to do so, possibly at a lower cost to the Portfolio than if a Portfolio had invested directly in an instrument that yielded that desired return.

Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods typically ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on or calculated with respect to particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. The gross returns to be exchanged or "swapped" between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a "notional amount," that is, the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate or in a "basket" of securities representing a particular index or other investments or instruments.

Most swap agreements entered into by a Portfolio would calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a "net basis." Consequently a Portfolio's current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the net amount). The Portfolio's current obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Portfolio). Swap agreements are considered to be "derivative transactions" under Rule 18f-4 of the 1940 Act and therefore the Portfolios intend that any transactions involving swap agreements will be conducted in compliance with the requirements of Rule 18f-4.

If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Portfolio will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreement related to the transaction but there can be no guarantee a Portfolio will be successful in enforcing such contractual remedies. Since swaps are individually negotiated, the Portfolio expects to achieve an acceptable degree of correlation between its rights to receive a return on its portfolio securities and its rights and obligations to receive and pay a return pursuant to swaps. The Portfolio will enter into swaps only with parties meeting creditworthiness standards of the investment subadviser. The investment subadviser will monitor the creditworthiness of such parties.

Certain standardized swap transactions are required to be (or are capable of being) centrally cleared and/or exchange-traded. Although central clearing and exchange trading is expected to decrease counterparty risk and increase liquidity compared to bilaterally negotiated swaps, central clearing and exchange trading does not eliminate counterparty risk or illiquidity risk entirely. Depending on the size of a Portfolio and other factors, the margin required under the rules of a clearinghouse and by a clearing member may be in excess of the collateral required to be posted by the Portfolio to support its obligations under a similar bilateral, uncleared swap. However, certain applicable regulators have adopted rules imposing certain margin requirements, including minimums, on uncleared swaps, which may result in the Portfolio and its counterparties posting higher amounts for uncleared swaps.

**CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP AGREEMENTS AND SIMILAR INSTRUMENTS.** Certain Portfolios may enter into credit default swap agreements and similar agreements, and may also buy credit linked securities. The credit default swap agreement or similar instrument may have as reference obligations one or more debt securities that are not currently held by a Portfolio. The protection "buyer" in a credit default contract may be obligated to pay the protection "seller" an up-front or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided generally that no credit event on a reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, the seller generally must pay the buyer the "par value" (full notional value) of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity described in the swap, or the seller may be required to deliver the related net cash amount, if the swap is cash settled. A Portfolio may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction.

Credit default swaps and similar instruments involve greater risks than if a Portfolio had invested in the reference obligation directly, since, in addition to general market risks, they are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risks. A Portfolio will enter into credit default swap agreements and similar instruments only with counterparties who are rated investment grade quality by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization at the time of entering into such transaction or whose creditworthiness is believed by

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the subadviser(s) to be equivalent to such rating. A buyer also will lose its investment and recover nothing should no credit event occur and the swap is held to its termination date. If a credit event were to occur, the value of any deliverable obligation received by the seller, coupled with the up-front or periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Portfolio. When a Portfolio acts as a seller of a credit default swap or a similar instrument, it is exposed to many of the same risks of leverage since, if a credit event occurs, the seller may be required to pay the buyer the full notional value of the contract net of any amounts owed by the buyer related to its delivery of deliverable obligations.

**CREDIT LINKED SECURITIES.** Among the income-producing securities in which a Portfolio may invest are credit linked securities, which are issued by a limited purpose trust or other vehicle that, in turn, invests in a derivative instrument or basket of derivative instruments, such as credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and other securities, in order to provide exposure to certain fixed income markets. For instance, a Portfolio may invest in credit linked securities as a cash management tool in order to gain exposure to a certain market and/or to remain fully invested when more traditional income-producing securities are not available.

Like an investment in a bond, investments in these credit linked securities represent the right to receive periodic income payments (in the form of distributions) and payment of principal at the end of the term of the security. However, these payments are conditioned on the issuer's receipt of payments from, and the issuer's potential obligations to, the counterparties to the derivative instruments and other securities in which the issuer invests. For instance, the issuer may sell one or more credit default swaps, under which the issuer would receive a stream of payments over the term of the swap agreements provided that no event of default has occurred with respect to the referenced debt obligation upon which the swap is based. If a default occurs, the stream of payments may stop and the issuer would be obligated to pay the counterparty the par (or other agreed upon value) of the referenced debt obligation. This, in turn, would reduce the amount of income and principal that a Portfolio would receive. A Portfolio's investments in these instruments are indirectly subject to the risks associated with derivative instruments, including, among others, credit risk, default or similar event risk, counterparty risk, interest rate risk, leverage risk and management risk. It is also expected that the securities will be exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. Accordingly, there may be no established trading market for the securities and they may be classified as illiquid investments.

**TOTAL RETURN SWAP AGREEMENTS.** Certain Portfolios may enter into total return swap agreements. Total return swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to make periodic payments based on the change in market value of the underlying assets, which may include a specified security, basket of securities or securities indices during the specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the total return from other underlying assets. Total return swap agreements may be used to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning or taking physical custody of such security or market. Total return swap agreements may effectively add leverage to the Portfolio's holdings because, in addition to its total net assets, the Portfolio would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. Total return swap agreements entail the risk that a party will default on its payment obligations to a Portfolio thereunder. Swap agreements also bear the risk that the Portfolio will not be able to meet its obligation to the counterparty. Generally, the Portfolio will enter into total return swaps on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out with a Portfolio receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). The net amount of the excess, if any, of a Portfolio's obligations over its entitlements with respect to each total return swap will be accrued on a daily basis. If the total return swap transaction is entered into on other than a net basis, the full amount of a Portfolio's obligations will be accrued on a daily basis.

Unless otherwise noted, a Portfolio's net obligations in respect of all swap agreements (i.e., the aggregate net amount owed by the Portfolio) is limited to 15% of its net assets.

**NON-STANDARD WARRANTS**. From time to time, a Portfolio may use synthetic foreign equity securities derivatives in the form non-standard warrants, often referred to as low exercise price warrants or participatory notes or low exercise price options (LEPOs), to gain indirect exposure to issuers in certain countries, such as India. These securities are issued by banks and other financial institutions. The buyer of a low exercise price warrant effectively pays the full value of the underlying common stock at the outset. LEPOs are different from standard warrants in that they do not give their holders the right to receive a security of the issuer upon exercise. Rather, LEPOs pay the holder the difference in price of the underlying security between the date the LEPO was purchased and the date it is sold. LEPOs entail the same risks as other over-the counter derivatives. These include the risk that the counterparty or issuer of the LEPO may not be able to fulfill its obligations, that the holder and counterparty or issuer may disagree as to the meaning or application of contractual terms, or that the instrument may not perform as expected. Additionally, while LEPOs may be listed on an exchange, there is no guaranty that a liquid market will exist or that the counterparty or issuer of a LEPO will be willing to repurchase the LEPO when a Portfolio wishes to sell it. A discussion of the risk factors relating to derivatives is set out in the sub-section entitled "Risk Factors in Derivatives".

**OPTIONS ON SECURITIES AND SECURITIES INDEXES.** A Portfolio may invest in options on individual securities, baskets of securities or particular measurements of value or rate (an index), such as an index of the price of treasury securities or an index representative of short-term interest rates.

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Such investments may be made on exchanges and in the OTC markets. In general, exchange-traded options have standardized exercise prices and expiration dates and require the parties to post margin against their obligations, and the performance of the parties' obligations in connection with such options is guaranteed by the exchange or a related clearing corporation. OTC options have more flexible terms negotiated between the buyer and the seller, but generally are subject to greater credit and liquidity risk. See "Additional Risk Factors of OTC Transactions; Limitations on the Use of OTC Derivatives" below.

A Portfolio will write only "covered" options. A written option is covered if, so long as a Portfolio is obligated the option, it owns an offsetting position in the underlying security or currency.

*CALL OPTIONS.* A Portfolio may purchase call options on any of the types of securities or instruments in which it may invest. A call option held by a Portfolio gives that Portfolio the right but not the obligation to buy, and obligates the seller to sell, the underlying security at the exercise price at any time during the option period. A Portfolio also may purchase and sell call options on indices. Index options are similar to options on securities except that, rather than taking or making delivery of securities underlying the option at a specified price upon exercise, an index option gives the holder the right to receive cash upon exercise of the option if the level of the index upon which the option is based is greater than the exercise price of the option.

Each Portfolio may only write (i.e., sell) covered call options on the securities or instruments in which it may invest and to enter into closing purchase transactions with respect to certain of such options. A covered call option is an option in which a Portfolio owns an offsetting position in the underlying security or currency. The principal reason for writing call options is the attempt to realize, through the receipt of premiums, a greater return than would be realized on the securities alone. By writing covered call options, a Portfolio gives up the opportunity, while the option is in effect, to profit from any price increase in the underlying security above the option exercise price. In addition, a Portfolio's ability to sell the underlying security will be limited while the option is in effect unless the Portfolio enters into a closing purchase transaction. A closing purchase transaction cancels out a Portfolio's position as the writer of an option by means of an offsetting purchase of an identical option prior to the expiration of the option it has written. Covered call options also serve as a partial hedge to the extent of the premium received against the price of the underlying security declining.

*PUT OPTIONS.* A Portfolio may purchase put options to seek to hedge against a decline in the value of its securities or to enhance its return. By buying a put option, a Portfolio acquires a right but not an obligation to sell such underlying securities or instruments at the exercise price, thus limiting the Portfolio's risk of loss through a decline in the market value of the securities or instruments until the put option expires. The amount of any appreciation in the value of the underlying securities or instruments will be partially offset by the amount of the premium paid for the put option and any related transaction costs. Prior to its expiration, a put option may be sold in a closing sale transaction and profit or loss from the sale will depend on whether the amount received is more or less than the premium paid for the put option plus the related transaction costs. A closing sale transaction cancels out a Portfolio's position as the purchaser of an option by means of an offsetting sale of an identical option prior to the expiration of the option it has purchased. A Portfolio also may purchase uncovered put options.

Each Portfolio may write (i.e., sell) put options on the types of securities or instruments that may be held by the Portfolio, provided that such put options are covered liquid instruments. A Portfolio will receive a premium for writing a put option, which increases the Portfolio's return.

**FUTURES.** A Portfolio may engage in transactions in futures and options thereon. Futures are standardized, exchange-traded contracts which obligate a purchaser to buy, and a seller to sell, of a specific amount of an asset at a specified future date at a specified price. No price is paid upon entering into a futures contract. Rather, upon purchasing or selling a futures contract a Portfolio is required to deposit collateral (margin) with a futures commission merchant. This is known as "initial margin." The amount of initial margin required to be deposited is set by the exchange on which the contract is listed, subject to increase by the futures commission merchant, and is equal to a percentage, typically 3-12%, of the notional amount of the futures contract. Each day thereafter until the futures position is closed, the Portfolio will pay additional margin representing any loss experienced as a result of the futures position the prior day or be entitled to a payment representing any profit experienced as a result of the futures position the prior day. Futures involve substantial leverage risk.

The sale of a futures contract limits a Portfolio's risk of loss through a decline in the market value of portfolio holdings correlated with the futures contract prior to the futures contract's expiration date. In the event the market value of the portfolio holdings correlated with the futures contract increases rather than decreases, however, a Portfolio will realize a loss on the futures position and a lower return on the portfolio holdings than would have been realized without the sale of the futures contract.

The purchase of a futures contract may protect a Portfolio from having to pay more for securities as a consequence of increases in the market value for such securities during a period when the Portfolio was attempting to identify specific securities in which to invest in a market the Portfolio believes to be attractive. In the event that such securities decline in value or a Portfolio determines not to complete an anticipatory hedge transaction relating to a futures contract, however, the Portfolio may realize a loss relating to the futures position.

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The primary risks associated with the use of futures are: (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the instruments held by a Portfolio and the price of the futures; (b) possible lack of a liquid market for a futures and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses caused by unanticipated market movements, which are potentially unlimited; (d) the failure to predict correctly the direction of securities or commodities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; and (e) the possibility that the counterparty to the futures contract will default in the performance of its obligations.

The trading of futures contracts is also subject to the risk of trading halts, suspensions, exchange or clearing house equipment failures, government intervention, insolvency of a brokerage firm or clearing house or other disruptions of normal trading activity, which could at times make it difficult or impossible to liquidate existing positions or to recover collateral deposited or excess variation margin payments. Furthermore, exchanges may cancel trades in limited circumstances, for example, if the exchange believes that allowing such trades to stand as executed could have an adverse impact on the stability or integrity of the market. Any such cancellation may adversely affect the performance of a Portfolio.

A Portfolio is also authorized to purchase or sell call and put options on futures contracts including financial futures and stock indices in connection with its hedging activities. Generally, these strategies would be used under the same market and market sector conditions (i.e., conditions relating to specific types of investments) in which the Portfolio entered into futures transactions. A Portfolio may purchase put options or write (i.e., sell) call options on futures contracts and stock indices rather than selling the underlying futures contract in anticipation of a decrease in the market value of its securities. Similarly, a Portfolio can purchase call options, or write put options on futures contracts and stock indices, as a substitute for the purchase of such futures to hedge against the increased cost resulting from an increase in the market value of securities which the Portfolio intends to purchase. A Portfolio may also trade futures and options on futures for speculative purposes.

Futures contracts are considered to be "derivative transactions" under Rule 18f-4 of the 1940 Act and therefore the Portfolios intend that any transactions involving futures contracts will be conducted in compliance with the requirements of Rule 18f-4.

The Manager has claimed an exclusion from the definition of "commodity pool operator" with respect to each Portfolio, under applicable rules issued by the CFTC under the Commodity Exchange Act (the CEA). Therefore, the Investment Manager is not subject to registration or regulation as a pool operator under the CEA. In order to continue to qualify for the exclusion, a Portfolio is limited in its ability to use futures, options and swaps subject to regulation under the CEA. With respect to transactions subject to regulation under the CEA either: (1) the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish a Portfolio's positions in such investments, determined at the time the most recent position was established, may not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Portfolio's assets, or (2) the aggregate net notional value of such instruments, determined at the time the most recent position was established, may not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of the Portfolio's assets. In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations, a Portfolio may not market itself as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the futures, options or swaps markets. These limitations may restrict the Portfolio's ability to pursue its investment objectives and strategies, increase the costs of implementing its strategies, result in higher expenses for it, and/or adversely affect its total return. In the event that the Investment Manager believes that a Portfolio may no longer be able to comply with or that it may no longer be desirable for it to comply with these limitations, the Investment Manager may register as a commodity pool operator with the CFTC with respect to the Portfolio. Any such registration may adversely affect the Portfolio's performance, for example, by subjecting it to increased costs and expenses.

**FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS.** A Portfolio may engage in spot and forward foreign exchange transactions and currency swaps, purchase and sell options on currencies and purchase and sell currency futures and related options thereon (collectively, Currency Instruments) for purposes of hedging against the decline in the value of currencies in which its portfolio holdings are denominated against the US dollar or, with respect to certain Portfolios, to seek to enhance returns. Such transactions could be effected with respect to hedges on non-US dollar denominated securities owned by a Portfolio, sold by a Portfolio but not yet delivered, or committed or anticipated to be purchased by a Portfolio. As an illustration, a Portfolio may use such techniques to hedge the stated value in US dollars of an investment in a yen-denominated security. In such circumstances, for example, the Portfolio may purchase a foreign currency put option enabling it to sell a specified amount of yen for dollars at a specified price by a future date. To the extent the hedge is successful, a loss in the value of the yen relative to the dollar will tend to be offset by an increase in the value of the put option. To offset, in whole or in part, the cost of acquiring such a put option, the Portfolio may also sell a call option which, if exercised, requires it to sell a specified amount of yen for dollars at a specified price by a future date (a technique called a straddle). By selling such a call option in this illustration, the Portfolio gives up the opportunity to profit without limit from increases in the relative value of the yen to the dollar. "Straddles" of the type that may be used by a Portfolio are considered to constitute hedging transactions and are consistent with the policies described above.

**FORWARD FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS.** Forward foreign exchange transactions are OTC contracts to purchase or sell a specified amount of a specified currency or multinational currency unit at a price and future date set at the time of the contract. Spot foreign exchange transactions are similar but require current, rather than future, settlements. A Portfolio will enter into foreign exchange

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transactions for purposes of hedging either a specific transaction or a portfolio position, or, with respect to certain Portfolios, to seek to enhance returns. A Portfolio may enter into a foreign exchange transaction for purposes of hedging a specific transaction by, for example, purchasing a currency needed to settle a security transaction or selling a currency in which the Portfolio has received or anticipates receiving a dividend or distribution. A Portfolio may enter into a foreign exchange transaction for purposes of hedging a portfolio position by selling forward a currency in which a portfolio position of the Portfolio is denominated or by purchasing a currency in which the Portfolio anticipates acquiring a portfolio position in the near future. A Portfolio may also hedge portfolio positions through currency swaps, which are transactions in which one currency is simultaneously bought for a second currency on a spot basis and sold for the second currency on a forward basis. Forward foreign exchange transactions involve substantial currency risk, and also involve credit and liquidity risk. Additionally, not all forward foreign exchange contracts require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose a Portfolio to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.

**CURRENCY FUTURES.** A Portfolio may also seek to enhance returns or hedge against the decline in the value of a currency against the US dollar through use of currency futures or options thereon. Currency futures are similar to forward foreign exchange transactions except that futures are standardized, exchange-traded contracts. See "Futures" above. Currency futures involve substantial currency risk, and also involve leverage risk.

**CURRENCY OPTIONS.** A Portfolio may also seek to enhance returns or hedge against the decline in the value of a currency against the US dollar through the use of currency options. Currency options are similar to options on securities, but in consideration for an option premium the writer of a currency option is obligated to sell (in the case of a call option) or purchase (in the case of a put option) a specified amount of a specified currency on or before the expiration date for a specified amount of another currency. A Portfolio may engage in transactions in options on currencies either on exchanges or OTC markets. See "Additional Risk Factors of OTC Transactions; Limitations on the Use of OTC Derivatives" below. Currency options involve substantial currency risk, and may also involve credit, leverage or liquidity risk.

**LARGE SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION RISK.** A Portfolio may be subject to the risk that shareholders will purchase or redeem large quantities of shares of the Portfolio (such purchases or redemptions, "large shareholder transactions"). Additionally, other investors from time to time may make substantial investments in the Portfolio. Such shareholders may at times be considered to control the Portfolio. In addition, a large number of shareholders collectively may purchase or redeem Portfolio shares in large amounts rapidly or unexpectedly. A number of circumstances may cause the Portfolio to experience large shareholder transactions, such as changes in the eligibility criteria for the Portfolio or share class of the Portfolio; liquidations, reorganizations, repositionings, or other announced Portfolio events; or changes in investment objectives, strategies, policies, risks, or investment personnel. Large redemptions may be more likely during times of market stress or reduced liquidity, exacerbating the potential impact on the Portfolio. Large shareholder transactions may adversely affect the Portfolio's liquidity and net assets. These transactions could adversely affect the Portfolio's performance if the Portfolio is forced to sell Portfolio securities to satisfy redemption requests or purchase securities for the Portfolio in connection with the investment of subscription proceeds when the Portfolio would otherwise not do so, and at unfavorable prices, which may increase the Portfolio's brokerage costs and accelerate the realization of taxable income and/or gains to shareholders.

**LIMITATIONS ON CURRENCY HEDGING.** Most Portfolios will not speculate in Currency Instruments although certain Portfolios may use such instruments to seek to enhance returns. Accordingly, except for portfolios managed by PIMCO and PGIM, a Portfolio will not hedge a currency in excess of the aggregate market value of the securities that it owns (including receivables for unsettled securities sales), or has committed to or anticipates purchasing, which are denominated in such currency. A Portfolio may, however, hedge a currency by entering into a transaction in a Currency Instrument denominated in a currency other than the currency being hedged (a "cross-hedge"). A Portfolio will only enter into a cross-hedge if the Manager believes that (i) there is a demonstrable high correlation between the currency in which the cross-hedge is denominated and the currency being hedged, and (ii) executing a cross-hedge through the currency in which the cross-hedge is denominated will be significantly more cost-effective or provide substantially greater liquidity than executing a similar hedging transaction by means of the currency being hedged.

**RISK FACTORS IN HEDGING FOREIGN CURRENCY RISKS.** Hedging transactions involving Currency Instruments involve substantial risks, including correlation risk. While a Portfolio's use of Currency Instruments to effect hedging strategies is intended to reduce the volatility of the NAV of the Portfolio's shares, the NAV of the Portfolio's shares will fluctuate. Moreover, although Currency Instruments will be used with the intention of hedging against adverse currency movements, transactions in Currency Instruments involve the risk that anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted and that the Portfolio's hedging strategies will be ineffective. To the extent that a Portfolio hedges against anticipated currency movements that do not occur, the Portfolio may realize losses and decrease its total return as the result of its hedging transactions. Furthermore, a Portfolio may only engage in hedging activities from time to time and may not be engaging in hedging activities when movements in currency exchange rates occur.

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In connection with its trading in forward foreign currency contracts, a Portfolio will contract with a foreign or domestic bank, or foreign or domestic securities dealer, to make or take future delivery of a specified amount of a particular currency. There are no limitations on daily price moves in such forward contracts, and banks and dealers are not required to continue to make markets in such contracts. There have been periods during which certain banks or dealers have refused to quote prices for such forward contracts or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread between the price at which the bank or dealer is prepared to buy and that at which it is prepared to sell. Governmental imposition of credit controls might limit any such forward contract trading. With respect to its trading of forward contracts, if any, a Portfolio will be subject to the risk of bank or dealer failure and the inability of, or refusal by, a bank or dealer to perform with respect to such contracts. Any such default would deprive the Portfolio of any profit potential or force the Portfolio to cover its commitments for resale, if any, at the current market price and could result in a loss to the Portfolio.

It may not be possible for a Portfolio to hedge against currency exchange rate movements, even if correctly anticipated, in the event that (i) the currency exchange rate movement is so generally anticipated that the Portfolio is not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an effective price, or (ii) the currency exchange rate movement relates to a market with respect to which Currency Instruments are not available and it is not possible to engage in effective foreign currency hedging. The cost to a Portfolio of engaging in foreign currency transactions varies with such factors as the currencies involved, the length of the contract period and prevailing market conditions. Since foreign currency exchange transactions usually are conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved.

**RISK FACTORS IN DERIVATIVES.** Derivatives are volatile and involve significant risks. In addition to the risks described in the Prospectus, the use of derivatives for hedging purposes involves correlation risk. If the value of the derivative moves more or less than the value of the hedged instruments, a Portfolio will experience a gain or loss that will not be completely offset by movements in the value of the hedged instruments.

A Portfolio intends to enter into transactions involving derivatives only if there appears to be a liquid secondary market for such instruments or, in the case of illiquid instruments traded in OTC transactions, such instruments satisfy the criteria set forth below under "Additional Risk Factors of OTC Transactions; Limitations on the Use of OTC Derivatives." However, there can be no assurance that, at any specific time, either a liquid secondary market will exist for a derivative or the Portfolio will otherwise be able to sell such instrument at an acceptable price. It may therefore not be possible to close a position in a derivative without incurring substantial losses, if at all.

The regulation of derivatives transactions and funds that engage in such transactions is an evolving area of law and is subject to modification by government, self-regulatory organization and judicial action. For example, the US government has enacted the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act"), which includes provisions for regulation of the derivatives market, including clearing, margin, reporting and registration requirements. Various US regulatory agencies have implemented and are continuing to implement rules and regulations prescribed by the Dodd-Frank Act. The European Union, the United Kingdom, and some other jurisdictions have also implemented and continue to implement similar requirements that will affect a Portfolio when it enters into derivatives transactions with a counterparty organized in that jurisdiction or otherwise subject to that jurisdiction's derivatives regulations. Because these requirements are evolving (and some of the rules are not yet final), their ultimate impact remains unclear. These regulatory changes or any new regulatory changes could, among other things, restrict a Portfolio's ability to engage in derivatives transactions and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions, and the Portfolio may be unable to execute its investment strategy as a result. See also "Derivatives" in this SAI for additional information regarding the Derivatives Rule under the 1940 Act.

Additionally, special resolution regimes adopted in the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and various other jurisdictions may result in increased uncertainty about credit/counterparty risk and may also limit the ability of a Portfolio to protect its interests in the event of the insolvency (or similar designation) of a derivatives counterparty. More specifically, in the event of a counterparty's (or its affiliate's) insolvency, (or similar designation), a Portfolio's ability to exercise remedies, such as the termination of transactions, netting of obligations and realization on collateral, could be stayed or eliminated. Such regimes provide government authorities with broad authority to intervene when a financial institution is experiencing financial difficulty. In particular, with respect to counterparties who are subject to such proceedings in the European Union and the United Kingdom, the liabilities of such counterparties to a Portfolio could be reduced, eliminated, or converted to equity in such counterparties (sometimes referred to as a "bail in").

**FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISKS.** Certain Portfolios may invest in foreign equity and/or debt securities. Foreign debt securities include certain foreign bank obligations and US dollar or foreign currency-denominated obligations of foreign governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, international agencies and supranational entities.

**Foreign Market Risk.** Portfolios that may invest in foreign securities offer the potential for more diversification than Portfolios that invest only in the United States because securities traded on foreign markets have often (though not always) performed differently than securities in the United States. However, such investments involve special risks not present in US investments that can increase the

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chances that a Portfolio will lose money. In particular, a Portfolio is subject to the risk that, because there are generally fewer investors on foreign exchanges and a smaller number of shares traded each day, it may be difficult for the Portfolio to buy and sell securities on those exchanges. In addition, prices of foreign securities may fluctuate more than prices of securities traded in the United States. Foreign markets tend to be more volatile than US markets and are generally not subject to regulatory requirements comparable to those in the US.

**Foreign Economy Risk.** The economies of certain foreign markets often do not compare favorably with that of the United States with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources, and balance of payments position. Certain foreign economies may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by governmental actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets, or the imposition of punitive taxes. In addition, the governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain industries. Any of these actions could severely affect securities prices and impair a Portfolio's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities, transfer a Portfolio's assets or income back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect a Portfolio's operations. Other foreign market risks include foreign exchange controls, difficulties in pricing securities, defaults on foreign government securities, difficulties in enforcing favorable legal judgments in foreign courts, and political and social instability. Legal remedies available to investors in certain foreign countries may be less extensive than those available to investors in the United States or other foreign countries.

**Foreign Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risks.** International wars or conflicts and geopolitical developments in foreign countries, along with instability in regions such as Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, possible terrorist attacks in the United States or around the world, public health epidemics such as the outbreak of infectious diseases like the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) or the 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa of the Ebola virus, and other similar events could adversely affect the US and foreign financial markets and may cause further long-term economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide generally.

**Currency Risk and Exchange Risk.** Securities in which a Portfolio invests may be denominated or quoted in currencies other than the US dollar. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the value of a Portfolio's holdings. Generally, when the US dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, a security denominated in that currency loses value because the currency is worth fewer US dollars. Conversely, when the US dollar decreases in value against a foreign currency, a security denominated in that currency gains value because the currency is worth more US dollars. This risk, generally known as "currency risk," means that a stronger US dollar will reduce returns for US investors, while a weak US dollar will increase those returns.

**Governmental Supervision and Regulation/Accounting Standards.** Many foreign governments supervise and regulate stock exchanges, brokers, and the sale of securities less than does the United States. Some countries may not have laws to protect investors comparable to the US securities laws. For example, some foreign countries may have no laws or rules against insider trading. Insider trading occurs when a person buys or sells a company's securities based on nonpublic information about that company. Accounting standards in other countries are not necessarily the same as in the United States. If the accounting standards in another country do not require as much detail as US accounting standards, it may be harder for Portfolio management to completely and accurately determine a company's financial condition.

**Certain Risks of Holding Portfolio Assets Outside the United States.** A Portfolio generally holds its foreign securities and cash in foreign banks and securities depositories. Some foreign banks and securities depositories may be recently organized or new to the foreign custody business. In addition, there may be limited or no regulatory oversight over their operations. Also, the laws of certain countries may put limits on a Portfolio's ability to recover its assets if a foreign bank or depository or issuer of a security or any of their agents goes bankrupt. In addition, it is often more expensive for a Portfolio to buy, sell and hold securities in certain foreign markets than in the United States. The increased expense of investing in foreign markets reduces the amount a Portfolio can earn on its investments and typically results in a higher operating expense ratio for the Portfolio as compared to investment companies that invest only in the United States.

**Settlement Risk.** Settlement and clearance procedures in certain foreign markets differ significantly from those in the United States. Foreign settlement procedures and trade regulations also may involve certain risks (such as delays in payment for or delivery of securities) not typically generated by the settlement of US investments. Communications between the United States and emerging market countries may be unreliable, increasing the risk of delayed settlements or losses of security certificates. Settlements in certain foreign countries at times have not kept pace with the number of securities transactions; these problems may make it difficult for a Portfolio to carry out transactions. If a Portfolio cannot settle or is delayed in settling a purchase of securities, it may miss attractive

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investment opportunities and certain of its assets may be uninvested with no return earned thereon for some period. If a Portfolio cannot settle or is delayed in settling a sale of securities, it may lose money if the value of the security then declines or, if it has contracted to sell the security to another party, the Portfolio could be liable to that party for any losses incurred.

Dividends or interest on, or proceeds from the sale of, foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes, thereby reducing the amount available for distribution to shareholders.

Certain transactions in derivatives (such as futures transactions or sales of put options) involve substantial leverage risk and may expose a Portfolio to potential losses, which exceed the amount originally invested by the Portfolio. When a Portfolio engages in such a transaction, the Portfolio intends that any such transactions will be conducted in compliance with the requirements of Rule 18f-4.

**Additional Risk Factors of OTC Transactions; Limitations on the Use of OTC Derivatives.** Certain derivatives traded in OTC markets, including indexed securities, swaps and OTC options, involve substantial liquidity risk. The absence of liquidity may make it difficult or impossible for a Portfolio to sell such instruments promptly at an acceptable price. The absence of liquidity may also make it more difficult for a Portfolio to ascertain a market value for such instruments. A Portfolio will, therefore, acquire illiquid OTC instruments (i) if the agreement pursuant to which the instrument is purchased contains a formula price at which the instrument may be terminated or sold, or (ii) for which the Manager anticipates the Portfolio can receive on each business day at least two independent bids or offers, unless a quotation from only one dealer is available, in which case that dealer's quotation may be used.

Because derivatives traded in OTC markets are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearing corporation and generally do not require payment of margin, to the extent that a Portfolio has unrealized gains in such instruments or has deposited collateral with its counterparty the Portfolio is at increased risk that its counterparty will become bankrupt or otherwise fail to honor its obligations. A Portfolio will attempt to minimize the risk that a counterparty will become bankrupt or otherwise fail to honor its obligations by engaging in transactions in derivatives traded in OTC markets only with financial institutions that appear to have substantial capital or that have provided the Portfolio with a third-party guaranty or other credit enhancement.

**RECENT EVENTS IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES**. A number of countries in Europe have experienced severe economic and financial difficulties. Many non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions have in many cases required government or central bank support, have needed to raise capital, and/or have been impaired in their ability to extend credit; and financial markets in Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. These difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within and beyond Europe. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world.

The United Kingdom formally left the European Union (EU) on January 31, 2020 (a measure commonly referred to as Brexit). In December 2020, the United Kingdom and the EU entered into a new trading relationship. The agreement allows for continued trading free of tariffs, but institutes other new requirements for trading between the United Kingdom and the EU. The United Kingdom's departure from the customs union and the single market has rendered its access to EU markets significantly more restricted than it has been up to that point. Further, the agreement does not cover the United Kingdom's future relationship with the EU on financial services. The United Kingdom government has enacted legislation that will repeal, replace or otherwise make substantial amendments to EU laws that currently apply in the United Kingdom. It is impossible to predict the consequences of these amendments on the Portfolio and its investments. Such changes could be materially detrimental to investors.

Brexit and any similar developments may have negative effects on economies and markets, such as increased volatility and illiquidity and potentially lower economic growth in the United Kingdom, EU and globally, which may adversely affect the value of a Portfolio's investments. Whether or not a Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries, these events could result in losses to the Portfolio, as there may be negative effects on the value and liquidity of the Portfolio's investments and/or the Portfolio's ability to enter into certain transactions.

A Portfolio may invest in securities issued by companies located in Russia, Ukraine or eastern Europe in general. Such securities markets suffers from a variety of problems described above in "FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISKS" not encountered in more developed markets. The inexperience of such securities markets and the limited volume of trading in securities in such markets may make obtaining accurate prices on portfolio securities from independent sources more difficult than in more developed markets.

Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which resulted in the US government imposing sanctions on Russia. Any disruptions caused by military or other actions in the region (including cyberattacks and espionage) or resulting actual and threatened responses to such activity, including purchasing and financing restrictions, boycotts or changes in consumer or purchaser

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preferences, sanctions, tariffs or cyberattacks on foreign governments in the region, companies headquartered or operating in the region, or individuals living and/or working in the region, including politicians, may impact the local economy and issuers of securities in which the Portfolio invests. Actual and threatened responses to such activity, including purchasing restrictions, sanctions, tariffs or cyberattacks on foreign governments or companies in the region may impact the local economy and issuers of securities in which the Portfolio invests. Actual and threatened responses to such military action may also impact the markets for certain commodities, such as oil and natural gas, as well as other sectors of the local economy in the region, and may likely have collateral impacts on such sectors globally. Additional information about risks related to investments in Russia is included in the section below labeled "**RUSSIAN FEDERATION INVESTMENT RISK".**

**MARKET RISK.** Market risk is the risk that the markets in which a Portfolio invests will experience market volatility and go down in value, including the possibility that a market will go down sharply and unpredictably in short periods of time. All markets go through cycles, and market risk involves being on the wrong side of a cycle. Factors affecting market risk, whether real or perceived, include political events, broad economic and social changes, and the mood of the investing public. If investor sentiment turns negative, the price of all securities may decline. Market risk also includes the risk that geopolitical and other events will disrupt the economy on a national or global level.

For instance, war, terrorism, market manipulation, government defaults, government shutdowns, significant or unexpected failures, near-failures or credit downgrades of key institutions, unexpected changes in the prices of key commodities (such as oil), government actions (including interest rate changes, protectionist measures, sanctions, intervention in the financial markets, or other regulation, and changes in fiscal, monetary or tax policies), political changes or diplomatic developments, economic sanctions and countermeasures in response to sanctions, major cybersecurity events, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics, or epidemics), and natural/environmental disasters can all negatively impact the securities markets, which could cause a Portfolio to lose value. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to significant market volatility, exchange suspensions and closures, declines in global financial markets, higher default rates, supply chain disruptions, and a substantial economic downturn in economies throughout the world. Such events may reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, global supply chain disruptions and significantly adversely impact the economy.

War, terrorism, economic uncertainty, and related geopolitical events, such as sanctions, the threat of or imposition of tariffs, the imposition of exchange controls or other cross-border trade barriers, have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on US and world economies and markets generally. For example, the US has imposed economic sanctions, which consist of asset freezes, restrictions on dealings in debt and equity, and certain industry-specific restrictions. Sanctions impair the ability of the Portfolio's to buy, sell, receive or deliver those securities and/or assets that are subject to the sanctions. The nature and severity of sanctions or other similar measures (including counter sanctions or other retaliatory actions) may vary broadly in scope, and their impact is impossible to predict. Sanctions and other similar measures could limit or prevent the Portfolio's ability to buy and sell securities (in the sanctioned country and other markets), significantly delay or prevent the settlement of trades, and significantly impact the Portfolio liquidity or performance. Instability and conflict, including in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, as well as the imposition of various economic sanctions by the US and many other countries, could also negatively impact global and regional financial markets and cause significant investment losses or inability to invest in certain markets. Any or all of the foregoing could disrupt the operations of the Portfolio and its service providers, adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Portfolio's investments, and negatively impact the Portfolio's performance. The extent and duration of the military action, sanctions, and resulting market disruptions are impossible to predict and could be substantial.

Policy decisions of the U.S. government and governments of foreign countries may increase geopolitical risks that could adversely affect the investment performance of a Portfolio. These policies have the potential to impact international relations, trade agreements and the overall regulatory environment in ways that could create uncertainty and instability in domestic and global markets. Actions taken by the U.S. government and governments of foreign countries in respect of international trade relations could lead to trade wars, increased costs for imported goods, disruptions in supply chains, reduced foreign investment, and instability in regions where a Portfolio invests.

During periods of severe market stress, it is possible that the market for some or all of a Portfolio's investments may become highly volatile and/or illiquid. While a Portfolio's portfolio manager or Subadviser(s) may make efforts to control the risks associated with market changes, and may attempt to identify changes as they occur, market environment changes can be sudden and extreme. Price changes may be temporary or last for extended periods of time. In such an event, the Portfolio may find it difficult to sell some or all of its investments and, for certain assets, the trade settlement period may be longer than anticipated. In periods of market volatility and/or declines, a Portfolio may experience high levels of shareholder redemptions, and may have to sell securities at times when it would otherwise not do so, and at unfavorable prices. These events can adversely affect the liquidity and volatility of investments held by the Portfolio, and there is no assurance a Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.

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In addition, economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Exchanges and securities markets may close early, close late or issue trading halts on specific securities, which may result in, among other things, a Portfolio being unable to buy or sell certain securities at an advantageous time or accurately price its portfolio investments. In addition, a Portfolio may rely on various third-party sources to calculate its net asset value. As a result, a Portfolio is subject to certain operational risks associated with reliance on service providers and service providers' data sources. In particular, errors or systems failures and other technological issues may adversely impact the Portfolio's calculations of its net asset value. Such net asset value calculation issues may result in inaccurately calculated net asset values, delays in net asset value calculations and/or the inability to calculate net asset values over extended periods. A Portfolio may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures.

**RUSSIAN FEDERATION INVESTMENT RISK.** Investing in the Russian securities market involves a high degree of risk and special considerations not typically associated with investing in the US securities market, and should be considered highly speculative. Risks include: economic, political, and social instability; the absence of developed legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property; the possibility of the loss of all or a substantial portion of a Portfolio's assets invested in Russia as a result of expropriation; devaluation; certain national policies which may restrict a Portfolio's investment opportunities, including, without limitation, restrictions on investing in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests; potentially greater price volatility in, significantly smaller capitalization of, and relative illiquidity of, the Russian market; and the imposition of sanctions and other similar measures. There can also be no assurance that a Portfolio's investments in the Russian securities market would not be expropriated, nationalized, or otherwise confiscated. In the event of the settlement of any such claims or such expropriation, nationalization or other confiscation, a Portfolio could lose its entire investment. In addition, it may be difficult and more costly to obtain and enforce a judgment in the Russian court system.

In February 2022, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine, significantly amplifying already existing geopolitical tensions. Any such disruptions caused by Russian military action or other actions (including terror attacks, cyberattacks and espionage) or resulting actual and threatened responses to such activity, including purchasing and financing restrictions, boycotts or changes in consumer or purchaser preferences, sanctions, tariffs or cyberattacks on the Russian government, Russian companies or Russian individuals, including politicians, may impact Russia's economy and a Portfolio's investments in Russian securities. As Russia produces and exports large amounts of crude oil and gas, any acts of terrorism, armed conflict or government interventions (such as the imposition of sanctions or other governmental restrictions on trade) causing disruptions of Russian oil and gas exports could negatively impact the Russian economy and, thus, adversely affect the financial condition, results of operations or prospects of related companies.

As a result of political and military actions undertaken by Russia, the United States and many other countries ("Sanctioning Bodies) have instituted various economic sanctions against Russian individuals and entities (including corporate and banking). These sanctions include, but are not limited to: a prohibition on doing business with certain Russian companies, officials and oligarchs; a commitment by certain countries and the European Union to remove selected Russian banks from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications "SWIFT," the electronic banking network that connects banks globally; and restrictive measures to prevent the Russian Central Bank from undermining the impact of the sanctions. The Sanctioning Bodies, or others, could also institute broader sanctions on Russia. These sanctions, or even the threat of further sanctions, may result in the decline of the value and liquidity of Russian securities, a weakening of the ruble or other adverse consequences to the Russian economy, including continued weakening of the Russian currency, downgrades in Russia's credit rating, and a significant decline in the value and liquidity of securities issued by Russian companies or the Russian government. These sanctions and the resulting market environment could result in the immediate freeze of Russian securities, commodities, resources, and/or funds invested in prohibited assets, impairing the ability of a Portfolio to buy, sell, receive or deliver those securities and/or assets. Sanctions could also result in Russia taking counter measures or retaliatory actions which may further impair the value and liquidity of Russian securities, including cyber actions.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the responses of countries and political bodies to Russia's actions, and the potential for wider conflict may increase financial market volatility and could have severe adverse effects on regional and global economic markets, including the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas. Any of these events could negatively impact a Portfolio's investment in Russian securities. These sanctions have the possibility of impairing a Portfolio's ability to invest in accordance with its investment strategy and/or to meet its investment objective. For example, a Portfolio may be prohibited from investing in securities issued by companies subject to such sanctions. In addition, these sanctions may require a Portfolio to freeze its existing investments in Russian securities, thereby prohibiting the Portfolio from buying, selling, receiving or delivering those securities or other financial instruments. It is also possible that any counter measures or retaliatory action by Russia could further impair the value and liquidity of securities issued by Russian companies and may have an impact on the economies of other European countries and globally as well. Further, due to closures of certain markets and restrictions on trading certain securities, the value of certain securities held by the Portfolio could be significantly impacted, which could lead to such securities being valued at zero.

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The Russian government may exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the Russian private sector and may own or control many companies. Future government actions could have a significant effect on the economic conditions in Russia, which could have a negative impact on private sector companies. There is also the possibility of diplomatic developments that could adversely affect investments in Russia. In recent years, the Russian government has taken bold steps, including military actions and alleged state sponsored cyberattacks against foreign companies and governments, to reassert its regional geopolitical influence. Such steps may increase tensions between Russia, its neighbors and Western countries, and may negatively affect its economic growth.

**RISKS RELATED TO REFERENCE RATES**. A Portfolio's investments, payment obligations and financing terms may be based on floating rates, such as European Interbank Offer Rate (EURIBOR), SOFR, Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (SONIA), and other similar types of reference rates (Reference Rates). The elimination of a Reference Rate or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of a Reference Rate could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those Reference Rates. In addition, any substitute Reference Rate and any pricing adjustments imposed by a regulator or by counterparties or otherwise may adversely affect a Portfolio's performance and/or NAV.

For example, LIBOR was the offered rate for short-term Eurodollar deposits between major international banks. The terms of investments, financings or other transactions (including certain derivatives transactions) to which a Portfolio may be a party have historically been tied to LIBOR. In connection with the global transition away from LIBOR led by regulators and market participants, LIBOR was last published on a representative basis at the end of June 2023. Alternative reference rates to LIBOR have been established in most major currencies and markets in these alternative rates such as SOFR for USD LIBOR are continuing to develop. SOFR is an index rate calculated based on short-term repurchase agreements backed by U.S. Treasury Instruments. While LIBOR was an unsecured rate, SOFR is a secured rate. There can be no assurance that SOFR will perform in the same way as LIBOR would have at any time, including, without limitation, as a result of changes in interest and yield rates in the market, monetary policy, bank credit risk, market volatility or global or regional economic, financial, political, regulatory, judicial or other events. There can be no assurance that SOFR will not be discontinued or fundamentally altered in a manner that is materially adverse to the interests of a Portfolio. If the manner in which SOFR is calculated is changed, that change may result in a reduction of the amount of interest payable on SOFR-linked floating rate instruments and the trading prices of such instruments. Additionally, daily changes in SOFR have, on occasion, been more volatile than daily changes in other benchmark or market rates. Although occasional, increased daily volatility in SOFR would not necessarily lead to more volatile interest payments, the return on and value of SOFR-linked floating rate instruments may fluctuate more than floating rate instruments that are linked to less volatile rates.

The transition away from LIBOR to the use of replacement rates has gone relatively smoothly but the full impact of the transition on the fund or the financial instruments in which the fund invests cannot yet be fully determined. In addition, certain indices are subject to regulation under the European Union regulation on indices used as benchmarks in financial instruments and financial contracts (known as the "Benchmarks Regulation"). The Benchmarks Regulation was enacted into United Kingdom law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as amended), subject to amendments made by the Benchmarks (Amendment and Transitional Provision) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/657) and other statutory instruments. Following the implementation of these reforms, the manner of administration of benchmarks has changed and may further change in the future, with the result that relevant benchmarks may perform differently than in the past, the use of benchmarks that are not compliant with the new standards by certain supervised entities may be restricted, and certain benchmarks may be eliminated entirely. Regulatory changes in respect of benchmarks can cause increased market volatility and disruptions in liquidity for instruments that rely on or are impacted by such benchmarks. Additionally, there could be other consequences which cannot be predicted.

**DISTRESSED SECURITIES.** A Portfolio may invest in securities, including corporate loans purchased in the secondary market, which are the subject of bankruptcy proceedings or otherwise in default as to the repayment of principal and/or interest at the time of acquisition by the Portfolio or are rated in the lower rating categories (Ca or lower by Moody's and CC or lower by S&P or Fitch) or which, if unrated, are in the judgment of the Manager of equivalent quality (Distressed Securities). Investment in Distressed Securities is speculative and involves significant risks. Distressed Securities frequently do not produce income while they are outstanding and may require a Portfolio to bear certain extraordinary expenses in order to protect and recover its investment.

A Portfolio will generally make such investments only when the Manager believes it is reasonably likely that the issuer of the Distressed Securities will make an exchange offer or will be the subject of a plan of reorganization pursuant to which the Portfolio will receive, purchase, or make commitments to purchase, new securities or levered loans. However, there can be no assurance that such an exchange offer will be made or that such a plan of reorganization will be adopted. In addition, a significant period of time may pass between the time at which a Portfolio makes its investment in Distressed Securities and the time that any such exchange offer or plan of reorganization is completed. During this period, it is unlikely that a Portfolio will receive any interest payments on the Distressed Securities, the Portfolio will be subject to significant uncertainty as to whether or not the exchange offer or plan of reorganization will be completed and the Portfolio may be required to bear certain extraordinary expenses to protect and recover its investment. Even if an exchange offer is made or plan of reorganization is adopted with respect to Distressed Securities held by a Portfolio, there can be no

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assurance that the securities or other assets received by a Portfolio in connection with such exchange offer or plan of reorganization will not have a lower value or income potential than may have been anticipated when the investment was made. Moreover, any securities received by a Portfolio upon completion of an exchange offer or plan of reorganization may be restricted as to resale. As a result of a Portfolio's participation in negotiations with respect to any exchange offer or plan of reorganization with respect to an issuer of Distressed Securities, the Portfolio may be restricted from disposing of such securities.

**ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS.** Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, a Portfolio may not acquire any "illiquid investment" if, immediately after the acquisition, the Portfolio would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets. An "illiquid investment" is any investment that a Portfolio reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Illiquid investments include repurchase agreements with a notice or demand period of more than seven days, certain over-the-counter derivative instruments, and securities and other financial instruments that are not readily marketable, unless, based upon a review of the relevant market, trading and investment-specific considerations, those investments are determined not to be illiquid. The Trust has implemented a liquidity risk management program and related procedures to identify illiquid investments pursuant to Rule 22e-4, and the Board has approved the designation of the Manager to administer the Trust's liquidity risk management program and related procedures. The 15% limit is applied as of the date a Portfolio purchases an illiquid investment. It is possible that a Portfolio's holding of illiquid investments could exceed the 15% limit as a result of, for example, market developments or redemptions.

In 2022, the SEC proposed amendments to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act and Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act, that, if adopted as proposed, would, among other things, cause more investments to be treated as illiquid, and could prevent the Portfolio from investing in securities that the Manager or subadvisers believes are appropriate or desirable. At the same time, the SEC proposed rule amendments that would require funds to adopt swing pricing in order to mitigate dilution of shareholders' interests in a fund by requiring the adjustment of fund net asset value per share to pass on costs stemming from shareholder purchase or redemption activity. The proposal's impact on the Portfolios will not be known unless and until any final rulemaking is adopted. Each Portfolio may purchase certain restricted securities that can be resold to institutional investors and which may be classified as liquid investments pursuant to the Trust's liquidity risk management program. In many cases, those securities are traded in the institutional market under Rule 144A under the 1933 Act and are called Rule 144A securities. Securities classified as liquid investments under these procedures are not subject to the limits on each portfolio's investment in illiquid investments.

Investments in illiquid investments involve more risks than investments in similar securities that are readily marketable. Illiquid investments may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments. Investment of a Portfolio's assets in illiquid investments may restrict the ability of the Portfolio to dispose of its investments in a timely fashion and for a fair price as well as its ability to take advantage of market opportunities. The risks associated with illiquidity will be particularly acute where a Portfolio's operations require cash, such as when a Portfolio has net redemptions, and could result in the Portfolio borrowing to meet short-term cash requirements or incurring losses on the sale of illiquid investments.

Illiquid investments are often restricted securities sold in private placement transactions between issuers and their purchasers and may be neither listed on an exchange nor traded in other established markets. In many cases, the privately placed securities may not be freely transferable under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or due to contractual restrictions on resale. To the extent privately placed securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from the sales could be less than those originally paid by the Portfolio or less than the fair value of the securities. In addition, issuers whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that may be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. If any privately placed securities held by a Portfolio are required to be registered under the securities laws of one or more jurisdictions before being resold, the Portfolio may be required to bear the expenses of registration. Private placement investments may involve investments in smaller, less seasoned issuers, which may involve greater risks than investments in more established companies. These issuers may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group. In making investments in private placement securities, a Portfolio may obtain access to material non-public information, which may restrict the Portfolio's ability to conduct transactions in those securities.

In 2022, the SEC proposed amendments to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act and Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act, that, if adopted as proposed, would, among other things, cause more investments to be treated as illiquid, and could prevent the Portfolio from investing in securities that the Manager or subadvisers believes are appropriate or desirable. At the same time, the SEC proposed rule amendments that would require funds to adopt swing pricing in order to mitigate dilution of shareholders' interests in a fund by requiring the adjustment of fund NAV per share to pass on costs stemming from shareholder purchase or redemption activity. The proposal's impact on the Portfolios will not be known unless and until any final rulemaking is adopted.

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**INVESTMENT IN EMERGING MARKETS.** Certain Portfolios may invest in the securities of issuers domiciled in various countries with emerging capital markets. The Manager and the Subadvisers have broad discretion to identify or determine those countries that they consider to qualify as emerging markets. In exercising such discretion, they generally consider a country with an emerging capital market to be, but is not necessarily limited to, (i) any country that is considered to be emerging or developing by supranational organizations such as the United Nations or other similar entities; or (ii) included in an emerging markets index by a recognized index provider. Emerging market countries generally will include countries with low gross national product per capita and the potential for rapid economic growth and are likely to be located in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern and Central Europe and Central and South America.

Such capital markets are emerging in a dynamic political and economic environment brought about by events over recent years that have reshaped political boundaries and traditional ideologies. In such a dynamic environment, there can be no assurance that these capital markets will continue to present viable investment opportunities for a Portfolio. In the past, governments of such nations have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and most claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that such expropriations will not reoccur. In such an event, it is possible that a Portfolio could lose the entire value of its investments in the affected markets. In addition to withholding taxes on investment income, some countries with emerging markets may impose differential capital gains taxes on foreign investors.

Investments in the securities of issuers domiciled in countries with emerging capital markets involve certain additional risks not involved in investments in securities of issuers in more developed capital markets, such as (i) low or non-existent trading volume, resulting in a lack of liquidity and increased volatility in prices for such securities, as compared to securities of comparable issuers in more developed capital markets, (ii) uncertain national policies and social, political and economic instability, increasing the potential for expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, high rates of inflation or unfavorable diplomatic developments, (iii) possible fluctuations in exchange rates, differing legal systems and the existence or possible imposition of exchange controls, custodial restrictions or other foreign or US governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments, (iv) national policies that may limit a Portfolio's investment opportunities such as restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests, and (v) the lack or relatively early development of legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property. In addition to withholding taxes on investment income, some countries with emerging markets may impose differential capital gains taxes on foreign investors.

Also, there may be less publicly available information about issuers in emerging markets than would be available about issuers in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which US companies are subject. In certain countries with emerging capital markets, reporting standards vary widely. As a result, traditional investment measurements used in the United States, such as price/earnings ratios, may not be applicable. Emerging market securities may be substantially less liquid and more volatile than those of mature markets, and companies may be held by a limited number of persons. This may adversely affect the timing and pricing of a Portfolio's acquisition or disposal of securities.

Practices in relation to settlement of securities transactions in emerging markets involve higher risks than those in developed markets, in part because a Portfolio will need to use brokers and counterparties that are less well capitalized, and custody and registration of assets in some countries may be unreliable. The possibility of fraud, negligence, undue influence being exerted by the issuer or refusal to recognize ownership exists in some emerging markets, and, along with other factors, could result in ownership registration being completely lost. A Portfolio would absorb any loss resulting from such registration problems and may have no successful claim for compensation.

In December 2020, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the HFCAA) was signed into law. The HFCAA directs the SEC to prohibit securities of a registrant from being listed on any US stock exchanges if, for three consecutive years, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board determines it was unable to inspect the auditor of the registrant's financial statements. The HFCAA also requires a foreign registrant to provide certain disclosures if the registrant files an annual report that includes an audit report from an auditor that was not subject to Public Company Accounting Oversight Board inspection. In December 2021, the SEC adopted final amendments implementing the disclosure and submission requirements of the HFCAA. The potential impact of the HFCAA is unclear at this time, but it may limit the securities in which a Portfolio may invest.

**Infectious Illness Risk.** The Portfolios or the securities in which the Portfolios invest may be adversely affected by the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues like pandemics or epidemics. Such infectious illnesses or public health issues may have a greater adverse impact on emerging and less developed markets.

**RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN INVESTMENTS.** A number of publicly traded closed-end investment companies have been organized to facilitate indirect foreign investment in developing countries, and certain of such countries, such as Thailand, South Korea, Chile and Brazil have specifically authorized such Portfolios. There also are investment opportunities in certain of such countries in pooled vehicles

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that resemble open-end investment companies. In accordance with the 1940 Act, a Portfolio may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities of other investment companies, not more than 5% of which may be invested in any one such company. In addition, under the 1940 Act, a Portfolio may not own more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of any investment company. These restrictions on investments in securities of investment companies may limit opportunities for a Portfolio to invest indirectly in certain developing countries. New shares of certain investment companies may at times be acquired only at market prices representing premiums to their NAVs. If a Portfolio acquires shares of other investment companies, shareholders would bear both their proportionate share of expenses of the Portfolio (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of such other investment companies. See also "Investments in Other Investment Companies."

**RESTRICTIONS ON FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN ASIA-PACIFIC COUNTRIES.** Some developing Asia-Pacific countries prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly their equity markets, by foreign investors. As illustrations, certain countries may require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular company or limit the investment by foreign persons to only a specific class of securities of a company which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. There can be no assurance that a Portfolio will be able to obtain required governmental approvals in a timely manner. In addition, changes to restrictions on foreign ownership of securities subsequent to a Portfolio's purchase of such securities may have an adverse effect on the value of such shares. Certain countries may restrict investment opportunities in issuers or industries deemed important to national interests.

The manner in which foreign investors may invest in companies in certain developing Asia-Pacific countries, as well as limitations on such investments, also may have an adverse impact on the operations of a Portfolio. For example, a Portfolio may be required in certain of such countries to invest initially through a local broker or other entity and then have the shares purchased re-registered in the name of the Portfolio. Re-registration may in some instances not be able to occur on a timely basis, resulting in a delay during which a Portfolio may be denied certain of its rights as an investor, including rights as to dividends or to be made aware of certain corporate actions. There also may be instances where a Portfolio places a purchase order but is subsequently informed, at the time of re-registration, that the permissible allocation of the investment to foreign investors has been filled, depriving the Portfolio of the ability to make its desired investment at that time.

Substantial limitations may exist in certain countries with respect to a Portfolio's ability to repatriate investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors, or by temporary market closures in such countries. A Portfolio could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Portfolio of any restrictions on investments. For example, in September 1998, Malaysia imposed currency controls that limited a Portfolio's ability to repatriate proceeds of Malaysian investments. It is possible that Malaysia, or certain other countries may impose similar restrictions or other restrictions relating to their currencies or to securities of issuers in those countries. In addition, in 2020, Chinese exchanges were temporarily closed due to the outbreak of Coronavirus, an infectious disease. To the extent that such restrictions, market closure, and other relevant market, trading and investment-specific considerations have the effect of making certain investments illiquid, securities may not be available to meet redemptions. Depending on a variety of financial factors, the percentage of a Portfolio's holdings subject to currency controls may increase. In the event other countries impose similar controls, the portion of the Portfolio's assets that may be used to meet redemptions may be further decreased. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the operations of a Portfolio. For example, investments may be withdrawn from the People's Republic of China only in US or Hong Kong dollars and only at an exchange rate established by the government once each week. In certain countries, banks or other financial institutions may be among the leading companies or have actively traded securities. The 1940 Act restricts a Portfolio's investments in any equity securities of an issuer that, in its most recent fiscal year, derived more than 15% of its revenues from "securities related activities," as defined by the rules thereunder. These provisions may restrict a Portfolio's investments in certain foreign banks and other financial institutions.

**RISK OF INVESTMENTS IN THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (PRC).** Certain Portfolios may invest in securities and instruments that are economically tied to the People's Republic of China (PRC). The risks of investing in foreign securities and emerging market countries apply to investments economically tied to the PRC. In addition, investments economically tied to the PRC are subject to: (i) inefficiencies resulting from erratic growth; (ii) the unavailability of consistently-reliable economic data; (iii) potentially high rates of inflation; (iv) dependence on exports and international trade; (v) relatively high levels of asset price volatility; (vi) small-market capitalization; (vii) less liquidity and limited accessibility by foreign investors; (viii) greater competition from regional economies; (ix) fluctuations in currency exchange rates or currency devaluation by the PRC government or central bank, particularly in light of the relative lack of currency hedging instruments and controls on the ability to exchange local currency for US dollars; (x) the relatively small size and absence of operating history of many Chinese companies; (xi) the developing nature of the legal and regulatory framework for securities markets, custody arrangements and commerce; (xii) uncertainty and potential changes with respect to the rules and regulations of PRC market access programs through which such investments are made; (xiii) the commitment of the government of the PRC to continue with its economic reforms; and (xiv) the risk that Chinese regulators may suspend trading in Chinese issuers (or permit such issuers to

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suspend trading) during market disruptions, natural disasters or health crises, such as an outbreak of an infectious disease and that such suspensions may be widespread. In addition, there is a lack of clarity in the laws and regulations of the PRC, and a lower level of regulation and enforcement activity in these securities markets relative to more developed international markets.

The PRC is ruled by the Communist Party. Investments in the PRC are subject to risks associated with greater governmental control over, and involvement in, the economy. The PRC manages its currency at artificial levels relative to the US dollar, rather than at levels determined by the market. This type of system can lead to sudden and large adjustments in the currency, which, in turn, can have a disruptive and negative effect on foreign investors. The PRC also may restrict the free conversion of its currency into foreign currencies, including the US dollar. Currency repatriation restrictions may have the effect of making securities and instruments tied to the PRC relatively illiquid, particularly in connection with redemption requests. In addition, the government of the PRC exercises significant control over economic growth through direct and heavy involvement in resource allocation and monetary policy, control over payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations and provision of preferential treatment to particular industries and/or companies. The PRC has historically been prone to natural disasters, such as droughts, floods, earthquakes and tsunamis, and the region's economy may be affected by such environmental events in the future. A Portfolio's investment in the PRC is, therefore, subject to the risk of such events.

To the extent a Portfolio invests in Chinese securities and other instruments, its investments may be impacted by the economic, political, diplomatic, and social conditions within China, as well as by restrictions on investments located in China. For example, in November 2020, the US President signed an Executive Order that prohibits US persons (which includes individuals and entities like the Portfolios) from purchasing or investing in publicly-traded securities of companies identified by the US government as "Communist Chinese military companies." In January 2021, the President signed another executive order that prohibits transactions identified by the US Secretary of Commerce with certain "Chinese connected software applications." The orders could limit the Portfolios' ability to invest in certain Chinese companies' publicly-traded securities.

Furthermore, many Chinese companies have used complex organizational structures to address Chinese restrictions on foreign investment whereby foreign persons, through another entity domiciled outside of China, have limited contractual rights, including economic benefits, with respect to the Chinese company. While these structures are a longstanding practice in China, such arrangements are not formally recognized under Chinese law. There is a risk that the Chinese government may cease to tolerate these structures at any time or impose new restrictions. If Chinese regulators' tacit acceptance of these arrangements ceases, the value of such holdings would be negatively impacted. Moreover, since such arrangements are not recognized under Chinese law, remedies available to an investor would be limited. Foreign companies listed on US stock exchanges could also face delisting or other ramifications for failure to meet the expectations and/or requirements of the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or other US regulators. Future regulatory action may prohibit the ability of these organizational structures to receive the economic benefits of a Chinese company, which would cause the market value of such holding to lose substantial value.

Trade and military conflicts, as well as political and unsocial unrest, could also adversely affect the performance of investments in the region. Historical tensions between North Korea and South Korea, as well as between China and Taiwan, present the risk of war. Escalated tensions among these countries and any outbreak of hostilities, or even the threat of an outbreak of hostilities, could have a severe adverse effect on China, the entire Asian region, the United States, and beyond.

***Hong Kong Political Risk****.* Hong Kong reverted to Chinese sovereignty on July 1, 1997, as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the PRC under the principle of "one country, two systems." Although the PRC is obligated to maintain the current capitalist economic and social system of Hong Kong through June 30, 2047, the continuation of economic and social freedoms enjoyed in Hong Kong is dependent on the government of the PRC. Since 1997, there have been tensions between the Chinese government and many people in Hong Kong who perceive the PRC as tightening control over Hong Kong's semi-autonomous liberal political, economic, legal and social framework. Recent protests and unrest have increased tensions even further. Due to the interconnected nature of the Hong Kong and Chinese economies, this instability in Hong Kong may cause uncertainty in the Hong Kong and Chinese markets. In addition, the Hong Kong dollar trades at a fixed exchange rate in relation to (or, is "pegged" to) the US dollar, which has contributed to the growth and stability of the Hong Kong economy. However, it is uncertain how long the currency peg will continue, or what effect the establishment of an alternative exchange rate system would have on the Hong Kong economy. Because the Portfolios' NAVs are denominated in US dollars, the establishment of an alternative exchange rate system could result in a decline in the Portfolios' NAVs.

**RISK OF INVESTMENTS IN VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES.** A Portfolio's investments in emerging markets may also include investments in US or Hong Kong-listed issuers that have entered into contractual relationships with a China-based business and/or individuals/entities affiliated with the business structured as a variable interest entity (VIE). Instead of directly owning the equity interests in a Chinese company, the listed company has contractual arrangements with the Chinese company, which are expected to provide the listed company with exposure to the China-based company. These arrangements are often used because of Chinese governmental restrictions on non-Chinese ownership of companies in certain industries in China. By entering into contracts with the listed company that sells shares to US investors, the China-based companies and/or related individuals/entities indirectly raise capital from US investors without

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distributing ownership of the China-based companies to US investors. To Portfolio Management's knowledge, the Chinese government has never approved VIE structures. Even though the listed company does not own any equity in the China-based company, the listed company expects to exercise power over and obtain economic rights from the China-based company based on the contractual arrangements. All or most of the value of an investment in these companies depends on the enforceability of the contracts between the listed company and the China-based VIE. If the parties to the contractual arrangements do not meet their obligations as intended or there are effects on the enforceability of these arrangements from changes in Chinese law or practice, the listed company may lose control over the China-based company, and investments in the listed company's securities may suffer significant economic losses. The contractual arrangements permit the listed issuer to include the financial results of the China-based VIE as a consolidated subsidiary. The listed company often is organized in a jurisdiction other than the United States or China (e.g., the Cayman Islands), which likely will not have the same disclosure, reporting, and governance requirements as the United States. Risks associated with such investments include the risk that the Chinese government could determine at any time and without notice that the underlying contractual arrangements on which control of the VIE is based violate Chinese law, which may result in a significant loss in the value of an investment in a listed company that uses a VIE structure; that a breach of the contractual agreements between the listed company and the China-based VIE (or its officers, directors, or Chinese equity owners) will likely be subject to Chinese law and jurisdiction, which raises questions about whether and how the listed company or its investors could seek recourse in the event of an adverse ruling as to its contractual rights; and that investments in the listed company may be affected by conflicts of interest and duties between the legal owners of the China-based VIE and the stockholders of the listed company, which may adversely impact the value of investments of the listed company.

**RISK OF INVESTING THROUGH STOCK CONNECT.** China A-shares (A-shares) are equity securities of companies based in mainland China that trade on Chinese stock exchanges such as the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE). Foreign investment in A-shares on the SSE and SZSE has historically not been permitted, other than through a license granted under regulations in the People's Republic of China (PRC) known as the Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor and Renminbi (RMB) Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor systems. Each license permits investment in A-shares only up to a specified quota.

Investment in eligible A-shares listed and traded on the SSE is also permitted through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect program (Stock Connect). Stock Connect is a securities trading and clearing program established by Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited (HKSCC), the SSE and China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited (CSDCC) that aims to provide mutual stock market access between the PRC and Hong Kong by permitting investors to trade and settle shares on each market through their local exchanges. Certain Portfolios may invest in A-shares through Stock Connect or on such other stock exchanges in China which participate in Stock Connect from time to time. Under Stock Connect, the Portfolio's trading of eligible A-shares listed on the SSE would be effectuated through its Hong Kong broker.

Although no individual investment quotas or licensing requirements apply to investors in Stock Connect, trading through Stock Connect's Northbound Trading Link is subject to aggregate and daily investment quota limitations that require that buy orders for A-shares be rejected once the remaining balance of the relevant quota drops to zero or the daily quota is exceeded (although the Portfolio will be permitted to sell A-shares regardless of the quota balance). These limitations may restrict the Portfolio from investing in A-shares on a timely basis, which could affect the Portfolio's ability to effectively pursue its investment strategy. Investment quotas are also subject to change.

Investment in eligible A-shares through Stock Connect is subject to trading, clearance and settlement procedures that could pose risks to the Portfolio. A-shares purchased through Stock Connect generally may not be sold or otherwise transferred other than through Stock Connect in accordance with applicable rules. For example, PRC regulations require that in order for an investor to sell any A-shares on a certain trading day, there must be sufficient A-shares in the investor's account before the market opens on that day. If there are insufficient A-shares in the investor's account, the sell order will be rejected by the SSE. The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (SEHK) carries out pre-trade checking on sell orders of certain stocks listed on the SSE market (SSE Securities) of its participants (i.e., stock brokers) to ensure that this requirement is satisfied. While shares must be designated as eligible to be traded under Stock Connect, those shares may also lose such designation, and if this occurs, such shares may be sold but cannot be purchased through Stock Connect. In addition, Stock Connect will only operate on days when both the Chinese and Hong Kong markets are open for trading and when banks in both markets are open on the corresponding settlement days. Therefore, an investment in A-shares through Stock Connect may subject the Portfolio to a risk of price fluctuations on days where the Chinese market is open, but Stock Connect is not trading. Moreover, day (turnaround) trading is not permitted on the A-shares market. If an investor buys A-shares on day "T," the investor will only be able to sell the A-shares on or after day T+1. Further, since all trades of eligible Stock Connect A-shares must be settled in RMB, investors must have timely access to a reliable supply of offshore RMB, which cannot be guaranteed.

A-shares held through the nominee structure under Stock Connect will be held through HKSCC as nominee on behalf of investors. The precise nature and rights of the Portfolio as the beneficial owner of the SSE Securities through HKSCC as nominee is not well defined under PRC law. There is lack of a clear definition of, and distinction between, legal ownership and beneficial ownership under PRC law

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and there have been few cases involving a nominee account structure in the PRC courts. The exact nature and methods of enforcement of the rights and interests of the Portfolio under PRC law is also uncertain. In the unlikely event that HKSCC becomes subject to winding up proceedings in Hong Kong there is a risk that the SSE Securities may not be regarded as held for the beneficial ownership of the Portfolio or as part of the general assets of HKSCC available for general distribution to its creditors. Notwithstanding the fact that HKSCC does not claim proprietary interests in the SSE Securities held in its omnibus stock account in the CSDCC, the CSDCC as the share registrar for SSE listed companies will still treat HKSCC as one of the shareholders when it handles corporate actions in respect of such SSE Securities. HKSCC monitors the corporate actions affecting SSE Securities and keeps participants of Central Clearing and Settlement System (CCASS) informed of all such corporate actions that require CCASS participants to take steps in order to participate in them. Investors may only exercise their voting rights by providing their voting instructions to the HKSCC through participants of the CCASS. All voting instructions from CCASS participants will be consolidated by HKSCC, who will then submit a combined single voting instruction to the relevant SSE-listed company.

The Portfolio's investments through Stock Connect's Northbound Trading Link are not covered by Hong Kong's Investor Compensation Portfolio. Hong Kong's Investor Compensation Portfolio is established to pay compensation to investors of any nationality who suffer pecuniary losses as a result of default of a licensed intermediary or authorized financial institution in relation to exchange-traded products in Hong Kong. In addition, since the Portfolio is carrying out Northbound trading through securities brokers in Hong Kong but not PRC brokers, it is not protected by the China Securities Investor Protection Portfolio in the PRC.

Market participants are able to participate in Stock Connect subject to meeting certain information technology capability, risk management and other requirements as may be specified by the relevant exchange and/or clearing house. Further, the "connectivity" in Stock Connect requires the routing of orders across the border of Hong Kong and the PRC. This requires the development of new information technology systems on the part of the SEHK and exchange participants. There is no assurance that these systems will function properly or will continue to be adapted to changes and developments in both markets. In the event that the relevant systems fail to function properly, trading in A-shares through Stock Connect could be disrupted.

Stock Connect is subject to regulations promulgated by regulatory authorities for both exchanges. New regulations may be issued from time to time by the regulators and stock exchanges in PRC and Hong Kong in connection with operations, legal enforcement and cross-border trades under Stock Connect. The Portfolio may be adversely affected as a result of such changes. Furthermore, the securities regimes and legal systems of PRC and Hong Kong differ significantly, and issues may arise based on these differences. In addition, the Portfolio's investments in A-shares through Stock Connect are generally subject to Chinese securities regulations and listing rules, among other restrictions. Further, different fees, costs and taxes are imposed on foreign investors acquiring A-shares obtained through Stock Connect, and these fees, costs and taxes may be higher than comparable fees, costs and taxes imposed on owners of other securities providing similar investment exposure.

*A-Share Market Suspension Risk.* A-shares may only be bought from, or sold to, the Portfolio at times when the relevant A-shares may be sold or purchased on the relevant Chinese stock exchange. The A-shares market has historically had a higher propensity for trading suspensions than many other global equity markets. Trading suspensions in certain stocks could lead to greater market execution risk and costs for the Portfolio. The SSE currently applies a daily price limit, set at 10%, of the amount of fluctuation permitted in the prices of A-shares during a single trading day. The daily price limit refers to price movements only and does not restrict trading within the relevant limit. There can be no assurance that a liquid market on an exchange will exist for any particular A-share or for any particular time.

**RISK OF INVESTING THROUGH CIBM DIRECT.** To the extent permissible by the relevant PRC regulations or authorities, certain Portfolios may also directly invest in permissible products (which include cash bonds) traded on China inter-bank bond market (CIBM), in compliance with the relevant rules issued by the People's Bank of China (PBOC, including its Shanghai Head Office) in 2016, including the Announcement 2016 No.3 and its implementing rules (CIBM Direct Rules). An onshore trading and settlement agent shall be engaged by the subadviser to make the filing on behalf of the relevant Portfolio and conduct trading and settlement agency services for such Portfolio. PBOC will exercise on-going supervision over the onshore settlement agent and the Portfolios' trading activity under the CIBM Direct Rules and may take relevant administrative actions, such as suspension of trading and mandatory exit against a Portfolio and/or the subadviser in the event of any noncompliance with the CIBM Direct Rules. The CIBM Direct Rules are very new and have yet to be tested on the market. At this stage the CIBM Direct Rules are still subject to further clarification and/or changes, which may adversely affect the Portfolios' ability to invest in the CIBM.

**RISK OF INVESTING THROUGH BOND CONNECT.** In addition to the risks described under "Foreign Securities" and "Investments in the People's Republic of China," there are risks associated with Portfolio investments in Chinese government bonds and other PRC-based debt instruments traded on the CIBM through the Bond Connect program. The Bond Connect refers to the arrangement between Hong Kong and the PRC that enables the PRC and overseas investors to trade various types of debt securities in each other's bond markets through connection between the relevant respective financial infrastructure institutions. Trading through Bond Connect is subject to a

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number of restrictions that may affect a Portfolio's investments and returns. Investments made through Bond Connect are subject to order, clearance and settlement procedures that are relatively untested in the PRC, which could pose risks to a Portfolio. Furthermore, securities purchased via Bond Connect will be held on behalf of ultimate investors (such as a Portfolio) via a book entry omnibus account in the name of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority Central Money Markets Unit maintained with a PRC-based custodian (either the China Central Depository & Clearing Co. (CCDC) or the Shanghai Clearing House (SCH)). A Portfolio's ownership interest in Bond Connect securities will not be reflected directly in book entries with CCDC or SCH, and will instead only be reflected on the books of its Hong Kong sub-custodian. This recordkeeping system also subjects a Portfolio to various risks, including the risk that the Portfolio may have a limited ability to enforce its rights as a bondholder, as well as the risks of settlement delays and counterparty default of the Hong Kong sub-custodian. While the ultimate investors hold a beneficial interest in Bond Connect securities, the mechanisms that beneficial owners may use to enforce their rights are untested, and courts in the PRC have limited experience in applying the concept of beneficial ownership. As such, a Portfolio may not be able to participate in corporate actions affecting its rights as a bondholder, such as timely payment of distributions, due to time constraints or other operational reasons. Bond Connect trades are settled in RMB, and investors must have timely access to a reliable supply of RMB in Hong Kong, which cannot be guaranteed. Moreover, securities purchased through Bond Connect generally may not be sold, purchased or otherwise transferred, other than through Bond Connect, in accordance with applicable rules.

A primary feature of Bond Connect is the application of the home market's laws and rules applicable to investors in Chinese fixed-income instruments. Therefore, a Portfolio's investments in securities via Bond Connect are generally subject to Chinese securities regulations and listing rules, among other restrictions. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case, they could be sold, but could no longer be purchased through Bond Connect. A Portfolio will not benefit from access to Hong Kong investor compensation funds, which are set up to protect against defaults of trades, when investing through Bond Connect. Bond Connect is only available on days when markets in both the PRC and Hong Kong are open. As a result, prices of securities purchased through Bond Connect may fluctuate at times when a Portfolio is unable to add to, or exit, its position and, therefore, may limit the Portfolio's ability to trade when it would be otherwise attractive to do so. Finally, uncertainties in the PRC tax rules governing taxation of income and gains from investments via Bond Connect could result in unexpected tax liabilities for a Portfolio. The withholding tax treatment of dividends and capital gains payable to overseas investors currently is unsettled.

The Bond Connect program is a relatively new program and may be subject to further interpretation and guidance. In addition, the trading, settlement and IT systems required for non-Chinese investors in Bond Connect are relatively new and continuing to evolve. In the event that the relevant systems do not function properly, trading through Bond Connect could be disrupted. There can be no assurance that further regulations will not affect the availability of securities in the program, the frequency of redemptions or other limitations. In addition, the application and interpretation of the laws and regulations of Hong Kong and the PRC, and the rules, policies or guidelines published or applied by relevant regulators and exchanges in respect of the Bond Connect program, are uncertain, and they may have a detrimental effect on a Portfolio's investments and returns.

**INVESTMENT IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES.** Each Portfolio may invest in other investment companies, including ETFs. In accordance with the 1940 Act, a Portfolio may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities of other investment companies. In addition, under the 1940 Act, a Portfolio may not own more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of any investment company and not more than 5% of the value of the Portfolio's total assets may be invested in securities of any investment company. (These limits do not restrict a Feeder Fund from investing all of its assets in shares of its Master Portfolio or a Fund of Funds from investing primarily in underlying funds that are part of the same group of investment companies).

Notwithstanding the limits discussed above, a Portfolio may invest in other investment companies without regard to the limits set forth above, provided that the Portfolio complies with Rules 12d1-1, 12d1-3 and 12d1-4 promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act or otherwise permitted by exemptive order, SEC releases, no-action letters or similar interpretation. As with other investments, investments in other investment companies are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, if the Portfolio acquires shares in investment companies, shareholders would bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Portfolio (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of such investment companies (including management and advisory fees). Investments by a money Portfolio in wholly-owned investment companies created under the laws of certain countries will not be deemed an investment in other investment companies. The underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests may not meet their investment objectives.

**JUNK BONDS.** Junk bonds are debt securities that are rated below investment grade by the major rating agencies or are unrated securities that the subadviser believes are of comparable quality. Although junk bonds generally pay higher rates of interest than investment grade bonds, they are high risk investments that may cause income and principal losses for a Portfolio. The major risks in junk bond investments include the following:

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Junk bonds are issued by less credit worthy companies. These securities are vulnerable to adverse changes in the issuer's industry and to general economic conditions. Issuers of junk bonds may be unable to meet their interest or principal payment obligations because of an economic downturn, specific issuer developments or the unavailability of additional financing.

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The issuers of junk bonds may have a larger amount of outstanding debt relative to their assets than issuers of investment grade bonds. If the issuer experiences financial stress, it may be unable to meet its debt obligations. The issuer's ability to pay its debt obligations also may be lessened by specific issuer developments, or the unavailability of additional financing.

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Junk bonds are frequently ranked junior to claims by other creditors. If the issuer cannot meet its obligations, the senior obligations are generally paid off before the junior obligations.

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Junk bonds frequently have redemption features that permit an issuer to repurchase the security from a Portfolio before it matures. If an issuer redeems the junk bonds, a Portfolio may have to invest the proceeds in bonds with lower yields and may forgo income.

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Prices of junk bonds are subject to extreme price fluctuations. Negative economic developments may have a greater impact on the prices of junk bonds than on other higher rated fixed income securities.

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Junk bonds may be less liquid than higher rated fixed income securities even under normal economic conditions. There are fewer dealers in the junk bond market, and there may be significant differences in the prices quoted for junk bonds by the dealers. Because they are less liquid, judgment may play a greater role in valuing certain of a Portfolio's holdings than in the case of securities trading in a more liquid market.

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A Portfolio may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer.

**LIQUIDATION OF PORTFOLIOS.** Each Portfolio reserves the right to discontinue offering shares at any time, to merge or reorganize itself, or to cease operations and liquidate at any time.

**MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS.** Certain Portfolios may invest in money market instruments. Money market instruments include cash equivalents and short-term obligations of US banks, certificates of deposit, short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by the US Government or its agencies. Money market instruments also include bankers' acceptances, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and Eurodollar obligations issued or guaranteed by bank holding companies in the US, their subsidiaries and foreign branches, by foreign banking institutions, and by the World Bank and other multinational instrumentalities, as well as commercial paper and other short-term obligations of, and variable amount master demand notes, variable rate notes and similar agreements issued by, US and foreign corporations.

**MONEY MARKET FUND REFORM.** In July 2023, the SEC adopted amendments to the rules that govern registered money market funds. The reforms impact money market funds differently depending on the types of investors permitted to invest in a fund, the types of securities in which a fund may invest, and the principal investments of a money market fund. These amendments, among other changes: (i) modified the existing liquidity fee framework for non-government money market funds; (ii) increased required weekly liquid asset and daily liquid asset minimums effective April 2, 2024; (iii) require institutional prime and institutional tax-exempt money market funds to impose a mandatory liquidity fee when daily net redemptions exceed certain levels unless the amount of the fee determined by the fund is less than 0.01% of the value of the shares redeemed, effective October 2, 2024; and (iv) allow government money market funds and retail money market funds to engage in certain practices in order to maintain a stable NAV in a negative interest rate environment. The Manager continues to evaluate the amendements' impact on the Portfolios' operations, performance, yields, and operating expenses.

**MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES.** Investing in mortgage-backed securities involves certain unique risks in addition to those generally associated with investing in fixed income securities and in the real estate industry in general. These unique risks include the failure of a party to meet its commitments under the related operative documents, adverse interest rate changes and the effects of prepayments on mortgage cash flows. 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 a Portfolio. The value of mortgage-backed securities, like that of traditional fixed income securities, typically increases when interest rates fall and decreases when interest rates rise. However, mortgage-backed securities differ from traditional fixed income securities because of their potential for prepayment without penalty. The price paid by a Portfolio for its mortgage-backed securities, the yield the Portfolio expects to receive from such securities and the average life of the securities are based on a number of factors, including the anticipated rate of prepayment of the underlying mortgages. In a period of declining interest rates, borrowers may prepay the underlying mortgages more quickly than anticipated, thereby reducing the yield to maturity and the average life of the mortgage-backed securities. Moreover, when a Portfolio reinvests the proceeds of a prepayment in these circumstances, it will likely receive a rate of interest that is lower than the rate on the security that was prepaid.

The liquidity of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities may change over time. During periods of deteriorating economic conditions, such as recessions or periods of rising unemployment, delinquencies and losses generally increase, sometimes dramatically, with respect to securitizations involving loans, sales contracts, receivables and other obligations underlying asset-backed securities.

To the extent that a Portfolio purchases mortgage-backed securities at a premium, mortgage foreclosures and principal prepayments may result in a loss to the extent of the premium paid. In a period of rising interest rates, prepayments of the underlying mortgages may occur at a slower than expected rate, creating maturity extension risk. This particular risk may effectively change a security that was considered short or intermediate-term at the time of purchase into a long-term security. Since long-term securities generally fluctuate

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more widely in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities, maturity extension risk could increase the inherent volatility of the Portfolio. Under certain interest rate and prepayment scenarios, a Portfolio may fail to recoup fully its investment in mortgage-backed securities notwithstanding any direct or indirect governmental or agency guarantee.

Most mortgage-backed securities are issued by Federal government agencies such as the Ginnie Mae, or by government sponsored enterprises such as the Freddie Mac or the Fannie Mae. Principal and interest payments on mortgage-backed securities issued by the Federal government and some Federal government agencies, such as Ginnie Mae, are guaranteed by the Federal government and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Mortgage-backed securities issued by other government agencies or government sponsored enterprises, such as Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, are backed only by the credit of the government agency or enterprise and are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. While certain mortgage-related securities receive government or private support, there is no assurance that such support will remain in place in the future. Additionally, mortgage-backed securities issued by government agencies or sponsored enterprises like Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae generally have very little credit risk, but may be subject to substantial interest rate risks. Private mortgage-backed securities are issued by private corporations rather than government agencies and are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. Some mortgage-backed securities, including those issued by government agencies and government-sponsored enterprises, may be based on pools of loans that are originated by an affiliate of the Manager.

In September 2008, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under conservatorship and was appointed to manage their daily operations. In addition, the US Treasury entered into stock purchase agreements (SPAs) with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to provide them with capital in exchange for senior preferred stock. Pass-through securities issued by Fannie Mae are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by Fannie Mae. Participation certificates representing interests in mortgages from Freddie Mac's national portfolio are guaranteed as to the timely payment of interest and principal by Freddie Mac. Private, government, or government-related entities may create mortgage loan pools offering pass-through investments in addition to those described above. The mortgages underlying these securities may be alternative mortgage instruments (that is, mortgage instruments whose principal or interest payments may vary or whose terms to maturity may be shorter than customary).

Under the direction of the FHFA, FNMA and FHLMC have entered into a joint initiative to develop a common securitization platform for the issuance of a uniform mortgage-backed security (UMBS) (the Single Security Initiative) that aligns the characteristics of FNMA and FHLMC certificates. The Single Security Initiative was implemented in June 2019, and the effects it may have on the market for mortgage-backed securities are uncertain.

FHFA and the White House have made public statements regarding plans to consider ending the conservatorships of FNMA and FHLMC. In the event that FNMA and FHLMC are taken out of conservatorship, it is unclear how the capital structure of FNMA and FHLMC would be constructed and what effects, if any, there may be on FNMA's and FHLMC's creditworthiness and guarantees of certain mortgage-backed securities. It is also unclear whether the US Treasury would continue to enforce its rights or perform its obligations under the Senior Preferred Stock Programs. Should FNMA's and FHLMC's conservatorship end, there could be an adverse impact on the value of their securities, which could cause losses to a Portfolio.

In June 2019, under the Single Security Initiative, FNMA and FHLMC started issuing UMBS in place of their current offerings of TBA-eligible securities. The Single Security Initiative seeks to support the overall liquidity of the TBA market and aligns the characteristics of FNMA and FHLMC certificates. The effects that the Single Security Initiative may have on the market for TBA and other mortgage-backed securities are uncertain.

**MUNICIPAL SECURITIES.** Certain Portfolios may, from time to time, invest in municipal bonds including general obligation and revenue bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest, whereas revenue bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source. A Portfolio may also invest in municipal notes including tax, revenue and bond anticipation notes which are issued to obtain funds for various public purposes.

Municipal securities include notes and bonds issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States and their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities and the District of Columbia, the interest on which is generally eligible for exclusion from US federal income tax and, in certain instances, applicable state or local income and personal property taxes. Such securities are traded primarily in the over-the-counter market.

The interest rates payable on certain municipal bonds and municipal notes are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. Municipal bonds and notes of this type are called "variable rate" obligations. The interest rate payable on a variable rate obligation is adjusted either at predesignated intervals or whenever there is a change in the market rate of interest on which the interest rate payable is based. Other features may include the right whereby a Portfolio may demand prepayment of the principal amount of the obligation prior to its stated maturity (a demand feature) and the right of the issuer to prepay the principal amount prior to maturity. The

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principal benefit of a variable rate obligation is that the interest rate adjustment minimizes changes in the market value of the obligation. As a result, the purchase of variable rate obligations should enhance the ability of a Portfolio to maintain a stable NAV per share and to sell an obligation prior to maturity at a price approximating the full principal amount of the obligation.

Variable or floating rate securities include participation interests therein and inverse floaters. Floating rate securities normally have a rate of interest that is set as a specific percentage of a designated base rate, such as the rate on Treasury Bonds or Bills. The interest rate on floating rate securities changes whenever there is a change in the designated base interest rate. Variable rate securities provide for a specific periodic adjustment in the interest rate based on prevailing market rates and generally would allow a Portfolio to demand payment of the obligation on short notice at par plus accrued interest, which amount may, at times, be more or less than the amount the Portfolio paid for them. Some floating rate and variable rate securities have maturities longer than 397 calendar days but afford the holder the right to demand payment at dates earlier than the final maturity date. Such floating rate and variable rate securities will be treated as having maturities equal to the demand date or the period of adjustment of the interest rate whichever is longer.

An inverse floater is a debt instrument with a floating or variable interest rate that moves in the opposite direction of the interest rate on another security or the value of an index. Changes in the interest rate on the other security or index inversely affect the residual interest rate paid on the inverse floater, with the result that the inverse floater's price will be considerably more volatile than that of a fixed rate bond. Generally, income from inverse floating rate bonds will decrease when short-term interest rates increase, and will increase when short-term interest rates decrease. Such securities have the effect of providing a degree of investment leverage, since they may increase or decrease in value in response to changes, as an illustration, in market interest rates at a rate that is a multiple (typically two) of the rate at which fixed-rate, long-term, tax-exempt securities increase or decrease in response to such changes. As a result, the market values of such securities generally will be more volatile than the market values of fixed-rate tax-exempt securities. While inverse floaters may expose a Portfolio to leverage risk, they do not constitute borrowings for purposes of a Portfolio's restrictions on borrowings. For additional information relating to inverse floaters, please see "Indexed and Inverse Securities."

**Private Investment in Public Equities (PIPEs) Risk.** PIPE transactions typically involve the purchase of securities directly from a publicly traded company or its affiliates in a private placement transaction, typically at a discount to the market price of the company's common stock. In a PIPE transaction, a Portfolio may bear the price risk from the time of pricing until the time of closing. Equity issued in this manner is often subject to transfer restrictions and is therefore less liquid than equity issued through a registered public offering. A Portfolio may be subject to lock-up agreements that prohibit transfers for a fixed period of time. In addition, because the sale of the securities in a PIPE transaction is not registered under the 1933 Act, the securities are restricted and cannot be immediately resold into the public markets. A Portfolio may enter into a registration rights agreement with the issuer pursuant to which the issuer commits to file a resale registration statement allowing the Portfolio to publicly resell its securities. However, the ability of a Portfolio to freely transfer the shares is conditioned upon, among other things, the SEC's preparedness to declare the resale registration statement effective and the issuer's right to suspend the Portfolio's use of the resale registration statement, if the issuer is pursuing a transaction or some other material non-public event is occurring. Accordingly, PIPE securities may be subject to risks associated with illiquid investments.

**Quantitative Investing Risk.** The Manager or a subadviser may employ and/or rely on algorithms, models or other systems in connection with certain investment activities, including research, forecasting, selection and execution processes (together, Systems). These Systems rely heavily on the use of proprietary and nonproprietary data, software, hardware and intellectual property, including data, software and hardware that may be licensed or otherwise obtained from third parties. The use of such Systems has inherent limitations and risks. Although they strive to do so, there can be no assurance that the Manager/subadviser will develop and use Systems appropriately and effectively. Errors may occur in the design, writing, testing, monitoring and/or implementation of Systems, including in the manner in which Systems function together. The effectiveness of Systems may diminish over time, including as a result of market changes and changes in the behavior of market participants. The quality of the resulting analyses, investment selections, portfolio construction, asset allocations, proposed trades, risk management and trading strategies depends on a number of factors, including the accuracy and quality of data inputs into the Systems, the mathematical and analytical assumptions and underpinnings of the Systems' coding, the accuracy in translating those analytics into program code or interpreting the output of a System by another System in order to facilitate a transaction, changes in market conditions, the successful integration of the various Systems into the portfolio selection and trading process, and whether actual market events correspond to one or more assumptions underlying the Systems. Accordingly, Systems are subject to errors and/or mistakes (System Incidents) that may adversely impact a Portfolio. For example, System Incidents may result in Systems performing in a manner other than as intended, including, but not limited to, failure to achieve desired performance or investment objectives, execution of unanticipated trades or failure to execute intended trades, or failure to identify hedging or other risk management opportunities or targets. Further, if incorrect market data is entered into an otherwise properly functioning System, the System's resulting output, including proposed trades or investment recommendations, may be inconsistent with the underlying investment strategy. Most Systems require continual monitoring and enhancements, and there is no guarantee that such enhancements will be successful, or that Systems will operate as intended. The successful deployment of an investment strategy, the portfolio construction process and/or the trading process could be severely compromised by software or hardware malfunctions, viruses, glitches, connectivity loss, system crashes or various other System Incidents, including, in particular, where multiple Systems contribute to the

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process (i.e., where one System develops a potential recommended signal or possible trade, and another System interprets or optimizes that recommended signal or possible trade to facilitate a trade order). System Incidents may be difficult to detect and the Manager/subadviser may not immediately or ever detect certain System Incidents, which may have an increasing impact on a Portfolio over time. There is no guarantee that measures taken to address a System Incident will be successful.

**REAL ESTATE RELATED SECURITIES.** Although no Portfolio may invest directly in real estate, certain Portfolios may invest in equity securities of issuers that are principally engaged in the real estate industry. Therefore, an investment in such a Portfolio is subject to certain risks associated with the ownership of real estate and with the real estate industry in general. These risks include, among others: possible declines in the value of real estate; risks related to general and local economic conditions; possible lack of availability of mortgage portfolios or other limitations on access to capital; overbuilding; risks associated with leverage; market illiquidity; extended vacancies of properties; increase in competition, property taxes, capital expenditures and operating expenses; changes in zoning laws or other governmental regulation; costs resulting from the clean-up of, and liability to third parties for damages resulting from, environmental problems; tenant bankruptcies or other credit problems; casualty or condemnation losses; uninsured damages from floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters; limitations on and variations in rents, including decreases in market rates for rents; investment in developments that are not completed or that are subject to delays in completion; and changes in interest rates. To the extent that assets underlying a Portfolio's investments are concentrated geographically, by property type or in certain other respects, the Portfolio may be subject to certain of the foregoing risks to a greater extent. Investments by a Portfolio in securities of companies providing mortgage servicing will be subject to the risks associated with refinancings and their impact on servicing rights.

**REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITs).** Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, may not be diversified geographically or by property type, and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and self-liquidation. REITs must also meet certain requirements under the Code to avoid entity level tax liability and be eligible to pass-through certain tax attributes of their income to shareholders. REITs are consequently subject to the risk of failing to meet these requirements for favorable tax treatment and of failing to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act. REITs are also subject to the risks of changes in the Code, affecting their tax status.

REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on a REIT's investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.

Investing in certain REITs involves risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. These REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as these REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 Index. The management of a REIT may be subject to conflicts of interest with respect to the operation of the business of the REIT and may be involved in real estate activities competitive with the REIT. REITs may own properties through joint ventures or in other circumstances in which the REIT may not have control over its investments. REITs may incur significant amounts of leverage.

**REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS.** A Portfolio may invest in securities pursuant to repurchase agreements. A Portfolio will enter into repurchase agreements only with parties meeting creditworthiness standards as set forth in the Portfolio's repurchase agreement procedures.

Under such agreements, the other party agrees, upon entering into the contract with a Portfolio, to repurchase the security at a mutually agreed-upon time and price in a specified currency, thereby determining the yield during the term of the agreement. This results in a fixed rate of return insulated from market fluctuations during such period, although such return may be affected by currency fluctuations. In the case of repurchase agreements, the prices at which the trades are conducted do not reflect accrued interest on the underlying obligation. Such agreements usually cover short periods, such as under one week. Repurchase agreements may be construed to be collateralized loans by the purchaser to the seller secured by the securities transferred to the purchaser.

In the case of a repurchase agreement, as a purchaser, a Portfolio will require all repurchase agreements to be fully collateralized at all times by cash or other liquid assets in an amount at least equal to the resale price. The seller is required to provide additional collateral if the market value of the securities falls below the repurchase price at any time during the term of the repurchase agreement. In the event of default by the seller under a repurchase agreement construed to be a collateralized loan, the underlying securities are not owned by the Portfolio but only constitute collateral for the seller's obligation to pay the repurchase price. Therefore, the Portfolio may suffer time delays and incur costs or possible losses in connection with disposition of the collateral.

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A Portfolio may participate in a joint repurchase agreement account with other investment companies managed by PGIM Investments pursuant to an order of the SEC. On a daily basis, any uninvested cash balances of the Portfolio may be aggregated with those of such investment companies and invested in one or more repurchase agreements. Each Portfolio participates in the income earned or accrued in the joint account based on the percentage of its investment.

The SEC recently finalized rules that will require certain repurchase transactions involving U.S. Treasuries to be centrally cleared. The compliance date for the new rules is currently set for the end of June 2027. Although the impact of these rules on the Portfolios is difficult to predict, they may reduce the availability or increase the costs of such transactions and may adversely affect a Portfolio's performance.

**REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS RISK.** Reverse repurchase agreements are transactions in which a Portfolio sells a security and simultaneously commits to repurchase that security from the buyer, such as a bank or broker-dealer, at an agreed upon price on an agreed-upon future date. The repurchase price consists of the sale price plus an incremental amount reflecting the interest cost to the Portfolio on the proceeds it has received from the initial sale. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the value of securities that the Portfolio is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. Additionally, such transactions are only advantageous if the interest cost to the Portfolio of the reverse repurchase transaction is less than the cost of obtaining the cash otherwise. Interest costs on the proceeds received in a reverse repurchase agreement may exceed the return received on the investments made by the Portfolio with those proceeds, resulting in reduced returns to shareholders. When a Portfolio enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it is subject to the risk that the buyer (counterparty) may default on its obligations to the Portfolio. In the event of default, a Portfolio may experience delays, costs, and losses, all of which may reduce returns to shareholders. Investing reverse repurchase proceeds may also have a leveraging effect on a Portfolio. A Portfolio's use of leverage can magnify the effect of any gains or losses, causing the Portfolio to be more volatile than if it had not been leveraged.

The SEC recently finalized rules that will require certain reverse repurchase transactions involving U.S. Treasuries to be centrally cleared. The compliance date for the new rules is currently set for the end of June 2027. Although the impact of these rules on the Portfolios is difficult to predict, they may reduce the availability or increase the costs of such transactions and may adversely affect a Portfolio's performance.

**DOLLAR ROLLS.** Certain Portfolios may enter into dollar rolls. In a dollar roll, a Portfolio sells securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date from the same party. During the roll period, a Portfolio foregoes principal and interest paid on the securities. A Portfolio is compensated by the difference between the current sale price and the forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the drop) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale.

Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities retained by the Portfolio may decline below the price of the securities, the Portfolio has sold but is obligated to repurchase under the agreement. In the event the buyer of securities under a dollar roll files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Portfolio's use of the proceeds of the agreement may be restricted pending a determination by the other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the Portfolio's obligation to repurchase the securities. Cash proceeds from dollar rolls may be invested in cash or other liquid assets.

**SECURITIES LENDING.** Unless otherwise noted, the Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions subject to applicable regulatory requirements and guidance, including the requirements that: (1) the aggregate market value of securities loaned will not at any time exceed 33 1/3% of the total assets of the Portfolio; (2) the borrower pledge and maintain with the Portfolio collateral consisting of cash, an irrevocable letter of credit, or securities issued or guaranteed by the US Government having at all times a value of not less than 100% of the value of the securities lent; and (3) the loan be made subject to termination by the Portfolio at any time. Goldman Sachs Bank USA d/b/a Goldman Sachs Agency Lending (GSAL) serves as securities lending agent for the Portfolio, and in that role administers the Portfolio's securities lending program. As compensation for these services, GSAL receives a portion of any amounts earned by the Portfolio through lending securities. For more information about GSAL, see the "Other Service Providers - Securities Lending Activities" section above.

The Portfolio may invest the cash collateral and/or it may receive a fee from the borrower. To the extent that cash collateral is invested, it will be invested in an affiliated prime money market fund and will be subject to market depreciation or appreciation. The Portfolio will be responsible for any loss that results from this investment of collateral.

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On termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the securities to the Portfolio, and any gain or loss in the market price during the loan would inure to the Portfolio. If the borrower defaults on its obligation to return the securities lent because of insolvency or other reasons, the Portfolio could experience delays and costs in recovering the securities lent or in gaining access to the collateral. In such situations, the Portfolio may sell the collateral and purchase a replacement investment in the market. There is a risk that the value of the collateral could decrease below the value of the replacement investment by the time the replacement investment is purchased.

During the time portfolio securities are on loan, the borrower will pay the Portfolio an amount equivalent to any dividend or interest paid on such securities. Voting or consent rights which accompany loaned securities pass to the borrower. However, all loans may be terminated at any time to facilitate the exercise of voting or other consent rights with respect to matters considered to be material. The Portfolio bears the risk that there may be a delay in the return of the securities which may impair the Portfolio's ability to exercise such rights.

**SECURITIES OF SMALLER OR EMERGING GROWTH COMPANIES.** Investment in smaller or emerging growth companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investments in more established companies. The securities of smaller or emerging growth companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than larger, more established companies or the market average in general. These companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group.

While smaller or emerging growth company issuers may offer greater opportunities for capital appreciation than large cap issuers, investments in smaller or emerging growth companies may involve greater risks and thus may be considered speculative. The Manager believes that properly selected companies of this type have the potential to increase their earnings or market valuation at a rate substantially in excess of the general growth of the economy. Full development of these companies and trends frequently takes time.

Small cap and emerging growth securities will often be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. As a result, the disposition by a Portfolio of portfolio securities to meet redemptions or otherwise may require a Portfolio to make many small sales over a lengthy period of time, or to sell these securities at a discount from market prices or during periods when, in the Manager's judgment, such disposition is not desirable.

While the process of selection and continuous supervision by the Manager does not, of course, guarantee successful investment results, it does provide access to an asset class not available to the average individual due to the time and cost involved. Careful initial selection is particularly important in this area as many new enterprises have promise but lack certain of the factors necessary to prosper. Investing in small cap and emerging growth companies requires specialized research and analysis. In addition, many investors cannot invest sufficient assets in such companies to provide wide diversification.

Small companies are generally little known to most individual investors although some may be dominant in their respective industries. The Manager believes that relatively small companies will continue to have the opportunity to develop into significant business enterprises. A Portfolio may invest in securities of small issuers in the relatively early stages of business development that have a new technology, a unique or proprietary product or service, or a favorable market position. Such companies may not be counted upon to develop into major industrial companies, but Portfolio management believes that eventual recognition of their special value characteristics by the investment community can provide above-average long-term growth to the portfolio.

Equity securities of specific small cap issuers may present different opportunities for long-term capital appreciation during varying portions of economic or securities markets cycles, as well as during varying stages of their business development. The market valuation of small cap issuers tends to fluctuate during economic or market cycles, presenting attractive investment opportunities at various points during these cycles.

Smaller companies, due to the size and kinds of markets that they serve, may be less susceptible than large companies to intervention from the Federal government by means of price controls, regulations or litigation.

**SHORT SALES AND SHORT SALES AGAINST-THE-BOX.** Certain Portfolios may make short sales of securities, either as a hedge against potential declines in value of a portfolio security or to realize appreciation when a security that the Portfolio does not own declines in value. When a Portfolio makes a short sale, it borrows the security sold short and delivers it to the broker-dealer through which it made the short sale. A Portfolio may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and is often obligated to turn over any payments received on such borrowed securities to the lender of the securities. The Portfolio may not be able to limit any losses resulting from share price volatility if the security indefinitely continues to increase in value at such specified time.

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A Portfolio secures its obligation to replace the borrowed security by depositing collateral with the broker-dealer, usually in cash, US Government securities or other liquid securities similar to those borrowed. With respect to the uncovered short positions, a Portfolio is required to (1) deposit similar collateral with its custodian or otherwise segregate collateral on its records, to the extent that the value of the collateral in the aggregate is at all times equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the security sold short, or (2) a Portfolio must otherwise cover its short position. Depending on arrangements made with the broker-dealer from which the Portfolio borrowed the security, regarding payment over of any payments received by a Portfolio on such security, a Portfolio may not receive any payments (including interest) on its collateral deposited with such broker-dealer. Because making short sales in securities that it does not own exposes a Portfolio to the risks associated with those securities, such short sales involve speculative exposure risk. As a result, if a Portfolio makes short sales in securities that increase in value, it will likely underperform similar mutual Portfolios that do not make short sales in securities they do not own. A Portfolio will incur a loss as a result of a short sale if the price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Portfolio replaces the borrowed security. If a request for return of borrowed securities occurs at a time when other short sellers of the securities and/or currencies are receiving similar requests, a "short squeeze" can occur, and the Portfolio may be compelled to replace borrowed securities previously sold short with purchases on the open market at the most disadvantageous time, possibly at prices significantly in excess of the proceeds received in originally selling the securities short. In addition, the Portfolio may have difficulty purchasing securities to meet its delivery obligations in the case of less liquid securities and/or currencies sold short by the Portfolio, such as certain emerging market country securities or securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations. A Portfolio will realize a gain if the security declines in price between those dates. There can be no assurance that a Portfolio will be able to close out a short sale position at any particular time or at an acceptable price. Although a Portfolio's gain is limited to the price at which it sold the security short, its potential loss is limited only by the maximum attainable price of the security, less the price at which the security was sold and may, theoretically, be unlimited.

Certain Portfolios may also make short sales against-the-box. A short sale against-the-box is a short sale in which a Portfolio owns an equal amount of the securities sold short, or securities convertible or exchangeable for, with or without payment of any further consideration, such securities. Short sale borrowings are considered to be "derivative transactions" under Rule 18f-4 of the 1940 Act and therefore the Portfolios intend that any transactions involving short sale borrowings will be conducted in compliance with the requirements of Rule 18f-4.

Global regulators may adopt (and in some cases have adopted) certain reporting rules for short sales and short positions. If a Portfolio's short positions or its strategy become generally known, it could have a significant effect on its ability to implement its investment strategies. In particular, it would make it more likely that other investors could cause a "short squeeze" in the securities held short by the Portfolio forcing the Portfolio to cover its positions at a loss. In addition, if other investors engaged in copycat behavior by taking positions in the same issuers as the Portfolio, the cost of borrowing securities to sell short could increase drastically and the availability of such securities to the Portfolio could decrease drastically. Such events could make the Portfolio unable to execute its investment strategy. The SEC and regulatory authorities in other jurisdictions may adopt (and in certain cases, have adopted) bans or other restrictions on short sales of certain securities or on derivatives and other hedging instruments used to achieve a similar economic effect in response to market events. Such bans or other restrictions may make it impossible for a Portfolio to execute certain investment strategies and may have a material adverse effect on the Portfolio's ability to generate returns.

**SOVEREIGN DEBT.** Investment in sovereign debt can involve a high degree of risk. The governmental entity that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be able or willing to repay the principal and/or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt. A governmental entity's willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the government entity's policy towards the International Monetary Fund and the political constraints to which a government entity may be subject. Governmental entities may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The commitment on the part of these governments, agencies and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned on the implementation of economic reforms and/or economic performance and the timely service of such debtor's obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third parties' commitments to lend funds to the governmental entity, which may further impair such debtor's ability or willingness to timely service its debts. Consequently, governmental entities may default on their sovereign debt. Holders of sovereign debt may be requested to participate in the rescheduling of such debt and to extend further loans to government entities. In the event of a default by a governmental entity, there may be few or no effective legal remedies for collecting on such debt.

**SPECIAL PURPOSE ACQUISITION COMPANIES.** A Portfolio may invest in stock, warrants, and other securities of special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) or similar special purpose entities that pool funds to seek potential acquisition or merger opportunities. A SPAC is typically a publicly traded company that raises funds through an IPO for the purpose of acquiring or merging with an unaffiliated company to be identified subsequent to the SPAC's IPO. SPACs are often used as a vehicle to transition a company from private to publicly traded. The securities of a SPAC are often issued in "units" that include one share of common stock and one right or warrant (or

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partial right or warrant) conveying the right to purchase additional shares or partial shares. Unless and until a transaction is completed, a SPAC generally invests its assets (less a portion retained to cover expenses) in US Government securities, money market fund securities and cash. To the extent the SPAC is invested in cash or similar securities, this may impact a Portfolio's ability to meet its investment objective. If an acquisition or merger that meets the requirements for the SPAC is not completed within a pre-established period of time, the invested funds are returned to the SPAC's shareholders, less certain permitted expenses, and any rights or warrants issued by the SPAC will expire worthless. Because SPACs and similar entities have no operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the entity's management to identify and complete a suitable transaction. Some SPACs may pursue acquisitions or mergers only within certain industries or regions, which may further increase the volatility of their securities' prices. In addition to purchasing publicly traded SPAC securities, a Portfolio may invest in SPACs through additional financings via securities offerings that are exempt from registration under the federal securities laws (restricted securities). No public market will exist for these restricted securities unless and until they are registered for resale with the SEC, and such securities may be considered illiquid and/or be subject to restrictions on resale. It may also be difficult to value restricted securities issued by SPACs.

An investment in a SPAC is subject to a variety of risks, including that: a significant portion of the funds raised by the SPAC for the purpose of identifying and effecting an acquisition or merger may be expended during the search for a target transaction; an attractive acquisition or merger target may not be identified and the SPAC will be required to return any remaining invested funds to shareholders; attractive acquisition or merger targets may become scarce if the number of SPACs seeking to acquire operating businesses increases; any proposed merger or acquisition may be unable to obtain the requisite approval, if any, of SPAC shareholders and/or antitrust and securities regulators; an acquisition or merger once effected may prove unsuccessful and an investment in the SPAC may lose value; the warrants or other rights with respect to the SPAC held by the Portfolio may expire worthless or may be repurchased or retired by the SPAC at an unfavorable price; the Portfolio may be delayed in receiving any redemption or liquidation proceeds from a SPAC to which it is entitled; an investment in a SPAC may be diluted by subsequent public or private offerings of securities in the SPAC or by other investors exercising existing rights to purchase securities of the SPAC; SPAC sponsors generally purchase interests in the SPAC at more favorable terms than investors in the IPO or subsequent investors on the open market; no or only a thinly traded market for shares of or interests in a SPAC may develop, leaving the Portfolio unable to sell its interest in a SPAC or to sell its interest only at a price below what the Portfolio believes is the SPAC security's value; and the values of investments in SPACs may be highly volatile and may depreciate significantly over time.

**STANDBY COMMITMENT AGREEMENTS.** A Portfolio may enter into standby commitment agreements. These agreements commit a Portfolio, for a stated period of time, to purchase a stated amount of securities that may be issued and sold to that Portfolio at the option of the issuer. The price of the security is fixed at the time of the commitment. At the time of entering into the agreement the Portfolio is paid a commitment fee, regardless of whether or not the security is ultimately issued. A Portfolio will enter into such agreements for the purpose of investing in the security underlying the commitment at a price that is considered advantageous to the Portfolio. A Portfolio will limit its investment in such commitments so that the aggregate purchase price of securities subject to such commitments, together with the value of portfolio securities subject to legal restrictions on resale that affect their marketability, will not exceed 15% of its net assets taken at the time of the commitment. There can be no assurance that the securities subject to a standby commitment will be issued, and the value of the security, if issued, on the delivery date may be more or less than its purchase price. Since the issuance of the security underlying the commitment is at the option of the issuer, the Portfolio may bear the risk of a decline in the value of such security and may not benefit from any appreciation in the value of the security during the commitment period. The purchase of a security subject to a standby commitment agreement and the related commitment fee will be recorded on the date on which the security can reasonably be expected to be issued, and the value of the security thereafter will be reflected in the calculation of a Portfolio's NAV. The cost basis of the security will be adjusted by the amount of the commitment fee. In the event the security is not issued, the commitment fee will be recorded as income on the expiration date of the standby commitment.

**STRIPPED SECURITIES.** Stripped securities are created when the issuer separates the interest and principal components of an instrument and sells them as separate securities. In general, one security is entitled to receive the interest payments on the underlying assets (the interest only or "IO" security) and the other to receive the principal payments (the principal only or "PO" security). Some stripped securities may receive a combination of interest and principal payments. The yields to maturity on IOs and POs are sensitive to the expected or anticipated rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying assets, and principal payments may have a material effect on yield to maturity. If the underlying assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, a Portfolio may not fully recoup its initial investment in IOs. Conversely, if the underlying assets experience less than anticipated prepayments of principal, the yield on POs could be adversely affected. Stripped securities may be highly sensitive to changes in interest rates and rates of prepayment.

**STRUCTURED NOTES.** Certain Portfolios may invest in structured notes. The values of the structured notes in which a Portfolio will invest may be linked to equity securities or equity indices or other instruments or indices (reference instruments). These notes differ from other types of debt securities in several respects. The interest rate or principal amount payable at maturity may vary based on changes in the

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value of the equity security, instrument, or index. A structured note may be positively or negatively indexed; that is, its value or interest rate may increase or decrease if the value of the reference instrument increases. Similarly, its value may increase or decrease if the value of the reference instrument decreases. Further, the change in the principal amount payable with respect to, or the interest rate of, a structured note may be a multiple of the percentage change (positive or negative) in the value of the underlying reference instrument(s).

Investments in structured notes involve certain risks, including the credit risk of the issuer and the normal risks of price changes in response to changes in interest rates. Further, in the case of certain structured notes, a decline or increase in the value of the reference instrument may cause the interest rate to be reduced to zero, and any further declines or increases in the reference instrument may then reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. The percentage by which the value of the structured note decreases may be far greater than the percentage by which the value of the reference instrument increases or decreases. Finally, these securities may be less liquid than other types of securities, and may be more volatile than their underlying reference instruments.

**SUKUK.** Sukuk are certificates structured to comply with Sharia law and its investment principles. These certificates usually represent the beneficial ownership interest in a portfolio of eligible existing or future tangible or intangible assets (underlying assets). In a typical sukuk, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) issues certificates to investors in exchange for their capital. The SPV transfers the capital to or for the benefit of the entity that is raising the capital (the obligor) in exchange for the underlying assets of the obligor that are held in trust by the SPV. The obligor is obligated, usually through a series of contracts, to make periodic payments to investors through the SPV over a specified period of time and a final payment to investors through the SPV on a date certain. Obligors of sukuk include financial institutions and corporations, foreign governments and agencies of foreign governments, including issuers in emerging markets.

Although under Sharia law, sukuk involve the sharing of profits and losses in the underlying asset financed by the investment in the certificates, most sukuk do not provide investors with bona fide legal ownership of the underlying assets, and the periodic and final payments to sukuk investors are not generally linked to the value of the underlying assets. As a result, most sukuk are considered unsecured obligations whose risks and returns are similar to those of conventional debt instruments. Investors typically have no direct recourse to the underlying assets and do not have a secured claim against the obligor. Sukuk investors are subject to the creditworthiness of the obligor, and the obligor may be unwilling or unable to meet its periodic or final payment obligations. In addition, investors' ability to pursue and enforce actions with respect to these payment obligations or to otherwise enforce the terms of the sukuk, restructure the sukuk, obtain a judgment in a court of competent jurisdiction, and/or attach assets of the obligor may be limited. As with conventional debt instruments, sukuk prices change in response to interest rate changes.

The structural complexity of sukuk and the immaturity of the sukuk market, increases the potential risks of investing in sukuk, including operational, legal, and investment risks. While the sukuk market has grown in recent years, sukuk can be less liquid than other types of investments and it may be difficult at times to invest in or dispose of sukuk. In addition, evolving interpretations of Sharia law by courts or Islamic scholars on sukuk structures and sukuk transferability, or a determination subsequent to the issuance of the sukuk by some Islamic scholars that certain sukuk do not comply with Sharia law and its investment principles, could have a dramatic adverse effect on the price and liquidity of a particular sukuk or the sukuk market in general.

**SUPRANATIONAL ENTITIES.** A Portfolio may invest in debt securities of supranational entities. Examples include the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. The government members, or "stockholders," usually make initial capital contributions to the supranational entity and in many cases are committed to make additional capital contributions if the supranational entity is unable to repay its borrowings.

**TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE STRATEGY AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS.** Each Portfolio may temporarily invest without limit in money market instruments, including commercial paper of US corporations, certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and other obligations of domestic banks, and obligations issued or guaranteed by the US government, its agencies or its instrumentalities, as part of a temporary defensive strategy or to maintain liquidity to meet redemptions. Money market instruments typically have a maturity of one year or less as measured from the date of purchase.

A Portfolio also may temporarily hold cash or invest in money market instruments pending investment of proceeds from new sales of Portfolio shares or during periods of portfolio restructuring.

**WARRANTS AND RIGHTS.** Warrants and rights are securities permitting, but not obligating, the warrant holder to subscribe for other securities. Buying a warrant does not make a Portfolio a shareholder of the underlying stock. The warrant holder has no right to dividends or votes on the underlying stock. A warrant does not carry any right to assets of the issuer, and for this reason investment in warrants may be more speculative than other equity-based investments.

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**WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES, DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS.** A Portfolio may purchase or sell securities that it is entitled to receive on a when-issued basis. A Portfolio may also purchase or sell securities on a delayed delivery basis or through a forward commitment. These transactions involve the purchase or sale of securities by a Portfolio at an established price with payment and delivery taking place in the future. A Portfolio enters into these transactions to obtain what is considered an advantageous price to the Portfolio at the time of entering into the transaction. No Portfolio has established any limit on the percentage of its assets that may be committed in connection with these transactions. When-issued securities, delayed delivery securities and forward commitments are considered to be "derivative transactions" under Rule 18f-4 of the 1940 Act and therefore the Portfolios intended that any transactions involving when-issued securities, delayed delivery securities or forward commitments will be conducted in compliance with the requirements of Rule 18f-4.

There can be no assurance that a security purchased on a when-issued basis will be issued or that a security purchased or sold through a forward commitment will be delivered. The value of securities in these transactions on the delivery date may be more or less than the Portfolio's purchase price. The Portfolio may bear the risk of a decline in the value of the security in these transactions and may not benefit from an appreciation in the value of the security during the commitment period.

**US GOVERNMENT SECURITIES.** Certain Portfolios may invest in adjustable rate and fixed rate US Government securities. US Government securities are instruments issued or guaranteed by the US Treasury or by an agency or instrumentality of the US Government. US Government guarantees do not extend to the yield or value of the securities or a Portfolio's shares. Not all US Government securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Some are supported only by the credit of the issuing agency.

US Treasury securities include bills, notes, bonds and other debt securities issued by the US Treasury. These instruments are direct obligations of the US Government and, as such, are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. They differ primarily in their interest rates, the lengths of their maturities and the dates of their issuances. US Government guarantees do not extend to the yield or value of the securities or a Portfolio's shares.

Securities issued by agencies of the US Government or instrumentalities of the US Government, including those which are guaranteed by Federal agencies or instrumentalities, may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Obligations of the Ginnie Mae, the Farmers Home Administration and the Small Business Administration are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, a Portfolio must look principally to the agency issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States if the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitments.

Certain Portfolios may also invest in component parts of US Government securities, namely either the corpus (principal) of such obligations or one or more of the interest payments scheduled to be paid on such obligations. These obligations may take the form of (1) obligations from which the interest coupons have been stripped; (2) the interest coupons that are stripped; (3) book-entries at a Federal Reserve member bank representing ownership of obligation components; or (4) receipts evidencing the component parts (corpus or coupons) of US Government obligations that have not actually been stripped. Such receipts evidence ownership of component parts of US Government obligations (corpus or coupons) purchased by a third party (typically an investment banking firm) and held on behalf of the third party in physical or book-entry form by a major commercial bank or trust company pursuant to a custody agreement with the third party. A Portfolio may also invest in custodial receipts held by a third party that are not US Government securities. US Government securities may be affected by changing interest rates.

**ZERO COUPON SECURITIES, PAY-IN-KIND SECURITIES AND DEFERRED PAYMENT SECURITIES.** Certain Portfolios may invest in zero coupon securities. Zero coupon securities are securities that are sold at a discount to par value and on which interest payments are not made during the life of the security. The discount approximates the total amount of interest the security will accrue and compound over the period until maturity on the particular interest payment date at a rate of interest reflecting the market rate of the security at the time of issuance. Upon maturity, the holder is entitled to receive the par value of the security. While interest payments are not made on such securities, holders of such securities are deemed to have received income (phantom income) annually, notwithstanding that cash may not be received currently. The effect of owning instruments that do not make current interest payments is that a fixed yield is earned not only on the original investment but also, in effect, on all discount accretion during the life of the obligations. This implicit reinvestment of earnings at the same rate eliminates the risk of being unable to invest distributions at a rate as high as the implicit yield on the zero coupon bond, but at the same time eliminates the holder's ability to reinvest at higher rates in the future. For this reason, some of these securities may be subject to substantially greater price fluctuations during periods of changing market interest rates than are comparable securities that pay interest currently, which fluctuation increases the longer the period to maturity. These investments benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash to meet debt service, but also require a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt of cash.

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A Portfolio accrues income with respect to these securities for US federal income tax and accounting purposes prior to the receipt of cash payments. Zero coupon securities may be subject to greater fluctuation in value and lesser liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparable rated securities paying cash interest at regular intervals. In addition to the above-described risks, there are certain other risks related to investing in zero coupon securities. During a period of severe market conditions, the market for such securities may become even less liquid. In addition, as these securities do not pay cash interest, a Portfolio's investment exposure to these securities and their risks, including credit risk, will increase during the time these securities are held by a Portfolio.

Pay-in-kind securities are securities that have interest payable by delivery of additional securities. Upon maturity, the holder is entitled to receive the aggregate par value of the securities. Deferred payment securities are securities that remain a zero coupon security until a predetermined date, at which time the stated coupon rate becomes effective and interest becomes payable at regular intervals. Holders of these types of securities are deemed to have received income (phantom income) annually, notwithstanding that cash may not be received currently. The effect of owning instruments which do not make current interest payments is that a fixed yield is earned not only on the original investment but also, in effect, on all discount accretion during the life of the obligations. This implicit reinvestment of earnings at the same rate eliminates the risk of being unable to invest distributions at a rate as high as the implicit yield on the zero coupon bond, but at the same time eliminates the holder's ability to reinvest at higher rates in the future. For this reason, some of these securities may be subject to substantially greater price fluctuations during periods of changing market interest rates than are comparable securities which pay interest currently, which fluctuation increases the longer the period to maturity. These investments benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash to meet debt service, but also require a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt of cash. Zero coupon, pay-in-kind and deferred payment securities may be subject to greater fluctuation in value and lesser liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparable rated securities paying cash interest at regular intervals.

In addition to the above-described risks, there are certain other risks related to investing in zero coupon, pay-in-kind and deferred payment securities. During a period of severe market conditions, the market for such securities may become even less liquid. In addition, as these securities do not pay cash interest, the Portfolio's investment exposure to these securities and their risks, including credit risk, will increase during the time these securities are held in the Portfolio's holdings.

**NET ASSET VALUES**

Any purchase or sale of Portfolio shares is made at the NAV of such shares. The price at which a purchase or redemption is made is based on the next calculation of the NAV after the order is received in good order. The NAV of each Portfolio is typically determined on each day the NYSE is open for trading as of the close of the exchange's regular trading session (which is generally 4:00 p.m. New York time). The Trust will not treat an intraday unscheduled disruption in NYSE trading as a closure of the NYSE and will price its shares as of 4:00 p.m. if the particular disruption directly affects only the NYSE. The NYSE is closed on most national holidays and Good Friday. The Trust does not price, and shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem, the Trust's shares on days when the NYSE is closed but the primary markets for the Trust's foreign securities are open, even though the value of these securities may have changed. Conversely, the Trust will ordinarily price its shares, and shareholders may purchase and redeem shares, on days that the NYSE is open but foreign securities markets are closed.

The securities held by each of the Trust's portfolios are valued based upon market quotations or, if not readily available, at fair value as determined in good faith under policies and procedures adopted and implemented by the Manager, the Trust's valuation designee. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated the Manager as the valuation designee for the respective Portfolios for which it serves as investment manager. The Manager may use fair value pricing if it determines that a market quotation is not reliable based, among other things, on market conditions that occur after the quotation is derived or after the closing of the primary market on which the security is traded, but before the time that the NAV is determined. This use of fair value pricing most commonly occurs with securities that are primarily traded outside of the US because such securities present time-zone arbitrage opportunities when events or conditions affecting the prices of specific securities or the prices of securities traded in such markets generally occur after the close of the foreign markets but prior to the time that a Portfolio determines its NAV.

The Manager may also use fair value pricing with respect to US traded securities if, for example, trading in a particular security is halted and does not resume before the Manager calculates its NAV or the exchange on which a security is traded closes early. In addition, fair value pricing is used for securities where the pricing agent or principal market maker does not provide a valuation or methodology or provides a valuation or methodology that in the judgment of the Manager does not represent fair value. Different valuation methods may result in differing values for the same security. The fair value of a portfolio security that the Manager uses to determine a Portfolio's NAV may differ from the security's published or quoted price. If the Manager needs to implement fair value pricing after the NAV publishing deadline but before shares of the Portfolio are processed, the NAV you receive or pay may differ from the published NAV price. For purposes of computing each Portfolio's NAV, the Manager will value each Portfolio's futures contracts 15 minutes after the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Except when the Manager fair values securities, the Manager normally values each foreign security held by the Trust as of the close of the security's primary market.

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Fair value pricing procedures are designed to result in prices for a Portfolio's securities and its NAV that are reasonable in light of the circumstances which make or have made market quotations unavailable or unreliable, and to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders. There is no assurance, however, that fair value pricing will more accurately reflect the market value of a security than the market price of such security on that day or that it will prevent dilution of a Portfolio's NAV by short-term traders.

The NAV for each of the Portfolios is determined by a simple calculation. It's the total value of a Portfolio (assets minus liabilities) divided by the total number of shares outstanding.

To determine a Portfolio's NAV, its holdings are valued as follows:

Equity securities for which the primary market is on an exchange (whether domestic or foreign) shall be valued at the last sale price on such exchange or market on the day of valuation or, if there was no sale on such day, at the mean between the last bid and asked prices on such day or at the last bid price on such day in the absence of an asked price. Securities included within the NASDAQ market shall be valued at the NASDAQ official closing price (NOCP) on the day of valuation, or if there was no NOCP issued, at the last sale price on such day. Securities included within the NASDAQ market for which there is no NOCP and no last sale price on the day of valuation shall be valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices on such day or at the last bid price on such day in the absence of an asked price. Equity securities that are not sold on an exchange or NASDAQ are generally valued by an independent pricing agent or principal market maker.

A Portfolio may own securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Portfolios do not price their shares. Therefore, the value of a Portfolio's assets may change on days when shareholders cannot purchase or redeem Portfolio shares.

Convertible debt securities that are traded in the over-the-counter market, including listed convertible debt securities for which the primary market is believed by PGIM Investments or a subadviser to be over-the-counter, are valued on the day of valuation at an evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing agent or, in the absence of a valuation provided by an independent pricing agent, at the bid price provided by a principal market maker or primary market dealer.

Other debt securities—those that are not valued on an amortized cost basis—are valued using an independent pricing service. Options on stock and stock indexes that are traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on such exchange on the day of valuation or, if there was no such sale on such day, at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on such exchange.

Futures contracts and options on futures contracts are valued at the last sale price at the close of the commodities exchange or board of trade on which they are traded. If there has been no sale that day, the securities will be valued at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on that exchange or board of trade.

Forward currency exchange contracts are valued at the cost of covering or offsetting such contracts calculated on the day of valuation. Securities which are valued in accordance herewith in a currency other than US dollars shall be converted to US dollar equivalents at a rate obtained from a recognized bank, dealer or independent service on the day of valuation.

OTC options are valued at the mean between bid and asked prices provided by a dealer (which may be the counterparty). A subadviser will monitor the market prices of the securities underlying the OTC options with a view to determining the necessity of obtaining additional bid and ask quotations from other dealers to assess the validity of the prices received from the primary pricing dealer.

All short-term debt securities, including bonds, notes, debentures and other debt securities, and money market instruments such as certificates of deposit, commercial paper, bankers' acceptances and obligations of domestic and foreign banks for which market quotations are readily available, are valued by an independent pricing agent or principal market maker (if available, otherwise a primary market dealer).

**TAXATION**

This section of the SAI provides additional information concerning the US federal income tax treatment of each Portfolio and its shareholders. It is based on the Code, applicable US Treasury regulations, judicial authority, and administrative rulings and practice, all as in effect as of the date of this SAI and all of which are subject to change, including with retroactive effect. The following discussion does not address any state, local or non-US tax matters. The Portfolios may or may not invest in all of the securities or other instruments described in this Taxation section. Please see each Portfolio's prospectus for information about its investments.

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The following discussion is generally based on the assumption that the shares of each Portfolio will be respected as owned by Investing Portfolios, which are owned by Participating Insurance Companies through their separate accounts and other eligible persons or plans permitted to hold shares of an Investing Portfolio pursuant to the applicable US Treasury regulations without impairing the ability of the Participating Insurance Company separate accounts to satisfy the diversification requirements of Section 817(h) of the Code ("Other Eligible Investors"). If this is not the case and shares of a Portfolio held by an Investing Portfolio, which is held by separate accounts of Participating Insurance Companies are not respected as owned for US federal income tax purposes by those separate accounts, the person(s) determined to indirectly own the Portfolio shares will not be eligible for tax deferral and, instead, will be taxed currently on the Portfolio distributions and on the proceeds of any sale, transfer or redemption of Portfolio shares under applicable US federal income tax rules that may not be discussed herein.

The Trust has not requested and will not request an advance ruling from the IRS as to the US federal income tax matters described below. The IRS could adopt positions contrary to those discussed below and such positions could be sustained. In addition, the following discussion and the discussion in each prospectus address only some of the US federal income tax considerations generally affecting investments in a Portfolio. In particular, because Investing Portfolios, which are owned by Participating Insurance Company separate accounts and Other Eligible Investors, will be the only shareholders of the Portfolios, only certain US federal tax aspects of an investment in a Portfolio are described herein. Participating Insurance Companies include in their taxable income the net investment income derived from the investment of assets held in their subaccounts because the Participating Insurance Companies are considered the owners of these assets under US federal income tax law. A Participating Insurance Company may claim certain tax benefits associated with this investment income. These benefits, which may include foreign tax credits (which can reduce a Participating Insurance Company's US taxes on foreign source income) and the corporate dividend received deduction (which is a tax deduction for the insurance company, attributable to certain dividends received by a Portfolio if the Portfolio is treated as a partnership for US federal income tax purposes), are not passed on to subaccount owners since the Participating Insurance Company is the owner of the assets under US federal tax law and is thus taxed on the investment income generated by the assets. Contract owners should consult their Contract prospectus for information relating to the tax matters applicable to their Contracts. In addition, Contract owners may wish to consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of investing in the Trust, including the application of US federal, state and local and non-US taxes.

Each Portfolio currently intends to be treated as a partnership for US federal income tax purposes and not as an association taxable as a corporation and does not expect to be a "publicly traded partnership" as defined in Section 7704 of the Code. Each Portfolio considers itself to be a separate entity for US federal income tax purposes. Thus, each Portfolio and its shareholders should not be required to take into account the assets, operations, or shareholders of other series of the Trust for US federal income tax purposes (e.g., for purposes of determining possible characterization as a publicly traded partnership). If a Portfolio were determined to be a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation, (i) it generally would be subject to an entity level tax on its earnings and profits at regular corporate income tax rates, and (ii) each insurance company separate account invested in the Portfolio would fail to satisfy the separate diversification requirements described below, with the result that the Contracts supported by that account would no longer be eligible for tax deferral.

As a partnership, each Portfolio is generally not itself subject to US federal income taxes. Instead, each Portfolio's income, gains, losses, deductions, credits and other tax items will be "passed through" pro rata directly to its shareholders the Investing Portfolios, without regard to whether such shareholder has received or will receive corresponding distributions from the Portfolio. Allocations of these taxable items, for US federal income tax purposes, generally will be made in accordance with the economics of each Portfolio. Such items when allocated to a shareholder will generally retain their character as qualifying for particular tax treatment (e.g., eligibility for dividends-received deduction) when received by a taxable shareholder such as a Participating Insurance Company, this "pass-through" of tax characteristics will generally not affect holders of Contracts funded by a Portfolio or other qualified plans investing in a Portfolio. Distributions by a Portfolio may be made in the form of additional shares (not in cash).

Under the Code, if the investments of a segregated asset account, such as the separate accounts of Participating Insurance Companies, are "adequately diversified," and certain other requirements are met, a holder of a Contract supported by the account will receive favorable tax treatment in the form of deferral of tax until a distribution is made under the Contract.

Generally, the investments of a segregated asset account are considered to be "adequately diversified" only if on the last day of a calendar quarter (or within 30 days after such last day): (i) no more than 55% of the value of the total assets of the account is represented by any one investment; (ii) no more than 70% of the value of the total assets of the account is represented by any two investments; (iii) no more than 80% of the value of the total assets of the account is represented by any three investments; and (iv) no more than 90% of the value of the total assets of the account is represented by any four investments (the "55%-70%-80%-90% diversification test"). Section 817(h) of the Code provides a safe harbor that a segregated asset account is considered "adequately diversified" if it meets a RIC's diversification tests and no more than 55% of the value of the total assets of the account is attributable to cash, cash items (including receivables), US Government securities, and securities of other RICs.

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In general, all securities of the same issuer are treated as a single investment for these purposes, and each US government agency or instrumentality is treated as a separate issuer. However, US Treasury regulations provide a "look-through rule" with respect to a segregated asset account's investments in a RIC or partnership for purposes of the applicable diversification requirements, provided certain conditions are satisfied by the RIC or partnership, as applicable. Under this look-through rule, if a Portfolio limits its shareholders to (i) life insurance companies whose separate accounts invest in the Portfolio for purposes of funding variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts, (ii) trustees of qualified pension and retirement plans and (iii) other funds having similar shareholders, each insurance company separate account investing in the Portfolio will be treated as owning (as a separate investment) its proportionate share of each asset of the Portfolio for purposes of meeting its own diversification requirements under Code Section 817(h), provided that the Portfolio qualifies as a partnership that is not a publicly traded partnership.

Each Portfolio is managed with the intention of complying with the diversification requirements imposed by Section 817(h) of the Code but may not satisfy the look-through rule. It is possible that, in order to comply with these requirements, less desirable investment decisions may be made which could affect the investment performance of a Portfolio.

Failure by a Portfolio to satisfy the Code Section 817(h) requirements by failing to comply with the 55%-70%-80%-90% diversification test or the safe harbor described above, or by failing to satisfy the look-through rule, could cause the Contracts to lose their favorable tax status and require a Contract owner to include currently in ordinary income any income accrued under the Contracts for the current and all prior taxable years. Under certain circumstances described in the applicable US Treasury regulations, inadvertent failure to satisfy the Code Section 817(h) diversification requirements may be corrected; such a correction would require a payment to the IRS. Any such failure could also result in adverse tax consequences for the insurance company issuing the Contracts.

The IRS has indicated that a degree of investor control over the investment options underlying a Contract may interfere with the tax-deferred treatment of such a Contract. The IRS has issued rulings addressing the circumstances in which a Contract owner's control of the investments of the separate account may cause the holder, rather than an insurance company, to be treated as the owner of the assets held by the separate account. If a holder is considered the owner of the securities underlying a separate account, income and gains produced by those securities would be included currently in the holder's gross income.

In determining whether an impermissible level of investor control is present, one factor the IRS considers is whether a portfolio's investment strategies are sufficiently broad to prevent a Contract owner from being deemed to be making particular investment decisions through its investment in the separate account. For this purpose, current IRS guidance indicates that typical fund investment strategies, even those with a specific sector or geographical focus, are generally considered sufficiently broad. Most, although not necessarily all, of the Portfolios have objectives and strategies that are not materially narrower than the investment strategies held not to constitute an impermissible level of investor control in recent IRS rulings (such as large company stocks, international stocks, small company stocks, mortgage-backed securities, money market securities, telecommunications stocks and financial services stocks).

The above discussion addresses only one of several factors that the IRS considers in determining whether a Contract owner has an impermissible level of investor control over a separate account. Contract owners should consult the insurance companies issuing their Contracts and their own tax advisors, as well as the prospectus relating to their particular Contract, for more information concerning this investor control issue.

As noted above, the foregoing discussion of US federal income tax consequences is based on US tax laws and US Treasury regulations in effect on the date of this SAI, and is subject to change by legislative or administrative action, possibly with retroactive effect. A description of other tax considerations generally affecting the Trust and its shareholders is found in the section of the Prospectus entitled "US Federal Income Taxes." In addition, there can be no assurance that a Portfolio will be able to continue to operate as currently described, or that a Portfolio will not have to change its investment objective or investment policies in order to prevent, on a prospective basis, any such rules and regulations from causing Contract owners to be considered the owners of the shares of the Portfolio. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Trust or its shareholders. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of US federal, state or local or non-US tax matters. The discussion herein and in the Prospectus is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning.

The foregoing discussion does not address the tax consequences to Contract owners of an investment in a Contract. Contract owners investing in a Portfolio through a Participating Insurance Company separate account or persons investing in a Portfolio through Other Eligible Investors are urged to consult with their insurance company or Other Eligible Investor, as applicable, and their own tax advisors, for more information regarding the US federal, state and local and non-US income tax consequences to them of an investment in the Portfolio. Additional information relating to the tax treatment of the variable annuity and life insurance policies for which the Portfolios serve as underlying funding alternatives is contained in the prospectuses for those policies.

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**DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS**

Each Portfolio's portfolio holdings as of the end of the second and fourth fiscal quarters are made public, as required by law, in the Trust's annual and semi-annual reports. These reports are filed with the SEC on Form N-CSR and mailed to shareholders within 60 days after the end of the second and fourth fiscal quarters. The Trust's annual and semi-annual reports are posted on the Trust's website. Each Portfolio's complete holdings are disclosed to the SEC monthly on Form N-PORT, with every third month made available to the public by the SEC 60 days after the end of the Portfolios' fiscal quarter. In addition, the Trust may provide a full list of each Portfolio's portfolio holdings as of the end of each month on its website no sooner than approximately three business days prior to the end of the following month. For certain asset allocation Portfolios, the Trust may also release summary statistics regarding asset allocations and other characteristics on a daily basis on the Trust's website. For all other Portfolios, the Trust may also release, at a sleeve level and/or the composite level, each Portfolio's top ten holdings (or in the case of a fund of funds the complete list of portfolio funds and/or the top ten holdings of the portfolio funds), and summary statistics regarding sectors, countries and/or industries and other characteristics, as of each month end, with all such information posted to the Trust's website approximately 15 days after the end of the month, unless noted otherwise herein.

These Portfolios do not disclose portfolio holdings other than as described herein.

**PROXY VOTING**

The Board has delegated to the Trust's investment manager, PGIM Investments, the responsibility for voting any proxies and maintaining proxy recordkeeping with respect to each Portfolio. The Trust authorizes the Manager to delegate, in whole or in part, its proxy voting authority to its investment subadviser or third party vendors consistent with the policies set forth below. The proxy voting process shall remain subject to the supervision of the Board, including any committee thereof established for that purpose.

The Manager and the Board view the proxy voting process as a component of the investment process and, as such, seek to ensure that all proxy proposals are voted with the primary goal of seeking the optimal benefit for each Portfolio. Consistent with this goal, the Board views the proxy voting process as a means to encourage strong corporate governance practices and ethical conduct by corporate management. The Manager and the Board maintain a policy of seeking to protect the best interests of each Portfolio should a proxy issue potentially implicate a conflict of interest between a Portfolio and the Manager or its affiliates.

The Manager delegates to each Portfolio's subadviser(s) the responsibility for voting each Portfolio's proxies. The subadviser is expected to identify and seek to obtain the optimal benefit for the Portfolio it manages, and to adopt written policies that meet certain minimum standards, including that the policies be reasonably designed to protect the best interests of a Portfolio and delineate procedures to be followed when a proxy vote presents a conflict between the interests of the Portfolio and the interests of the subadviser or its affiliates.

The Manager and the Board expect that the subadviser will notify the Manager and the Board at least annually of any such conflicts identified and confirm how the issue was resolved. In addition, the Manager expects that the subadviser will deliver to the Manager, or its appointed vendor, information required for filing the Form N-PX with the SEC. Information regarding how each Portfolio of the Trust voted proxies relating to its portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge on the Trust's website and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

**CODES OF ETHICS**

The Board has adopted a Code of Ethics. In addition, the Manager, investment subadviser(s) and Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics (the Codes). The Codes apply to access persons (generally, persons who have access to information about a Portfolio's investment program) and permit personnel subject to the Codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by a Portfolio. However, the protective provisions of the Codes prohibit certain investments and limit such personnel from making investments during periods when the Portfolio is making such investments. The Codes are on public file with, and are available from, the SEC.

**APPENDIX I: DESCRIPTIONS OF SECURITY RATINGS**

**MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. (MOODY'S)**

**Long Term Ratings**

**Aaa:** Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

**Aa:** Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

**A:** Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

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**Baa:** Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

**Ba:** Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

**B:** Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

**Caa:** Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

**Ca:** Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

**C:** Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

**Short-Term Ratings**

**P-1:** Ratings of Prime-1 reflect a superior ability to repay short-term obligations.

**P-2:** Ratings of Prime-2 reflect a strong ability to repay short-term obligations.

**P-3:** Ratings of Prime-3 reflect an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

**NP:** Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

**Short-Term Municipal Ratings**

**MIG 1:** This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

**MIG 2:** This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

**MIG 3:** This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

**SG:** This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

**S&P Global Ratings (S&P)**

**Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings**

**AAA:** An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

**AA:** An obligation rated AA differs from the highest rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

**A:** An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

**BBB:** An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, they may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

**BB:** An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

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**B:** An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

**CCC:** An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

**CC:** An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The CC rating is used when a default has not yet occurred but S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

**C:** An obligation rated 'C' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

**D:** An obligation rated 'D' is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within the next five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or the next 30 calendar days. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to 'D' if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.

**Plus (+) or Minus (–):** Ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the rating categories.

**Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings**

**A-1:** A short-term obligation rated 'A-1' is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on these obligations is extremely strong.

**A-2**: A short-term obligation rated 'A-2' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

**A-3**: A short-term obligation rated 'A-3' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

**B:** A short-term obligation rated 'B' is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

**C:** A short-term obligation rated 'C' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

**D:** A short-term obligation rated 'D' is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to 'D' if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring**.**

**Municipal Short-Term Note Ratings**

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings' opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings' analysis will review the following considerations:

■

Amortization schedule-the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

■

Source of payment-the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

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**Municipal Short-Term Notes Ratings:**

**SP-1:** Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

**SP-2:** Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

**SP-3:** Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

**D:** D is assigned upon failure to pay the note when due, completion of a distressed exchange offer, or the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions.

**FITCH RATINGS, Inc. (FITCH)**

**International Long-Term Credit Ratings**

**AAA:** Highest Credit Quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

**AA:** Very High Credit Quality. AA ratings denote expectations of a very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

**A:** High Credit Quality. A ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

**BBB:** Good Credit Quality. BBB ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

**BB:** Speculative. BB ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists that supports the servicing of financial commitments.

**B:** Highly Speculative. B ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.

**CCC:** Substantial Credit Risk. Very low margin for safety. Default is a real possibility.

**CC:** Very High Levels of Credit Risk. Default of some kind appears probable.

**C:** Near default. A default or default-like process has begun, or for a closed funding vehicle, payment capacity is irrevocably impaired. Conditions that are indicative of a 'C' category rating for an issuer include:

■

the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;

■

the formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of a distressed debt exchange; and

■

a closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent.

RD ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch's opinion has experienced:

■

An uncured payment default or distressed debt exchange on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation, but

■

Has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation, or other formal winding-up procedure, and

■

Has not otherwise ceased operating.

This would include:

■

The selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt;

■

The uncured expiry of any applicable original grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation.

**D:** Default. D ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch's opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, or that has otherwise ceased business and debt is still outstanding.

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Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a DDE.

In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency's opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer's financial obligations or local commercial practice.

**International Short-Term Credit Ratings**

**F1:** Highest Short-Term Credit Quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

**F2**: Good Short-Term Credit Quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

**F3:** Fair Short-Term Credit Quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

**B**: Speculative Short-Term Credit Quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

**C:** High Short-Term Default Risk. Default is a real possibility.

**RD:** Restricted Default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more if its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

**D:** Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

**Plus (+) or Minus (–):** The modifiers "+" or "-" may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to AAA ratings and ratings below CCC. For the short-term rating category of F1, a "+" may be appended.

**APPENDIX II: PROXY VOTING POLICIES OF THE SUBADVISERS**

**PGIM, INC. (PGIM)**

**PROXY VOTING POLICIES OF THE SUBADVISER** 

**VOTING APPROACH OF PGIM ASSET MANAGEMENT UNITS**

PGIM Fixed Income. PGIM Fixed Income is a business unit of PGIM. PGIM Fixed Income's policy is to vote proxies in the best interests of its clients. In the case of pooled accounts, the policy is to vote proxies in the best interests of the pooled account. The proxy voting policy contains detailed voting guidelines on a wide variety of issues commonly voted upon by shareholders. These guidelines reflect PGIM Fixed Income's judgment of how to further the best interests of its clients through the shareholder or debt-holder voting process.

PGIM Fixed Income invests primarily in debt securities, thus there are few traditional proxies voted by it. PGIM Fixed Income generally votes with management on routine matters such as the appointment of accountants or the election of directors. From time to time, ballot issues arise that are not addressed by the policy or circumstances may suggest a vote not in accordance with the established guidelines. In these cases, voting decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by the applicable portfolio manager taking into consideration the potential economic impact of the proposal. Not all ballots are received by PGIM Fixed Income in advance of voting deadlines, but when ballots are received in a timely fashion, PGIM Fixed Income strives to meet its voting obligations. It cannot, however, guarantee that every proxy will be voted prior to its deadline.

With respect to non-US holdings, PGIM Fixed Income takes into account additional restrictions in some countries that might impair its ability to trade those securities or have other potentially adverse economic consequences. PGIM Fixed Income generally votes non-US securities on a best efforts basis if it determines that voting is in the best interests of its clients.

Occasionally, a conflict of interest may arise in connection with proxy voting. For example, the issuer of the securities being voted may also be a client of PGIM Fixed Income. When PGIM Fixed Income identifies an actual or potential material conflict of interest between the firm and its clients with respect to proxy voting, the matter is presented to senior management who will resolve such issue in consultation with the compliance and legal departments. Proxy voting is reviewed by the trade management oversight committee.

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Any client may obtain a copy of PGIM Fixed Income's proxy voting policy, guidelines and procedures, as well as the proxy voting records for that client's securities, by contacting the account management representative responsible for the client's account.

**J.P. MORGAN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT INC.**

J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (Sub-Adviser), as an investment sub-adviser to the Portfolio, has been granted the authority to vote the proxies of any voting securities held in the Portfolio's portfolio. In voting proxies, the Sub-Adviser's objective is to vote proxies in the best interests of its clients. To ensure that the proxies of portfolio companies are voted in the best interests of the Portfolio, the Portfolio's Board of Trustees has adopted the Sub-Adviser's detailed proxy voting procedures (the "Procedures") that incorporate guidelines ("Guidelines") for voting proxies on specific types of issues for the Portfolio.

The Sub-Adviser and its affiliated advisers ("JPMAM") are part of a global asset management organization with the capability to invest in securities of issuers located around the globe. Because the regulatory framework and the business cultures and practices vary from region to region, the Guidelines are customized for each region to take into account such variations. The Sub-Adviser has adopted a separate set of Guidelines that covers the regions of (1) North America, (2) Europe, Middle East, Africa, Central America and South America ("EMEA"), (3) Asia (ex-Japan) and (4) Japan.

Notwithstanding the variations among the Guidelines, all of the Guidelines have been designed with the uniform objective of encouraging corporate action that enhances shareholder value consistent with the Portfolio's objectives and strategies. As a general rule, in voting proxies of a particular security, the Sub-Adviser will apply the Guidelines of the region in which the issuer of such security is organized. Except as noted below, proxy voting decisions will be made in accordance with the Guidelines covering a multitude of both routine and non-routine matters that the Sub-Adviser has encountered globally, based on many years of collective investment management experience.

To oversee the proxy voting process on an ongoing basis, JPMAM has established a proxy committee ("Proxy Committee") for each global location where proxy voting decisions are made. Each Proxy Committee is composed of members and invitees including a proxy administrator ("Proxy Administrator") and senior officers from among the investment, legal, compliance, and risk management departments. The primary functions of each Proxy Committee include: (1) reviewing and approving the Guidelines annually; (2) providing advice and recommendations on general proxy voting matters as well as on specific voting issues to be implemented by the Sub-Adviser; and (3) determining the independence of any third-party vendor to which it has delegated proxy voting responsibilities (such as, for example, delegation when the Sub-Adviser has identified a material conflict of interest) and to conclude that there are no conflicts of interest that would prevent such vendor from providing such proxy voting services prior to delegating proxy responsibilities.

The Guidelines are proprietary to the Sub-Adviser and reflect the Sub-Adviser's views on proxy voting matters as informed by its investment experience and research over many years of proxy voting. Certain guidelines are prescriptive ("Prescribed Guidelines") meaning they specify how the Sub-Adviser will vote a particular proxy proposal except where the Sub-Adviser, pursuant to its procedures, determines to vote in a manner contrary to its Prescribed Guidelines also known as an "Override". Other guidelines contemplate voting on a case-by-case basis. In addition, there will undoubtedly be proxy matters that are not contemplated by the Guidelines. Individual company facts and circumstances vary. In some cases, the Sub-Adviser may determine that, in the best interest of its clients, a particular proxy item should be voted in a manner that is not consistent with the Prescribed Guidelines. Where the Sub-Adviser chooses to vote in a manner contrary to its Prescribed Guideline (an "Override") or where the Proxy Administrator determines that such vote requires further escalation to certain portfolio management teams ("escalated votes"), the procedures include a review and, for certain votes, an attestation process. These processes are designed to identify actual or potential material conflicts of interest (between a Portfolio on the one hand, and the Portfolio's Sub-Adviser or an affiliate, on the other hand), ensure that relevant personnel were not in possession of material non-public information ("MNPI"), and ensure that the proxy vote is cast in the best interests of the Portfolio.

In order to maintain the integrity and independence of the Sub-Adviser's investment processes and decisions, including proxy voting decisions, and to protect the Sub-Adviser's decisions from influences that could lead to a vote other than in the Portfolios' best interests, JPMC (including the Sub-Adviser) has adopted policies and procedures that (i) address the handling of conflicts, (ii) establish information barriers, and (iii) restrict the use of MNPI. Material conflicts of interest are further avoided by voting in accordance with the Sub-Adviser's Prescribed Guidelines. A material conflict is deemed to exist when the proxy is for JPMorgan Chase & Co. stock or for a J.P. Morgan Portfolio, or when the Proxy Administrator has actual knowledge indicating that a JPMorgan affiliate is an investment banker or rendered a fairness opinion with respect to the matter that is the subject of the proxy vote. When such conflicts are identified, the proxy will be voted by an independent third party using its own guidelines; provided, however, that the Sub-Adviser's investment professional(s) may request an exception to this process to vote against a proposal rather than referring it to an independent third party ("Exception Request") where the Proxy Administrator has actual knowledge indicating that a JPMorgan Chase affiliate is an investment

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banker or rendered a fairness opinion with respect to the matter that is the subject of the proxy vote. The applicable proxy committee shall review the Exception Request and shall determine whether the Sub-Adviser should vote against the proposal or whether such proxy should still be referred to an independent third party due to the potential for additional conflicts or otherwise.

Depending on the nature of the conflict, the Sub-Adviser may elect to take one or more of the following measures or other appropriate action: removing certain Sub-Adviser personnel from the proxy voting process or "walling off" personnel with knowledge of the conflict to ensure that such personnel do not influence the relevant proxy vote; voting in accordance with the applicable Prescribed Guidelines, if any, if the application of the Prescribed Guidelines would objectively result in the casting of a proxy vote in a predetermined manner, or deferring the vote to an independent third party, in which case the proxy will be voted by the independent third party in accordance with its own determination. In the event that the portion of the Portfolio managed by the Sub-Adviser, in the aggregate with other portfolios managed by JPMIM, holds more than 25% of the outstanding voting securities of an open-end registered investment company or registered unit investment trust that is not managed by JPMIM (a "Non-J.P. Morgan Portfolio"), the Portfolio will vote its respective securities in a Non-J.P. Morgan Portfolio in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of such securities.

The following summarizes some of the more noteworthy types of proxy voting policies of the North America Guidelines:

The Sub-Adviser considers votes on director nominees on a case-by-case basis. Votes generally will be withheld from directors who: (a) attend less than 75% of board and committee meetings without a valid excuse; (b) adopt or renew a poison pill without shareholder approval; (c) are affiliated outside directors who serve on audit, compensation or nominating committees or are affiliated outside directors and the full board serves on such committees or the company does not have such committees; (d) ignore a shareholder proposal that is approved by a majority of either the shares outstanding or the votes cast based on a review over a consecutive two year time frame; (e) are insiders and affiliated outsiders on boards that are not at least majority independent except, in the case of controlled companies, vote for non-independent directors who serve on committees other than the audit committee; or (f) are CEOs of publicly-traded companies who serve on more than two public boards (besides his or her own board) or for all other directors who serve on more than four public company boards. In addition, votes are generally withheld for directors who serve on committees in certain cases. For example, the Sub-Adviser generally withholds votes from audit committee members in circumstances in which there is evidence that there exists material weaknesses in the company's internal controls. Votes generally are also withheld from directors when there is a demonstrated history of poor performance or inadequate risk oversight or when the board adopts changes to the company's governing documents without shareholder approval if the changes materially diminish shareholder rights. Votes generally will be withheld from board chair, lead independent directors, or governance committee chairs of publicly traded companies where employees have departed for significant violation of code of conduct without claw back of compensation. In addition, the Sub-Adviser generally votes against the chair of the nominating committee if one or more directors remain on the board after having received less than majority of votes cast in the prior election.

The Sub-Adviser votes proposals to classify boards on a case-by-case basis, but normally will vote in favor of such proposal if the issuer's governing documents contain each of eight enumerated safeguards (for example, a majority of the board is composed of independent directors and the nominating committee is composed solely of such directors).

The Sub-Adviser also considers management poison pill proposals on a case-by-case basis, looking for shareholder-friendly provisions before voting in favor.

The Sub-Adviser votes against proposals for a super-majority vote to approve a merger.

The Sub-Adviser considers proposals to increase common and/or preferred shares and to issue shares as part of a debt restructuring plan on a case-by-case basis, taking into account such factors as the extent of dilution and whether the transaction will result in a change in control.

The Sub-Adviser considers vote proposals with respect to compensation plans on a case-by-case basis. The analysis of compensation plans focuses primarily on the transfer of shareholder wealth (the dollar cost of pay plans to shareholders) and includes an analysis of the structure of the plan and pay practices of other companies in the relevant industry and peer companies. Other matters included in the analysis are the amount of the company's outstanding stock to be reserved for the award of stock options, whether the exercise price of an option is less than the stock's fair market value at the date of the grant of the options, and whether the plan provides for the exchange of outstanding options for new ones at lower exercise prices.

The Sub-Adviser also considers on a case-by-case basis proposals to change an issuer's state of incorporation, mergers and acquisitions and other corporate restructuring proposals and certain social issue proposals.

The Sub-Adviser generally votes for management proposals which seek shareholder approval to make the state of incorporation the exclusive forum for disputes if the company is a Delaware corporation; otherwise, the Sub-Adviser votes on a case by case basis.

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The Sub-Adviser supports board refreshment, independence, and a diverse skill set for directors as an important part of contributing to long-term shareholder value. The Sub-Adviser expects its investee companies to be committed to diversity and inclusiveness in their general recruitment policies as we believe such diversity contributes to the effectiveness of boards and further development of sound governance and risk oversight. As with all proxy votes, the Sub-Adviser seeks to vote in each Portfolio's best interests to enhance long-term shareholder value. The Sub-Adviser will utilize its voting power to bring about change where boards are lagging in gender and racial/ethnic diversity. The Sub-Adviser will generally vote against the chair of the Nominating Committee when the issuer does not disclose the gender and racial and ethnic composition of the board, with adequate diversity data considered as adequate in instances where individual directors do not wish to disclose personal identification. The Sub-Adviser will also generally vote against the chair of the Nominating Committee when the issuer lacks any gender diversity or any racial/ethnic diversity unless there are mitigating factors such as recent retirement of relevant directors, a relatively new public company, and an ongoing search for a director.

The Sub-Adviser reviews Say on Pay proposals on a case by case basis with additional review of proposals where the issuer's previous year's proposal received a low level of support.

The following summarizes some of the more noteworthy types of proxy voting policies of **Section 12 Social and Environmental Issues** from the North America Guidelines:

The Sub-Adviser generally encourages a level of reporting on environmental matters that is not unduly costly or burdensome and which does not place the company at a competitive disadvantage, but which provides meaningful information to enable shareholders to evaluate the impact of the company's environmental policies and practices on its financial performance. In general, the Sub-Adviser supports management disclosure practices that are overall consistent with the goals and objective expressed above. Proposals with respect to companies that have been involved in controversies, fines or litigation are expected to be subject to heightened review and consideration.

In evaluating how to vote environmental proposals, key considerations may include, but are not limited to, issuer considerations such as asset profile of the company, including whether it is exposed to potentially declining demand for the company's products or services due to environmental considerations; cash deployments; cost structure of the company, including its position on the cost curve, expected impact of future carbon tax and exposure to high fixed operating costs; corporate behavior of the company; demonstrated capabilities of the company, its strategic planning process, and past performance; current level of disclosure of the company and consistency of disclosure across its industry; and whether the company incorporates environmental or social issues in a risk assessment or risk reporting framework. The Sub-Adviser may also consider whether peers have received similar proposals and if so, were the responses transparent and insightful; would adoption of the proposal would inform and educate shareholders; and have companies that adopted the proposal provided insightful and meaningful information that would allow shareholders to evaluate the long-term risks and performance of the company; does the proposal require disclosure that is already addressed by existing and proposed mandated regulatory requirements or formal guidance at the local, state, or national level or the company's existing disclosure practices; and does the proposal create the potential for unintended consequences such as a competitive disadvantage.

The Sub-Adviser votes against the chair of the committee responsible for providing oversight of environmental matters and/or risk where the Sub-Adviser believes the company is lagging peers in terms of disclosure, business practices or targets. The Sub-Adviser also votes against committee members, lead independent director and/or board chair for companies that have lagged over several years.

With regard to social issues, among other factors, the Sub-Adviser considers the company's labor practices, supply chain, how the company supports and monitors those issues, what types of disclosure the company and its peers currently provide, and whether the proposal would result in a competitive disadvantage for the company.

The Sub-Adviser expects boards to provide oversight of human capital management which includes the company management of its workforce, use of full time versus part time employees, workforce cost, employee engagement and turnover, talent development, retention and training, compliance record and health and safety. As an engaged and diverse employee base is integral to a company's ability to innovate, respond to a diverse customer base and engage with diverse communities and deliver shareholder returns, the Sub-Adviser will generally support shareholder resolutions seeking the company to disclose data on workforce demographics including diversity, and release of EEO-1 or comparable data where such disclosure is deemed by the Sub-Adviser as inadequate.

**Non-U.S. Guidelines.** The following summarizes some of the more noteworthy types of proxy voting policies of the EMEA, Asia (Ex-Japan) and Japan Guidelines (collectively, "Non-U.S. Guidelines"):

Corporate governance procedures differ among the countries. Because of time constraints and local customs, it is not always possible for the Sub-Adviser to receive and review all proxy materials in connection with each item submitted for a vote. Many proxy statements are in foreign languages. Proxy materials are generally mailed by the issuer to the sub-custodian which holds the securities for the client in the country where the portfolio company is organized, and there may not be sufficient time for such materials to be transmitted to the

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Sub-Adviser in time for a vote to be cast. In some countries, proxy statements are not mailed at all, and in some locations, the deadline for voting is two to four days after the initial announcement that a vote is to be solicited and it may not always be possible to obtain sufficient information to make an informed decision in good time to vote.

Certain markets require that shares being tendered for voting purposes are temporarily immobilized from trading until after the shareholder meeting has taken place. Elsewhere, notably emerging markets, it may not always be possible to obtain sufficient information to make an informed decision in good time to vote. Some markets require a local representative to be hired in order to attend the meeting and vote in person on our behalf, which can result in considerable cost. The Sub-Adviser also considers the cost of voting in light of the expected benefit of the vote. In certain instances, it may sometimes be in the Portfolio's best interests to intentionally refrain from voting in certain overseas markets from time to time.

The Non-U.S. Guidelines reflect the applicable region's corporate governance or stewardship codes with respect to corporate governance and proxy voting. For example, JPMAM is a signatory to the UK Stewardship Code 2020 and believes that its existing stewardship policies meet the standards required under the Code. Additionally, for example, the EMEA Guidelines for UK companies are based on the revised UK Corporate Governance Code. If a portfolio company chooses to deviate from the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code, the Sub-Adviser takes the company's explanation into account as appropriate, based on the Sub-Adviser's overall assessment of the standards of corporate governance evidenced at the company. For Continental European markets, the Sub-Adviser expects companies to comply with local Corporate Governance Codes, where they exist. In markets where a comparable standard does not exist, we use the EMEA Guidelines as the primary basis for voting, while taking local market practice into consideration where applicable. The Japan Guidelines reflect the 2020 revisions to the Japanese Stewardship Code. Likewise, the Asia (Ex-Japan) Guidelines endorse the stewardship principles promoted by different regulators and industry bodies in the region including the Singapore Stewardship Principles for Responsible Investors supported by Monetary Authority of Singapore and Singapore Exchange, the Principles for Responsible Ownership issued by the Securities and Futures Commission in Hong Kong, and the Principles of Internal Governance and Asset Stewardship issued by the Financial Services Council of Australia.

Where proxy issues concern corporate governance, takeover defense measures, compensation plans, capital structure changes and so forth, the Sub-Adviser pays particular attention to management's arguments for promoting the prospective change.

The Non-U.S. Guidelines encourage transparency and disclosure with respect to remuneration reporting as well as processes and policies designed to align compensation with the long-term performance of portfolio companies.

In particular, the EMEA Guidelines indicate that the remuneration policy as it relates to senior management should ideally be presented to shareholders for approval with such votes normally occurring every third year. In addition, the EMEA Guidelines describe information that the Sub-Adviser expects to be included in remuneration reports including disclosure on amounts paid to executives, alignment between company performance and pay out to executives, disclosure of, among other things, variable incentive targets, levels of achievement and performance awards, information on the ratio of CEO pay to median employee pay.

With respect to the Japan Guidelines, the voting decision will be made taking into account matters such as recent trends in the company's earnings and performance, with the expectation that companies will have a remuneration system comprised of a reasonable mix of fixed and variable (based on short term and medium to long term incentives) compensation. Such Guidelines also support the introduction of clawback clauses in order to prevent excessive risk taking which can negatively impact shareholder value and excessive pay.

Where shareholders are able to exercise a binding vote on remuneration policies, the Asia (Ex-Japan) Guidelines reflect the Sub-Adviser's belief that such polices should stand the test of time. The Asia (Ex-Japan) Guidelines further encourage companies to provide information on the ratio of CEO pay to median employee pay and to explain the reasons for changes to the ratio as it unfolds year by year. The Asia (Ex-Japan) Guidelines also highlight information that companies should have with regard to gender pay gaps and indicate how this issue is being addressed.

The Sub-Adviser is in favor of a unitary board structure of the type found in the United Kingdom as opposed to tiered board structures. Thus, under the EMEA Guidelines, the Sub-Adviser will generally vote to encourage the gradual phasing out of tiered board structures, in favor of a unitary board structure. However, since tiered Boards are still very prevalent in markets outside of the United Kingdom, the Non-U.S. Guidelines do not mandate a unitary board structure and local market practice will always be taken into account.

The Sub-Adviser will use its voting powers to encourage appropriate levels of board independence and diversity as an important part of contributing to long-term shareholder value, taking into account local market practice.

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In particular, the EMEA Guidelines indicate that the Sub-Adviser expects boards to have a strategy to improve female representation in particular. The EMEA Guidelines generally support the target of one-third of board positions being held by women, as recommended by the UK Government's Women on Boards Report, the Davies Review and the FTSE Women Leaders Review (formerly the Hampton-Alexander Review).

The Japan Guidelines include provisions on board diversity and indicate that the Sub-Adviser believes directors with diverse backgrounds should make up a majority of a board over time. The Japan Guidelines provide that the current policy is to vote against the election of the representative directors, such as the president of the company, if there is only one or no female directors (at least 30% gender diversity before 2030).

The Asia ex Japan Guidelines reflect, as a minimum standard for all Asia ex Japan markets, that JPMAM would expect no single-gender boards and that such boards would have 25% gender diverse representation before 2025, with 30% gender diverse representation or such higher amounts as reflected by local market practice before 2030.

The Sub-Adviser will usually vote against discharging the board from responsibility in cases of pending litigation, or if there is evidence of wrongdoing for which the board must be held accountable.

The Sub-Adviser will vote in favor of increases in capital which enhance a company's long-term prospects. The Sub-Adviser will also vote in favor of the partial suspension of preemptive rights if they are for purely technical reasons (e.g., rights offers which may not be legally offered to shareholders in certain jurisdictions). However, the Sub-Adviser will vote against increases in capital which would allow the company to adopt "poison pill" takeover defense tactics, or where the increase in authorized capital would dilute shareholder value in the long term.

The Sub-Adviser will vote in favor of proposals which will enhance a company's long-term prospects. The Sub-Adviser will vote against an increase in bank borrowing powers which would result in the company reaching an unacceptable level of financial leverage, where such borrowing is expressly intended as part of a takeover defense, or where there is a material reduction in shareholder value.

The Sub-Adviser will generally vote against anti-takeover devices.

The Sub-Adviser considers social or environmental issues on a case-by-case basis under the Non-U.S. Guidelines, keeping in mind at all times the best economic interests of its clients. With respect to environmental proposals, the Non-U.S. Guidelines indicate that good corporate governance policies should consider the impact of company operations on the environment and the costs of compliance with laws and regulations relating to environmental matters, physical damage to the environment (including the costs of clean-ups and repairs), consumer preferences and capital investments related to climate change. The Non-U.S. Guidelines further encourage a level of environmental reporting that is not unduly costly or burdensome and which does not place the company at a competitive disadvantage, but which provides meaningful information to enable shareholders to evaluate the impact of the company's environmental policies and practices on its financial performance. With regard to social issues, among other factors, the Sub-Adviser considers the company's labor practices, supply chain, how the company supports and monitors those issues, what types of disclosure the company and its peers currently provided, and whether the proposal would result in a competitive disadvantage for the company.

**North American and Non-U.S. Guidelines.** The following describes certain elements that are common to the North America and Non-U.S. Guidelines:

■

The North America and Non-U.S. Guidelines note that, in certain markets, by-law changes have taken place to allow a company to hold virtual or hybrid general shareholder meetings and reflect that general shareholder meetings should be fair, constructive and foster dialogue between company management and shareholders. In principle, the Sub-Adviser is supportive of proposals allowing shareholder meetings to be convened by electronic means so long as the flexibility in the format of the meetings contributes to enhancing access to the meetings and where shareholder participation rights are protected, regardless of whether physical or virtual.

■

The North America and Non-U.S. Guidelines include climate risk guidelines due to the Sub-Adviser's view that climate change has become a material risk to the strategy and financial performance of many companies. The Sub-Adviser may vote against directors of companies, that, in the Sub-Adviser's opinion, face material climate-related transition or asset risks, where such disclosures are not available or where we believe such disclosures are not meaningful. To provide shareholders with meaningful disclosures on how the company is addressing risks related to climate change, the Sub-Adviser encourages disclosure aligned with the reporting framework developed by the Task Force on Climate related Financial Disclosures ("TCFD"). In addition, for companies in industries where the Sub-Adviser believes climate change risks pose material financial risks, the Sub-Adviser encourages more comprehensive reporting including scenario analysis to help under the resilience of a company's strategy and disclosures of Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gases ("GHG") emission targets, where decarbonization of a company's operations and purchased energy has been identified by the company as a key part of a company's strategy to manage climate change risks. In addition, for companies who have chosen to set long-term net zero targets, the Sub-Adviser encourages the company to make disclosures including scope of emissions included in such targets in order to allow the Sub-Adviser to evaluate the long-term credibility of transition plans. The Sub-Adviser may vote for shareholder resolutions requesting information where disclosure is unavailable or not meaningful.

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**Securities Lending**

Proxies for securities that are out on loan normally cannot be voted, as title passes to the borrower of the securities. The Sub-Adviser is not involved in a Portfolio's securities lending arrangements as it is not a party to a securities lending agreement involving the Portfolio and does not make the decision to lend a Portfolio's securities. As a result, to the extent that a Portfolio engages in securities lending, the Sub-Adviser's proxy voting responsibilities do not include recalling securities to vote proxies for securities that have been lent by the Portfolio.

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**PART C**

**OTHER INFORMATION**

**Item 28. Exhibits.**

[(a)(1) Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465906012300/a05-21614_1ex99da2.htm)[Amendment No. 57 to Registrant's Registration Statement for Form N-1A (File Nos. 33-24962 and 811-5186) (the](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465906012300/a05-21614_1ex99da2.htm)["Registration Statement"), which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 27, 2006, and is incorporated](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465906012300/a05-21614_1ex99da2.htm)[herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465906012300/a05-21614_1ex99da2.htm)

[(a)(1)(a) Amendment to Declaration of Trust of Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000116923207001999/d71602_exa2.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 26, 2007, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000116923207001999/d71602_exa2.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000116923207001999/d71602_exa2.htm)

[(b) By-laws of Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465905007486/a05-2974_1ex99db.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 18, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465905007486/a05-2974_1ex99db.htm)

(c) None

[(d)(1) Investment Management Agreement among the Registrant, American Skandia Investment Services,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467904000015/d1.htm)[Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Inc.) and Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467904000015/d1.htm)[Investments LLC) for the various portfolios of the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467904000015/d1.htm)[to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467904000015/d1.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467904000015/d1.htm)

[(d)(1)(a) Amendment to Investment Management Agreement, among the Registrant and PGIM Investments LLC and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d2.htm)[AST Investment Services, Inc. dated January 27, 2025. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 199 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d2.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2025, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d2.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d2.htm)

[(d)(1)(b) Contractual investment management fee waivers and/or contractual expense caps for selected AST](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d2.htm)[portfolios dated April 14, 2026. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 202 to Registration Statement,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d2.htm)[which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 16, 2026, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d2.htm)

[(d)(1)(c) Contractual investment management fee waivers and/or contractual expense caps for AST Large-Cap Value](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d5.htm)[Portfolio and AST Small-Cap Equity Portfolio (formerly known as AST Small-Cap Growth Portfolio) dated December](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d5.htm)[16, 2024. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 199 to Registration Statement, which Amendment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d5.htm)[was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d5.htm)

[(d)(1)(d) Contractual investment management fee waivers and/or contractual expense caps for AST International](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d6.htm)[Equity Portfolio dated January 13, 2025. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 199 to Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d6.htm)[Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d6.htm)

[(d)(2) Investment Management Agreement among the Registrant and Prudential Investments LLC (now known as](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exd2ast_485bpos42013.htm)[PGIM Investments LLC). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exd2ast_485bpos42013.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exd2ast_485bpos42013.htm)

[(d)(2)(a) Amendment to Investment Management Agreement, among the Registrant and PGIM Investments](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d2.htm)[LLC, dated December 2, 2025. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 201 to Registration Statement,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d2.htm)[which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 10, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d2.htm)

[(d)(2)(b) Contractual investment management fee waivers and/or contractual expense caps for selected AST](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d3.htm)[portfolios dated April 14, 2026. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 202 to Registration Statement,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d3.htm)[which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 16, 2026, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d3.htm)

------

[(d)(3) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465906028963/a06-5264_1ex99dd3.htm)[Investment Services, Inc.), Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC) and Prudential](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465906028963/a06-5264_1ex99dd3.htm)[Investment Management, Inc. (now known as PGIM, Inc.) for the AST Government Money Market Portfolio (formerly,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465906028963/a06-5264_1ex99dd3.htm)[AST Money Market Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to Registration Statement,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465906028963/a06-5264_1ex99dd3.htm)[which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 28, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465906028963/a06-5264_1ex99dd3.htm)

[(d)(4) Subadvisory Agreement among PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM, Inc. and PGIM Limited for the AST Bond](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d15.htm)[Portfolio 2026. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 178 to the Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d15.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 16, 2020, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d15.htm)

[(d)(5) Subadvisory Agreement among PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM, Inc. and PGIM Limited for the AST Bond](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d16.htm)[Portfolio 2027. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 178 to the Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d16.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 16, 2020, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d16.htm)

[(d)(6) Subadvisory Agreement among PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM, Inc. and PGIM Limited for the AST Bond](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d17.htm)[Portfolio 2028. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 178 to the Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d17.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 16, 2020, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d17.htm)

[(d)(7) Subadvisory Agreement among PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM, Inc. and PGIM Limited for the AST Bond](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d18.htm)[Portfolio 2029. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 178 to the Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d18.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 16, 2020, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d18.htm)

[(d)(8) Subadvisory Agreement among PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM, Inc. and PGIM Limited for the AST Bond](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d19.htm)[Portfolio 2030. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 178 to the Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d19.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 16, 2020, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d19.htm)

[(d)(9) Subadvisory Agreement among PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM, Inc. and PGIM Limited for the AST Bond](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d20.htm)[Portfolio 2031. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 178 to the Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d20.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 16, 2020, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d20.htm)

[(d)(10) Subadvisory Agreement among PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM, Inc. and PGIM Limited for the AST](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d21.htm)[Investment Grade Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 178 to the Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d21.htm)[Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 16, 2020, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d21.htm)

[(d)(11) Subadvisory Agreement among PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM, Inc. and PGIM Limited for the AST Bond](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320015142/f7562d11.htm)[Portfolio 2032. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 181 to the Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320015142/f7562d11.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 15, 2020, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320015142/f7562d11.htm)

[(d)(12) Subadvisory Agreement among PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM, Inc. and PGIM Limited for the AST Bond](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d7.htm)[Portfolio 2033. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 184 to the Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d7.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 15, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d7.htm)

[(d)(13) Subadvisory Agreement among PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM, Inc. and PGIM Limited for the AST Bond](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d4.htm)[Portfolio 2034. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d4.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d4.htm)

[(d)(14) Subadvisory Agreement among PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM, Inc. and PGIM Limited for the AST Bond](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d6.htm)[Portfolio 2035. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 190 to Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d6.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 18, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d6.htm)

[(d)(15) Subadvisory Agreement among PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM, Inc. and PGIM Limited for the AST Bond](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d5.htm)[Portfolio 2036. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d5.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d5.htm)

------

[(d)(16) Subadvisory Agreement among PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM, Inc. and PGIM Limited for the AST Bond](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d4.htm)[Portfolio 2037. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 201 to Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d4.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 10, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d4.htm)

[(d)(17) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467904000015/d16hw.htm)[Investment Services, Inc.), Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC) and Hotchkis and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467904000015/d16hw.htm)[Wiley Capital Management LLC for the AST Large-Cap Value Portfolio (formerly, the AST Hotchkis & Wiley Large-Cap](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467904000015/d16hw.htm)[Value Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467904000015/d16hw.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467904000015/d16hw.htm)

[(d)(17)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d6.htm)[Skandia Investment Services, Inc.), PGIM Investments LLC (formerly, Prudential Investments LLC) and Hotchkis and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d6.htm)[Wiley Capital Management LLC for the AST Large-Cap Value Portfolio (formerly, AST Hotchkis & Wiley Large-Cap](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d6.htm)[Value Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d6.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d6.htm)

[(d)(18) Subadvisory Agreement among PGIM Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, Inc. and J.P. Morgan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d6.htm)[Investment Management Inc. for the AST Large-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d6.htm)[No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d6.htm)[incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d6.htm)

[(d)(19) Subadvisory Agreement among PGIM Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, Inc. and ClearBridge](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d7.htm)[Investments, LLC for the AST Large-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d7.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d7.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d7.htm)

[(d)(20) Subadvisory Agreement among PGIM Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, Inc. and Dimensional](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d8.htm)[Fund Advisors LP for the AST Large-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d8.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d8.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d8.htm)

[(d)(21) Subadvisory Agreement among PGIM Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, Inc. and Putnam](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d9.htm)[Investment Management, LLC for the AST Large-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d9.htm)[Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d9.htm)[and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d9.htm)

[(d)(22) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and J.P. Morgan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d7.htm)[Investment Management Inc. for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio (now known as AST Multi-Asset Diversified](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d7.htm)[Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 190 to Registration Statement, which Amendment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d7.htm)[was filed via EDGAR on December 18, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d7.htm)

[(d)(22)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d10.htm)[J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio (now known as AST Multi-Asset](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d10.htm)[Diversified Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d10.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d10.htm)

[(d)(23) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, Jennison Associates,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d8.htm)[LLC, PGIM Inc. and PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio (now known as AST](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d8.htm)[Multi-Asset Diversified Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 190 to Registration Statement,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d8.htm)[which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 18, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d8.htm)

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[(d)(23)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services Inc., PGIM Investments LLC,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d11.htm)[Jennison Associates, LLC, PGIM Inc. and PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d11.htm)[(now known as AST Multi-Asset Diversified Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d11.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d11.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d11.htm)

[(d)(24) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and each of QMA LLC](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d11.htm)[(now known as PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC), Jennison Associates LLC, and PGIM, Inc. for the AST Balanced](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d11.htm)[Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 184 to the Registration Statement,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d11.htm)[which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 15, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d11.htm)

[(d)(24)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d12.htm)[each of PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC (formerly known as QMA LLC), Jennison Associates LLC, and PGIM, Inc.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d12.htm)[for the AST Balanced Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d12.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d12.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d12.htm)

[(d)(25) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and J.P. Morgan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d15.htm)[Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Balanced Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d15.htm)[Amendment No. 184 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 15,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d15.htm)[2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d15.htm)

[(d)(25)(a) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and J.P. Morgan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d13.htm)[Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Balanced Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d13.htm)[Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d13.htm)[and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d13.htm)

[(d)(26) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and each of QMA LLC](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d16.htm)[(now known as PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC), Jennison Associates LLC, and PGIM, Inc. for the AST Capital](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d16.htm)[Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio (now known as AST Aggressive Asset Allocation Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d16.htm)[Post-Effective Amendment No. 184 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d16.htm)[December 15, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d16.htm)

[(d)(26)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d14.htm)[each of PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC (formerly known as QMA LLC), Jennison Associates LLC, and PGIM, Inc.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d14.htm)[for the AST Capital Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio (now known as AST Aggressive Asset Allocation Portfolio). Filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d14.htm)[as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d14.htm)[EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d14.htm)

[(d)(27) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and J.P. Morgan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d20.htm)[Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Capital Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio (now known as AST Aggressive](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d20.htm)[Asset Allocation Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 184 to the Registration Statement,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d20.htm)[which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 15, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d20.htm)

[(d)(27)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d15.htm)[J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Capital Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio (now known as AST](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d15.htm)[Aggressive Asset Allocation Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d15.htm)[Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d15.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d15.htm)

[(d)(28) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and each of QMA LLC](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d21.htm)[(now known as PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC), Jennison Associates LLC, and PGIM, Inc. for the AST Preservation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d21.htm)[Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 184 to the Registration Statement,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d21.htm)[which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 15, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d21.htm)

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[(d)(28)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d16.htm)[each of PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC (formerly known as QMA LLC), Jennison Associates LLC, and PGIM, Inc.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d16.htm)[for the AST Preservation Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d16.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d16.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d16.htm)

[(d)(29) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and J.P. Morgan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d25.htm)[Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Preservation Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d25.htm)[Amendment No. 184 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 15,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d25.htm)[2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d25.htm)

[(d)(29)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d17.htm)[J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Preservation Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d17.htm)[Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d17.htm)[December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d17.htm)

[(d)(30) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC (now known as](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759010000351/astexd44april2010.htm)[PGIM Investments LLC) and J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. for the AST J.P. Morgan Conservative](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759010000351/astexd44april2010.htm)[Multi-Asset Portfolio (formerly known as AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio and AST J.P. Morgan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759010000351/astexd44april2010.htm)[Strategic Opportunities Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 to Registration Statement,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759010000351/astexd44april2010.htm)[which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 19, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759010000351/astexd44april2010.htm)

[(d)(30)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d18.htm)[J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. for the AST J.P. Morgan Conservative Multi-Asset Portfolio (formerly](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d18.htm)[known as AST J.P. Morgan Tactical Preservation Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d18.htm)[to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d18.htm)[herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d18.htm)

[(d)(31) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000116923207001999/d71602_exd53a.htm)[Investment Services, Inc.), Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC) and T. Rowe Price](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000116923207001999/d71602_exd53a.htm)[Associates, Inc., for the AST Large-Cap Growth Portfolio (formerly, AST T. Rowe Price Large-Cap Growth Portfolio).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000116923207001999/d71602_exd53a.htm)[Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000116923207001999/d71602_exd53a.htm)[EDGAR on April 26, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000116923207001999/d71602_exd53a.htm)

[(d)(31)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d9.htm)[T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., for the AST Large-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d9.htm)[Amendment No. 190 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 18, 2023,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d9.htm)[and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d9.htm)

[(d)(32) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, and each of PGIM,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d26.htm)[Inc., Jennison Associates LLC and QMA LLC (now known as PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC) for the AST Academic](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d26.htm)[Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio (now known as AST Multi-Asset Diversified Plus Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d26.htm)[Post-Effective Amendment No. 184 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d26.htm)[December 15, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d26.htm)

[(d)(32)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d19.htm)[and each of PGIM, Inc., Jennison Associates LLC and PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC (formerly known as QMA](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d19.htm)[LLC) for the AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio (now known as AST Multi-Asset Diversified Plus](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d19.htm)[Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d19.htm)[was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d19.htm)

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[(d)(33) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, and J.P. Morgan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d29.htm)[Investment Management Inc. for the AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio (now known as AST](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d29.htm)[Multi-Asset Diversified Plus Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 184 to the Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d29.htm)[Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 15, 2021, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d29.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d29.htm)

[(d)(33)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d20.htm)[and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. for the AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio (now](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d20.htm)[known as AST Multi-Asset Diversified Plus Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d20.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d20.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d20.htm)

[(d)(34) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, and TimesSquare](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d21.htm)[Capital Management, LLC for the AST Small-Cap Equity Portfolio (formerly known as AST Small-Cap Growth](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d21.htm)[Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d21.htm)[was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d21.htm)

[(d)(35) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, and Dimensional](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d22.htm)[Fund Advisors LP for the AST Small-Cap Equity Portfolio (formerly known as AST Small-Cap Growth Portfolio). Filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d22.htm)[as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d22.htm)[EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d22.htm)

[(d)(36) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, and Boston Partners](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d23.htm)[Global Investors, Inc. for the AST Small-Cap Equity Portfolio (formerly known as AST Small-Cap Growth Portfolio).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d23.htm)[Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d23.htm)[EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d23.htm)

[(d)(37) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, and Hotchkis and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d24.htm)[Wiley Capital Management LLC for the AST Small-Cap Equity Portfolio (formerly known as AST Small-Cap Growth](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d24.htm)[Portfolio). File Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d24.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d24.htm)

[(d)(38) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC (now known as](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759012000184/exd67ast485bintlgrowagmt.htm)[PGIM Investments LLC), and Jennison Associates LLC, for the AST International Growth Portfolio (now known as](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759012000184/exd67ast485bintlgrowagmt.htm)[AST International Equity Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759012000184/exd67ast485bintlgrowagmt.htm)[Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759012000184/exd67ast485bintlgrowagmt.htm)

[(d)(38)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d8.htm)[and Jennison Associates LLC, for the AST International Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d8.htm)[Amendment No. 199 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2025, and is](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d8.htm)[incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d8.htm)

[(d)(39) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, and PGIM](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d8.htm)[Quantitative Solutions LLC, for the AST International Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d8.htm)[Amendment No. 188 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 19, 2023, and is](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d8.htm)[incorporated herein by reference](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d8.htm).

[(d)(39)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d9.htm)[and PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC, for the AST International Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d9.htm)[Amendment No. 199 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2025, and is](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d9.htm)[incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d9.htm)

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[(d)(40) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, and J.P. Morgan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d9.htm)[Investment Management Inc., for the AST International Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d9.htm)[Amendment No. 188 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 19, 2023, and is](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d9.htm)[incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d9.htm)

[(d)(40)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d10.htm)[and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., for the AST International Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d10.htm)[Post-Effective Amendment No. 199 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d10.htm)[2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d10.htm)

[(d)(41) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, and LSV Asset](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d10.htm)[Management, for the AST International Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 188 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d10.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 19, 2023, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d10.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d10.htm)

[(d)(42) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, and Massachusetts](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d11.htm)[Financial Services Company, for the AST International Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d11.htm)[Amendment No. 188 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 19, 2023, and is](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d11.htm)[incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d11.htm)

[(d)(43) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, and Putnam](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d11.htm)[Investment Management, LLC, for the AST International Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d11.htm)[Amendment No. 199 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2025, and is](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d11.htm)[incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d11.htm)

[(d)(44) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC (now known as](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465912051017/a12-10641_1ex99dd46b.htm)[PGIM Investments LLC), and J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. for the AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465912051017/a12-10641_1ex99dd46b.htm)[Portfolio (now known as AST J.P. Morgan Moderate Multi-Asset Portfolio). Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465912051017/a12-10641_1ex99dd46b.htm)[Amendment No. 103 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 25, 2012, as is](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465912051017/a12-10641_1ex99dd46b.htm)[incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465912051017/a12-10641_1ex99dd46b.htm)

[(d)(44)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d25.htm)[and J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. for the AST J.P. Morgan Moderate Multi-Asset Portfolio (formerly](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d25.htm)[known as AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d25.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d25.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d25.htm)

[(d)(45) Subadvisory Agreement between PGIM Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM, Inc. and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d23.htm)[PGIM Limited for AST Multi-Sector Fixed Income Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 178](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d23.htm)[to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 16, 2020, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d23.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d23.htm)

[(d)(46) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and each of Jennison](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321001843/f8446d11.htm)[Associates LLC, QMA LLC (now known as PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC) and PGIM, Inc. for the AST Prudential](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321001843/f8446d11.htm)[Growth Allocation Portfolio (now known as AST PGIM Aggressive Multi-Asset Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321001843/f8446d11.htm)[Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321001843/f8446d11.htm)[15, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321001843/f8446d11.htm)

[(d)(46)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d26.htm)[each of Jennison Associates LLC, PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC (f/k/a QMA LLC) and PGIM, Inc. for the AST](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d26.htm)[Portfolio (now known as AST PGIM Aggressive Multi-Asset Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d26.htm)[Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d26.htm)[and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d26.htm)

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[(d)(47) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC (now known as](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exd98ast_485bpos42013.htm)[PGIM Investments LLC) and Quantitative Management Associates LLC (now known as PGIM Quantitative Solutions](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exd98ast_485bpos42013.htm)[LLC) for the AST QMA Large-Cap Portfolio (now known as AST Large-Cap Equity Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exd98ast_485bpos42013.htm)[Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exd98ast_485bpos42013.htm)[2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exd98ast_485bpos42013.htm)

[(d)(47)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement between PGIM Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, Inc.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d12.htm)[and PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC for the AST Large-Cap Equity Portfolio (formerly known as AST Large-Cap Core](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d12.htm)[Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 199 to Registration Statement, which Amendment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d12.htm)[was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d12.htm)

[(d)(48) Subadvisory Agreement between PGIM Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, Inc. and J.P. Morgan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d24.htm)[Investment Management Inc. for the AST QMA Large-Cap Portfolio (now known as AST Large-Cap Equity Portfolio).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d24.htm)[Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 178 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d24.htm)[via EDGAR on April 16, 2020, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d24.htm)

[(d)(48)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement between PGIM Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, Inc.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d13.htm)[and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. for the AST Large-Cap Equity Portfolio (formerly known as AST QMA](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d13.htm)[Large-Cap Portfolio and AST Large-Cap Core Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 199 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d13.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2025, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d13.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d13.htm)

[(d)(49) Subadvisory Agreement between PGIM Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, Inc. and Massachusetts](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d25.htm)[Financial Services Company for the AST Large-Cap Core Portfolio (now known as AST Large-Cap Equity Portfolio).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d25.htm)[Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 178 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d25.htm)[via EDGAR on April 16, 2020, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320003558/f3564d25.htm)

[(d)(50) Subadvisory Agreement between PGIM Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, Inc. and Dimensional](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d14.htm)[Fund Advisors LP for the AST Large-Cap Equity Portfolio (formerly known as AST Large-Cap Core Portfolio). Filed as](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d14.htm)[an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 199 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d14.htm)[on April 17, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d14.htm)

[(d)(51) Subadvisory Agreement between PGIM Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, Inc. and ClearBridge](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d15.htm)[Investments, LLC for the AST Large-Cap Equity Portfolio (formerly known as AST Large-Cap Core Portfolio). Filed as](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d15.htm)[an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 199 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d15.htm)[on April 17, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d15.htm)

[(d)(52) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and J.P. Morgan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d27.htm)[Investment Management Inc. for the AST J.P. Morgan Aggressive Multi-Asset Portfolio (formerly known as AST](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d27.htm)[T. Rowe Price Growth Opportunities Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d27.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d27.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d27.htm)

[(d)(53) Sub-subadvisory Agreement dated November 23, 2015, between Prudential Investment Management, Inc.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759015001441/d111pimlsubsubagmt.htm)[(now known as PGIM, Inc.) and Pramerica Investment Management Limited (now known as PGIM Limited) for the](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759015001441/d111pimlsubsubagmt.htm)[AST Prudential Growth Allocation Portfolio (now known as AST PGIM Aggressive Multi-Asset Portfolio), AST](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759015001441/d111pimlsubsubagmt.htm)[Advanced Strategies Portfolio (now known as AST Multi-Asset Diversified Portfolio), and AST High Yield Portfolio.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759015001441/d111pimlsubsubagmt.htm)[Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 140 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759015001441/d111pimlsubsubagmt.htm)[EDGAR on December 21, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759015001441/d111pimlsubsubagmt.htm)

[(d)(54) Subadvisory Agreement between AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, Jennison](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322003007/f12011d5.htm)[Associates LLC, PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC, and PGIM Limited for the AST Quantitative Modeling Portfolio.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322003007/f12011d5.htm)[Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 185 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322003007/f12011d5.htm)[via EDGAR on April 14, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322003007/f12011d5.htm)

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[(d)(54)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement between AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d28.htm)[and each of Jennison Associates LLC, PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC, PGIM Inc. and PGIM Limited for the AST](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d28.htm)[Quantitative Modeling Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d28.htm)[which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d28.htm)

[(d)(55) Subadvisory Agreement between PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM, Inc. and PGIM Limited for the AST Target](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322003434/f12287d3.htm)[Maturity Central Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 188 to the Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322003434/f12287d3.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 25, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322003434/f12287d3.htm)

[(d)(56) Subadvisory Agreement between PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM, Inc. and PGIM Limited for the AST PGIM](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322005144/f12690d3.htm)[Fixed Income Central Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 189 to the Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322005144/f12690d3.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on June 27, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322005144/f12690d3.htm)

[(d)(57) Subadvisory Agreement between PGIM Investments LLC and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. for](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007399/f23635d3.htm)[the AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 192 to the Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007399/f23635d3.htm)[Statement, which amendment was filed via EDGAR on November 29, 2022, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007399/f23635d3.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007399/f23635d3.htm)

[(d)(58) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. PGIM Investments LLC) and Driehaus Capital](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d14.htm)[Management LLC for the AST Small-Cap Growth Portfolio (now known as AST Small-Cap Equity Portfolio). Filed as](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d14.htm)[an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d14.htm)[on December 19, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d14.htm)

[(d)(58)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d5.htm)[and Driehaus Capital Management LLC for the AST Small-Cap Equity Portfolio (formerly known as AST Small-Cap](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d5.htm)[Growth Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 201 to Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d5.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 10, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d5.htm)

[(d)(59) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM, Inc. and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d15.htm)[PGIM Limited for the AST Core Fixed Income Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d15.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2022, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d15.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d15.htm)

[(d)(59)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465924104196/tm2424995d1_ex99-x6xlxii.htm)[PGIM, Inc. and PGIM Limited for the AST Core Fixed Income Portfolio for the AST Core Fixed Income Portfolio](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465924104196/tm2424995d1_ex99-x6xlxii.htm)[(formerly, AST Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465924104196/tm2424995d1_ex99-x6xlxii.htm)[on September 30, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465924104196/tm2424995d1_ex99-x6xlxii.htm)

[(d)(60) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d16.htm)[Services, Inc.), PGIM Investments LLC and Wellington Management Company LLP for the AST Core Fixed Income](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d16.htm)[Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to Registration Statement, which Amendment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d16.htm)[was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d16.htm)

[(d)(61) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, and Putnam](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d30.htm)[Investment Management, LLC for the AST Large-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d30.htm)[Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d30.htm)[and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d30.htm)

[(d)(62) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, and J.P. Morgan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d31.htm)[Investment Management Inc. for the AST Large-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d31.htm)[Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d31.htm)[and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d31.htm)

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[(d)(63) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, and ClearBridge](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d18.htm)[Investments, LLC for the AST Large-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d18.htm)[to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2022, and is incorporated](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d18.htm)[herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d18.htm)

[(d)(63)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d32.htm)[and ClearBridge Investments, LLC for the AST Large-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d32.htm)[Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d32.htm)[and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d32.htm)

[(d)(64) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d19.htm)[Services, Inc.), PGIM Investments LLC, and Jennison Associates LLC for the AST Large-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d19.htm)[as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d19.htm)[EDGAR on December 19, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d19.htm)

[(d)(64)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d33.htm)[and Jennison Associates LLC for the AST Large-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d33.htm)[Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d33.htm)[and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d33.htm)

[(d)(65) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, and J.P. Morgan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465924104196/tm2424995d1_ex99-x6xn.htm)[Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Core Fixed Income Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465924104196/tm2424995d1_ex99-x6xn.htm)[filed via EDGAR on September 30, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465924104196/tm2424995d1_ex99-x6xn.htm)

[(d)(66) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and Putnam](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d34.htm)[Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Balanced Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d34.htm)[Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d34.htm)[and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d34.htm)

[(d)(67) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and Putnam](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d35.htm)[Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio (now known as AST Multi-Asset Diversified](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d35.htm)[Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d35.htm)[was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d35.htm)

[(d)(68) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and Putnam](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d36.htm)[Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio (now known as AST](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d36.htm)[Multi-Asset Diversified Plus Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d36.htm)[Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d36.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d36.htm)

[(d)(69) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and Putnam](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d37.htm)[Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Capital Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio (now known as AST Aggressive](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d37.htm)[Asset Allocation Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d37.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d37.htm)

[(d)(70) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., PGIM Investments LLC and Putnam](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d38.htm)[Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Preservation Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d38.htm)[Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d38.htm)[and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d38.htm)

[(e)(1) Sales Agreement between Registrant and American Skandia Life Assurance Corporation. Filed as an Exhibit to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/0000814679-98-000003.txt)[Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on March 2,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/0000814679-98-000003.txt)[1998, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/0000814679-98-000003.txt)

------

[(e)(2) Sales Agreement between Registrant and Kemper Investors Life Insurance Company. Filed as an Exhibit to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/0000814679-96-000027.txt)[Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/0000814679-96-000027.txt)[24, 1996, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/0000814679-96-000027.txt)

[(e)(3) Distribution Agreement for the shares of each Portfolio of the Registrant, between](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d6.htm)[Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. and the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 201](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d6.htm)[to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 10, 2025, and is incorporated](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d6.htm)[herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d6.htm)

(f) None.

[(g)(1) Custodian Agreement dated July 1, 2005 between the Registrant and PFPC Trust Company. Filed as an](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465906028963/a06-5264_1ex99dg1.htm)[Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465906028963/a06-5264_1ex99dg1.htm)[April 28, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465906028963/a06-5264_1ex99dg1.htm)

[(g)(2) Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York dated November 7, 2002, as](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/807394/000110465905030404/a05-9858_1ex99dg2.htm)[amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/807394/000110465905030404/a05-9858_1ex99dg2.htm)[Statement on Form N-1A of Dryden Municipal Bond Fund (now known as Prudential Investment Portfolios 4) filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/807394/000110465905030404/a05-9858_1ex99dg2.htm)[via EDGAR on June 29, 2005 (File No. 33-10649).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/807394/000110465905030404/a05-9858_1ex99dg2.htm)

[(g)(2)(a) Amendment to the Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon. Filed as](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d7.htm)[an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 201 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d7.htm)[on December 10, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d7.htm)

[(g)(3) Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement dated February 3, 2006, among the Registrant and The](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/717819/000168386322003691/f12355d6.htm)[Bank of New York Mellon (as assigned from BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. f/k/a PFPC Inc.).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/717819/000168386322003691/f12355d6.htm)[Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(6) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 89 to the Registration Statement on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/717819/000168386322003691/f12355d6.htm)[Form N-1A for Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. 14, filed via Edgar on April 27, 2022 (File No. 002-82976).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/717819/000168386322003691/f12355d6.htm)

[(g)(3)(a) Amendment dated December 8, 2025, to the Fund Administration and Accounting Services](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d8.htm)[Agreement, dated February 3, 2006, among the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon (as assigned from](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d8.htm)[BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. f/k/a PFPC Inc.). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d8.htm)[201 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 10, 2025, and is incorporated](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d8.htm)[herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d8.htm)

[(h)(1) Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the Registrant and Prudential](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/807394/000116923207002825/d72286_exh.htm)[Mutual Fund Services, Inc., dated May 29, 2007. Incorporated by reference to the Dryden Municipal Bond Fund](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/807394/000116923207002825/d72286_exh.htm)[(now Prudential Investment Portfolios 4) Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the Registration Statement on Form](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/807394/000116923207002825/d72286_exh.htm)[N-1A filed via EDGAR on June 29, 2007 (File No. 33-10649).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/807394/000116923207002825/d72286_exh.htm)

[(h)(1)(a) Amendment dated February 5, 2024, to the Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324002695/f38291d4.htm)[Agreement dated May 29, 2007. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 193 to the Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324002695/f38291d4.htm)[Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324002695/f38291d4.htm)

[(h)(1)(b) Amendment to the Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated May](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d9.htm)[29, 2007. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 201 to Registration Statement, which Amendment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d9.htm)[was filed via EDGAR on December 10, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d9.htm)

[(h)(2) Service Agreement between American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated and Kemper Investors Life](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/0000814679-97-000008.txt)[Insurance Company. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/0000814679-97-000008.txt)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 28, 1997, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/0000814679-97-000008.txt)

[(h)(3) Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated June 8, 2005 among American Skandia Life](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000814679/000110465905032137/a05-11822_1ex99d13c.htm)[Assurance Corporation (now Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation), American Skandia Trust (now](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000814679/000110465905032137/a05-11822_1ex99d13c.htm)[Advanced Series Trust), American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now AST Investment Services, Inc.),](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000814679/000110465905032137/a05-11822_1ex99d13c.htm)

------

[Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC), American Skandia Marketing, Inc. (now](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000814679/000110465905032137/a05-11822_1ex99d13c.htm)[Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc.), and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000814679/000110465905032137/a05-11822_1ex99d13c.htm)[the Registration Statement on Form N-14, which was filed via EDGAR on July 12, 2005, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000814679/000110465905032137/a05-11822_1ex99d13c.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000814679/000110465905032137/a05-11822_1ex99d13c.htm)

[(h)(3)(a) Amendment dated February 25, 2013, to the Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh3iiast_485bpos42013.htm)[June 8, 2005, among Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation, Advanced Series Trust, AST Investment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh3iiast_485bpos42013.htm)[Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC), Prudential Annuities](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh3iiast_485bpos42013.htm)[Distributors, Inc., and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh3iiast_485bpos42013.htm)[Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh3iiast_485bpos42013.htm)[incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh3iiast_485bpos42013.htm)

[(h)(4) Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated June 8, 2005 among Pruco Life Insurance Company,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465905032137/a05-11822_1ex99d13d.htm)[American Skandia Trust (now Advanced Series Trust), American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465905032137/a05-11822_1ex99d13d.htm)[AST Investment Services, Inc.)., Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC), American](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465905032137/a05-11822_1ex99d13d.htm)[Skandia Marketing, Inc. (now Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc.), and Prudential Investment Management](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465905032137/a05-11822_1ex99d13d.htm)[Services LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form N-14, which was filed via EDGAR on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465905032137/a05-11822_1ex99d13d.htm)[July 12, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465905032137/a05-11822_1ex99d13d.htm)

[(h)(4)(a) Amendment dated February 25, 2013, to the Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated June](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh5iiast_485bpos42013.htm)[8, 2005, among Pruco Life Insurance Company, Advanced Series Trust, AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh5iiast_485bpos42013.htm)[Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC), Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc., and Prudential](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh5iiast_485bpos42013.htm)[Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh5iiast_485bpos42013.htm)[Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh5iiast_485bpos42013.htm)

[(h)(5) Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated June 8, 2005 among Pruco Life Insurance Company](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465905032137/a05-11822_1ex99d13e.htm)[of New Jersey, American Skandia Trust (now Advanced Series Trust), American Skandia Investment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465905032137/a05-11822_1ex99d13e.htm)[Services, Incorporated (now AST Investment Services, Inc.), Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465905032137/a05-11822_1ex99d13e.htm)[Investments LLC), American Skandia Marketing, Inc. (now Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc.), and Prudential](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465905032137/a05-11822_1ex99d13e.htm)[Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form N-14, which was](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465905032137/a05-11822_1ex99d13e.htm)[filed via EDGAR on July 12, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465905032137/a05-11822_1ex99d13e.htm)

[(h)(5)(a) Amendment dated February 25, 2013 to the Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh4iiast_485bpos42013.htm)[June 8, 2005 among Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, Advanced Series Trust, AST Investment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh4iiast_485bpos42013.htm)[Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC), Prudential Annuities](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh4iiast_485bpos42013.htm)[Distributors, Inc., and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh4iiast_485bpos42013.htm)[Amendment No. 116 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh4iiast_485bpos42013.htm)[is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh4iiast_485bpos42013.htm)

[(h)(6) Participation Agreement among Pramerica of Bermuda Insurance Company, American Skandia Trust (now](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759009000212/exh6bermudaagrmt.htm)[Advanced Series Trust), American Skandia Investment Services, Inc. (now AST Investment Services, Inc.),](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759009000212/exh6bermudaagrmt.htm)[Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC), American Skandia Marketing, Inc. (now](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759009000212/exh6bermudaagrmt.htm)[Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc.), and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an exhibit to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759009000212/exh6bermudaagrmt.htm)[Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759009000212/exh6bermudaagrmt.htm)[April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759009000212/exh6bermudaagrmt.htm)

[(h)(6)(a) Participation Agreement among the Prudential Insurance Company of America, Advanced Series Trust,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh8ast_485bpos42013.htm)[Prudential Investments LLC (now known as PGIM Investments LLC) and AST Investment Services, Inc. Filed as an](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh8ast_485bpos42013.htm)[exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh8ast_485bpos42013.htm)[on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759013000233/exh8ast_485bpos42013.htm)

[(h)(7) Fund of Funds Investment Agreement dated January 19, 2022, made among Prudential Investment Portfolios](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1067442/000168386322000695/f10979d8.htm)[3, Prudential Investment, Portfolios 16, Advanced Series Trust, and The Prudential Series Fund, on behalf of each of](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1067442/000168386322000695/f10979d8.htm)[their respective series listed in Schedule A thereto, and SPDR Series Trust, SPDR Index Shares Funds and SSGA](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1067442/000168386322000695/f10979d8.htm)

------

[Active Trust, each on behalf of their respective series listed on Schedule B thereto. Incorporated by reference to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1067442/000168386322000695/f10979d8.htm)[Exhibit (h)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A for Prudential](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1067442/000168386322000695/f10979d8.htm)[Investment Portfolios 16 filed via EDGAR on February 15, 2022 (File No. 333-60561).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1067442/000168386322000695/f10979d8.htm)

[(h)(7)(a) Amendment dated May 1, 2025, to the Fund of Funds Investment Agreement dated as of January](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d10.htm)[19, 2022, made among Prudential Investment Portfolios 3, Prudential Investment, Portfolios 16, Advanced Series](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d10.htm)[Trust, and The Prudential Series Fund, on behalf of each of their respective series listed in Schedule A thereto, and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d10.htm)[SPDR Series Trust, SPDR Index Shares Funds and SSGA Active Trust, each on behalf of their respective series listed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d10.htm)[on Schedule B thereto. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 201 to Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d10.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 10, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d10.htm)

[(h)(8) Fund of Funds Investment Agreement dated January 19, 2022, made among Advanced Series Trust and The](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/711175/000168386322002997/f11876d4.htm)[Prudential Series Fund, on behalf of their respective series listed on Schedule A thereto, and The Select Sector](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/711175/000168386322002997/f11876d4.htm)[SPDR Trust, on behalf of each of its series listed on Schedule B thereto. Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/711175/000168386322002997/f11876d4.htm)[Amendment No. 92 to Prudential Series Fund filed April 13, 2022.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/711175/000168386322002997/f11876d4.htm)

[(h)(8)(a) First Amendment to Fund of Funds Investment Agreement dated May 16, 2022, is made among Advanced](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d30.htm)[Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund, Prudential Investment Portfolios 3 and Prudential Investment Portfolios 16](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d30.htm)[on behalf of their respective series listed on Schedule A thereto, and The Select Sector SPDR Trust, on behalf of](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d30.htm)[each of its series listed on Schedule B thereto. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d30.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2022, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d30.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d30.htm)

[(h)(9) Fund of Funds Investment Agreement dated as of January 19, 2022, made among Advanced Series Trust and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/711175/000168386323003367/f25258d10.htm)[The Prudential Series Fund, on behalf of their series listed on Schedule A thereto, and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/711175/000168386323003367/f25258d10.htm)[and SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust. Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 93](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/711175/000168386323003367/f25258d10.htm)[to The Prudential Series Fund filed April 19, 2023.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/711175/000168386323003367/f25258d10.htm)

[(h)(9)(a) Amendment dated May 1, 2025, to the Fund of Funds Investment Agreement dated as of January](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d11.htm)[19, 2022, made among Advanced Series Trust and The Prudential Series Fund, on behalf of their series listed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d11.htm)[on Schedule A thereto, and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust. Filed as](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d11.htm)[an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 201 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d11.htm)[on December 10, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d11.htm)

[(h)(10) Amended and Restated Fund of Funds Investment Agreement dated September 19, 2025, made among](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d12.htm)[Prudential Investment Portfolios 3, Prudential Investment Portfolios 16, Advanced Series Trust and The Prudential](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d12.htm)[Series Fund, on behalf of each of their respective series listed in Schedule A thereto, and BlackRock ETF Trust,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d12.htm)[BlackRock ETF Trust II, BlackRock Funds, BlackRock Funds IV, iShares Trust, iShares, Inc., and iShares U.S. ETF](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d12.htm)[Trust, each on behalf of their respective series listed on Schedule B thereto. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d12.htm)[Amendment No. 201 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 10, 2025,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d12.htm)[and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d12.htm)

[(h)(11) Fund of Funds Investment Agreement dated January 19, 2022, made among Advanced Series Trust, on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322003007/f12011d6.htm)[behalf of its respective series listed on Schedule A thereto, and the Vanguard investment trusts listed on Schedule A](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322003007/f12011d6.htm)[thereto, on behalf of each of their series listed on Schedule A thereto. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322003007/f12011d6.htm)[Amendment No. 185 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 14, 2022, and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322003007/f12011d6.htm)[is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322003007/f12011d6.htm)

[(h)(12) Fund of Funds Investment Agreement dated November 28, 2023, made among Advanced Series Trust, on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d14.htm)[behalf of each of its series listed on Schedule A thereto, and the PIMCO Funds, on behalf of its series listed on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d14.htm)[Schedule B thereto, Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 190 to Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d14.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 18, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d14.htm)

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[(h)(13) Fund of Funds Investment Agreement dated November 30, 2023, made among Advanced Series Trust, on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d15.htm)[behalf of its series listed on Schedule A thereto, and the AQR Funds, on behalf of their series listed on Schedule A](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d15.htm)[thereto, Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 190 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d15.htm)[filed via EDGAR on December 18, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d15.htm)

[(h)(14) Fund of Funds Investment Agreement dated November 29, 2023, made among Advanced Series Trust, on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d16.htm)[behalf of each of its series listed on Schedule A thereto, and the Virtus Funds, on behalf of each of its series listed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d16.htm)[on Schedule A thereto, Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 190 to Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d16.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 18, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d16.htm)

[(h)(15) Fund of Funds Investment Agreement dated November 30, 2023, made among Advanced Series Trust, on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d17.htm)[behalf of each of its series listed on Schedule A thereto, and Victory Portfolios II, on behalf of its series listed on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d17.htm)[Schedule A thereto, Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 190 to Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d17.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 18, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d17.htm)

[(h)(16) Fund of Funds Investment Agreement dated December 13, 2023, made among Advanced Series Trust, on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d18.htm)[behalf of each of its series listed on Schedule A thereto, and the Calamos Investment Trust, on behalf of its series](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d18.htm)[listed on Schedule A thereto, Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 190 to Registration Statement,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d18.htm)[which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 18, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d18.htm)

[(h)(17) Fund of Funds Investment Agreement dated January 19, 2022, made among Prudential Investment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1067442/000168386322000695/f10979d10.htm)[Portfolios 3, Prudential Investment, Portfolios 16, and Advanced Series Trust, on behalf of each of their respective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1067442/000168386322000695/f10979d10.htm)[series listed in Schedule A thereto, and the Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1067442/000168386322000695/f10979d10.htm)[Trust II, Invesco India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Trust, Invesco](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1067442/000168386322000695/f10979d10.htm)[Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust and Invesco Exchange-Traded Self-Indexed Fund Trust,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1067442/000168386322000695/f10979d10.htm)[each on behalf of their respective series listed on Schedule B thereto. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(7) to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1067442/000168386322000695/f10979d10.htm)[Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A for Prudential Investment Portfolios](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1067442/000168386322000695/f10979d10.htm)[16 filed via EDGAR on February 15, 2022 (File No. 333-60561).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1067442/000168386322000695/f10979d10.htm)

[(h)(18) Fund of Funds Investment Agreement dated June 9, 2022, made among each Acquiring Fund set forth in](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d31.htm)[Schedule A thereto and advised by PGIM Investments LLC and each Acquired Fund set forth on Schedule A thereto](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d31.htm)[and advised by the PHYL Advisors Preferred Trust. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d31.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2022, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d31.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d31.htm)

[(h)(19) Fund of Funds Investment Agreement dated December 4, 2023, made among Advanced Series Trust on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d19.htm)[behalf of each of its series listed on Schedule A thereto, and the JPMorgan Trust I, on behalf of its series listed on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d19.htm)[Schedule A thereto. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 190 to Registration Statement, which](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d19.htm)[Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 18, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d19.htm)

[(h)(20) Fund of Funds Investment Agreement dated November 11, 2024, made among Advanced Series Trust on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d43.htm)[behalf of each of its series listed on Schedule A thereto, and the JPMorgan Exchange-Traded Fund Trust. Filed as an](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d43.htm)[exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d43.htm)[December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d43.htm)

[(h)(21) Fund of Funds Investment Agreement dated December 10, 2024, made among Advanced Series Trust on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d44.htm)[behalf of each of its series listed on Schedule A thereto, and the AB Global Bond Fund, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d44.htm)[Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d44.htm)[December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d44.htm)

[(i)(1) Opinion of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 to the](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465905019352/a05-2974_1ex99di.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 29, 2005, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465905019352/a05-2974_1ex99di.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465905019352/a05-2974_1ex99di.htm)

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[(i)(2) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to the](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465912020779/a12-7044_1ex99di.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on March 23, 2012, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465912020779/a12-7044_1ex99di.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465912020779/a12-7044_1ex99di.htm)

[(i)(3) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465912051017/a12-10641_1ex99di3.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 25, 2012, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465912051017/a12-10641_1ex99di3.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465912051017/a12-10641_1ex99di3.htm)

[(i)(4) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 107 to Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312512467400/d430644dex99iiv.htm)[Statement, which was filed via EDGAR on November 13, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312512467400/d430644dex99iiv.htm)

[(i)(5) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 113 to Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465913008067/a12-27422_1ex99di5.htm)[Statement, which was filed via EDGAR on February 6, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465913008067/a12-27422_1ex99di5.htm)

[(i)(6) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465913092881/a13-22050_1ex99divi.htm)[Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 30, 2013, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465913092881/a13-22050_1ex99divi.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465913092881/a13-22050_1ex99divi.htm)

[(i)(7) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312514147930/d711969dex99ivii.htm)[Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312514147930/d711969dex99ivii.htm)

[(i)(8) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 128 to Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759014001364/astex99iviii.htm)[Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 15, 2014, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759014001364/astex99iviii.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759014001364/astex99iviii.htm)

[(i)(9) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759015000924/iviiiicounselconsent.htm)[Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 7, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759015000924/iviiiicounselconsent.htm)

[(i)(10) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 140 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759015001441/i10counselconsent.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 21, 2015, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759015001441/i10counselconsent.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759015001441/i10counselconsent.htm)

[(i)(11) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759016002824/i11consentofcounsel.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2016, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759016002824/i11consentofcounsel.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759016002824/i11consentofcounsel.htm)

[(i)(12) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759018001700/i13.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 11, 2018, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759018001700/i13.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759018001700/i13.htm)

[(i)(13) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 163 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386318000532/f685_d16-SEC.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 20, 2018, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386318000532/f685_d16-SEC.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386318000532/f685_d16-SEC.htm)

[(i)(14) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 170 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386319001685/f1549d16.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 19, 2019, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386319001685/f1549d16.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386319001685/f1549d16.htm)

[(i)(15) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 174 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386319002535/f1927d11.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on October 16, 2019, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386319002535/f1927d11.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386319002535/f1927d11.htm)

[(i)(16) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 176 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386319002981/f2154d10.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 17, 2019, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386319002981/f2154d10.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386319002981/f2154d10.htm)

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[(i)(17) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 181 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320015142/f7562d31.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 15, 2020, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320015142/f7562d31.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320015142/f7562d31.htm)

[(i)(18) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 184 to the](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d36.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 15, 2021, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d36.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d36.htm)

[(i)(19) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on March 11,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000814679/000110465922032830/a22-8758_1ex99d11.htm)[2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000814679/000110465922032830/a22-8758_1ex99d11.htm)

[(i)(20) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on March 11,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000814679/000110465922032830/a22-8758_1ex99d12.htm)[2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000814679/000110465922032830/a22-8758_1ex99d12.htm)

[(i)(21) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on March 16,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000814679/000110465922034521/a22-9125_1ex99d11.htm)[2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000814679/000110465922034521/a22-9125_1ex99d11.htm)

[(i)(22) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on March 16,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000814679/000110465922034521/a22-9125_1ex99d12.htm)[2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000814679/000110465922034521/a22-9125_1ex99d12.htm)

[(i)(23) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 188 to the Registration Statement,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322003434/f12287d6.htm)[which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 25, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322003434/f12287d6.htm)

[(i)(24) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on May 6,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922056908/a22-14382_1ex99d11.htm)[2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922056908/a22-14382_1ex99d11.htm)

[(i)(25) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on May 6,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922056908/a22-14382_1ex99d12.htm)[2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922056908/a22-14382_1ex99d12.htm)

[(i)(26) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 201 to Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d14.htm)[Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 10, 2025, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d14.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d14.htm)

[(i)(27) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on August 26,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922095177/tm2224434d1_ex99-11.htm)[2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922095177/tm2224434d1_ex99-11.htm)

[(i)(28) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on August 26,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922095177/tm2224434d1_ex99-12.htm)[2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922095177/tm2224434d1_ex99-12.htm)

[(i)(29) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on October](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922110683/tm2228438d1_ex99-11.htm)[21, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922110683/tm2228438d1_ex99-11.htm)

[(i)(30) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on October](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922110683/tm2228438d1_ex99-12.htm)[21, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922110683/tm2228438d1_ex99-12.htm)

[(i)(31) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on October](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922110685/tm2228436d1_ex99-11.htm)[21, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922110685/tm2228436d1_ex99-11.htm)

[(i)(32) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on October](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922110685/tm2228436d1_ex99-12.htm)[21, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922110685/tm2228436d1_ex99-12.htm)

[(i)(33) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 191 to the Registration Statement,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322006835/f23452d6.htm)[which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on October 26, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322006835/f23452d6.htm)

------

[(i)(34) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on November](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922113558/tm2228622d1_ex99-11.htm)[1, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922113558/tm2228622d1_ex99-11.htm)

[(i)(35) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on November](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922113558/tm2228622d1_ex99-12.htm)[1, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922113558/tm2228622d1_ex99-12.htm)

[(i)(36) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on November](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922113897/tm2228624d1_ex99-11.htm)[2, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922113897/tm2228624d1_ex99-11.htm)

[(i)(37) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on November](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922113897/tm2228624d1_ex99-12.htm)[2, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922113897/tm2228624d1_ex99-12.htm)

[(i)(38) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on November](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922114431/tm2228628d1_ex99-11.htm)[3, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922114431/tm2228628d1_ex99-11.htm)

[(i)(39) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on November](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922114431/tm2228628d1_ex99-12.htm)[3, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922114431/tm2228628d1_ex99-12.htm)

[(i)(40) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on November](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922115403/tm2228632d1_ex99-11.htm)[7, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922115403/tm2228632d1_ex99-11.htm)

[(i)(41) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on November](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922115403/tm2228632d1_ex99-12.htm)[7, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922115403/tm2228632d1_ex99-12.htm)

[(i)(42) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on November](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922119951/tm2228633d1_ex99-11.htm)[17, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922119951/tm2228633d1_ex99-11.htm)

[(i)(43) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on November](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922119951/tm2228633d1_ex99-12.htm)[17, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922119951/tm2228633d1_ex99-12.htm)

[(i)(44) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on November](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922120856/tm2228634d1_ex99-11.htm)[21, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922120856/tm2228634d1_ex99-11.htm)

[(i)(45) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Form N-14 which was filed via EDGAR on November](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922120856/tm2228634d1_ex99-12.htm)[21, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000110465922120856/tm2228634d1_ex99-12.htm)

[(i)(46) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 192 to Registration Statement,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007399/f23635d6.htm)[which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on November 29, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007399/f23635d6.htm)

[(i)(47) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d32.htm)[Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2022, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d32.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d32.htm)

[(i)(48) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post- Effective Amendment No. 190 to Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d20.htm)[Statement, which Amendment was filed via Edgar on December 18, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d20.htm)

[(i)(49) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d45.htm)[Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d45.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d45.htm)

[(i)(50) Consent of Counsel for Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 201 to Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d15.htm)[Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 10, 2025, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d15.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d15.htm)

------

[(j)(1) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d4.htm)[No. 202 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 16, 2026, and is incorporated](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d4.htm)[herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d4.htm)

[(j)(2) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Filed herewith.](f44940d2.htm)

(k) None.

[(l) Certificate re: initial $100,000 capital. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 to Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/0000814679-98-000003.txt)[Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on March 2, 1998, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/0000814679-98-000003.txt)

[(m)(1) Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 201 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d16.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 10, 2025, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d16.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d16.htm)

[(m)(2) Shareholder Services and Distribution Fee (12b-1 Fee) contractual waiver for the following Portfolios of the](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d16.htm)[Registrant: AST Bond Portfolio 2025, AST Bond Portfolio 2026, and AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio. Filed as](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d16.htm)[an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 188 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d16.htm)[on April 19, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323003488/f25152d16.htm)

[(m)(3) Shareholder Services and Distribution (12b-1) Fee contractual waiver for the AST Bond Portfolio 2027. Filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759015001441/m112b1plan.htm)[as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 140 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759015001441/m112b1plan.htm)[EDGAR on December 21, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759015001441/m112b1plan.htm)

[(m)(4) Shareholder Services and Distribution (12b-1) Fee contractual waiver for the AST Bond Portfolio 2028. Filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759016002824/m1ssdplan.htm)[as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759016002824/m1ssdplan.htm)[EDGAR on December 19, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759016002824/m1ssdplan.htm)

[(m)(5) Shareholder Services and Distribution (12b-1) Fee contractual waiver for the AST Bond Portfolio 2029. Filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759017001349/m1ssdplan.htm)[as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 154 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759017001349/m1ssdplan.htm)[EDGAR on December 8, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000006759017001349/m1ssdplan.htm)

[(m)(6) Shareholder Services and Distribution (12b-1) Fee contractual waiver for the AST Bond Portfolio 2030. Filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386318000532/f685_d18-SEC.htm)[as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 163 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386318000532/f685_d18-SEC.htm)[EDGAR on December 20, 2018, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386318000532/f685_d18-SEC.htm)

[(m)(7) Shareholder Services and Distribution (12b-1) Fee contractual waiver for the AST Bond Portfolio 2031. Filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386319002981/f2154d12.htm)[as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 176 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386319002981/f2154d12.htm)[EDGAR on December 17, 2019, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386319002981/f2154d12.htm)

[(m)(8) Shareholder Services and Distribution (12b-1) Fee contractual waiver for the AST Bond Portfolio 2032. Filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320015142/f7562d32.htm)[as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 181 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320015142/f7562d32.htm)[EDGAR on December 15, 2020, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386320015142/f7562d32.htm)

[(m)(9) Shareholder Services and Distribution (12b-1) Fee contractual waiver for the AST Bond Portfolio 2033. Filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d38.htm)[as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 184 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d38.htm)[EDGAR on December 15, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d38.htm)

[(m)(10) Shareholder Services and Distribution (12b-1) Fee contractual waiver for the AST Bond Portfolio 2034. Filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d34.htm)[as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d34.htm)[EDGAR on December 19, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386322007696/f23830d34.htm)

[(m)(11) Shareholder Services and Distribution (12b-1) Fee contractual waiver for the AST Bond Portfolio 2035. Filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d22.htm)[as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 190 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d22.htm)[EDGAR on December 18, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386323008379/f37131d22.htm)

------

[(m)(12) Shareholder Services and Distribution (12b-1) Fee contractual waiver for the AST Bond Portfolio 2036. Filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d47.htm)[as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d47.htm)[EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d47.htm)

[(m)(13) Shareholder Services and Distribution (12b-1) Fee contractual waiver for the AST Bond Portfolio 2037. Filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d17.htm)[as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 201 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d17.htm)[EDGAR on December 10, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d17.htm)

(n) None.

(o) None.

[(p)(1) Code of Ethics of Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 193 to the Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324002695/f38291d6.htm)[Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324002695/f38291d6.htm)

[(p)(2) Code of Ethics, Personal Investing Standards, Global Insider Trading Policy, and Insider Trading and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d5.htm)[Information Barrier Standards of PGIM Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc. dated January 2026.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d5.htm)[Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 202 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d5.htm)[EDGAR on April 16, 2026, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d5.htm)

[(p)(3) Investment Adviser Code of Ethics, Information Barrier Standards, Personal Securities Trading Standards and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324002695/f38291d8.htm)[Global Insider Trading Policy of PGIM Fixed Income and PGIM Real Estate, each, a business unit of PGIM, Inc. Filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324002695/f38291d8.htm)[as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 193 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324002695/f38291d8.htm)[EDGAR on April 18, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324002695/f38291d8.htm)

[(p)(4) Code of Ethics, Making the Right Choices, Information Barrier Standards and Personal Securities Trading](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d18.htm)[Standards of PGIM Quantitative Solutions LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 199 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d18.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2025, and is incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d18.htm)[reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d18.htm)

[(p)(5) Code of Ethics and Personal Trading Policy and Procedures of Jennison Associates LLC dated December 31,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d19.htm)[2024. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 199 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d19.htm)[filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386325003619/f41489d19.htm)

[(p)(6) Code of Ethics of Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d40.htm)[Amendment No. 184 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 15,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d40.htm)[2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386321007203/f10438d40.htm)

[(p)(7) Code of Ethics of J. P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d48.htm)[No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d48.htm)[incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d48.htm)

[(p)(8) Code of Ethics of Massachusetts Financial Services Company. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d18.htm)[Amendment No. 201 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 10, 2025,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d18.htm)[and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d18.htm)

[(p)(9) Code of Ethics of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d19.htm)[Amendment No. 201 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 10, 2025,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d19.htm)[and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d19.htm)

[(p)(10) Code of Ethics of ClearBridge Advisors, LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d49.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d49.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d49.htm)

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[(p)(11) Code of Ethics of Wellington Management Company LLP dated February 2, 2026. Filed as an exhibit to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d6.htm)[Post-Effective Amendment No. 202 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 16,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d6.htm)[2026, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d6.htm)

[(p)(12) Code of Ethics of Boston Partners Global Investors Inc. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d20.htm)[201 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 10, 2025, and is incorporated](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d20.htm)[herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000119312525313092/f43467d20.htm)

[(p)(13) Code of Ethics for TimesSquare Capital Management, LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d50.htm)[No. 198 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d50.htm)[incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d50.htm)

[(p)(14) Code of Ethics for Driehaus Capital Management LLC dated November 14, 2025. Filed as an exhibit to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d7.htm)[Post-Effective Amendment No. 202 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 16,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d7.htm)[2026, and is incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d7.htm)

[(p)(15) Code of Ethics for Dimensional Fund Advisors. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d51.htm)[Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d51.htm)[by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000168386324009315/f40105d51.htm)

[(p)(16) Code of Ethics for Franklin Templeton dated November 17, 2025. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d8.htm)[Amendment No. 202 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 16, 2026, and is](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d8.htm)[incorporated herein by reference.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814679/000081467926000004/f44759d8.htm)

**Item 29. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with the Registrant.**

Registrant does not control any person within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940. See Registrant's Statement of Additional Information under "Management and Advisory Arrangements" and "Other Information."

**Item 30. Indemnification.**

Section 5.2 of the Registrant's Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust provides as follows:

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

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lawfully entitled; provided that no Person may satisfy any right of indemnity or reimbursement granted herein or in Section 5.1 or to which he may be otherwise entitled except out of the property of the Trust, and no Shareholder shall be personally liable to any Person with respect to any claim for indemnity or reimbursement or otherwise.

The Trustees may make advance payments in connection with indemnification under this Section 5.2, provided that the indemnified person shall have given a written undertaking to reimburse the Trust in the event it is subsequently determined that he is not entitled to such indemnification and, provided further, that the Trust shall have obtained protection, satisfactory in the sole judgment of the disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter), against losses arising out of such advance payments or such Trustees, or independent legal counsel, in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of readily available facts that there is reason to believe that such person will be found to be entitled to such indemnification.

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

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

**Item 31. Business and other Connections of the Investment Adviser.**

AST Investment Services, Incorporated ("ASTI"), One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut 06484, and PGIM Investments LLC ("PGIM Investments"), 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, serve as the co-investment managers to the Registrant. Information as to the business and other connections of the officers and directors of ASTI is included in ASTI's Form ADV (File No. 801-40532), including the amendments to such Form ADV filed with the Commission, and is incorporated herein by reference. Information as to the business and other connections of the officers and directors of PGIM Investments is included in PGIM Investments' Form ADV (File No. 801-3110), including the amendments to such Form ADV filed with the Commission, and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Item 32. Principal Underwriters.**

(a) Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. (PAD), One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut 06484 serves as the principal underwriter and distributor for shares of each Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust. PAD is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The shares of each Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust are currently offered only to insurance company separate accounts as an investment option for variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts.

(b) The following table sets forth certain information regarding the directors and officers of PAD.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name and Principal Business Address** | **Positions and Offices with Underwriter** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Kevin M. Brayton<br> 280 Trumbull Street<br> Hartford, Connecticut 06103<br>| Senior Vice President  |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name and Principal Business Address** | **Positions and Offices with Underwriter** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Tracey Carroll<br> 1 Corporate Drive <br> Shelton Connecticut, 06484<br>| President  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Jessica Conley<br> 600 Office Center Drive<br> Fort Washington,<br> Pennsylvania 19034<br>| Vice President  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Susanna Davi<br> 751 Broad Street<br> Newark, New Jersey, 07102<br>| Assistant Treasurer  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Jennifer H. Gascho<br> 751 Broad Street<br> Newark, New Jersey, 07102<br>| Assistant Controller  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Scott P. Haggerty<br> 1 Corporate Drive <br> Shelton Connecticut, 06484<br>| Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Tiffany Khan<br> 1 Corporate Drive <br> Shelton Connecticut, 06484<br>| Anti-Money Laundering Officer |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Victor Kong<br> 751 Broad Street<br> Newark, New Jersey 07102<br>| Assistant Controller |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Shane T. McGrath<br> 1 Corporate Drive <br> Shelton Connecticut, 06484<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President and Chief Compliance <br> Officer<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Janette M. Niland <br> 751 Broad Street<br> Newark, New Jersey, 07102<br>| Assistant Treasurer |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Maggie Palen<br> 751 Broad Street<br> Newark, New Jersey, 07102<br>| Assistant Secretary |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Frank Papasavas<br> 655 Broad Street <br> Newark, NJ, 07102<br>| Treasurer |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Robert P. Smit<br> 751 Broad Street<br> Newark, New Jersey 07102<br>| Controller and Chief Financial Officer  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Jordan K. Thomsen<br> 751 Broad Street<br> Newark, New Jersey 07102<br>| Secretary and Chief Legal Officer |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Dianna Trinkle<br> 751 Broad Street<br> Newark, New Jersey 07102<br>| Assistant Controller |

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**Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records.**

All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the Rules thereunder are maintained at the offices of The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (BNY), 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286, PGIM, Inc., 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, the Registrant, 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, and Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS), 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102.

Documents required by Rules 31a-1(b) (4), (5), (6), (7), (9), (10) and (11) and 31a-1 (d) and (f) will be kept at 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, and the remaining accounts, books and other documents required by such other pertinent provisions of Section 31(a) and the Rules promulgated thereunder will be kept by BNY and PMFS.

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**Item 34. Management Services.**

Other than as set forth under the caption "How the Trust is Managed " in the Prospectus and the caption "Management and Advisory Arrangements" in the SAI, constituting Parts A and B, respectively, of this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement, Registrant is not a party to any management-related service contract.

**Item 35. Undertakings.**

Not applicable.

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**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Newark, and State of New Jersey, on the 1<sup>st</sup> day of May 2026.

**ADVANCED SERIES TRUST**

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Kenneth Allen\*

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Kenneth Allen

President

/s/ Melissa Gonzalez

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Melissa Gonzalez

Attorney-in-Fact

May 1, 2026

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signature** | **Title** | **Date** |
| Kenneth Allen\*<br>Kenneth Allen<br>| President and Principal Executive Officer |  |
| Timothy S. Cronin\*<br>Timothy S. Cronin<br>| Trustee  |  |
| Susan Davenport Austin\*<br>Susan Davenport Austin<br>| Trustee |  |
| Kay Ryan Booth\*<br>Kay Ryan Booth<br>| Trustee |  |
| Stephen M. Chipman\*<br>Stephen M. Chipman<br>| Trustee |  |
| Robert F. Gunia\*<br>Robert F. Gunia<br>| Trustee |  |
| Thomas M. O'Brien\*<br>Thomas M. O'Brien<br>| Trustee |  |
| Jessica Bibliowicz\*<br>Jessica Bibliowicz<br>| Trustee |  |
| Christian J. Kelly\*<br>Christian J. Kelly<br>| Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |  |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signature** | **Title** | **Date** |
| Elyse McLaughlin\*<br>Elyse McLaughlin<br>| Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer |  |
| \*By: /s/ Melissa Gonzalez <br>Melissa Gonzalez <br>| Attorney-in-Fact | May 1, 2026 |

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**POWER OF ATTORNEY**

The undersigned, directors/trustees and/or officers of each of the registered investment companies listed in Appendix A hereto, hereby authorize Andrew French, Claudia DiGiacomo, Melissa Gonzalez, Patrick McGuinness, Debra Rubano, Devan Goolsby and George Hoyt or any of them, as attorney-in-fact, to sign on his or her behalf in the capacities indicated (and not in such person's personal individual capacity for personal financial or estate planning), the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed for such registered investment company or any amendment thereto (including any pre-effective or post-effective amendments) and any and all supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, including Form N-PX, Forms 3, 4 and 5 for or on behalf of each registered investment company listed in Appendix A or any current or future series thereof, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This Power of Attorney may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but which taken together shall constitute one instrument.

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| |
|:---|
| /s/ Susan Davenport Austin<br>Susan Davenport Austin<br>|
| /s/ Jessica M. Bibliowicz<br>Jessica M. Bibliowicz<br>|
| /s/ Kay Ryan Booth<br>Kay Ryan Booth<br>|
| /s/ Stephen M. Chipman<br>Stephen M. Chipman<br>|
| /s/ Timothy S. Cronin<br>Timothy S. Cronin<br>|
| /s/ Robert F. Gunia<br>Robert F. Gunia<br>|
| /s/ Thomas M. O'Brien<br>Thomas M. O'Brien<br>|
| /s/ Christian J. Kelly<br>Christian J. Kelly<br>|
| /s/ Elyse McLaughlin<br>Elyse McLaughlin<br>|
| /s/ Kenneth Allen<br>Kenneth Allen<br>|
| Dated: March 11, 2026 |

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**Appendix A**

Advanced Series Trust

The Prudential Series Fund

Prudential's Gibraltar Fund, Inc.

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**Advanced Series Trust** 

**Exhibit Index** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 28**<br> **Exhibit No.**<br>| **Description** |
| [(j)(2)](f44940d2.htm) | [Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.](f44940d2.htm) |

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## Ex-99

<u>CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM</u>

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Advanced Series Trust of our report dated February 24, 2026, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of AST J.P. Morgan Fixed Income Central Portfolio, AST PGIM Fixed Income Central Portfolio and AST Target Maturity Central Portfolio, which appears in Advanced Series Trust's Certified Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR for the year ended December 31, 2025. We also consent to the references to us under the headings "Financial Statements", "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" and "Financial Highlights" in such Registration Statement.

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP New York, New York

April 29, 2026