Funds

Third Quarter Report

November 30, 2008

ING Prime Rate Trust

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ING Prime Rate Trust

THIRD QUARTER REPORT

November 30, 2008

Table of Contents

Portfolio Managers' Report     2    
Statement of Assets and Liabilities     8    
Statement of Operations     9    
Statements of Changes in Net Assets     10    
Statement of Cash Flows     11    
Financial Highlights     12    
Notes to Financial Statements     13    
Portfolio of Investments     24    
Shareholder Meeting Information     52    
Additional Information     54    

 

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ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT

Dear Shareholders:

ING Prime Rate Trust (the "Trust") is a diversified, closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide investors with as high a level of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital. The Trust seeks to achieve this objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in U.S. dollar denominated floating rate secured senior loans.

PORTFOLIO CHARACTERISTICS
AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2008
 
Net Assets   $ 525,911,262    
Total Assets   $ 981,459,105    
Assets Invested in Senior Loans   $ 879,680,448    
Senior Loans Represented     499    
Average Amount Outstanding per Loan   $ 1,762,887    
Industries Represented     37    
Average Loan Amount per Industry   $ 23,775,147    
Portfolio Turnover Rate (YTD)     6 %  
Weighted Average Days to Interest Rate Reset     42    
Average Loan Final Maturity     58 months    
Total Leverage as a Percentage of Total Assets
(including preferred shares)
    45.65 %  

 

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

The Trust declared $0.10 of dividends during the third fiscal quarter and $0.31 during the nine months ended November 30, 2008. Based on the average month-end net asset value ("NAV") per share of $5.38 for the quarter and $6.00 for the nine month period, this resulted in an annualized distribution rate(1) of 7.29% for the quarter and 7.10% for the nine month period. The Trust's total net return for the third fiscal quarter, based on NAV, was (40.62)% versus a total gross return on the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index (the "Index")(2) of (25.48)% for the same quarter. For the nine months ended November 30, 2008, the Trust's total return, based on NAV, was (37.11)%, versus (22.57)% gross return for the Index. For the one year period ended November 30, 2008, the Trust's total net return, based on NAV, was (43.56)%, versus (26.72)% gross return of the Index. The total market value return (based on full reinvestment of dividends) for the Trust's common shares during the third fiscal quarter was (37.92)% and for the nine months ended November 30, 2008 was (38.25)%.

MARKET REVIEW

The Trust's performance for the period under review was negatively impacted by the unprecedented events that occurred across global financial and credit markets during the second half of 2008. The use of leverage for investment purposes also had a magnifying effect on the Trust's returns relative to the Index.

The depth and breadth of the recent financial crisis and a rapidly growing sense that the ongoing economic downturn will be more severe and long-lasting than originally envisioned, has made this market environment the most challenging in recent memory. Very few asset classes went

(1)  The distribution rate is calculated by annualizing dividends declared during the period and dividing the resulting annualized dividend by the Trust's average net asset value (in the case of NAV) or the average month-end NYSE Composite closing price (in the case of market). The distribution rate is based solely on the actual dividends and distributions, which are made at the discretion of management. The distribution rate may or may not include all investment income and ordinarily will not include capital gains or losses, if any.

(2)  The S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index is an unmanaged total return index that captures accrued interest, repayments, and market value changes. It represents a broad cross section of leveraged loans syndicated in the United States, including dollar-denominated loans to overseas issuers. Standard & Poor's ("S&P") and the Loan Syndications and Trading Association ("LSTA") conceived the Index to establish a performance benchmark for the syndicated leveraged loan industry. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.


2



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued)

unaffected. Equities, bonds and loans, both domestic and those from non-U.S. issuers, traded off significantly during the latter part of 2008, impacted by unfavorable economic data, declining corporate earnings and valuations and perhaps a general unease about the overall global financial system.

Specific to credit markets, negative investor sentiment was compounded by a continued wave of forced selling on the part of certain funds needing to reduce leverage and/or meet redemptions, and a spike in credit ratings downgrades. The share of loans that Standard & Poor's rates CCC+ or lower jumped to an all-time high of 8.2% by November 30, from 4.4% at the end of October, and from just 2.7% at year-end 2007.

October and November were particularly difficult in the loan market, as the Index lost 13.2% and 8.5%, respectively (the former representing the worst monthly loss on record). Year-to-date through November 30, the Index was down 26.95%, versus a positive 1.71% for the same period in 2007. Loans outperformed high yield bonds and the S&P 500, but underperformed investment grade and government bonds.

Default rates continued to rise in the period, exacerbated by a noticeable reduction in overall credit availability. The Index closed out November with a lagging twelve-month default rate of 3.97%, up from 3.27% at the end of the Trust's previous fiscal quarter (August 31, 2008). In contrast, by virtue of our disciplined investment approval and monitoring process, the Trust has not been materially invested in the most problematic industry sectors and has thus continued to outperform the Index with regard to defaults. The avoidance of default-related loss will be an integral component to performance going forward, since, absent default, loans are contractually obligated to return par upon repayment.

Subsequent to quarter-end, however, the Index did experience two large, high profile defaults which pushed the lagging twelve-month default rate for the Index to 4.76%. We continue to monitor these developments closely.

USE OF LEVERAGE

The Trust utilizes financial leverage to seek to increase the yield to the holders of common shares while maintaining appropriate credit standards. Using leverage for investment purposes involves borrowing at a floating short-term rate, and seeking to invest those proceeds at a higher floating

TOP TEN SENIOR LOAN ISSUERS
AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2008
AS A PERCENTAGE OF:
 
    TOTAL
ASSETS
  NET
ASSETS
 
CHS/Community Health
Systems, Inc.
    3.3 %     6.1 %  
Cequel Communications, LLC     2.5 %     4.7 %  
HCA, Inc.     2.0 %     3.7 %  
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc.     1.9 %     3.6 %  
CSC Holdings, Inc.     1.8 %     3.3 %  
Georgia Pacific Corporation     1.6 %     3.0 %  
Norwood Promotional
Products
    1.6 %     3.0 %  
ARAMARK Corporation     1.4 %     2.6 %  
Charter Communications
Operating, LLC
    1.3 %     2.3 %  
NRG Energy, Inc.     1.2 %     2.3 %  

 

TOP TEN INDUSTRY SECTORS
AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2008
AS A PERCENTAGE OF:
 
    TOTAL
ASSETS
  NET
ASSETS
 
Healthcare, Education
and Childcare
    11.6 %     21.7 %  
North American Cable     8.5 %     15.9 %  
Printing & Publishing     5.5 %     10.2 %  
Utilities     5.0 %     9.4 %  
Retail Stores     4.9 %     9.2 %  
Leisure, Amusement,
Entertainment
    4.6 %     8.6 %  
Data and Internet Services     4.1 %     7.6 %  
Radio and TV Broadcasting     3.6 %     6.8 %  
Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber     3.5 %     6.5 %  
Foreign Cable, Foreign TV,
Radio and Equipment
    3.4 %     6.4 %  

 


3



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued)

rate. Unlike traditional fixed income asset classes, using leverage in the floating rate senior loan asset class should not expose investors to the same degree of risk from rising short-term interest rates, as the income produced from the Trust's loan investments will adjust in a fashion consistent with the Trust's borrowing costs. The use of leverage can, however, magnify the erosion of the Trust's net asset value in declining markets.

As of November 30, 2008, the Trust had $223 million outstanding under $450 million in revolving credit facilities, and $225 million in "Aaa/AAA(3)" rated cumulative auction rate preferred shares.

As a part of its use of leverage, in 2000 the Trust issued $450 million of "Aaa/AAA(3)" rated cumulative auction rate preferred shares. Beginning in early February 2008, and continuing to date, for the first time in the history of its auction rate preferred shares program, the Trust did not receive hold orders and purchase requests for its preferred shares during their weekly auctions that equaled the full amount of such shares. As a result, the amount sold by each selling shareholder was reduced pro rata or to zero. In addition, the dividend rate on such preferred shares, which is normally set by means of a Dutch auction procedure, automatically reset to the maximum rate permitted under the preferred shares program. That maximum rate is 150% of the applicable commercial paper base rate on the day of the auction.

As we have stated in the past, it is important for investors in the Trust's common and preferred shares to understand that this is a market liquidity issue and not a credit issue. The preferred shares of ING Prime Rate Trust have the highest rating issued by the rating agencies and are backed by the assets of the Trust. Further, even under current conditions, we believe that the Trust will be able to continue to pay the dividends required under its preferred shares program, whether those dividend rates are set by the Dutch auction procedure or at the maximum rate.

In response to the above described problems with the liquidity of the Trust's auction rate preferred shares, the Trust redeemed approximately $225 million of the $450 million auction rate preferred shares outstanding, approximately 50% by series, in July. The Board of Trustees ("Board") and the management of the Trust continue to evaluate options to address the on-going liquidity concerns with respect to the remaining auction rate preferred securities. There can be no assurance that any means for liquidity will be identified, and if they are, it is possible that the Trust's leverage or its benefits from leverage will diminish.

OUTLOOK

Recent loan market developments and unprecedented negative returns may have caused investors to reevaluate their perceptions of loans as an asset class. In answer, we continue to believe that the long-term benefits of investing in senior loans remain intact. While no one knows the eventual length and depth of the current turmoil, we firmly believe there will be a recovery, and that relative stability and normalcy eventually will return to the loan market.

(3)  Obligations rated Aaa by Moody's Investors Service are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk. An obligator rated 'AAA' has extremely strong capacity to meet its financial commitments. 'AAA' is the highest Issuer Credit Rating assigned by Standard & Poor's. Credit quality refers to the Trust's underlying investments, not to the stability or safety of this Trust.


4



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued)

What would be the requisite steps to a return to normalcy in our market? First, reasonable confidence in the strength and soundness of our capital markets system must be restored. We believe this is already underway, as evidenced by resolute action on the part of the U.S. Federal Reserve, the U.S. Treasury and most major international monetary authorities, and the tangible impact of those actions on key short-term markets and rates. Another important attribute of a healthy market is asset price stability. While short-term developments do not constitute a trend, loan market prices have come off their late-2008 lows, buoyed by a noticeable reduction in forced selling activity and attractive absolute yields.

We also believe a final reflection of a recovering loan market will be a sustained increase in new lending activity. While new loan issuance is expected to remain anemic at best over the very near term, as the economy strengthens and capital formation redevelops, we believe banks eventually will again go about their traditional activity of lending to well positioned, well managed corporate borrowers.

On the way to "normal," however, we will continue to face heightened but traditional credit challenges. Nonetheless, even in an increasingly difficult environment, we believe the potential benefits of investing in a diversified pool of higher quality, non-investment grade loans remains in place, as current market prices imply a forward default rate that continues to exceed the market consensus.

We also believe that our strategy of investing primarily in the better quality and most liquid non-investment grade bank loans, combined with rigorous ongoing monitoring, has the potential to continue our favorable default experience. Absent a loss associated with a default, senior bank loans pay off at original face value, which can provide investors the opportunity to, over time, recapture price declines and take advantage of price discounts. Investors looking to capitalize on that favorable total return opportunity must have a reasonable risk tolerance and a sufficiently long investment horizon.

  `  
Jeffrey A. Bakalar
Senior Vice President
Senior Portfolio Manager
ING Investment Management Co.
  Daniel A. Norman
Senior Vice President
Senior Portfolio Manager
ING Investment Management Co.
 
   

 

ING Prime Rate Trust
January 12, 2009


5



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued)

    Average Annual Total Returns for the
Years Ended November 30, 2008
 
    1 Year   3 Years   5 Years   10 Years  
Based on Net Asset Value (NAV)     (43.56 )%     (14.76 )%     (6.46 )%     (1.65 )%  
Based on Market Value     (45.76 )%     (14.07 )%     (8.94 )%     (3.01 )%  
S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index     (26.72 )%     (7.14 )%     (2.41 )%     1.17 %  
Credit-Suisse Leveraged Loan Index     (25.73 )%     (6.64 )%     (1.88 )%     1.45 %  

 

The table above illustrates the total return of the Trust against the Indices indicated. An index has no cash in its portfolio, imposes no sales charges and incurs no operating expenses. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

Total returns based on NAV reflect that ING Investments, LLC (the Trust's "Investment Adviser") may have waived or recouped fees and expenses otherwise payable by the Trust.

Performance data represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment in the Trust will fluctuate. Shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Trust's future performance may be lower or higher than the performance data shown. Please log on to www.ingfunds.com or call (800) 992-0180 to get performance through the most recent month end.

Calculation of total return assumes a hypothetical initial investment at the net asset value (in the case of NAV) or the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") Composite closing price (in the case of Market Value) on the last business day before the first day of the stated period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested at the actual reinvestment price.

Senior loans are subject to credit risks and the potential for non-payment of scheduled principal or interest payments, which may result in a reduction of the Trust's NAV.

This report contains statements that may be "forward-looking" statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the "forward-looking" statements.

The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio managers only through the end of the period of the report as stated on the cover. The portfolio managers' views are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions.

INDEX DESCRIPTIONS

The S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index is an unmanaged total return index that captures accrued interest, repayments, and market value changes. It represents a broad cross section of leveraged loans syndicated in the United States, including dollar-denominated loans to overseas issuers. Standard & Poor's and the Loan Syndications & Trading Association ("LSTA") conceived the Index to establish a performance benchmark for the syndicated leveraged loan industry. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

The Credit-Suisse Leveraged Loan Index is an unmanaged index of below investment grade loans designed to mirror the investable universe of the U.S. dollar-denominated leveraged loan market. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.


6



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued)

YIELDS AND DISTRIBUTION RATES

    Prime Rate   NAV 30-day
SEC Yield(A) 
  Mkt. 30-Day
SEC Yield(A) 
  Annualized Dist.
Rate @ NAV(B) 
  Annualized Dist.
Rate @ Mkt.(B) 
 
November 30, 2008     4.00 %     13.88 %     15.41 %     7.72 %     11.79 %  
August 31, 2008     5.00 %     7.38 %     8.56 %     6.12 %     7.21 %  
May 31, 2008     5.00 %     8.18 %     8.89 %     7.58 %     7.95 %  
February 29, 2008     6.00 %     10.99 %     11.93 %     9.03 %     9.79 %  

 

(A)  Yield is calculated by dividing the Trust's net investment income per share for the most recent thirty days by the net asset value (in the case of NAV) or the NYSE Composite closing price (in the case of Market) at quarter-end. Yield calculations do not include any commissions or sales charges, and are compounded for six months and annualized for a twelve-month period to derive the Trust's yield consistent with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") standardized yield formula.

(B)  The distribution rate is calculated by annualizing each monthly dividend, then averaging the annualized dividends declared for each month during the quarter and dividing the resulting average annualized dividend amount by the Trust's average net asset value (in the case of NAV) or the NYSE Composite closing price (in the case of Market) at the end of the period.

Risk is inherent in all investing. The following are the principal risks associated with investing in the Trust. This is not, and is not intended to be, a description of all risks of investing in the Trust. A more detailed description of the risks of investing in the Trust is contained in the Trust's current prospectus.

Credit Risk: The Trust invests a substantial portion of its assets in below investment grade senior loans and other below investment grade assets. Below investment grade loans involve a greater risk that borrowers may not make timely payment of the interest and principal due on their loans. They also involve a greater risk that the value of such loans could decline significantly. If borrowers do not make timely payments of the interest due on their loans, the yield on the Trust's common shares will decrease. If borrowers do not make timely payment of the principal due on their loans, or if the value of such loans decreases, the value of the Trust's NAV will decrease.

Interest Rate Risk: Changes in short-term market interest rates will directly affect the yield on the Trust's common shares. If short-term market interest rates fall, the yield on the Trust's common shares will also fall. To the extent that the interest rate spreads on loans in the Trust experience a general decline, the yield on the Trust will fall and the value of the Trust's assets may decrease, which will cause the Trust's value to decrease. Conversely, when short-term market interest rates rise, because of the lag between changes in such short-term rates and the resetting of the floating rates on assets in the Trust's portfolio, the impact of rising rates will be delayed to the extent of such lag.

Leverage Risk: The Trust borrows money for investment purposes. Borrowing increases both investment opportunity and investment risk. In the event of a general market decline in the value of assets such as those in which the Trust invests, the effect of that decline will be magnified in the Trust because of the additional assets purchased with the proceeds of the borrowings. The Trust also faces the risk that it might have to sell assets at relatively less advantageous times if it were forced to de-leverage if a source of leverage becomes unavailable.


7




ING Prime Rate Trust

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited)

ASSETS:  
Investments in securities at value (Cost $1,380,353,270)   $ 884,037,305    
Cash     1,530,773    
Foreign currencies at value (Cost $1,510,691)     1,499,568    
Receivables:  
Investment securities sold     77,738,557    
Interest     12,387,994    
Other     19,802    
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts     4,236,220    
Prepaid expenses     8,886    
Total assets     981,459,105    
LIABILITIES:  
Notes payable     223,000,000    
Payable for investment securities purchased     913,750    
Accrued interest payable     720,451    
Deferred arrangement fees on revolving credit facilities     493,551    
Dividends payable — preferred shares     32,718    
Payable to affilates     918,452    
Payable to custodian     255,878    
Accrued trustees fees     55,268    
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts     627,837    
Unrealized depreciation on unfunded commitments     3,179,069    
Other accrued expenses     350,869    
Total liabilities     230,547,843    
Preferred shares, $25,000 stated value per share at
liquidation value (9,000 shares outstanding)
    225,000,000    
NET ASSETS   $ 525,911,262    
Net assets value per common share outstanding
(net assets divided by 145,094,493 shares of beneficial  
interest authorized and outstanding, no par value)
  $ 3.62    
NET ASSETS WERE COMPRISED OF:  
Paid-in capital     1,312,128,054    
Undistributed net investment income     1,399,629    
Accumulated net realized loss on investments     (291,205,658 )  
Net unrealized depreciation on investments, foreign currency
related transactions, and unfunded commitments
    (496,410,763 )  
NET ASSETS   $ 525,911,262    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
8



ING Prime Rate Trust

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS for the nine months ended November 30, 2008 (Unaudited)

INVESTMENT INCOME:  
Interest   $ 74,900,038    
Arrangement fees earned     297,076    
Other     1,161,330    
Total investment income     76,358,444    
EXPENSES:  
Investment management fees     8,758,855    
Administration fees     2,737,142    
Transfer agent fees     87,175    
Interest expense     7,490,308    
Shareholder reporting expense     82,500    
Custody and accounting expense     591,239    
Revolving credit facility fees     384,502    
Professional fees     345,733    
Preferred shares — dividend disbursing agent fees     862,714    
Pricing expense     24,898    
ICI fees     2,161    
Postage expense     135,500    
Trustees fees     44,000    
Miscellaneous expense     164,702    
Total expenses     21,711,429    
Net investment income     54,647,015    
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS, FOREIGN
CURRENCY RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND UNFUNDED COMMITMENTS:
         
Net realized gain (loss) on:  
Investments     (82,269,715 )  
Foreign currency related transactions     19,161,018    
Net realized loss on investments and foreign currency related transactions     (63,108,697 )  
Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on:  
Investments     (303,875,020 )  
Foreign currency related transactions     5,879,362    
Unfunded commitments     (968,990 )  
Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments,
foreign currency related transactions, and unfunded commitments
    (298,964,648 )  
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments, foreign currency
related transactions, and unfunded commitments
    (362,073,345 )  
DISTRIBUTIONS TO PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS:  
From net investment income     (8,151,188 )  
Decrease in net assets resulting from operations   $ (315,577,518 )  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
9



ING Prime Rate Trust

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Unaudited)

    Nine Months
Ended
November 30,
2008
  Year
Ended
February 29,
2008
 
FROM OPERATIONS:  
Net investment income   $ 54,647,015     $ 108,192,188    
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and
foreign currency related transactions
    (63,108,697 )     5,073,469    
Net change in unrealized appreciation or
depreciation on investments, foreign currency
related transactions, and unfunded commitments
    (298,964,648 )     (230,998,967 )  
Distributions to preferred shareholders from
net investment income
    (8,151,188 )     (23,475,824 )  
Decrease in net assets resulting from operations     (315,577,518 )     (141,209,134 )  
FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:  
From net investment income     (45,487,124 )     (81,821,838 )  
Decrease in net assets from distributions
to common shareholders
    (45,487,124 )     (81,821,838 )  
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:  
Reinvestment of distributions from common shares           450,139    
Proceeds from shares sold           17,785    
Net increase from capital share transactions           467,924    
Net decrease in net assets     (361,064,642 )     (222,563,048 )  
NET ASSETS:  
Beginning of period     886,975,904       1,109,538,952    
End of period (including undistributed net investment
income of $1,399,629 and $390,926 respectively)
  $ 525,911,262     $ 886,975,904    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
10



ING Prime Rate Trust

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the nine months ended November 30, 2008 (Unaudited)

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
 
Interest received   $ 75,861,789    
Facility fees received     24,898    
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders     (8,281,584 )  
Arrangement fee received     91,817    
Other income received     431,495    
Interest paid     (8,129,712 )  
Other operating expenses paid     (14,094,424 )  
Purchases of securities     (89,179,550 )  
Proceeds on sale of securities     418,603,193    
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 375,327,922    
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:  
Dividends paid to common shareholders     (45,487,124 )  
Redemption of preferred shares     (225,000,000 )  
Net decrease in notes payable     (115,000,000 )  
Net cash flows used in financing activities     (385,487,124 )  
Net decrease     (10,159,202 )  
Cash at beginning of period     11,689,975    
Cash at end of period   $ 1,530,773    
Reconciliation Of Net Decrease In Net Assets Resulting From
Operations To Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
         
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations   $ (315,577,518 )  
Adjustments to reconcile net decrease in net assets resulting
from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
         
Change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments     303,875,020    
Change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies     (14,378 )  
Change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on
forward foreign currency contracts
    (6,617,436 )  
Change in unrealized depreciation on unfunded commitments     968,990    
Change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on
other assets and liablilities
    752,452    
Net accretion of discounts on investments     (3,955,507 )  
Net amortization of premiums on investments     201,968    
Net realized gain on sale of investments and
foreign currency related transactions
    63,108,697    
Purchases of securities     (89,179,550 )  
Proceeds on sale of securities     418,603,193    
Decrease in other assets     22,617    
Decrease in interest receivable     4,715,290    
Decrease in prepaid facility fees on notes payable     24,898    
Decrease in prepaid expenses     11,626    
Decrease in deferred arrangement fees on revolving credit facilities     (205,259 )  
Decrease in accrued interest payable     (639,404 )  
Decrease in dividends payable — preferred shares     (130,396 )  
Decrease in payable to affiliates     (468,203 )  
Increase in accrued trustees fees     10,705    
Decrease in other accrued expenses     (179,883 )  
Total adjustments     690,905,440    
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 375,327,922    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
11



ING PRIME RATE TRUST (UNAUDITED)  FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a common share outstanding throughout the period

    Nine
Months
Ended
November 30,
  Years Ended February 28 or February 29,  
    2008   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Per Share Operating Performance  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 6.11       7.65       7.59       7.47       7.34       6.73    
Income (loss) from investment operations:  
Net investment income   $ 0.38       0.75       0.71       0.57       0.45       0.46    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments,
foreign currency related transactions and
unfunded commitments
  $ (2.50 )     (1.57 )     0.06       0.12       0.16       0.61    
Distribution to Preferred Shareholders   $ (0.06 )     (0.16 )     (0.16 )     (0.11 )     (0.05 )     (0.04 )  
Total from investment operations   $ (2.18 )     (0.98 )     0.61       0.58       0.56       1.03    
Distributions to Common Shareholders from net
investment income
    $(0.31)       (0.56)       (0.55)       (0.46)       (0.43)       (0.42)    
Net asset value, end of period   $ 3.62       6.11       7.65       7.59       7.47       7.34    
Closing market price at end of period   $ 3.27       5.64       7.40       7.02       7.56       7.84    
Total Investment Return(1)   
Total investment return at closing market price(2)    % (38.25 )     (17.25 )     13.84       (0.82 )     2.04       28.77    
Total investment return at net asset value(3)    % (37.11 )     (13.28 )     8.85       8.53       7.70       15.72    
Ratios/Supplemental Data  
Net assets end of period (000's)   $ 525,911       886,976       1,109,539       1,100,671       1,082,748       1,010,325    
Preferred Shares-Aggregate amount outstanding (000's)   $ 225,000       450,000       450,000       450,000       450,000       450,000    
Liquidation and market value per share of Preferred Shares   $ 25,000       25,000       25,000       25,000       25,000       25,000    
Asset coverage inclusive of Preferred Shares and debt per share(4)    $ 54,350       53,125       62,925       55,050       53,600       62,425    
Borrowings at end of period (000's)   $ 223,000       338,000       281,000       465,000       496,000       225,000    
Asset coverage per $1,000 of debt(4)    $ 4,367       4,956       6,550       4,335       4,090       7,490    
Average borrowings (000's)   $ 264,109       391,475       459,982       509,178       414,889       143,194    
Ratios to average net assets including Preferred Shares(5)   
Expenses (before interest and other fees related to revolving 
credit facility)(6) 
  % 1.54       1.54       1.57       1.64       1.60       1.45    
Net expenses after expense waiver(6)    % 2.43       3.05       3.27       3.02       2.21       1.65    
Gross expenses prior to expense waiver(6)    % 2.43       3.05       3.27       3.02       2.22       1.65    
Net investment income(6)    % 6.11       7.23       6.68       5.44       4.21       4.57    
Ratios to average net assets plus borrowings  
Expenses (before interest and other fees related to revolving
credit facility)(6) 
  % 1.66      
1.60
      1.56       1.58       1.63       1.84    
Net expenses after expense waiver(6)    % 2.61       3.17       3.25       2.90       2.26       2.09    
Gross expenses prior to expense waiver(6)    % 2.61       3.17       3.25       2.90       2.27       2.09    
Net investment income(6)    % 6.57       7.53       6.63       5.24       4.32       5.82    
Ratios to average net assets  
Expenses (before interest and other fees related to revolving
credit facility)(6) 
  % 2.19      
2.20
      2.21       2.33       2.29       2.11    
Net expenses after expense waiver(6)    % 3.44       4.36       4.62       4.27       3.17       2.40    
Gross expenses prior to expense waiver(6)    % 3.44       4.36       4.62       4.27       3.18       2.40    
Net investment income(6)    % 8.64       10.35       9.42       7.71       6.04       6.68    
Portfolio turnover rate   % 6       60       60       81       93       87    
Common shares outstanding at end of period (000's)     145,094       145,094       145,033       145,033       145,033       137,638    

 

(1)  Total investment return calculations are attributable to common shares.

(2)  Total investment return at market value has been calculated assuming a purchase at market value at the beginning of each period and a sale at market value at the end of each period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, in accordance with the provisions of the dividend reinvestment plan. Total investment return at market value is not annualized for periods less than one year.

(3)  Total investment return at net asset value has been calculated assuming a purchase at net asset value at the beginning of each period and a sale at net asset value at the end of each period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, in accordance with the provisions of the dividend reinvestment plan. Total investment return at net asset value is not annualized for periods less than one year.

This calculation differs from total investment return at market value because it excludes the effects of changes in the market values of the Trust's shares.

(4)  Asset coverage, with respect to Preferred Shares, represents the total assets of the Trust, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by "senior securities" (i.e., the Trust's Preferred Shares and borrowings described above) in relation to the total amount of Preferred Shares and borrowings outstanding.

Asset coverage, with respect to borrowings, represents the total assets of the Trust, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by "senior securities" (i.e., the Trust's Preferred Shares and borrowings described above) in relation to the total amount of only borrowings outstanding (i.e., the denominator of the borrowings ratio includes only borrowings; in contrast, the denominator of the Preferred Share ratio includes both borrowings and Preferred Shares).

(5)  Ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments to Preferred Shareholders; income ratios reflect income earned on assets attributable to the Preferred Shares; ratios do not reflect any add-back for the borrowings.

(6)  Annualized for periods less than one year.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
12




ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited)

NOTE 1 — ORGANIZATION

ING Prime Rate Trust (the "Trust"), a Massachusetts business trust, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as a diversified, closed-end, management investment company. The Trust invests primarily in senior loans, which generally are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and which contain certain restrictions on resale and cannot be sold publicly. These loans bear interest (unless otherwise noted) at rates that float periodically at a margin above the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and other short-term rates.

NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Trust in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for investment companies.

A.  Senior Loan and Other Security Valuation. Senior loans held by the Trust are normally valued at the average of the means of one or more bid and ask quotations obtained from an independent pricing service or other sources determined by the Trust's Board to be independent and believed to be reliable. Loans for which reliable market value quotations are not readily available may be valued with reference to another loan or a group of loans for which reliable quotations are readily available and whose characteristics are comparable to the loan being valued. Under this approach, the comparable loan or loans serve as a proxy for changes in value of the loan being valued.

The Trust has engaged an independent pricing service to provide market value quotations from dealers in loans and, when such quotations are not readily available, to calculate values under the proxy procedure described above. As of November 30, 2008, 98.00% of total loans were valued based on these procedures. It is expected that most of the loans held by the Trust will continue to be valued with reference to quotations from the independent pricing service or with reference to the proxy procedure described above.

Prices from a pricing source may not be available for all loans and Investment Adviser or ING Investment Management Co. ("ING IM" or the "Sub-Adviser"), may believe that the price for a loan derived from market quotations or the proxy procedure described above is not reliable or accurate. Among other reasons, this may be the result of information about a particular loan or borrower known to the Investment Adviser or the Sub-Adviser that the Investment Adviser or the Sub-Adviser believes may not be known to the pricing service or reflected in a price quote. In this event, the loan is valued at fair value, as defined by the 1940 Act, as determined in good faith under procedures established by the Board and in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act. Under these procedures, fair value is determined by the Investment Adviser or Sub-Adviser and monitored by the Board through its Valuation, Brokerage and Proxy Committee.

In fair valuing a loan, consideration is given to several factors, which may include, among others, the following: (i) the characteristics of and fundamental analytical data relating to the loan, including the cost, size, current interest rate, period until the next interest rate reset, maturity and base lending rate of the loan, the terms and conditions of the loan and any related agreements, and the position of the loan in the borrower's debt structure; (ii) the nature, adequacy and value of the collateral, including the Trust's rights, remedies and interests with respect to the collateral; (iii) the creditworthiness of the borrower and the cash flow coverage of outstanding principal and interest, based on an evaluation of its financial condition, financial statements and information about the borrower's business, cash flows, capital structure and future prospects; (iv) information relating to the market for the loan,


13



ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

including price quotations for, and trading in, the loan and interests in similar loans; (v) the reputation and financial condition of the agent for the loan and any intermediate participants in the loan; (vi) the borrower's management; and (vii) the general economic and market conditions affecting the fair value of the loan. Securities for which the primary market is a national securities exchange are valued at the last reported sale price. Securities reported by NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. Securities traded in the over-the-counter market and listed securities for which no sale was reported on a valuation date are valued at the mean between the last reported bid and ask price on such exchange. Securities, other than senior loans, for which reliable market value quotations are not readily available, and all other assets, will be valued at their respective fair values as determined in good faith by, and under procedures established by, the Board. Investments in securities maturing in 60 days or less from the date of acquistion are valued at amortized cost which approximates market value.

Effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements," establishes a hierarchy for measuring fair value of assets and liabilities. As required by the standard, each investment asset or liability of the Trust is assigned a level at measurement date based on the significance and source of the inputs to its valuation. Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities are classified as "Level 1," inputs other than quoted prices for an asset that are observable are classified as "Level 2" and unobservable inputs, including the sub-adviser's judgment about the assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability are classified as "Level 3." The inputs used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities. A table summarizing the Trust's investments under these levels of classification is included following the Portfolio of Investments.

Effective for fiscal years and interim periods ending after November 15, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") No. FAS 133-1 and FASB Interpretation Number ("FIN") 45-4, "Disclosures about Credit Derivatives and Certain Guarantees: An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 and FASB Interpretation No. 45; and Clarification of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 161." The amendments to FAS 133 require enhanced disclosure regarding credit derivatives sold, including (1) the nature and terms of the credit derivative, reasons for entering into the credit derivative, the events or circumstances that would require the seller to perform under the credit derivative, and the current status of the payment/performance risk of the credit derivative, (2) the maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) the seller could be required to make under the credit derivative, (3) the fair value of the credit derivative, and (4) the nature of any recourse provisions and assets held either as collateral or by third parties. The amendments to FIN 45 require additional disclosures about the current status of the payment/performance risk of a guarantee. All changes to accounting policies have been made in accordance with the FSP and incorporated for the current period as part of the Notes to Financial Statements and Portfolio of Investments.

B.  Federal Income Taxes. It is the Trust's policy to comply with subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and related excise tax provisions applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. Management has considered the sustainability of the Trust's tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years in making this determination. No capital gain distributions will be made by the Trust until any capital loss carryforwards have been fully utilized or expire.

C.  Security Transactions and Revenue Recognition. Revolver and delayed draw loans are booked on a settlement date basis. Security transactions and senior loans are accounted for on trade date


14



ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

(date the order to buy or sell is executed). Realized gains or losses are reported on the basis of identified cost of securities sold. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis at the then-current interest rate of the loan. The accrual of interest on loans is partially or fully discontinued when, in the opinion of management, there is an indication that the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due. If determined to be uncollectable, accrued interest is also written off. Cash collections on non-accrual senior loans are generally applied as a reduction to the recorded investment of the loan. Senior loans are generally returned to accrual status only after all past due amounts have been received and the borrower has demonstrated sustained performance. For all loans, except revolving credit facilities, fees received are treated as discounts and are accreted whereas premiums are amortized. Fees associated with revolving credit facilities are deferred and recognized over the shorter of four years or the actual term of the loan.

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

(1)  Market value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities — at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the day.

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

Although the net assets and the market values are presented at the foreign exchange rates at the end of the day, the Trust does not isolate the portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gains or losses from investments. For securities, which are subject to foreign withholding tax upon disposition, liabilities are recorded on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the estimated tax withholding based on the securities current market value. Upon disposition, realized gains or losses on such securities are recorded net of foreign withholding tax.

Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Trust's books, and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at fiscal year end, resulting from changes in the exchange rate. Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies and the U.S. government. These risks include, but are not limited to, revaluation of currencies and future adverse political and economic developments which could cause securities and their markets to be less liquid and prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies and U.S. government securities.

E.  Forward Foreign Currency Contracts. The Trust may enter into forward foreign currency contracts primarily to hedge against foreign currency exchange rate risks on its non-U.S. dollar denominated investment securities. When entering into a forward foreign currency contract, the Trust agrees to receive or deliver a fixed quantity of foreign currency for an agreed-upon price on an agreed future date. These contracts are valued daily and the Trust's net equity therein, representing unrealized gain or loss on the contracts as measured by the difference between the forward foreign exchange rates at the dates of entry into the contracts and the forward rates at the reporting date, is included in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Realized and unrealized


15



ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

gains and losses are included in the Statement of Operations. These instruments involve market and/or credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Risks arise from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from movement in currency and securities values and interest rates. Open forward foreign currency contracts are presented following the Portfolio of Investments.

F.  Distributions to Common Shareholders. The Trust declares and pays dividends monthly from net investment income. Distributions from capital gains, if any, are declared and paid annually. The Trust may make additional distributions to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. The character and amounts of income and gains to be distributed are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for investment companies. The Trust records distributions to its shareholders on the ex-dividend date.

G.  Dividend Reinvestments. Pursuant to the Trust's Shareholder Investment Program (the "Program"), DST Systems, Inc. ("DST"), the Program administrator, purchases, from time to time, shares of beneficial interest of the Trust on the open market to satisfy dividend reinvestments. Such shares are purchased on the open market only when the closing sale or bid price plus commission is less than the NAV per share of the Trust's common shares on the valuation date. If the market price plus commissions is equal to or exceeds NAV, new shares are issued by the Trust at the greater of (i) NAV or (ii) the market price of the shares during the pricing period, minus a discount of 5%.

H.  Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

I.  Share Offerings. The Trust issues shares under various shelf registration statements, whereby the net proceeds received by the Trust from share sales may not be less than the greater of (i) the NAV per share or (ii) 94% of the average daily market price over the relevant pricing period.

NOTE 3 — INVESTMENTS

For the nine months ended November 30, 2008, the cost of purchases and the proceeds from principal repayment and sales of investments, excluding short-term notes, totaled $87,983,998 and $477,906,943, respectively. At November 30, 2008, the Trust held senior loans valued at $879,680,448 representing 99.5% of its total investments. The market value of these assets is established as set forth in Note 2.

The senior loans acquired by the Trust typically take the form of a direct lending relationship with the borrower, and are typically acquired through an assignment of another lender's interest in a loan. The lead lender in a typical corporate loan syndicate administers the loan and monitors the collateral securing the loan.

Common and preferred shares, and stock purchase warrants held in the portfolio were acquired in conjunction with loans held by the Trust. Certain of these stocks and warrants are restricted and may not be publicly sold without registration under the 1933 Act, or without an exemption under the 1933 Act. In some cases, these restrictions expire after a designated period of time after issuance of the shares or warrants.


16



ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

NOTE 3 — INVESTMENTS (continued)

Dates of acquisition and cost of assigned basis of restricted securities are as follows:

    Date of
Acquisition
  Cost or
Assigned Basis
 
Allied Digital Technologies Corporation
(Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)
  06/05/02   $    
Block Vision Holdings Corporation (571 Common Shares)   09/17/02        
Boston Chicken, Inc. (Residual Interest in Boston
Chicken Plan Trust)
  12/26/00     9,893    
Cedar Chemical (Liquidation Interest)   12/31/02        
Decision One Corporation (1,752,103 Common Shares)   05/17/05     1,116,773    
Enterprise Profit Solutions (Liquidation Interest)   10/21/02        
EquityCo, LLC (Warrants for 28,752 Common Shares)   02/25/02        
Euro United Corporation (Residual Interest in
Bankruptcy Estate)
  06/21/02     100    
Grand Union Company (Residual Interest in
Bankruptcy Estate)
  07/01/02     2,576    
Humphrey's, Inc. (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)   05/15/02        
IT Group, Inc. (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)   09/12/03     25    
Kevco Inc. (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)   06/05/02     25    
Lincoln Paper & Tissue (Warrants for 291 Common Shares,
Expires August 14, 2015)
  08/25/05        
Lincoln Pulp and Eastern Fine (Residual Interest in
Bankruptcy Estate)
  06/08/04        
Norwood Promotional Products, Inc. (104,148 Common Shares)   08/23/04     32,939    
Norwood Promotional Products, Inc. (Contingent Value Rights)   12/14/07     377,999    
Safelite Realty Corporation (57,804 Common Shares)   10/12/00        
Transtar Metals (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)   01/09/03     40,230    
TSR Wireless, LLC (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)   10/15/02        
US Office Products Company (Residual Interest in
Bankruptcy Estate)
  02/11/04        
Total Restricted Securities excluding senior loans (market value
$462,482 was 0.09% of net assets at November 30, 2008)
      $ 1,580,560    

 

NOTE 4 — MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS

The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement ("Investment Advisory Agreement") with the Investment Adviser, an Arizona limited liability company, to provide advisory and management services. The Investment Advisory Agreement compensates the Investment Adviser with a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate of 0.80% of the Trust's Managed Assets. For purposes of the Investment Advisory Agreement, "Managed Assets" shall mean the Trust's average daily gross asset value, minus the sum of the Trust's accrued and unpaid dividends on any outstanding preferred shares and accrued liabilities (other than liabilities for the principal amount of any borrowings incurred, commercial paper or notes issued by the Trust and the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred shares).

The Investment Adviser entered into a Sub-Advisory agreement with ING IM, a Connecticut corporation. Subject to such policies as the Board or the Investment Adviser may determine, ING IM manages the Trust's assets in accordance with the Trust's investment objectives, policies, and limitations.

The Trust has also entered into an administration agreement with ING Funds Services, LLC (the "Administrator") to provide administrative services and also to furnish facilities. The Administrator is compensated with a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Trust's Managed Assets.


17



ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

NOTE 4 — MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS (continued)

The Investment Adviser, ING IM and the Administrator are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of ING Groep N.V. ("ING Groep"). ING Groep is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, investments, life insurance, and retirement services to over 75 million private, corporate, and institutional clients in more than 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of about 125,000 people, ING Groep comprises a broad spectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand.

On October 19, 2008, ING Groep announced that it reached an agreement with the Dutch government to strengthen its capital position, creating a strong buffer to navigate the current market and economic environment. ING Groep will issue non-voting core Tier-1 securities for a total consideration of EUR 10 billion to the Dutch State. The transaction boosts ING Bank's core Tier-1 ratio, strengthens the insurance balance sheet and reduces ING Groep's Debt/Equity ratio.

NOTE 5 — TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND RELATED PARTIES

At November 30, 2008, the Trust had the following amounts recorded in payables to affiliates on the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

Accrued Investment
Management Fees
  Accrued
Administrative Fees
  Total  
$ 699,773     $ 218,679     $ 918,452    

 

The Trust has adopted a Retirement Policy ("Policy") covering all independent trustees of the Trust who will have served as an independent trustee for at least five years at the time of retirement. Benefits under this Policy are based on an annual rate as defined in the Policy agreement.

NOTE 6 — COMMITMENTS

The Trust has entered into both a $185 million 364-day revolving credit agreement which matures August 19, 2009 and a $265 million 364-day revolving securitization facility which matures May 29, 2009, collateralized by assets of the Trust. Borrowing rates under these agreements are based on a fixed spread over LIBOR, or a commercial paper-based rate. Prepaid arrangement fees for these facilities are amortized over the term of the agreements. The amount of borrowings outstanding at November 30, 2008, was $223 million. Weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings was 3.29%, excluding fees related to the unused portion of the facilities, and other fees. The amount of borrowings represented 22.72% of total assets at November 30, 2008. Average borrowings for the period ended November 30, 2008 were $264,108,501 and the average annualized interest rate was 3.76% excluding other fees related to the unused portion of the facilities, and other fees.

As of November 30, 2008, the Trust had unfunded loan commitments pursuant to the terms of the following loan agreements:

Calpine Corporation   $ 577,500    
Cengage Learning, Inc.     3,333,333    
Coleto Creek Power     4,250,000    
Community Health Systems, Inc.     2,209,427    
Fontainebleau Resorts, LLC     633,333    
Golden Nugget, Inc.     698,715    
Kerasotes Theatres, Inc.   $ 450,000    
Meg Energy Corporation     7,000    
Sturm Foods, Inc.     500,000    
United Surgical Partners International, Inc.     11,290    
    $ 12,670,598    

 

The unrealized depreciation on these commitments of $3,179,069 as of November 30, 2008 is reported as such on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.


18



ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

NOTE 7 — RIGHTS AND OTHER OFFERINGS

As of November 30, 2008, outstanding share offerings pursuant to shelf registrations were as follows:

Registration
Date
  Shares
Registered
  Shares
Remaining
 
  9/15/98       25,000,000       12,372,589    
  3/04/99       5,000,000       3,241,645    

 

On November 2, 2000, the Trust issued 3,600 shares each of Series M, Series W and Series F Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Shares, $0.01 Par Value, $25,000 liquidation preference, for a total issuance of $270 million. Also, on November 16, 2000, the Trust issued 3,600 shares of Series T and Series Th Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Shares, $0.01 Par Value, $25,000, liquidation preference, for a total issuance of $180 million. The Trust used the net proceeds of the offering to partially pay down the then existing indebtedness and to purchase additional senior loans. Preferred Shares pay dividends based on a rate set at auctions, normally held every 7 days. In most instances dividends are also payable every 7 days, on the first business day following the end of the rate period. Preferred shares have no stated conversion, redemption or liquidation date, but may be redeemed at the election of the Trust. Such shares may only be redeemed by the Preferred Shareholders if the Trust fails to meet certain credit quality thresholds within its portfolio.

Since early February 2008, for the first time in the history of its auction rate preferred shares program, the Trust did not receive hold orders and purchase requests for its preferred shares during their weekly auctions that equaled the full amount of such shares. As a result the amount sold by each selling shareholder was reduced pro rata or to zero. In addition, the dividend rates on each series of preferred shares, which are normally set weekly by means of a Dutch Auction procedure, automatically reset to the maximum rate permitted under the preferred shares program. That maximum rate is 150% of the applicable commercial paper base rate on the days of each weekly auction.

On June 9, 2008, the Trust announced the approval by the Board of a partial redemption of its outstanding Preferred Shares. The Trust redeemed approximately $225 million of the $450 million of its outstanding Preferred Shares as itemized below. The Preferred Shares were redeemed using proceeds available through the Trust's existing bank loan facility. Redemption costs and the on-going costs of obtaining leverage through a bank loan facility may reduce returns to Common Shares and may be higher than the costs of leverage obtained through the Preferred Shares. The Trust and the Board will continue to closely monitor the situation and evaluate potential options to restore liquidity to and/or provide additional refinancing options for this market in the context of regulatory guidelines, as well as the economic and tax implications for both its Common and Preferred shareholders.

Preferred
Shares
  Total Shares
Redeemed
  Total Liquidation
Preference
  Redemption
Date
 
Series M     1,800     $ 45,000,000     07/15/08  
Series T     1,800     $ 45,000,000     07/16/08  
Series W     1,800     $ 45,000,000     07/17/08  
Series Th     1,800     $ 45,000,000     07/18/08  
Series F     1,800     $ 45,000,000     07/21/08  
Totals     9,000     $ 225,000,000      

 

NOTE 8 — CUSTODIAL AGREEMENT

State Street Bank and Trust Company ("SSB") serves as the Trust's custodian and recordkeeper. Custody fees paid to SSB are reduced by earnings credits based on the cash balances held by SSB for the Trust. There were no earnings credits for the nine months ended November 30, 2008.


19



ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

NOTE 9 — SUBORDINATED LOANS AND UNSECURED LOANS

The Trust may invest in subordinated loans and in unsecured loans. The primary risk arising from investing in subordinated loans or in unsecured loans is the potential loss in the event of default by the issuer of the loans. The Trust may acquire a subordinated loan only if, at the time of acquisition, it acquires or holds a senior loan from the same borrower. The Trust will acquire unsecured loans only where the Investment Adviser believes, at the time of acquisition, that the Trust would have the right to payment upon default that is not subordinate to any other creditor. Subject to the aggregate 20% limit on other investments, the Trust may invest up to 20% of its total assets in unsecured floating rate loans, notes and other debt instruments and 5% of its total assets in floating rate subordinated loans. As of November 30, 2008, the Trust held 0.4% of its total assets in subordinated loans and unsecured loans.

NOTE 10 — CAPITAL SHARES

Transactions in capital shares and dollars were as follows:

    Prime Rate Trust  
    Nine Months
Ended November 30,
2008
  Year Ended
February 29,
2008
 
Number of Shares  
Reinvestment of distributions from common shares           58,938    
Proceeds from shares sold           2,320    
Net increase in shares outstanding           61,258    
Dollar Amount ($)  
Reinvestment of distributions from common shares   $     $ 450,139    
Proceeds from shares sold           17,785    
Net increase   $     $ 467,924    

 

NOTE 11 — FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

The amount of distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for investment companies. These book/tax differences may be either temporary or permanent. Permanent differences are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences are not reclassified. Key differences include the treatment of short-term capital gains, foreign currency transactions, and wash sale deferrals. Distributions in excess of net investment income and/or net realized capital gains for tax purposes are reported as return of capital.

Dividends paid by the Trust from net investment income and distributions of net realized short-term capital gains are, for federal income tax purposes, taxable as ordinary income to shareholders.

The tax composition of dividends and distributions to shareholders was as follows:

Nine Months Ended November 30, 2008   Year Ended February 29, 2008  
Ordinary Income   Ordinary Income  
$ 53,638,312     $ 105,297,662    

 


20



ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

NOTE 11 — FEDERAL INCOME TAXES (continued)

The tax-basis components of distributable earnings and the expiration dates of the capital loss carryforwards which may be used to offset future realized capital gains for federal income tax purposes as of February 29, 2008 were:

Unrealized
Depreciation
  Post-October
Currency
Losses
Deferred
  Post-October
Capital
Losses
Deferred
  Capital
Loss
Carryforwards
  Expiration
Dates
 
$ (194,491,261 )   $ (2,455,013 )   $ (2,086,199 )   $ (847,193 )     2009    
              (47,376,376 )     2010    
              (97,064,717 )     2011    
              (57,686,392 )     2012    
              (22,421,058 )     2013    
              (560,828 )     2014    
            $ (225,956,564 )        

 

The Trust's major tax jurisdictions are federal and Arizona. The earliest tax year that remains subject to examination by these jurisdictions is 2004.

NOTE 12 — OTHER ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

On March 19, 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161 ("SFAS No. 161"), "Disclosure about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This new accounting statement requires enhanced disclosures about an entity's derivative and hedging activities. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity invests in derivatives, (b) how derivatives are accounted for under SFAS No. 133, and (c) how derivatives affect an entity's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 also requires enhanced disclosures regarding credit-risk-related contingent features of derivative instruments. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 161 as of December 1, 2008, management of the Trust continues to assess the impact to the expanded financial statement disclosures.

NOTE 13 — INFORMATION REGARDING TRADING OF ING'S U.S. MUTUAL FUNDS

As discussed in earlier supplements that were previously filed with the SEC, ING Investments, the adviser to the ING Funds, has reported to the Boards of Directors/Trustees (the "Boards") of the ING Funds that, like many U.S. financial services companies, ING Investments and certain of its U.S. affiliates have received informal and formal requests for information since September 2003 from various governmental and self-regulatory agencies in connection with investigations related to mutual funds and variable insurance products. ING Investments has advised the Boards that it and its affiliates have cooperated fully with each request.

In addition to responding to regulatory and governmental requests, ING Investments reported that management of U.S. affiliates of ING Groep N.V., including ING Investments (collectively, "ING"), on their own initiative, have conducted, through independent special counsel and a national accounting firm, an extensive internal review of trading in ING insurance, retirement, and mutual fund products. ING's internal review related to mutual fund trading has been completed. ING has reported that, of the millions of customer relationships that ING maintains, the internal review identified several isolated arrangements allowing third parties to engage in frequent trading of mutual funds within ING's variable insurance and mutual fund products, and identified other circumstances where frequent trading occurred, despite measures taken by ING intended to combat market timing. ING further reported that each of these arrangements has been terminated and


21



ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

NOTE 13 — INFORMATION REGARDING TRADING OF ING'S U.S. MUTUAL FUNDS (continued)

fully disclosed to regulators. The results of the internal review were also reported to the independent members of the Boards.

ING Investments has advised the Boards that most of the identified arrangements were initiated prior to ING's acquisition of the businesses in question in the U.S. ING Investments further reported that the companies in question did not receive special benefits in return for any of these arrangements, which have all been terminated.

Based on the internal review, ING Investments has advised the Boards that the identified arrangements do not represent a systemic problem in any of the companies that were involved.

Despite the extensive internal review conducted through independent special counsel and a national accounting firm, there can be no assurance that the instances of inappropriate trading reported to the Boards are the only instances of such trading respecting the ING Funds.

ING Investments reported to the Boards that ING is committed to conducting its business with the highest standards of ethical conduct with zero tolerance for noncompliance. Accordingly, ING Investments advised the Boards that ING management was disappointed that its voluntary internal review identified these situations. Viewed in the context of the breadth and magnitude of its U.S. business as a whole, ING management does not believe that ING's acquired companies had systemic ethical or compliance issues in these areas. Nonetheless, ING Investments reported that given ING's refusal to tolerate any lapses, it has taken the steps noted below, and will continue to seek opportunities to further strengthen the internal controls of its affiliates.

•  ING has agreed with the ING Funds to indemnify and hold harmless the ING Funds from all damages resulting from wrongful conduct by ING or its employees or from ING's internal investigation, any investigations conducted by any governmental or self-regulatory agencies, litigation or other formal proceedings, including any proceedings by the SEC. ING Investments reported to the Boards that the indemnification commitments made by ING Funds related to mutual fund trading have been settled and restitution amounts prepared by an independent consultant have been paid to the affected ING Funds.

•  ING updated its Code of Conduct for employees reinforcing its employees' obligation to conduct personal trading activity consistent with the law, disclosed limits, and other requirements.

Other Regulatory Matters

The New York Attorney General and other federal and state regulators are also conducting broad inquiries and investigations involving the insurance industry. These initiatives currently focus on, among other things, compensation and other sales incentives; potential conflicts of interest; potential anticompetitive activity; reinsurance; marketing practices (including suitability); specific product types (including group annuities and indexed annuities); fund selection for investment products and brokerage sales; and disclosure. It is likely that the scope of these industry investigations will further broaden before they conclude. ING has received formal and informal requests in connection with such investigations, and is cooperating fully with each request.

Other federal and state regulators could initiate similar actions in this or other areas of ING's businesses. These regulatory initiatives may result in new legislation and regulation that could significantly affect the financial services industry, including businesses in which ING is engaged. In light of these and other developments, ING continuously reviews whether modifications to its business practices are appropriate. At this time, in light of the current regulatory factors, ING U.S. is actively engaged in reviewing whether any modifications in our practices are appropriate for the future.


22



ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

NOTE 13 — INFORMATION REGARDING TRADING OF ING'S U.S. MUTUAL FUNDS (continued)

There can be no assurance that these matters, or the adverse publicity associated with them, will not result in increased fund redemptions, reduced sale of fund shares, or other adverse consequences to ING Funds.

NOTE 14 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Subsequent to November 30, 2008, the Trust paid to Common Shareholders the following dividends from net investment income:

Per Share Amount   Declaration Date   Record Date   Payable Date  
$ 0.0340       11/28/08       12/10/08       12/22/08    
$ 0.0340       12/19/08       12/31/08       1/13/09    

 

Subsequent to November 30, 2008, the Trust paid to Preferred Shareholders the following dividends from net investment income:

Preferred
Shares
  Total Per Share
Amount
  Auction Dates   Record Dates   Payable Dates   Average
Rate
 
Series M   $ 13.66     12/01/08-01/12/09   12/08/08-01/16/09   12/09/08-01/20/09     0.40 %  
Series T   $ 12.05     12/02/08-01/13/09   12/09/08-01/20/09   12/10/08-01/21/09     0.35 %  
Series W   $ 9.83     12/03/08-01/14/09   12/10/08-01/21/09   12/11/08-01/22/09     0.29 %  
Series Th   $ 9.27     12/04/08-01/15/09   12/11/08-01/22/09   12/12/08-01/23/09     0.27 %  
Series F   $ 14.20     12/05/08-01/16/09   12/12/08-01/23/09   12/12/08-01/26/09     0.45 %  

 


23




ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited)

Senior Loans*: 167.3%           Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Aerospace & Defense: 2.3%      
        Avio Group   NR   NR        
$ 556,314         Term Loan, 5.243%, maturing
December 13, 2014
      $ 370,505    
EUR 708,333       Term Loan, 5.903%, maturing
December 13, 2014
        600,529    
$ 590,346       Term Loan, 5.868%, maturing
December 13, 2015
        393,170    
EUR 708,333       Term Loan, 6.528%, maturing
December 13, 2015
        600,529    
        Delta Airlines, Inc.   Ba2   BB-        
$ 1,485,000       Term Loan, 4.588%, maturing April 30, 2012         1,011,656    
        Delta Airlines, Inc.   B2   B        
  5,456,149       Term Loan, 5.831%, maturing April 30, 2014         2,799,004    
        McKechnie Aerospace DE, Inc.   B1   B+        
  987,500       Term Loan, 3.440%, maturing May 11, 2014         738,156    
        Transdigm, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
  3,000,000       Term Loan, 5.210%, maturing June 23, 2013         2,325,000    
        United Airlines, Inc.   B3   B+        
  4,133,798       Term Loan, 3.438%, maturing
February 01, 2014
        1,963,554    
        Wesco Aircraft Hardware Corporation   B1   BB-        
  1,458,750       Term Loan, 3.690%, maturing
September 29, 2013
        1,145,119    
      11,947,222    
Automobile: 2.1%      
        Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc.   B3   B-        
  534,375       Term Loan, 3.436%, maturing June 15, 2014         160,312    
        Ford Motor Company   B1   CCC+        
  9,681,447       (3 )   Term Loan, 4.430%, maturing
December 16, 2013
        3,957,292    
        KAR Holdings, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  4,307,011       Term Loan, 6.020%, maturing
October 18, 2013
        2,630,864    
        Oshkosh Truck Corporation   Ba3   BB+        
  7,007,342       Term Loan, 4.197%, maturing
December 06, 2013
        4,484,699    
      11,233,167    
Beverage, Food & Tobacco: 4.3%      
        ARAMARK Corporation   Ba3   BB        
  1,209,004       Term Loan, 5.637%, maturing
January 26, 2014
        968,412    
  13,061,435       Term Loan, 5.637%, maturing
January 26, 2014
        10,462,209    
  2,947,500       Term Loan, 5.637%, maturing
January 26, 2014
        2,360,948    
        Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation   B2   B        
  5,628,750       Term Loan, 6.423%, maturing April 02, 2014         3,865,077    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
24



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Beverage, Food & Tobacco: (continued)      
        Sturm Foods, Inc.   B2   B        
$ 2,955,000       Term Loan, 6.000%, maturing
January 31, 2014
      $ 1,780,387    
        United Biscuits   NR   NR        
GBP 1,476,692       Term Loan, 7.419%, maturing
December 14, 2014
        1,504,273    
        Van Houtte, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
$ 651,750       Term Loan, 6.262%, maturing July 19, 2014         454,596    
  88,875       Term Loan, 6.262%, maturing July 19, 2014         61,990    
        Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company   NR   BBB        
  1,500,000       Term Loan, 7.750%, maturing
October 06, 2014
        1,401,308    
      22,859,200    
Buildings & Real Estate: 1.5%      
        Contech Construction Products, Inc.   B1   BB        
  1,651,129       Term Loan, 5.512%, maturing
January 31, 2013
        1,023,700    
        Custom Building Products, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
  3,649,828       Term Loan, 4.309%, maturing
October 29, 2011
        2,408,886    
        John Maneely Company   B2   B+        
  4,232,536       Term Loan, 7.628%, maturing
December 09, 2013
        2,746,916    
        KCPC Acquisition, Inc.   Ba2   B-        
  529,286       Term Loan, 3.688%, maturing May 22, 2014         375,793    
  189,655       Term Loan, 6.063%, maturing May 22, 2014         134,655    
        LaFarge Roofing   NR   NR        
  169,425       Term Loan, 5.887%, maturing June 14, 2015         64,664    
EUR 441,573       Term Loan, 7.267%, maturing June 14, 2015         214,173    
EUR 180,337       Term Loan, 7.267%, maturing June 14, 2015         87,467    
$ 171,654       Term Loan, 6.137%, maturing
March 14, 2016
        65,515    
EUR 409,551       Term Loan, 7.517%, maturing
March 14, 2016
        198,641    
EUR 210,674       Term Loan, 7.517%, maturing
March 14, 2016
        102,182    
        Shea Capital I, LLC   Caa2   BB-        
$ 160,317       Term Loan, 4.724%, maturing
October 27, 2011
        48,095    
        Tishman Speyer   Ba2   B+        
  1,500,000       Term Loan, 3.230%, maturing
December 27, 2012
        600,000    
      8,070,687    
Cargo Transport: 1.9%      
        Baker Tanks, Inc.   B1   B        
  1,970,000       Term Loan, 3.671%, maturing May 08, 2014         1,034,250    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
25



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Cargo Transport: (continued)      
        Dockwise Transport, N.V.   NR   NR        
$ 1,094,819       Term Loan, 6.012%, maturing
January 11, 2015
      $ 678,788    
  875,000       Term Loan, 6.012%, maturing
January 11, 2015
        542,500    
  875,000       Term Loan, 6.637%, maturing
January 11, 2016
        542,500    
  1,094,819       Term Loan, 6.637%, maturing
January 11, 2016
        678,788    
  500,000       Term Loan, 8.262%, maturing July 11, 2016         237,500    
  560,000       Term Loan, 8.262%, maturing
October 20, 2016
        266,000    
        (1 )   Gainey Corporation   NR   NR        
  749,586       (2 )   Term Loan, 7.094%, maturing April 20, 2012         93,698    
        Inmar, Inc.   B1   B        
  540,922       Term Loan, 3.690%, maturing April 29, 2013         421,919    
        Kenan Advantage Group, Inc.   B3   B+        
  682,320       Term Loan, 6.762%, maturing
December 16, 2011
        460,566    
        Railamerica Transportation Corporation   NR   NR        
  194,560       Term Loan, 7.883%, maturing
August 14, 2009
        162,458    
  3,005,440       Term Loan, 7.883%, maturing
August 14, 2009
        2,509,542    
        TNT Logistics   Ba2   BB-        
  1,892,409       Term Loan, 5.046%, maturing
November 04, 2013
        1,207,987    
  723,070       Term Loan, 6.762%, maturing
November 04, 2013
        520,611    
        US Shipping Partners, L.P.   Caa2   CCC        
  1,786,152       Term Loan, 7.262%, maturing
March 31, 2012
        714,461    
      10,071,568    
Cellular: 0.9%      
        Cricket Communications, Inc.   Ba2   B+        
  5,865,000       Term Loan, 7.262%, maturing June 16, 2013         4,836,795    
      4,836,795    
Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber: 7.6%      
        AZ Chem US, Inc.   B1   BB-        
EUR 710,707       Term Loan, 5.673%, maturing
February 28, 2013
        541,899    
        Borsodchem Nyrt.   NR   NR        
EUR 804,394       Term Loan, 7.656%, maturing
March 26, 2015
        678,075    
EUR 804,394       Term Loan, 8.156%, maturing
March 26, 2016
        678,075    
        Brenntag Holding GmbH & Co. KG   B1   B+        
$ 1,178,182       Term Loan, 5.071%, maturing
January 17, 2014
        854,182    
  3,621,818       Term Loan, 5.071%, maturing
January 17, 2014
        2,625,818    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
26



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber: (continued)      
        Celanese   Ba2   BB+        
$ 3,200,000       Term Loan, 4.350%, maturing April 02, 2014       $ 2,464,000    
        Cristal Inorganic Chemicals, Inc.   Ba3   B-        
  2,878,250       Term Loan, 6.012%, maturing May 15, 2014         1,770,124    
        Cristal Inorganic Chemicals, Inc.   B3   CCC-        
  900,000       Term Loan, 9.512%, maturing
November 15, 2014
        405,000    
        Hawkeye Renewables, LLC   B3   NR        
  3,626,591       Term Loan, 7.305%, maturing June 30, 2012         1,305,573    
        Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  2,450,000       Term Loan, 5.500%, maturing May 05, 2013         1,335,250    
  987,500       Term Loan, 6.063%, maturing May 05, 2013         474,000    
  1,164,000       Term Loan, 6.176%, maturing May 05, 2013         634,380    
  1,335,113       Term Loan, 6.063%, maturing May 06, 2013         727,637    
  6,152,388       Term Loan, 6.188%, maturing May 06, 2013         3,353,051    
        Ineos US Finance, LLC   B2   B        
  1,895,688       Term Loan, 5.932%, maturing
December 16, 2012
        1,075,803    
  2,742,697       Term Loan, 5.950%, maturing
December 16, 2013
        1,355,921    
  2,741,945       Term Loan, 6.450%, maturing
December 23, 2014
        1,384,682    
        ISP Chemco, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
  3,456,250       Term Loan, 3.413%, maturing June 04, 2014         2,597,949    
        JohnsonDiversey, Inc.   Ba2   BB-        
  498,493       Term Loan, 5.193%, maturing
December 16, 2010
        396,302    
  2,552,761       Term Loan, 5.509%, maturing
December 16, 2011
        2,029,445    
        Kraton Polymers, LLC   B1   B        
  2,000,000       Term Loan, 5.313%, maturing May 12, 2013         1,233,334    
        Lucite International US Finco, Ltd.   B3   B+        
  1,025,191       Term Loan, 3.690%, maturing July 07, 2013         891,916    
  695,816       Term Loan, 3.690%, maturing July 07, 2013         597,532    
        LyondellBasell Industries   B1   B+        
  5,223,750       Term Loan, 7.000%, maturing
December 20, 2014
        2,197,705    
  4,646,748       Term Loan, 7.000%, maturing April 30, 2015         1,959,380    
  2,345,626       Term Loan, 7.000%, maturing April 30, 2015         980,472    
        MacDermid, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  1,638,215       Term Loan, 5.762%, maturing April 12, 2014         1,060,744    
EUR 801,817       Term Loan, 7.389%, maturing April 12, 2014         644,485    
        Northeast Biofuels, LLC   Caa1   C        
$ 114,514       Term Loan, 9.750%, maturing June 28, 2013         45,806    
        Polypore, Inc.   Ba2   BB-        
  3,291,666       Term Loan, 5.140%, maturing July 03, 2014         2,221,875    
        Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc.   Ba2   BB+        
  1,847,862       Term Loan, 3.546%, maturing July 30, 2012         1,499,848    
      40,020,263    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
27



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Containers, Packaging & Glass: 4.8%      
        Berry Plastics Corporation   B1   B+        
$ 4,866,046       Term Loan, 4.178%, maturing April 03, 2015       $ 3,264,304    
        Graham Packaging Company   B1   B+        
  12,002,000       Term Loan, 5.509%, maturing
October 07, 2011
        9,228,686    
        Graphic Packaging International, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
  3,790,864       Term Loan, 5.299%, maturing May 16, 2014         2,840,779    
        Mauser AG   NR   NR        
EUR 625,000       Term Loan, 5.768%, maturing June 13, 2013         400,103    
EUR 625,000       Term Loan, 7.130%, maturing June 13, 2014         400,103    
$ 842,699       Term Loan, 3.807%, maturing June 13, 2015         424,510    
  842,699       Term Loan, 4.057%, maturing June 13, 2016         424,510    
        Owens-Illinois   Baa3   BBB-        
EUR 2,154,375       Term Loan, 5.414%, maturing June 14, 2013         2,167,409    
        Pro Mach, Inc.   B1   B        
$ 2,437,500       Term Loan, 6.020%, maturing
December 01, 2011
        2,279,063    
        Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation   Ba2   BB        
  591,595       Term Loan, 3.404%, maturing
November 01, 2011
        446,284    
  99,264       Term Loan, 4.897%, maturing
November 01, 2011
        75,110    
        Tegrant Holding Company   Caa3   CC        
  500,000       Term Loan, 8.310%, maturing
March 08, 2015
        62,500    
        Xerium Technologies, Inc.   Caa1   B-        
  4,208,686       Term Loan, 9.262%, maturing May 18, 2012         3,051,298    
      25,064,659    
Data and Internet Services: 6.8%      
        Activant Solutions, Inc.   B1   B+        
  898,974       Term Loan, 4.548%, maturing May 02, 2013         566,354    
        Amadeus IT Group, S.A.   NR   NR        
EUR 768,581       Term Loan, 6.481%, maturing May 04, 2015         468,619    
EUR 768,581       Term Loan, 6.981%, maturing May 04, 2016         468,619    
        Audatex   Ba3   BB-        
$ 1,082,505       Term Loan, 4.819%, maturing May 16, 2014         855,179    
        Carlson Wagonlit Holdings, B.V.   Ba3   BB-        
  2,734,600       Term Loan, 5.715%, maturing
August 03, 2012
        1,647,597    
        First Data Corporation   Ba3   BB-        
  2,444,416       Term Loan, 4.345%, maturing
September 24, 2014
        1,670,690    
  247,500       Term Loan, 5.145%, maturing
September 24, 2014
        169,159    
  681,808       Term Loan, 5.982%, maturing
September 24, 2014
        465,144    
        L-1 Identity Solutions Operating Company   Ba3   BB+        
  500,000       Term Loan, 7.500%, maturing
August 05, 2013
        432,500    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
28



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Data and Internet Services: (continued)      
        Mitchell International, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
$ 443,250       Term Loan, 5.813%, maturing
March 28, 2014
      $ 353,492    
        Mitchell International, Inc.   Caa1   B+        
  250,000       Term Loan, 9.063%, maturing
March 30, 2015
        150,000    
        Orbitz   B2   BB-        
  7,410,075       Term Loan, 5.739%, maturing July 25, 2014         3,309,836    
        Reynolds & Reynolds Company   Ba2   BB        
  9,264,146       Term Loan, 3.436%, maturing
October 26, 2012
        5,651,129    
        Sabre, Inc.   B1   B+        
  13,958,689       Term Loan, 5.251%, maturing
September 30, 2014
        5,707,554    
        Sitel, LLC   B3   B+        
  2,261,385       Term Loan, 6.363%, maturing
January 30, 2014
        1,356,831    
        Sungard Data Systems, Inc.   Ba3   BB        
  10,083,904       Term Loan, 4.003%, maturing
February 28, 2014
        7,154,842    
  2,500,000       Term Loan, 6.750%, maturing
February 28, 2014
        2,018,750    
        Transaction Network Services, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  2,047,018       Term Loan, 4.178%, maturing
March 28, 2014
        1,734,848    
        Travelport, Inc.   Ba2   BB-        
  987,500       Term Loan, 3.686%, maturing
August 23, 2013
        509,797    
  1,445,156       Term Loan, 6.012%, maturing
August 23, 2013
        697,804    
  289,971       Term Loan, 6.012%, maturing
August 23, 2013
        140,015    
      35,528,759    
Diversified / Conglomerate Manufacturing: 3.7%      
        BOC Edwards   B1   BB-        
  3,209,375       Term Loan, 3.436%, maturing May 31, 2014         2,150,281    
        Brand Services, Inc.   B1   B        
  2,829,179       Term Loan, 5.956%, maturing
February 07, 2014
        1,966,279    
  1,237,500       Term Loan, 6.876%, maturing
February 07, 2014
        952,875    
        Brand Services, Inc.   Caa1   CCC+        
  1,600,000       Term Loan, 8.325%, maturing
February 07, 2015
        1,268,000    
        Dresser, Inc.   B2   B+        
  4,852,885       Term Loan, 4.451%, maturing May 04, 2014         3,366,689    
        EPD, Inc.   B1   B+        
  3,031,875       Term Loan, 4.460%, maturing July 31, 2014         1,894,922    
  434,219       Term Loan, 4.460%, maturing July 31, 2014         271,387    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
29



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Diversified / Conglomerate Manufacturing: (continued)      
        Ferretti, S.P.A.   NR   NR        
EUR 577,667       Term Loan, 4.922%, maturing
January 22, 2015
      $ 467,621    
EUR 577,667       Term Loan, 4.922%, maturing
January 21, 2016
        467,621    
        Flextronics International, Ltd.   Ba1   BB+        
$ 686,623       Term Loan, 6.155%, maturing
October 01, 2014
        485,786    
  196,831       Term Loan, 7.069%, maturing
October 01, 2014
        136,141    
        Mueller Group, Inc.   Ba3   BB+        
  1,739,099       Term Loan, 4.952%, maturing May 24, 2014         1,269,542    
        Rexnord Corporation / RBS Global, Inc.   Ba2   BB-        
  963,581       Term Loan, 5.762%, maturing July 19, 2013         770,865    
        Sensata Technologies   B1   BB-        
  4,105,500       Term Loan, 5.257%, maturing April 27, 2013         2,424,298    
        Sensus Metering Systems, Inc.   Ba2   BB        
  1,408,696       Term Loan, 3.953%, maturing
December 17, 2010
        1,232,609    
        Textron Fastening Systems   B2   B+        
  490,000       Term Loan, 7.262%, maturing
August 11, 2013
        257,250    
      19,382,166    
Diversified / Conglomerate Service: 4.5%      
        Affinion Group   Ba2   BB        
  3,937,668       Term Loan, 3.436%, maturing
October 17, 2012
        2,887,622    
        AlixPartners, LLP   B1   BB-        
  2,578,769       Term Loan, 4.926%, maturing
October 12, 2013
        2,140,379    
        Brickman Group   Ba3   BB-        
  1,970,000       Term Loan, 3.436%, maturing
January 23, 2014
        1,211,550    
        Brock Holdings, Inc.   B1   B+        
  1,477,500       Term Loan, 5.762%, maturing
February 26, 2014
        923,438    
        Catalina Marketing Corporation   Ba3   BB-        
  2,970,000       Term Loan, 6.762%, maturing
October 01, 2014
        1,997,325    
        Coach America Holdings, Inc.   B2   B        
  2,116,071       Term Loan, 4.919%, maturing April 20, 2014         1,248,482    
  442,989       Term Loan, 6.412%, maturing April 20, 2014         261,364    
        Fleetcor Technologies Operating
Company, LLC
  Ba3   B+        
  114,100       Term Loan, 5.100%, maturing April 30, 2013         69,601    
  564,900       Term Loan, 5.100%, maturing April 30, 2013         344,589    
        Intergraph Corporation   Ba3   BB-        
  1,884,107       Term Loan, 4.196%, maturing May 29, 2014         1,483,734    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
30



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Diversified / Conglomerate Service: (continued)      
        ISS Global A/S   NR   NR        
EUR 877,193       Term Loan, 6.964%, maturing
December 31, 2013
      $ 754,119    
EUR 122,807       Term Loan, 6.964%, maturing
December 31, 2013
        105,576    
        ISTA International GmbH   NR   NR        
EUR 1,668,522       Term Loan, 7.122%, maturing May 14, 2015         1,261,613    
EUR 331,478       Term Loan, 7.122%, maturing May 14, 2015         250,639    
        Valley National Gases, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
$ 1,946,121       Term Loan, 5.569%, maturing
February 28, 2014
        1,488,783    
        Valley National Gases, Inc.   B3   CCC+        
  250,000       Term Loan, 9.321%, maturing
August 28, 2014
        175,000    
        Valleycrest Companies, LLC   B1   BB-        
  1,849,094       Term Loan, 4.820%, maturing
October 04, 2013
        1,294,366    
        Vertafore, Inc.   B1   B        
  3,053,790       Term Loan, 4.658%, maturing
January 31, 2012
        2,305,611    
        West Corporation   B1   BB-        
  5,370,238       Term Loan, 4.207%, maturing
October 24, 2013
        3,405,069    
      23,608,860    
Diversified Nat'l Rsrcs, Precious Metals & Minerals: 3.0%      
        Georgia Pacific Corporation   Ba2   BB+        
  20,498,916       Term Loan, 4.434%, maturing
December 20, 2012
        15,878,112    
      15,878,112    
Ecological: 0.2%      
        Synagro Technologies, Inc.   B1   B+        
  888,750       Term Loan, 4.244%, maturing April 02, 2014         617,681    
        Synagro Technologies, Inc.   Caa2   CCC+        
  485,000       Term Loan, 6.290%, maturing
October 02, 2014
        181,875    
      799,556    
Electronics: 2.7%      
        Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.   Ba2   BB+        
  3,250,000       Term Loan, 7.000%, maturing
October 07, 2013
        2,795,000    
        Decision One   NR   NR        
  1,726,280       Term Loan, 12.000%, maturing April 15, 2010         1,726,280    
        Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.   Ba1   BB        
  5,069,438       Term Loan, 4.600%, maturing
November 29, 2013
        2,960,871    
        Infor Global Solutions   B1   B+        
  493,750       Term Loan, 6.520%, maturing July 28, 2012         274,031    
  618,676       Term Loan, 7.520%, maturing July 28, 2012         344,912    
  1,185,797       Term Loan, 7.520%, maturing July 28, 2012         661,082    
EUR 736,875       Term Loan, 8.139%, maturing July 28, 2012         508,008    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
31



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Electronics: (continued)      
        Infor Global Solutions   Caa2   CCC+        
EUR 500,000       Term Loan, 11.392%, maturing
March 02, 2014
      $ 126,286    
        Kronos, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
$ 3,300,893       Term Loan, 6.012%, maturing June 11, 2014         2,211,598    
        NXP, B.V.   Caa1   CCC        
  1,750,000       Floating Rate Note, 7.758%, maturing
October 15, 2013
        433,125    
EUR 1,500,000       Floating Rate Note, 7.758%, maturing
October 15, 2013
        457,488    
        ON Semiconductor   Baa3   BB        
$ 1,970,000       Term Loan, 3.186%, maturing
September 03, 2013
        1,526,750    
      14,025,431    
Finance: 1.1%      
        LPL Holdings, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  7,393,672       Term Loan, 5.512%, maturing June 28, 2013         5,693,127    
      5,693,127    
Foreign Cable, Foreign TV, Radio and Equipment: 4.9%      
        Com Hem   NR   NR        
SEK 8,666,667       Term Loan, 7.925%, maturing
January 31, 2014
        578,573    
SEK 8,000,000       Term Loan, 8.050%, maturing
January 31, 2015
        534,067    
        Levana Holding 4 GmbH   NR   NR        
EUR 728,399       Term Loan, 7.526%, maturing
March 02, 2015
        111,849    
EUR 728,398       Term Loan, 7.776%, maturing
March 02, 2016
        111,849    
        Numericable/YPSO France SAS   NR   NR        
EUR 765,871       Term Loan, 5.892%, maturing July 28, 2016         523,880    
EUR 1,249,580       Term Loan, 5.892%, maturing July 28, 2016         854,753    
EUR 1,984,549       Term Loan, 5.892%, maturing July 28, 2016         1,357,496    
EUR 1,305,125       Term Loan, 6.142%, maturing July 28, 2016         901,009    
EUR 694,875       Term Loan, 6.142%, maturing July 28, 2016         479,715    
        ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG   NR   NR        
EUR 64,583       Term Loan, 5.826%, maturing July 02, 2014         38,677    
EUR 1,190,021       Term Loan, 5.826%, maturing July 02, 2014         712,661    
SEK 2,269,914       Term Loan, 6.295%, maturing July 02, 2014         132,039    
EUR 801,232       Term Loan, 5.951%, maturing May 09, 2015         496,739    
EUR 36,050       Term Loan, 5.951%, maturing May 09, 2015         22,350    
        UPC Financing Partnership   Ba3   B+        
$ 5,000,000       Term Loan, 4.600%, maturing
December 31, 2014
        3,605,000    
EUR 7,346,871       Term Loan, 6.481%, maturing
December 31, 2014
        6,330,277    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
32



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Foreign Cable, Foreign TV, Radio and Equipment: (continued)      
        Virgin Media Investment Holdings, Ltd.   Ba2   BB        
GBP 833,853       Term Loan, 8.129%, maturing
September 03, 2012
      $ 973,331    
GBP 423,993       Term Loan, 8.129%, maturing
September 03, 2012
        494,914    
GBP 2,883,112       Term Loan, 8.147%, maturing
September 03, 2012
        3,365,371    
GBP 3,454,322       Term Loan, 8.147%, maturing
September 03, 2012
        4,032,127    
      25,656,677    
Gaming: 4.4%      
        Cannery Casino Resorts, LLC   B1   BB        
$ 1,632,874       Term Loan, 3.703%, maturing May 18, 2013         1,528,778    
  1,346,457       Term Loan, 4.993%, maturing May 18, 2013         1,260,620    
        CCM Merger, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  3,234,471       Term Loan, 5.152%, maturing July 13, 2012         1,536,374    
        Centaur, LLC   B2   CCC+        
  1,116,817       Term Loan, 9.762%, maturing
October 30, 2012
        698,011    
        Fontainebleau Las Vegas, LLC   B3   B        
  1,266,667       Term Loan, 6.065%, maturing June 06, 2014         449,667    
        Golden Nugget, Inc.   B2   BB-        
  349,358       Term Loan, 2.528%, maturing June 30, 2014         136,250    
  1,834,127       Term Loan, 3.430%, maturing June 30, 2014         715,310    
        Green Valley Ranch Gaming, LLC   B3   B        
  1,422,955       Term Loan, 4.521%, maturing
February 16, 2014
        675,903    
        Green Valley Ranch Gaming, LLC   Caa3   CCC        
  750,000       Term Loan, 6.000%, maturing
August 16, 2014
        63,750    
        Greenwood Racing, Inc.   B2   BB-        
  723,750       Term Loan, 5.430%, maturing
November 28, 2011
        452,344    
        Harrahs Operating Company, Inc.   B1   B+        
  1,990,000       Term Loan, 6.536%, maturing
January 28, 2015
        1,174,349    
  1,492,500       Term Loan, 6.538%, maturing
January 28, 2015
        882,173    
        Isle Of Capri Casinos, Inc.   Ba3   BB        
  4,360,213       Term Loan, 5.512%, maturing July 26, 2014         2,772,367    
  1,314,687       Term Loan, 5.512%, maturing July 26, 2014         835,921    
  1,744,085       Term Loan, 5.512%, maturing July 26, 2014         1,108,947    
        Las Vegas Sands, LLC   B2   B+        
  1,596,000       Term Loan, 5.520%, maturing May 23, 2014         796,227    
  6,320,000       Term Loan, 5.520%, maturing May 23, 2014         3,152,978    
        New World Gaming Partners, Ltd.   B1   B+        
  708,333       Term Loan, 6.553%, maturing
September 30, 2014
        332,031    
  3,515,104       Term Loan, 6.553%, maturing
September 30, 2014
        1,647,705    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
33



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Gaming: (continued)      
        Seminole Tribe Of Florida   Baa3   BBB        
$ 16,661       Term Loan, 5.313%, maturing
March 05, 2014
      $ 13,329    
        VML US Finance, LLC   B2   B        
  867,738       Term Loan, 6.020%, maturing May 25, 2012         500,133    
  1,932,262       Term Loan, 6.020%, maturing May 24, 2013         1,113,686    
  2,000,000       Term Loan, 6.020%, maturing May 26, 2013         1,152,728    
      22,999,581    
Healthcare, Education and Childcare: 21.7%      
        Accellent, Inc.   B2   B+        
  1,945,000       Term Loan, 4.694%, maturing
November 22, 2012
        1,303,150    
        AGA Medical Corporation   B1   BB-        
  1,632,209       Term Loan, 4.138%, maturing April 28, 2013         1,264,962    
        Catalent Pharma Solutions   Ba3   BB-        
  6,495,556       Term Loan, 6.012%, maturing April 10, 2014         4,043,483    
        CHG Medical Staffing, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  1,572,000       Term Loan, 3.936%, maturing
January 08, 2013
        1,186,860    
  400,000       Term Loan, 6.255%, maturing
January 08, 2013
        302,000    
        CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc.   Ba3   BB        
  43,201,602       Term Loan, 4.394%, maturing July 25, 2014         31,901,704    
        Concentra Operating Corporation   B1   B+        
  1,975,000       Term Loan, 6.020%, maturing June 25, 2014         1,224,500    
        CRC Health Corporation   Ba3   BB-        
  1,442,277       Term Loan, 6.012%, maturing
February 06, 2013
        905,029    
  1,462,650       Term Loan, 6.012%, maturing
February 06, 2013
        917,813    
        Education Management Corporation   B2   B+        
  6,171,248       Term Loan, 5.563%, maturing June 01, 2013         4,154,021    
        Emdeon Business Services, LLC   B1   BB-        
  2,356,912       Term Loan, 6.517%, maturing
November 16, 2013
        1,708,761    
        EMSC, L.P.   Ba1   BB+        
  3,169,458       Term Loan, 4.811%, maturing
February 10, 2012
        2,789,123    
        Gambro   NR   NR        
  646,459       Term Loan, 5.618%, maturing June 05, 2014         425,047    
SEK 2,146,343       Term Loan, 7.865%, maturing June 05, 2014         174,196    
SEK 2,111,070       Term Loan, 7.865%, maturing June 05, 2014         171,333    
$ 646,459       Term Loan, 6.118%, maturing June 05, 2015         425,047    
SEK 2,146,343       Term Loan, 8.365%, maturing June 05, 2015         174,196    
SEK 2,111,070       Term Loan, 8.365%, maturing June 05, 2015         171,333    
        Gentiva Health Services, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
$ 2,035,135       Term Loan, 4.128%, maturing
March 31, 2013
        1,643,371    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
34



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Healthcare, Education and Childcare: (continued)      
        Harlan Sprague Dawley, Inc.   B2   BB-        
$ 2,488,125       Term Loan, 7.174%, maturing July 11, 2014       $ 1,953,178    
        Harrington Holdings, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  2,429,667       Term Loan, 3.686%, maturing
January 11, 2014
        1,858,695    
        HCA, Inc.   Ba3   BB        
  25,985,239       Term Loan, 6.012%, maturing
November 18, 2013
        19,545,785    
        Health Management Associates, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  2,680,713       Term Loan, 5.512%, maturing
February 28, 2014
        1,822,885    
        Iasis Healthcare, LLC   Ba2   B+        
  144,841       Term Loan, 3.395%, maturing
March 15, 2014
        109,807    
  541,795       Term Loan, 5.118%, maturing
March 15, 2014
        410,748    
  1,565,784       Term Loan, 5.118%, maturing
March 15, 2014
        1,187,060    
        IM US Holdings, LLC   B1   BB        
  2,937,500       Term Loan, 4.798%, maturing June 26, 2014         2,100,313    
        Life Technologies Corporation   Baa3   BBB-        
  1,750,000       Term Loan, 6.000%, maturing
November 21, 2015
        1,603,437    
        Multiplan, Inc.   B1   B+        
  1,223,153       Term Loan, 4.000%, maturing April 12, 2013         905,133    
        National Mentor, Inc.   B1   B+        
  117,736       Term Loan, 5.570%, maturing June 29, 2013         99,487    
  1,974,686       Term Loan, 5.770%, maturing June 29, 2013         1,668,610    
        Nycomed   NR   NR        
EUR 535,383       Term Loan, 7.423%, maturing
December 10, 2014
        394,045    
EUR 1,397,300       Term Loan, 7.423%, maturing
December 10, 2014
        1,028,420    
EUR 86,211       Term Loan, 7.423%, maturing
December 10, 2014
        63,452    
EUR 54,917       Term Loan, 7.423%, maturing
December 10, 2014
        40,419    
EUR 388,312       Term Loan, 7.423%, maturing
December 10, 2014
        285,800    
EUR 1,397,300       Term Loan, 8.173%, maturing
December 10, 2014
        1,028,420    
EUR 86,211       Term Loan, 8.173%, maturing
December 10, 2014
        63,452    
EUR 54,917       Term Loan, 8.173%, maturing
December 10, 2014
        40,420    
EUR 388,312       Term Loan, 8.173%, maturing
December 10, 2014
        285,800    
EUR 535,383       Term Loan, 8.173%, maturing
December 10, 2014
        394,045    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
35



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Healthcare, Education and Childcare: (continued)      
        Orthofix International/Colgate Medical   B1   BB+        
$ 1,766,818       Term Loan, 8.270%, maturing
September 22, 2013
      $ 1,404,620    
        Quintiles Transnational Corporation   B1   BB        
  2,953,370       Term Loan, 5.770%, maturing
March 31, 2013
        2,318,396    
        Renal Advantage, Inc.   NR   B+        
  3,358,044       Term Loan, 5.319%, maturing
October 06, 2012
        2,350,631    
        Rural/Metro Operating Company, LLC   Ba2   BB-        
  835,293       Term Loan, 6.279%, maturing
March 04, 2011
        680,764    
  519,127       Term Loan, 6.790%, maturing
March 04, 2011
        423,088    
        Sterigenics International, Inc.   B3   BB-        
  1,939,310       Term Loan, 5.120%, maturing
November 21, 2013
        1,318,731    
        Stiefel Laboratories, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  687,900       Term Loan, 7.000%, maturing
December 28, 2013
        536,562    
  899,366       Term Loan, 7.000%, maturing
December 28, 2013
        701,506    
        Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.   Ba2   B+        
  847,364       Term Loan, 4.823%, maturing April 19, 2014         618,576    
  131,512       Term Loan, 5.014%, maturing April 19, 2014         96,004    
  217,241       Term Loan, 5.762%, maturing April 21, 2014         158,586    
        Surgical Care Affiliates, LLC   Ba3   B        
  2,962,500       Term Loan, 5.762%, maturing
December 29, 2014
        1,747,875    
        Team Health, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  2,026,728       Term Loan, 4.443%, maturing
November 23, 2012
        1,378,175    
        United Surgical Partners International, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  311,290       Term Loan, 3.419%, maturing April 19, 2014         200,782    
  1,652,258       Term Loan, 4.457%, maturing April 19, 2014         1,065,706    
        Vanguard Health Holdings Company II, LLC   Ba3   B+        
  3,393,066       Term Loan, 4.666%, maturing
September 23, 2011
        2,807,762    
        Viant Holdings, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  740,625       Term Loan, 6.020%, maturing June 25, 2014         403,641    
        VWR International, Inc.   B1   B+        
  3,500,000       Term Loan, 3.936%, maturing June 29, 2014         2,318,750    
EUR 2,500,000       Term Loan, 5.936%, maturing June 29, 2014         2,017,395    
      114,322,890    
Home & Office Furnishings: 1.9%      
        Global Garden Products Italy, S.P.A.   NR   NR        
EUR 1,250,000       Term Loan, 7.379%, maturing
October 19, 2014
        953,100    
EUR 1,250,000       Term Loan, 7.879%, maturing
October 19, 2015
        953,100    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
36



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Home & Office Furnishings: (continued)      
        Hilding Anders   NR   NR        
EUR 324,872       Term Loan, 7.540%, maturing April 25, 2015       $ 240,140    
SEK 17,864,613       Term Loan, 7.733%, maturing April 25, 2015         1,141,160    
        National Bedding Company   B1   BB-        
$ 2,177,466       Term Loan, 4.926%, maturing
February 28, 2013
        1,277,447    
        Simmons Company   B1   B-        
  6,942,562       Term Loan, 5.499%, maturing
December 19, 2011
        4,477,953    
        Springs Window Fashions, LLC   B2   B+        
  1,410,813       Term Loan, 6.563%, maturing
December 31, 2012
        941,717    
      9,984,617    
Insurance: 2.4%      
        AmWINS Group, Inc.   B2   B-        
  1,975,000       Term Loan, 4.358%, maturing June 08, 2013         1,283,750    
        Applied Systems, Inc.   B1   B-        
  1,303,700       Term Loan, 6.230%, maturing
September 26, 2013
        1,075,553    
        Conseco, Inc.   B1   B+        
  6,130,689       Term Loan, 3.768%, maturing
October 10, 2013
        4,030,928    
        Crawford & Company   B1   BB-        
  2,836,786       Term Loan, 6.520%, maturing
October 30, 2013
        2,411,268    
        Hub International, Ltd.   B2   B+        
  454,432       Term Loan, 6.262%, maturing June 13, 2014         282,884    
  2,021,803       Term Loan, 6.262%, maturing June 13, 2014         1,258,572    
        Swett & Crawford   B3   B        
  2,561,000       Term Loan, 5.975%, maturing April 03, 2014         1,165,255    
        USI Holdings Corporation   B2   B        
  2,277,500       Term Loan, 6.520%, maturing May 05, 2014         1,298,175    
      12,806,385    
Leisure, Amusement, Entertainment: 8.6%      
        24 Hour Fitness Worldwide, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  3,168,750       Term Loan, 5.361%, maturing June 08, 2012         2,075,531    
        Alpha D2, Ltd.   NR   NR        
  1,714,286       Term Loan, 3.681%, maturing
December 31, 2013
        1,150,286    
  1,178,571       Term Loan, 3.681%, maturing
December 31, 2013
        790,821    
        AMF Bowling Worldwide, Inc.   B1   B+        
  3,085,938       Term Loan, 5.350%, maturing June 10, 2013         1,465,820    
        Cedar Fair, L.P.   Ba3   BB-        
  6,817,550       Term Loan, 3.436%, maturing
August 30, 2012
        4,731,380    
        Cinemark USA, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  3,675,000       Term Loan, 3.660%, maturing
October 05, 2013
        2,819,251    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
37



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Leisure, Amusement, Entertainment: (continued)      
        HIT Entertainment, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
$ 1,940,892       Term Loan, 4.710%, maturing
March 20, 2012
      $ 1,009,264    
        Kerasotes Showplace Theater, LLC   B1   B-        
  675,000       Revolver, 2.300%, maturing
October 31, 2010
        644,625    
  281,978       Term Loan, 3.750%, maturing
October 28, 2011
        181,876    
        Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  33,072,092       Term Loan, 7.012%, maturing April 08, 2012         15,319,456    
  7,774,464       Term Loan, 7.012%, maturing April 09, 2012         3,601,241    
        NEP II, Inc.   B1   B        
  4,429,996       Term Loan, 6.012%, maturing
February 16, 2014
        3,100,997    
        Warner Music Group   Ba3   BB        
  10,807,499       Term Loan, 4.387%, maturing
February 28, 2011
        8,573,945    
      45,464,493    
Lodging: 2.3%      
        Audio Visual Services Corporation   Ba3   B+        
  990,000       Term Loan, 6.020%, maturing
February 28, 2014
        445,500    
        Hotel Del Coronado   B1   B+        
  16,400,000       Term Loan, 6.310%, maturing
January 15, 2009
        11,480,000    
      11,925,500    
Machinery: 0.4%      
        Kion Group   NR   NR        
EUR 1,238,909       Term Loan, 5.973%, maturing
December 23, 2014
        949,890    
EUR 1,145,833       Term Loan, 6.387%, maturing
December 23, 2015
        875,859    
        LN Acquisition Corporation   B1   BB-        
$ 359,091       Term Loan, 4.270%, maturing July 11, 2014         272,909    
  134,659       Term Loan, 4.270%, maturing July 11, 2014         102,341    
      2,200,999    
Mining, Steel, Iron & Nonprecious Metals: 1.2%      
        Continental Alloys & Services, Inc.   B3   B        
  491,563       Term Loan, 6.262%, maturing June 15, 2012         331,805    
        Noranda Aluminum Acquisition Corporation   Ba2   BB-        
  688,538       Term Loan, 4.239%, maturing May 18, 2014         416,565    
        Novelis   Ba2   BB        
  1,234,375       Term Loan, 5.770%, maturing July 06, 2014         783,828    
  2,715,625       Term Loan, 5.770%, maturing July 06, 2014         1,724,422    
        Oxbow Carbon and Minerals Holdings, LLC   B1   BB-        
  258,473       Term Loan, 5.762%, maturing May 08, 2014         181,362    
  2,887,165       Term Loan, 5.762%, maturing May 08, 2014         2,025,829    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
38



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Mining, Steel, Iron & Nonprecious Metals: (continued)      
        Tube City IMS Corporation   Ba3   BB        
$ 162,162       Term Loan, 5.762%, maturing
January 25, 2014
      $ 113,513    
  1,317,770       Term Loan, 5.762%, maturing
January 25, 2014
        922,439    
      6,499,763    
North American Cable: 15.9%      
        Atlantic Broadband   B1   B        
  1,955,229       Term Loan, 6.020%, maturing
August 10, 2012
        1,779,258    
        Bresnan Communications, LLC   B2   BB-        
  2,750,000       Term Loan, 4.737%, maturing
September 29, 2013
        2,099,166    
  2,246,939       Term Loan, 6.060%, maturing
September 29, 2013
        1,715,162    
        Cequel Communications, LLC   B1   BB-        
  36,551,861       Term Loan, 6.161%, maturing
November 05, 2013
        24,702,954    
        Cequel Communications, LLC   Caa1   B-        
  1,525,000       Term Loan, 7.693%, maturing May 05, 2014         861,625    
        Charter Communications Operating, LLC   B1   B+        
  18,079,769       Term Loan, 5.060%, maturing
March 06, 2014
        12,275,404    
        CSC Holdings, Inc.   Ba1   BBB-        
  21,085,057       Term Loan, 4.569%, maturing
March 29, 2013
        17,611,884    
        Insight Midwest Holdings, LLC   B1   B+        
  9,002,500       Term Loan, 4.850%, maturing April 07, 2014         7,105,547    
        Knology, Inc.   B2   B        
  1,975,000       Term Loan, 6.400%, maturing June 30, 2012         1,234,375    
        Mediacom Broadband, LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  10,254,981       Term Loan, 2.840%, maturing
January 31, 2015
        7,352,821    
        Quebecor Media, Inc.   B1   B        
  2,917,500       Term Loan, 6.819%, maturing July 21, 2009         2,363,175    
        San Juan Cable, LLC   B1   BB-        
  1,703,743       Term Loan, 4.820%, maturing
October 31, 2012
        1,022,246    
        WideOpenWest Finance, LLC   B2   B-        
  5,833,333       Term Loan, 5.190%, maturing June 28, 2014         3,485,417    
      83,609,034    
Oil & Gas: 4.0%      
        Alon USA   B1   BB        
  1,729,620       Term Loan, 3.860%, maturing June 22, 2013         1,210,734    
  216,202       Term Loan, 4.446%, maturing June 22, 2013         151,342    
        CR Gas Storage   Ba3   BB-        
  79,940       Term Loan, 4.843%, maturing May 13, 2011         63,353    
  151,353       Term Loan, 4.844%, maturing May 12, 2013         119,947    
  1,336,151       Term Loan, 4.847%, maturing May 12, 2013         1,058,900    
  224,609       Term Loan, 4.847%, maturing May 12, 2013         178,002    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
39



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Oil & Gas: (continued)      
        McJunkin Corporation   B1   B+        
$ 2,657,328       Term Loan, 7.012%, maturing
January 31, 2013
      $ 2,149,779    
        MEG Energy   Ba3   BB+        
  2,782,500       Term Loan, 5.759%, maturing April 03, 2013         1,899,056    
  2,730,000       Term Loan, 5.770%, maturing April 03, 2013         1,863,225    
        Pine Prairie Energy Center   B1   B        
  492,500       Term Loan, 5.620%, maturing
December 31, 2013
        421,088    
        SG Resources Mississippi, LLC   B1   BB        
  2,493,750       Term Loan, 4.993%, maturing April 02, 2014         2,125,922    
        Targa Resources, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  1,039,832       Term Loan, 5.762%, maturing
October 31, 2012
        758,211    
  2,854,353       Term Loan, 5.970%, maturing
October 31, 2012
        2,081,300    
        Venoco, Inc.   Caa1   B        
  1,500,000       Term Loan, 6.250%, maturing
September 20, 2011
        1,001,250    
        Western Refining, Inc.   B3   BB-        
  9,603,333       Term Loan, 9.250%, maturing May 30, 2014         5,713,983    
      20,796,092    
Other Broadcasting and Entertainment: 1.7%      
        Deluxe Entertainment Services Group, Inc.   Ba3   B-        
  218,114       Term Loan, 5.051%, maturing May 11, 2013         130,869    
  2,262,201       Term Loan, 5.339%, maturing May 11, 2013         1,357,320    
  118,110       Term Loan, 6.012%, maturing May 11, 2013         70,866    
        Getty Images, Inc.   Ba2   BB        
  1,000,000       Term Loan, 8.053%, maturing July 02, 2015         863,750    
        VNU   Ba3   B+        
  9,676,474       Term Loan, 4.229%, maturing
August 09, 2013
        6,498,362    
      8,921,167    
Other Telecommunications: 3.7%      
        Asurion Corporation   B1   B-        
  8,250,000       Term Loan, 5.305%, maturing July 03, 2014         5,630,625    
        BCM Ireland Holdings, Ltd.   Ba3   BB        
EUR 2,051,724       Term Loan, 5.267%, maturing
September 30, 2014
        1,925,078    
EUR 2,051,953       Term Loan, 5.517%, maturing
September 30, 2015
        1,925,293    
        Cavalier Telephone   Caa1   B-        
$ 2,443,723       Term Loan, 7.750%, maturing
December 31, 2012
        855,303    
        Consolidated Communications   B1   B+        
  1,000,000       Term Loan, 3.940%, maturing
December 31, 2014
        800,000    
        Gabriel Communications   B2   B-        
  493,750       Term Loan, 6.069%, maturing May 31, 2014         355,500    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
40



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Other Telecommunications: (continued)      
        Hargray Communications Group, Inc.   B1   B        
$ 446,292       Term Loan, 6.012%, maturing June 29, 2014       $ 359,265    
        Hawaiian Telcom Communications, Inc.   B3   CC        
  2,818,023       Term Loan, 6.262%, maturing June 01, 2014         1,180,047    
        Kentucky Data Link, Inc.   B1   B        
  2,719,226       Term Loan, 3.686%, maturing
February 26, 2014
        2,188,977    
        One Communications   B2   CCC+        
  2,694,643       Term Loan, 6.886%, maturing June 30, 2012         1,232,799    
        PAETEC Holding Corporation   B1   B        
  433,815       Term Loan, 3.936%, maturing
February 28, 2013
        291,741    
        Time Warner Telecom Holdings, Inc.   Ba2   B        
  2,666,182       Term Loan, 3.691%, maturing
January 07, 2013
        2,109,616    
        U.S. Telepacific Corporation   B1   CCC+        
  980,005       Term Loan, 7.347%, maturing
August 04, 2011
        676,204    
      19,530,448    
Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products: 6.5%      
        Advantage Sales And Marketing   B1   B-        
  3,012,249       Term Loan, 4.894%, maturing
March 29, 2013
        2,003,146    
        Bushnell Performance Optics   Ba3   BB-        
  1,732,500       Term Loan, 7.512%, maturing
August 24, 2013
        1,256,062    
        Fender Musical Instruments Corporation   B2   B+        
  2,304,167       Term Loan, 5.170%, maturing June 09, 2014         1,440,104    
  1,163,750       Term Loan, 6.020%, maturing June 09, 2014         727,344    
        Gibson Guitar Corporation   B2   B        
  442,683       Term Loan, 6.204%, maturing
December 29, 2013
        378,494    
        Huish Detergents, Inc.   Ba3   BB        
  1,666,250       Term Loan, 5.770%, maturing April 26, 2014         1,321,891    
        Information Resources, Inc.   B1   B+        
  401,792       Term Loan, 3.876%, maturing May 16, 2014         261,165    
        Jarden Corporation   Ba3   BB-        
  9,122,654       Term Loan, 5.512%, maturing
January 24, 2012
        7,216,020    
  1,175,172       Term Loan, 5.512%, maturing
January 24, 2012
        929,561    
        KIK Custom Products, Inc.   B3   CCC+        
  72,439       Term Loan, 5.800%, maturing May 31, 2014         36,672    
  422,561       Term Loan, 5.800%, maturing May 31, 2014         213,921    
        Mega Bloks, Inc.   B1   CCC        
  967,500       Term Loan, 8.750%, maturing July 26, 2012         292,669    
        Norwood Promotional Products   NR   NR        
  26,898,557       Term Loan, 6.000%, maturing
August 16, 2011
        15,870,149    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
41



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products: (continued)      
        Spectrum Brands, Inc.   B1   B-        
$ 875,115       Term Loan, 6.387%, maturing
March 30, 2013
      $ 530,320    
  44,301       Term Loan, 6.850%, maturing
March 30, 2013
        26,846    
        Totes Isotoner Corporation   B1   B        
  394,985       Term Loan, 6.323%, maturing
January 31, 2013
        211,317    
        Yankee Candle Company, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
  2,693,077       Term Loan, 5.731%, maturing
February 06, 2014
        1,474,460    
      34,190,141    
Personal, Food & Miscellaneous: 2.5%      
        Acosta, Inc.   B1   B        
  2,932,500       Term Loan, 5.370%, maturing July 29, 2013         2,030,756    
        Arbys Restaurant Group, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  4,776,677       Term Loan, 5.575%, maturing July 25, 2012         3,313,820    
        Culligan International Company   B2   B-        
  985,000       Term Loan, 5.029%, maturing
November 24, 2012
        556,525    
        Dennys, Inc.   Ba2   BB        
  555,000       Term Loan, 3.470%, maturing
March 31, 2012
        413,475    
  683,261       Term Loan, 4.959%, maturing
March 31, 2012
        509,030    
        N.E.W. Customer Services Companies, Inc.   B1   B        
  3,191,953       Term Loan, 5.702%, maturing May 22, 2014         2,282,247    
        OSI Restaurant Partners, Inc.   B3   B+        
  372,420       Term Loan, 5.069%, maturing June 14, 2013         168,706    
  4,368,651       Term Loan, 3.750%, maturing June 14, 2014         1,978,999    
        Reddy Ice Group, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  1,000,000       Term Loan, 6.500%, maturing
August 09, 2012
        627,500    
        Sbarro, Inc.   B1   B-        
  492,500       Term Loan, 3.931%, maturing
January 31, 2014
        309,044    
        Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment   B1   BB        
  750,000       Floating Rate Note, 7.536%, maturing
March 15, 2014
        397,500    
        U.S. Security Holdings, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  559,398       Term Loan, 4.678%, maturing May 08, 2013         447,519    
      13,035,121    
Printing & Publishing: 9.4%      
        American Achievement Corporation   Ba3   BB-        
  448,387       Term Loan, 5.070%, maturing
March 25, 2011
        399,065    
        Ascend Media Holdings, LLC   B3   B        
  841,773       Term Loan, 5.313%, maturing
January 31, 2012
        235,696    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
42



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Printing & Publishing: (continued)      
        Black Press, Ltd.   Ba3   BB-        
$ 724,913       Term Loan, 4.196%, maturing
August 02, 2013
      $ 434,948    
  1,193,975       Term Loan, 4.196%, maturing
August 02, 2013
        716,385    
        Canwest Media, Inc.   Ba2   BB-        
  738,750       Term Loan, 4.196%, maturing July 10, 2014         435,862    
        Caribe Information Investments Inc.   B1   B+        
  1,626,613       Term Loan, 3.697%, maturing
March 31, 2013
        1,097,964    
        Cengage Learning, Inc.   B1   B+        
  5,077,500       Term Loan, 3.940%, maturing July 03, 2014         3,430,486    
        Cenveo Corporation   Ba2   BB+        
  29,961       Term Loan, 4.954%, maturing June 21, 2013         19,924    
  1,853,819       Term Loan, 4.954%, maturing June 21, 2013         1,232,790    
        Dex Media West, LLC   Ba2   BB        
  4,250,000       Term Loan, 7.538%, maturing
October 24, 2014
        2,167,500    
        Flint Group   NR   NR        
  936,821       Term Loan, 6.126%, maturing
December 31, 2012
        442,648    
  353,279       Term Loan, 6.126%, maturing
December 31, 2014
        166,924    
  2,333,333       Term Loan, 6.126%, maturing May 29, 2015         1,102,500    
EUR 666,667       Term Loan, 7.541%, maturing May 29, 2015         457,488    
$ 1,277,104       Term Loan, 6.126%, maturing
December 31, 2015
        603,432    
        Hanley Wood, LLC   B2   B        
  2,708,865       Term Loan, 4.324%, maturing
March 08, 2014
        1,327,344    
        Idearc, Inc.   B2   B-        
  24,980,186       Term Loan, 5.670%, maturing
November 17, 2014
        8,404,059    
        Intermedia Outdoor, Inc.   NR   NR        
  1,621,125       Term Loan, 6.762%, maturing
January 31, 2013
        1,013,203    
        Mediannuaire Holding   NR   NR        
EUR 581,289       Term Loan, 6.204%, maturing April 10, 2016         302,868    
EUR 581,289       Term Loan, 6.704%, maturing April 10, 2016         302,868    
        Merrill Communications, LLC   B1   B+        
$ 2,879,358       Term Loan, 4.719%, maturing May 15, 2011         1,842,789    
        Nelson Canada   Ba3   B        
  3,960,000       Term Loan, 6.262%, maturing July 05, 2014         2,871,000    
        PagesJaunes Groupe, S.A.   NR   NR        
EUR 800,000       Term Loan, 5.454%, maturing
October 24, 2013
        592,193    
        PBL Media   B1   B        
AUD 24,331,191       Term Loan, 7.028%, maturing
February 05, 2013
        8,744,034    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
43



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Printing & Publishing: (continued)      
        Prism Business Media Holdings/
Penton Media, Inc.
  B2   B-        
$ 1,674,500       Term Loan, 5.635%, maturing
February 01, 2013
      $ 833,064    
        R.H. Donnelley Corporation   Ba2   BB        
  4,555,341       (3 )   Term Loan, 5.637%, maturing June 30, 2011         2,793,941    
        Readers Digest   B1   B        
  4,309,375       Term Loan, 4.469%, maturing
March 02, 2014
        1,616,016    
EUR 745,873       Term Loan, 5.371%, maturing
March 02, 2014
        308,053    
        Source Media, Inc.   B1   B        
$ 2,760,475       Term Loan, 8.770%, maturing
November 08, 2011
        1,518,261    
        Thomas Nelson Publishers   B1   B        
  1,860,889       Term Loan, 8.500%, maturing June 12, 2012         1,265,404    
        Tribune Company   Caa1   CCC        
  1,491,225       Term Loan, 6.000%, maturing May 19, 2014         433,697    
        Valassis Communications, Inc.   Ba2   BB        
  304,909       Term Loan, 5.520%, maturing
March 02, 2014
        180,659    
  919,570       Term Loan, 5.520%, maturing
March 02, 2014
        544,845    
        Yell Group, PLC   Ba3   BB-        
  2,000,000       Term Loan, 4.431%, maturing
October 27, 2012
        1,356,666    
      49,194,576    
Radio and TV Broadcasting: 6.4%      
        Block Communications, Inc.   Ba1   BB+        
  972,500       Term Loan, 5.274%, maturing
December 22, 2012
        743,963    
        Citadel Broadcasting Corporation   B3   B+        
  9,600,000       Term Loan, 5.021%, maturing June 12, 2014         3,744,000    
        CMP KC, LLC   NR   NR        
  1,352,663       Term Loan, 5.707%, maturing May 03, 2011         419,325    
        CMP Susquehanna Corporation   Caa1   B-        
  6,973,862       Term Loan, 3.640%, maturing May 05, 2013         2,249,071    
        Cumulus Media, Inc.   B3   B        
  2,802,020       Term Loan, 3.506%, maturing June 11, 2014         1,337,964    
        CW Media Holdings, Inc.   Ba2   B+        
  2,722,500       Term Loan, 7.012%, maturing
February 16, 2015
        2,041,875    
        Emmis Communication   Caa1   B+        
  1,160,471       Term Loan, 4.900%, maturing
November 01, 2013
        580,235    
        FoxCo Acquisition, LLC   B1   BB-        
  1,250,000       Term Loan, 7.250%, maturing July 14, 2015         831,250    
        Local TV Finance, LLC   B2   B+        
  2,863,750       Term Loan, 3.965%, maturing May 07, 2013         1,417,556    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
44



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Radio and TV Broadcasting: (continued)      
        Nexstar Broadcasting Group   Ba2   B+        
$ 2,232,761       Term Loan, 5.512%, maturing
October 01, 2012
      $ 1,339,656    
  2,359,423       Term Loan, 5.512%, maturing
October 01, 2012
        1,415,653    
        Nextmedia Operating, Inc.   B1   B        
  408,622       Term Loan, 5.453%, maturing
November 15, 2012
        238,022    
  919,398       Term Loan, 5.262%, maturing
November 15, 2012
        535,550    
        Paxson Communications   B2   CCC+        
  4,500,000       Term Loan, 8.069%, maturing
January 15, 2012
        2,025,000    
        Regent Communications   B3   B-        
  1,427,517       Term Loan, 6.012%, maturing
November 21, 2013
        1,042,088    
        Spanish Broadcasting Systems   Caa1   CCC+        
  3,860,000       Term Loan, 5.520%, maturing June 11, 2012         1,476,450    
        Univision Communications, Inc.   B1   B-        
  23,999,786       Term Loan, 3.686%, maturing
September 29, 2014
        10,907,903    
        Univision Communications, Inc.   Caa1   CCC        
  1,733,625       Term Loan, 3.936%, maturing
March 29, 2009
        1,430,241    
      33,775,802    
Retail Stores: 9.2%      
        Amscan Holdings, Inc.   B1   B        
  1,477,500       Term Loan, 4.813%, maturing May 25, 2013         1,089,656    
        Burlington Coat Factory   B2   CCC+        
  3,787,868       Term Loan, 4.450%, maturing May 28, 2013         1,698,226    
        CBR Fashion Holding   NR   NR        
EUR 500,000       Term Loan, 5.517%, maturing July 20, 2015         419,364    
EUR 460,000       Term Loan, 5.767%, maturing July 20, 2016         385,815    
        Dollar General Corporation   B1   B+        
$ 8,500,000       Term Loan, 5.271%, maturing July 06, 2014         6,596,000    
        Dollarama Group, L.P.   Ba1   BB-        
  3,369,844       Term Loan, 5.170%, maturing
November 18, 2011
        2,611,629    
        General Nutrition Centers, Inc.   B1   B-        
  3,546,000       Term Loan, 6.188%, maturing
September 16, 2013
        2,393,550    
        Guitar Center, Inc.   B3   B-        
  5,000,000       Term Loan, 4.940%, maturing
October 09, 2014
        2,387,500    
        Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc.   B1   B+        
  6,187,911       Term Loan, 9.750%, maturing July 15, 2010         3,712,747    
        Michaels Stores, Inc.   B2   B        
  6,613,345       Term Loan, 4.337%, maturing
October 31, 2013
        3,323,206    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
45



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Retail Stores: (continued)      
        Nebraska Book Company, Inc.   Ba3   B        
$ 2,369,858       Term Loan, 6.380%, maturing
March 04, 2011
      $ 1,421,915    
        Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.   Ba3   BB+        
  8,299,578       Term Loan, 4.565%, maturing April 06, 2013         5,266,340    
        Oriental Trading Company, Inc.   B3   B        
  2,382,774       Term Loan, 4.871%, maturing July 31, 2013         1,366,123    
        Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  5,035,312       Term Loan, 5.532%, maturing
October 26, 2013
        3,434,083    
        Phones 4U Group, Ltd.   NR   NR        
GBP 1,615,726       Term Loan, 8.258%, maturing
September 22, 2014
        1,347,968    
GBP 1,545,301       Term Loan, 8.758%, maturing
September 22, 2015
        1,289,214    
        Rite Aid   B2   B+        
$ 4,975,000       Term Loan, 5.014%, maturing June 04, 2014         3,420,313    
  400,000       Term Loan, 6.000%, maturing June 04, 2014         278,000    
        Sally Holding, LLC   B2   BB-        
  2,437,532       Term Loan, 4.189%, maturing
November 16, 2013
        1,822,818    
        Sports Authority   B2   B-        
  977,500       Term Loan, 6.012%, maturing May 03, 2013         679,363    
        Toys "R" Us, Inc.   B2   BB-        
  1,368,159       Term Loan, 5.724%, maturing July 19, 2012         854,611    
        Vivarte   NR   NR        
EUR 2,500,000       Term Loan, 6.249%, maturing June 28, 2015         1,360,000    
EUR 2,500,000       Term Loan, 6.749%, maturing June 28, 2016         1,360,000    
      48,518,441    
Satellite: 0.6%      
        Intelsat Corporation   B1   BB-        
$ 1,387,999       Term Loan, 6.650%, maturing
January 03, 2012
        1,077,434    
  1,387,579       Term Loan, 6.650%, maturing
January 03, 2012
        1,077,109    
  1,387,579       Term Loan, 6.650%, maturing
January 03, 2012
        1,077,109    
      3,231,652    
Telecommunications Equipment: 1.9%      
        CommScope, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
  1,243,734       Term Loan, 5.877%, maturing
December 27, 2014
        926,582    
        Macquarie UK Broadcast Ventures, Ltd.   NR   NR        
GBP 4,383,255       Term Loan, 7.665%, maturing
December 01, 2014
        5,259,974    
        Sorenson Communications, Inc.   Ba2   B        
$ 4,480,849       Term Loan, 4.000%, maturing
August 16, 2013
        3,769,514    
      9,956,070    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
46



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Textiles & Leather: 0.1%      
        Targus Group, Inc.   B2   B        
$ 1,335,227       Term Loan, 6.340%, maturing
November 22, 2012
      $ 660,937    
      660,937    
Utilities: 10.2%      
        Boston Generating, LLC   B1   B-        
  256,593       Term Loan, 6.012%, maturing
December 20, 2013
        148,182    
  7,017,157       Term Loan, 6.012%, maturing
December 20, 2013
        4,052,408    
  1,916,404       Term Loan, 6.012%, maturing
December 20, 2013
        1,106,723    
        Calpine Corporation   B2   B+        
  1,522,500       Revolver, 4.109%, maturing
March 29, 2014
        1,027,688    
  2,470,074       Term Loan, 6.645%, maturing
March 29, 2014
        1,742,726    
        Coleto Creek WLE, L.P.   B1   BB-        
  750,000       Revolver, 1.053%, maturing June 30, 2011         517,500    
  5,161,025       Term Loan, 6.512%, maturing June 28, 2013         3,741,743    
  764,331       Term Loan, 6.512%, maturing June 28, 2013         554,140    
        FirstLight Power Resources, Inc.   B1   B+        
  2,635,312       Term Loan, 5.750%, maturing
November 01, 2013
        2,016,014    
  906,823       Term Loan, 6.313%, maturing
November 01, 2013
        693,719    
        FirstLight Power Resources, Inc.   B3   CCC+        
  610,514       Term Loan, 7.711%, maturing May 01, 2014         457,886    
        Infrastrux Group, Inc.   B2   B        
  4,193,446       Term Loan, 5.686%, maturing
November 03, 2012
        3,512,011    
        MACH Gen, LLC   B2   B+        
  453,125       Term Loan, 5.762%, maturing
February 22, 2013
        417,328    
  4,297,055       Term Loan, 4.196%, maturing
February 22, 2014
        3,957,588    
        NRG Energy, Inc.   Ba1   BB        
  10,557,512       Term Loan, 5.262%, maturing
February 01, 2013
        8,841,916    
  4,036,982       Term Loan, 5.262%, maturing
February 01, 2013
        3,380,973    
        NSG Holdings, LLC   Ba2   BB        
  183,673       Term Loan, 4.320%, maturing June 15, 2014         137,755    
  1,337,728       Term Loan, 4.320%, maturing June 15, 2014         1,003,296    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
47



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Utilities: (continued)      
        Texas Competitive Electric Holdings
Company, LLC
  Ba3   B+        
$ 2,983,659       Term Loan, 5.278%, maturing
October 14, 2014
      $ 2,035,932    
  1,974,962       Term Loan, 5.283%, maturing
October 14, 2014
        1,344,209    
  2,940,000       Term Loan, 5.547%, maturing
October 14, 2014
        2,004,713    
        TPF Generation Holdings, LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  3,664,399       Term Loan, 5.762%, maturing
December 15, 2013
        3,105,579    
  1,431,519       Term Loan, 5.762%, maturing
December 15, 2013
        1,213,213    
        TPF Generation Holdings, LLC   B3   B-        
  1,500,000       Term Loan, 8.012%, maturing
December 15, 2014
        952,500    
        Viridian Group, PLC   NR   NR        
GBP 1,080,000       Term Loan, 7.687%, maturing
December 19, 2012
        1,299,483    
EUR 1,072,386       Term Loan, 7.928%, maturing
December 19, 2012
        1,062,975    
        Wolf Hollow I, L.P.   B2   B+        
$ 450,000       Term Loan, 2.471%, maturing June 22, 2012         326,250    
  1,800,000       Term Loan, 1.336%, maturing June 22, 2012         1,260,000    
  2,094,343       Term Loan, 6.012%, maturing June 22, 2012         1,466,040    
      53,380,490    
    Total Senior Loans
(Cost $1,371,272,710 )
            879,680,448    
Other Corporate Debt: 0.7%      
Automobile: 0.7%      
        Avis Budget Car Rental   Ba3   B-        
  750,000       Floating Rate Note, 7.521%, maturing
May 15, 2014
        165,000    
        Navistar International Corporation   NR   BB-        
  1,800,000       Unsecured Term Loan, 5.683%, maturing
January 19, 2012
        994,500    
  4,950,000       Unsecured Term Loan, 4.686%, maturing
January 19, 2012
        2,734,875    
    Total Other Corporate Debt
(Cost $7,500,000 )
            3,894,375    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
48



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

Equities and Other Assets: 0.1%  
    Description
  Market
Value USD
 
(1), (@), (R)   Allied Digital Technologies Corporation (Residual Interest
in Bankruptcy Estate)
        $    
(@), (R)   Block Vision Holdings Corporation (571 Common Shares)              
(2), (@), (R)   Boston Chicken, Inc. (Residual Interest in Boston
Chicken Plan Trust)
             
(2), (@), (R)   Cedar Chemical (Liquidation Interest)              
(@), (R)   Decision One Corporation (1,752,103 Common Shares)              
(2), (@), (R)   Enterprise Profit Solutions (Liquidation Interest)              
(@), (R)   EquityCo, LLC (Warrants for 28,752 Common Shares)              
(4), (@), (R)   Euro United Corporation (Residual Interest in
Bankruptcy Estate)
             
(2), (@), (R)   Grand Union Company (Residual Interest in
Bankruptcy Estate)
             
(@), (R)   Humphrey's, Inc. (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)              
(2), (@), (R)   IT Group, Inc. (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)           25    
(2), (@), (R)   Kevco Inc. (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)           25    
(2), (@), (R)   Lincoln Paper & Tissue (Warrants for 291 Common Shares,
Expires August 14, 2015)
             
(1), (@), (R)   Lincoln Pulp and Eastern Fine (Residual Interest in
Bankruptcy Estate)
             
(@), (R)   Norwood Promotional Products, Inc.
(104,148 Common Shares)
             
(@), (R)   Norwood Promotional Products, Inc.
(Contingent Value Rights)
             
(@), (R)   Safelite Realty Corporation (57,804 Common Shares)           462,432    
(1), (@), (R)   Transtar Metals (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)              
(1), (@), (R)   TSR Wireless, LLC (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)              
(2), (@), (R)   US Office Products Company (Residual Interest in
Bankruptcy Estate)
             
    Total for Equities and Other Assets
(Cost $1,580,560 )
          462,482    
  Total Investments
(Cost $1,380,353,270 )**
    168.1 %   $ 884,037,305    
    Other Assets and Liabilities — Net     (68.1 )     (358,126,043 )  
    Net Assets     100.0 %   $ 525,911,262    

 

  *  Senior loans, while exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, contain certain restrictions on resale and cannot be sold publicly. These senior loans bear interest (unless otherwise noted) at rates that float periodically at a margin above the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and other short-term rates.

  †  Bank Loans rated below Baa are considered to be below investment grade.

  NR  Not Rated

  (1)  The borrower filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Federal Bankruptcy code.

  (2)  Loan is on non-accrual basis.

  (3)  Trade pending settlement. Contract rates do not take effect until settlement date.

  (4)  The borrower filed for protection under the Canadian Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
49



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

  (@)  Non-income producing security.

  (R)  Restricted security.

  AUD  Australian Dollar

  GBP  British Pound Stirling

  EUR  Euro

  SEK  Swedish Kronor

  **  For Federal Income Tax purposes cost of investments is $1,380,579,383.

    Net unrealized depreciation consists of the following:

Gross Unrealized Appreciation   $ 297,555    
Gross Unrealized Depreciation     (496,839,633 )  
Net Unrealized Depreciation   $ (496,542,078 )  

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used as of November 30, 2008 in determining the Trust's investments at fair value for purposes of SFAS 157:

    Investments in
Securities
  Other Financial
Instruments*
 
Level 1 — Quoted Prices   $     $    
Level 2 — Other Significant Observable Inputs     865,742,698       3,608,383    
Level 3 — Significant Unobservable Inputs     18,294,607          
Total   $ 884,037,305     $ 3,608,383    

 

"Fair value" for purposes of SFAS 157 is different from "fair value" as used in the 1940 Act. The former generally implies market value, and can include market quotations as a source of value, and the latter refers to determinations of actual value in absence of available market quotations.

  *  Other financial instruments may include forward foreign currency contracts, futures, swaps, and written options. Forward foreign currency contracts and futures are reported at their unrealized gain/loss at period end. Swaps and written options are reported at their market value at period end.

A roll forward of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the nine months ended November 30, 2008, was as follows:

    Investments in
Securities
  Other Financial
Instruments*
 
Balance at 02/29/08   $ 18,607,111     $    
Net purchases/sales     5,874,221          
Total realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (8,438,865 )        
Accrued Discounts/(Premiums)     2,252,140          
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3              
Balance at 11/30/08   $ 18,294,607     $    

 

  *  Other financial instruments may include forward foreign currency contracts, futures, swaps, and written options. Forward foreign currency contracts and futures are reported at their

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
50



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of November 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

unrealized gain/loss at period end. Swaps and written options are reported at their market value at period end.

For the nine months ended November 30, 2008, total change in unrealized gain (loss) on Level 3 securities included in the change in net assets was $(4,180,991). Total unrealized gain (loss) for all securities (including Level 1 and Level 2) can be found on the accompanying Statement of Operations.

At November 30, 2008 the following forward foreign currency contracts were outstanding for ING Prime Rate Trust :

Currency   Buy/Sell   Settlement
Date
  In Exchange
For
  Unrealized
Value
  Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
Australian Dollar
AUD 7,900,000
  Sell   12/15/08   $ 5,418,627       $5,167,893     $ 250,734    
Australian Dollar
AUD 5,200,000
  Sell   01/15/09     3,396,120       3,396,003       117    
Euro
EUR 24,810,000
  Sell   12/15/08     33,812,808       31,523,652       2,289,156    
Euro
EUR 22,610,000
  Sell   01/15/09     28,259,109       28,720,261       (461,152 )  
British Pound Sterling
GBP 7,265,000
  Sell   12/15/08     12,611,313       11,195,464       1,415,849    
British Pound Sterling
GBP 7,065,000
  Sell   01/15/09     10,725,023       10,889,476       (164,453 )  
Swedish Kronor
SEK 15,900,000
  Sell   12/15/08     2,242,753       1,962,389       280,364    
Swedish Kronor
SEK 14,400,000
  Sell   01/15/09     1,774,710       1,776,942       (2,232 )  
    $ 98,240,463     $ 94,632,080     $ 3,608,383    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
51




ING Prime Rate Trust

SHAREHOLDER MEETING INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

A special meeting of shareholders of ING Prime Rate Trust was held August 7, 2008, at the offices of ING Funds, 7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85258.

A brief description of each matter voted upon as well as the results are outlined below:

Matters:
ING Prime Rate Trust, Common Shares

1  To elect eight members of the Board of Trustees to represent the intersets of the holders of Common Shares of the Trust until the election and qualification of their successors.

ING Prime Rate Trust, Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Shares

2  To elect two members of the Board of Trustees to represent the interests of the holders of Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Shares - Series M, T, W, Th and F of the Trust - until the election and qualification of their successors.

ING Prime Rate Trust, Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Shares

3  To approve modifications to the Trust's fundamental investment restriction governing borrowing.

ING Prime Rate Trust, Common and Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Shares

3  To approve modifications to the Trust's fundamental investment restriction governing borrowing.

Results:

    Proposal 1*   Shares
voted for
  Shares voted
against or
withheld
  Shares
abstained
  Broker
non-vote
  Total Shares
Voted
 
Common Shares   Colleen D. Baldwin     95,743,615.660       4,209,041.604       0.000       0.000       99,952,657.264    
    Patricia W. Chadwick     95,825,636.326       4,127,020.938       0.000       0.000       99,952,657.264    
    Robert W. Crispin     95,761,405.375       4,191,251.889       0.000       0.000       99,952,657.264    
    Peter S. Drotch     95,685,906.648       4,266,750.616       0.000       0.000       99,952,657.264    
    J. Michael Earley     95,836,618.289       4,116,038.975       0.000       0.000       99,952,657.264    
    Patrick W. Kenny     95,777,282.652       4,175,374.612       0.000       0.000       99,952,657.264    
    Shaun P. Mathews     95,756,133.375       4,196,523.889       0.000       0.000       99,952,657.264    
    Sheryl K. Pressler     95,762,565.597       4,190,091.667       0.000       0.000       99,952,657.264    
    Proposal 2*            
Auction Rate
Cumulative
Preferred Shares
  John V. Boyer     9,080.000       921.000       0.000       0.000       10,001.000    
    Roger B. Vincent     9,079.000       922.000       0.000       0.000       10,001.000    
Auction Rate
Cumulative
Preferred Shares
  Proposal 3**     5,446.000       546.000       253.000       3,756.000       10,001.000    
Common and
Auction Rate
Cumulative
Preferred Shares
  Proposal 3**     65,242,968.144       4,160,196.315       1,900,949.805       28,658,544.000       99,962,658.264    

 

*  Proposals 1 & 2 passed.

**  The Shareholder Meeting for Proposal 3 was adjourned to September 16, 2008.


52



ING Prime Rate Trust

SHAREHOLDER MEETING INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (continued)

A special meeting of shareholders of ING Prime Rate Trust was held September 16, 2008, at the offices of ING Funds, 7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85258.

A brief description of each matter voted upon as well as the results are outlined below:

Matters:
ING Prime Rate Trust, Common Shares

3  To approve modifications to the Trust's fundamental investment restriction governing borrowing.

ING Prime Rate Trust, Action Rate Cumulative Preferred Shares

3  To approve modifications to the Trust's fundamental investment restriction governing borrowing.

Results:

Proposal 3*   Shares
voted for
  Shares voted
against or
withheld
  Shares
abstained
  Broker
non-vote
  Total Shares
Voted
 
Auction Rate Cumulative
Preferred Shares
    8,937.912       921.892       408.164       0.000       10,267.968    
Proposal 3*   Shares
voted for
  Shares voted
against or
withheld
  Shares
abstained
  Broker
non-vote
  Total Shares
Voted
 
Common and Auction Rate
Cumulative Preferred Shares
    65,903,394.019       4,185,004.343       1,938,773.193       25,219,642.032       97,246,813.587    

 

*  Proposal 3 passed.


53



ING Prime Rate Trust

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT PROGRAM

The Trust offers a Shareholder Investment Program (the "Program") which allows holders of the Trust's common shares a simple way to reinvest dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, in additional common shares of the Trust. The Program also offers holders of the Trust's common shares the ability to make optional cash investments in any amount from $100 to $100,000 on a monthly basis.

For dividend and capital gains distribution reinvestment purposes, DST will purchase shares of the Trust on the open market when the market price plus estimated fees is less than the NAV on the valuation date. The Trust will issue new shares for dividend and capital gains distribution reinvestment purchases when the market price plus estimated fees is equal to or exceeds the net asset value on the valuation date. New shares may be issued at the greater of (i) NAV or (ii) the market price of the shares during the pricing period, minus a discount of 5%.

For optional cash investments, shares will be purchased on the open market by DST when the market price plus estimated fees is less than the NAV on the valuation date. New shares will be issued by the Trust for optional cash investments when the market price plus estimated fees is equal to or exceeds the net asset value on the valuation date. Such shares will be issued at a discount to market, determined by the Trust, between 0% and 5%.

There is no charge to participate in the Program. Participants may elect to discontinue participation in the Program at any time. Participants will share, on a pro rata basis, in the fees or expenses of any shares acquired in the open market.

Participation in the Program is not automatic. If you would like to receive more information about the Program or if you desire to participate, please contact your broker or the Trust's Shareholder Services Department at (800) 992-0180.

KEY FINANCIAL DATES — CALENDAR 2008 DIVIDENDS:

DECLARATION DATE   EX-DIVIDEND DATE   PAYABLE DATE  
January 31, 2008   February 7, 2008   February 25, 2008  
February 29, 2008   March 6, 2008   March 25, 2008  
March 31, 2008   April 8, 2008   April 22, 2008  
April 30, 2008   May 8, 2008   May 22, 2008  
May 30, 2008   June 6, 2008   June 23, 2008  
June 30, 2008   July 8, 2008   July 22, 2008  
July 31, 2008   August 7, 2008   August 22, 2008  
August 29, 2008   September 8, 2008   September 22, 2008  
September 30, 2008   October 8, 2008   October 22, 2008  
October 31, 2008   November 6, 2008   November 24, 2008  
November 28, 2008   December 8, 2008   December 22, 2008  
December 19, 2008   December 29, 2008   January 13, 2009  

 

Record date will be two business days after each Ex-Dividend Date. These dates are subject to change.


54



ING Prime Rate Trust

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (continued)

STOCK DATA

The Trust's common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol: PPR). Effective March 1, 2002, the Trust's name changed to ING Prime Rate Trust and its CUSIP number changed to 44977W106. The Trust's NAV and market price are published daily under the "Closed-End Funds" feature in Barron's, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and many other regional and national publications.

REPURCHASE OF SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END COMPANIES

In accordance with Section 23(c) of the 1940 Act, and Rule 23c-1 under the 1940 Act the Trust may from time to time purchase shares of beneficial interest of the Trust in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions and/or purchase shares to correct erroneous transactions.

NUMBER OF SHAREHOLDERS

The approximate number of record holders of Common Stock as of November 30, 2008 was 4,591 which does not include approximately 43,849 beneficial owners of shares held in the name of brokers of other nominees.

PROXY VOTING INFORMATION

A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies related to portfolio securities is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling Shareholder Services toll-free at 1-800-992-0180; (2) on the Trust's website at www.ingfunds.com and (3) on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Trust voted proxies related to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge on the Trust's website at www.ingfunds.com and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Trust's Forms N-Q are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Trust's Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330; and is available upon request from the Trust by calling Shareholder Services toll-free at (800) 992-0180.

CERTIFICATIONS

In accordance with Section 303A.12 (a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, the Trust submitted the Annual CEO Certification on May 21, 2008 certifying that he was not aware, as of that date, of any violation by the Trust of the NYSE's Corporate governance listing standards. In addition, as required by Section 203 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related SEC rules, the Trust's principal executive and financial officers have made quarterly certifications, included in filings with the SEC on Forms N-CSR and N-Q, relating to, among other things, the Trust's disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting.


55



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Investment Adviser

ING Investments, LLC

7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road

Scottsdale, Arizona 85258

Sub-Adviser

ING Investment Management Co.

230 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10169

Institutional Investors and Analysts

Call ING Prime Rate Trust

1-800-336-3436, Extension 2217

Administrator

ING Funds Services, LLC

7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road

Scottsdale, Arizona 85258

1-800-992-0180

Written Requests

Please mail all account inquiries and other comments to:

ING Prime Rate Trust Account

c/o ING Fund Services, LLC

7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road

Scottsdale, Arizona 85258

Distributor

ING Funds Distributor, LLC

7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road

Scottsdale, Arizona 85258

1-800-334-3444

Transfer Agent

DST Systems, Inc.

P.O. Box 219368

Kansas City, Missouri 64141

Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company

801 Pennsylvania Avenue

Kansas City, Missouri 64105

Legal Counsel

Dechert LLP

1775 I Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20006

Toll-Free Shareholder Information

Call us from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern time on any business day for account or other information, at (800)-992-0180

For more complete information, or to obtain a prospectus on any ING fund, please call your Investment Professional or ING Funds Distributor, LLC at (800) 992-0180 or log on to www.ingfunds.com. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing. Consider the Trust's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this information and other information about the Trust.

PRQR-UPRTQ3     (1108-012309)