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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF
REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number:  811-5410

 

ING Prime Rate Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd., Scottsdale, AZ

 

85258

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

CT Corporation System, 101 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 1-800-992-0180

 

Date of fiscal year end:

February 28

 

 

Date of reporting period:

February 28, 2007

 

 

 



 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

The following is a copy of the report transmitted to stockholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Act (17 CFR 270.30e-1):

 



Funds

Annual Report

February 28, 2007

ING Prime Rate Trust

E-Delivery Sign-up – details inside

This report is submitted for general information to shareholders of the ING Funds. It is not authorized for distribution to prospective shareholders unless accompanied or preceded by a prospectus which includes details regarding the funds' investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information. This information should be read carefully.




ING Prime Rate Trust

ANNUAL REPORT

February 28, 2007

Table of Contents

Portfolio Managers' Report     2    
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm     7    
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     25    
Shareholder Meeting Information     59    
Additional Information     60    
Tax Information     62    
Trustee and Officer Information     63    
Advisory Contract Approval Discussion     68    

 

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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 FEBRUARY 28, 2007
 
Net Assets     $1,109,538,952    
Total Assets     $1,878,156,056    
Assets Invested in Senior Loans     $1,829,047,888    
Senior Loans Represented     563    
Average Amount Outstanding per Loan     $3,248,753    
Industries Represented     39    
Average Loan Amount per Industry     $46,898,664    
Portfolio Turnover Rate (YTD)     60 %  
Weighted Average Days to Interest Rate Reset     40    
Average Loan Final Maturity     64 months    
Total Leverage as a Percentage of Total Assets
(including Preferred Shares)
    38.92 %  

 

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

The Trust declared $0.14 of dividends during the fourth fiscal quarter and $0.55 for the year ended February 28, 2007. Based on the average month-end net asset value ("NAV") per share of $7.56, this resulted in an annualized distribution rate of 7.50%(1) for the quarter and 7.39%(1) for the year. The Trust's total net return for the fourth fiscal quarter, based on NAV, was 3.30%, versus a total gross return on the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index ("LLI")(2) of   2.29% for the same quarter. For the year, the Trust's total net return, based on NAV was 8.85% versus 7.02% gross return for the LLI. The total market value return (based on full reinvestment of dividends) for the Trust's common shares during the fourth fiscal quarter was 4.92% and 13.84% for the year ended February 28, 2007.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW

The Trust's performance during the fiscal quarter and year ended February 28, 2007 was attributable to a combination of factors, including the avoidance of material downside credit volatility (the Trust was not impaired by those defaults that did occur in the LLI during the period), a continued emphasis on the better performing issuers and sectors, and generally buoyant conditions across the global leveraged loan market.

(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 LLI 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 and Trading Association ("LSTA")conceived the LLI 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)

Although risk levels have become elevated somewhat across the high yield markets (discussed below), the overall loan market environment remained healthy during the period. Indeed, loans exhibited remarkable resiliency in the face of the turmoil that roiled other capital markets late in the fiscal quarter. Importantly, the loan market also recently regained its relative balance as new institutional loan supply rose to a record $137 billion during the first quarter (a 79% increase over the year-earlier period). Due to a continually robust level of investor demand, a consistent supply of new loans is crucial to maintaining equilibrium and fostering a stable credit spread environment. A constructive fundamental credit backdrop also proved positive investor sentiment as the trailing twelve-month default rate (by number of issuers) declined to a new recorded low of 0.46% (2.09% at February 28, 2006).

Individual credit selection and sector positioning also added to returns during the period. The Trust held meaningful positions in the top five contributing loans to LLI returns during the fiscal year, and did not hold — or took no losses on — any of the five greatest detractors. A general underweight of the auto supplier and real estate/construction sectors also positively impacted results as these sectors continue to exhibit much higher volatility profiles than the LLI at large.

USE OF LEVERAGE

The Trust utilizes financial leverage to seek to increase the yield to the holders of common shares. As of February 28, 2007, the Trust had $450 million of "Aaa/AAA(3)" rated cumulative auction rate preferred shares outstanding, and $281 million of borrowings outstanding under $625 million in available credit facilities. Total leverage, as a percentage of total assets (including preferred shares), was 38.92% at period end. The use of leverage for investment purposes increases both investment opportunity and investment risk.

TOP TEN INDUSTRY SECTORS
AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 2007
AS A PERCENTAGE OF:
 
    TOTAL
ASSETS
  NET
ASSETS
 
Healthcare, Education and Childcare     8.3 %     14.0 %  
North American Cable     7.6 %     12.9 %  
Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber     5.9 %     10.0 %  
Utilities     5.4 %     9.2 %  
Printing & Publishing     5.4 %     9.1 %  
Leisure, Amusement, Entertainment     5.1 %     8.6 %  
Oil & Gas     4.8 %     8.2 %  
Retail Stores     4.5 %     7.7 %  
Data and Internet Services     3.7 %     6.2 %  
Beverage, Food & Tobacco     3.2 %     5.4 %  

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change daily.

TOP TEN SENIOR LOAN ISSUERS
AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 2007
AS A PERCENTAGE OF:
 
    TOTAL
ASSETS
  NET
ASSETS
 
Charter Communications Operating, LLC     2.9 %     4.9 %  
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc.     2.2 %     3.7 %  
Georgia Pacific Corporation     1.7 %     2.9 %  
Sungard Data Systems, Inc.     1.5 %     2.6 %  
NRG Energy, Inc.     1.5 %     2.5 %  
West Corp.     1.3 %     2.2 %  
CSC Holdings, Inc. (Cablevision)     1.2 %     2.1 %  
ARAMARK     1.1 %     1.9 %  
Idearc, Inc.     1.1 %     1.9 %  
Advance Micro Devices     1.0 %     1.6 %  

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change daily.

(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.


3



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued)

CURRENT STRATEGY AND OUTLOOK

As with all active capital markets, we believe that the leveraged loan markets are heading into a period of increased uncertainty as the U.S. economy looks to extend its ongoing expansion, albeit at what most agree to be a slower pace. While several headwinds are present (energy price volatility and the yet unknown final impact of the residential housing slowdown as the two headliners), we still believe issuing corporations will post respectable earnings growth during the coming quarters, and thus be in a position to comfortably leverage and de-leverage their balance sheets. Further, Mergers and Acquisition activity (a primary driver of new loan issuance) is expected to remain strong into the foreseeable future, as is overall liquidity. Combined, we believe these factors provide a good backdrop for favorable performance on the part of a well diversified loan portfolio.

We do remain concerned, however, with the ongoing trend toward structure erosion, specifically looser protective covenants, the proliferation of second lien loan tranches, and inferior collateral packages. Our strategy seeks to provide high risk adjusted returns over a full credit cycle by investing primarily in traditional secured, floating rate senior loans, and as stated previously, we are content to forgo excess returns during period of elevated risk in exchange for maintaining discipline in terms of credit selection.

   
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
April 18, 2007


4



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued)

    Average Annual Total Returns for the
Years Ended February 28, 2007
 
    1 Year   3 Years   5 Years   10 Years  
Based on Net Asset Value (NAV)     8.85 %     8.36 %     8.14 %     5.87 %  
Based on Market Value     13.84 %     4.83 %     8.75 %     4.92 %  
S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index     7.02 %     5.80 %     6.03 %     5.44 %  
Credit-Suisse Leveraged Loan Index     7.57 %     6.29 %     6.40 %     5.65 %  

 

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 LLI 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 LLI 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.


5



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued)

YIELDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS RATES

Quarter Ended   Prime
Rate
  Net Asset
Value ("NAV")
30-Day SEC
Yield(A) 
  Market
30-Day SEC
Yield(A) 
  Average
Annualized
Distribution
Rate at NAV(B) 
  Average
Annualized
Distribution
Rate at Market(B) 
 
February 28, 2007     8.25 %     9.69 %     10.02 %     7.50 %     7.68 %  
November 30, 2006     8.25 %     9.76 %     10.25 %     7.55 %     7.95 %  
August 31, 2006     8.25 %     9.42 %     9.95 %     7.47 %     7.86 %  
May 31, 2006     8.00 %     9.63 %     10.31 %     7.10 %     7.57 %  

 

(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.


6



ING Prime Rate Trust

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Shareholders and Board of Trustees
of ING Prime Rate Trust

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of ING Prime Rate Trust, including the portfolio of investments, as of February 28, 2007, and the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of February 28, 2007, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, or by other appropriate auditing procedures when replies from brokers were not received. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ING Prime Rate Trust as of February 28, 2007, and the results of its operations, its cash flows, the changes in its net assets, and the financial highlights for the periods specified in the first paragraph above, in conformity with U.S generally accepted accounting principles.

Boston, Massachusetts
April 27, 2007


7




ING Prime Rate Trust

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES as of February 28, 2007

ASSETS:  
Investments in securities at value (Cost $1,820,026,454)   $ 1,854,050,204    
Cash     5,421,648    
Foreign currencies at value (Cost $532,304)     534,285    
Receivables:  
Investment securities sold     5,843,674    
Interest     12,146,845    
Other     46,057    
Unrealized appreciation on foreign currency contracts     15,357    
Prepaid expenses     41,058    
Prepaid arrangement fees on notes payable     56,928    
Total assets     1,878,156,056    
LIABILITIES:  
Notes payable     281,000,000    
Payable for investments purchased     32,426,397    
Accrued interest payable     1,611,635    
Deferred arrangement fees on senior loans     534,655    
Dividends payable — preferred shares     236,411    
Payable to affilates     1,529,400    
Payable to custodian     178,545    
Accrued trustees fees     30,987    
Unrealized depreciation on foreign currency contracts     489,652    
Other accrued expenses     579,422    
Total liabilities     318,617,104    
Preferred shares, $25,000 stated value per share at liquidation
value (18,000 shares outstanding)
    450,000,000    
NET ASSETS   $ 1,109,538,952    
Net asset value per common share outstanding (net assets less preferred
shares at liquidation value, divided by 145,033,235 shares of beneficial 
interest authorized and outstanding, no par value)
  $ 7.65    
NET ASSETS WERE COMPRISED OF:  
Paid-in capital     1,331,413,656    
Undistributed net investment income     4,124,094    
Accumulated net realized loss on investments     (259,551,650 )  
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency
related transactions
    33,552,852    
NET ASSETS   $ 1,109,538,952    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
8



ING Prime Rate Trust

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS for the Year Ended February 28, 2007

INVESTMENT INCOME:  
Interest   $ 150,681,482    
Arrangement fees earned     1,232,811    
Other     1,689,851    
Total investment income     153,604,144    
EXPENSES:  
Investment Management fees     16,030,822    
Administration fees     5,009,632    
Transfer agent fees     120,905    
Interest expense     26,339,161    
Shareholder reporting expense     132,190    
Custody and accounting expense     819,400    
Professional fees     240,402    
Preferred Shares — Dividend disbursing agent fees     1,230,973    
Pricing expense     54,725    
ICI fees     3,243    
Postage expense     247,250    
Trustees fees     73,365    
Miscellaneous expense     218,858    
Total expenses     50,520,926    
Net investment income     103,083,218    
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS AND
FOREIGN CURRENCY RELATED TRANSACTIONS:
         
Net realized gain (loss) on:  
Investments     16,459,812    
Foreign currency related transactions     (1,860,785 )  
Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency related transactions     14,599,027    
Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on:  
Investments     (5,971,942 )  
Foreign currency related transactions     (470,898 )  
Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments and
foreign currency related transactions
    (6,442,840 )  
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency
related transactions
    8,156,187    
DISTRIBUTIONS TO PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS:  
From net investment income     (22,313,381 )  
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   $ 88,926,024    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
9



ING Prime Rate Trust

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

    Year
Ended
February 28,
2007
  Year
Ended
February 28,
2006
 
FROM OPERATIONS:  
Net investment income   $ 103,083,218     $ 83,109,460    
Net realized gain on investments and foreign
currency related transactions
    14,599,027       422,159    
Net change in unrealized appreciation or
depreciation on investments and foreign currency  
related transactions
    (6,442,840 )     16,658,806    
Distributions to preferred shareholders from net
investment income
    (22,313,381 )     (15,839,470 )  
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations     88,926,024       84,350,955    
FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:  
From net investment income     (80,058,346 )     (66,428,156 )  
Decrease in net assets from distributions to common
shareholders
    (80,058,346 )     (66,428,156 )  
Net increase in net assets     8,867,678       17,922,799    
NET ASSETS:  
Beginning of year     1,100,671,274       1,082,748,475    
End of year (including undistributed net investment
income of $4,124,094 and $5,062,694, respectively)
  $ 1,109,538,952     $ 1,100,671,274    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
10



ING Prime Rate Trust

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the year ended February 28, 2007

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
 
Interest received   $ 153,443,673    
Facility fees paid     (27,052 )  
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders     (22,304,952 )  
Arrangement fees received     855,295    
Other income received     1,679,765    
Interest paid     (26,714,578 )  
Other operating expenses paid     (24,349,911 )  
Purchases of securities     (1,248,116,897 )  
Proceeds from sale of securities     1,430,719,366    
Net cash provided by operating activities     265,184,709    
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:  
Dividends paid to common shareholders     (80,058,346 )  
Net paydown of notes payable     (184,000,000 )  
Net cash flows used in financing activities     (264,058,346 )  
Net increase     1,126,363    
Cash at beginning of period     4,295,285    
Cash at end of period   $ 5,421,648    
Reconciliation Of Net Increase In Net Assets Resulting From
Operations To Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities:
         
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   $ 88,926,024    
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting
from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
         
Change in unrealized appreciation on investments     5,971,942    
Change in unrealized appreciation on foreign currencies     (1,981 )  
Change in unrealized depreciation on forward currency contracts     474,295    
Net accretion of discounts on investments     (1,748,612 )  
Net amortization of premiums on investments     678,625    
Realized gain on investments and foreign currency related transactions     (14,599,027 )  
Purchases of securities     (1,248,116,897 )  
Proceeds on sale of securities     1,430,719,366    
Increase in other assets     (11,502 )  
Decrease in interest receivable     3,832,178    
Increase in prepaid arrangement fees on notes payable     (27,052 )  
Decrease in prepaid expenses     20,086    
Decrease in deferred arrangement fees on senior loans     (377,516 )  
Decrease in accrued interest payable     (375,417 )  
Increase in dividends payable - preferred shares     8,429    
Decrease in payable to affiliates     (136,963 )  
Increase in accrued trustees fees     14,756    
Decrease in other accrued expenses     (66,025 )  
Total adjustments     176,258,685    
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 265,184,709    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
11



ING PRIME RATE TRUST  FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a common share outstanding throughout the period

    Years Ended February 28 or February 29,  
    2007   2006   2005   2004   2003  
Per Share Operating Performance  
Net asset value, beginning of year   $ 7.59       7.47       7.34       6.73       7.20    
Income (loss) from investment operations:  
Net investment income   $ 0.71       0.57       0.45       0.46       0.50    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   $ 0.06       0.12       0.16       0.61       (0.47 )  
Total from investment operations   $ 0.77       0.69       0.61       1.07       0.03    
Distributions to Common Shareholders from net investment income   $ (0.55 )     (0.46 )     (0.43 )     (0.42 )     (0.45 )  
Distribution to Preferred Shareholders   $ (0.16 )     (0.11 )     (0.05 )     (0.04 )     (0.05 )  
Net asset value, end of year   $ 7.65       7.59       7.47       7.34       6.73    
Closing market price at end of year   $ 7.40       7.02       7.56       7.84       6.46    
Total Investment Return(1)   
Total investment return at closing market price(2)    % 13.84       (0.82 )     2.04       28.77       2.53    
Total investment return at net asset value(3)    % 8.85       8.53       7.70       15.72       0.44    
Ratios/Supplemental Data  
Net assets end of year (000's)   $ 1,109,539       1,100,671       1,082,748       1,010,325       922,383    
Preferred Shares-Aggregate amount outstanding (000's)   $ 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    
Borrowings at end of year (000's)   $ 281,000       465,000       496,000       225,000       167,000    
Asset coverage per $1,000 of debt(4)    $ 2,517       2,203       2,140       2,500       2,500    
Average borrowings (000's)   $ 459,982       509,178       414,889       143,194       190,671    
Ratios to average net assets including Preferred Shares(5)   
Expenses (before interest and other fees related to revolving
credit facility)
  % 1.57       1.64       1.60       1.45       1.49    
Net expenses after expense reimbursement   % 3.27       3.02       2.21       1.65       1.81    
Gross expenses prior to expense reimbursement   % 3.27       3.02       2.22       1.65       1.81    
Net investment income   % 6.68       5.44       4.21       4.57       4.97    
Ratios to average net assets plus borrowings  
Expenses (before interest and other fees related to revolving
credit facility)
  % 1.56       1.58       1.63       1.84       1.82    
Net expenses after expense reimbursement   % 3.25       2.90       2.26       2.09       2.23    
Gross expenses prior to expense reimbursement   % 3.25       2.90       2.27       2.09       2.23    
Net investment income   % 6.63       5.24       4.32       5.82       6.10    
Ratios to average net assets  
Expenses (before interest and other fees related to revolving
credit facility)
  % 2.21       2.33       2.29       2.11       2.19    
Net expenses after expense reimbursement   % 4.62       4.27       3.17       2.40       2.68    
Gross expenses prior to expense reimbursement   % 4.62       4.27       3.18       2.40       2.68    
Net investment income   % 9.42       7.71       6.04       6.68       7.33    
Portfolio turnover rate   % 60       81       93       87       48    
Common shares outstanding at end of year (000's)     145,033       145,033       145,033       137,638       136,973    

 

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

(2)  Total investment return measures the change in the market value of your investment assuming reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, in accordance with the provisions of the Trust's dividend reinvestment plan.

(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 in accordance with the provisions of the dividend reinvestment plan.

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

(4)  Asset coverage represents the total assets available for settlement of Preferred Stockholder's interest and notes payables in relation to the Preferred Shareholder interest and notes payable balance outstanding. The Preferred Shares were first offered November 2, 2000.

(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.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
12




ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007

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 of Trustees ("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 February 28, 2007, 99.57% 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 ING Investments, LLC (the "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 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 February 28, 2007 (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 valuation are valued at amortized cost, which, when combined with accrued interest approximates market value.

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. 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 (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.


14



ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

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 currency forward 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 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 respective 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.


15



ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

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 year ended February 28, 2007, the cost of purchases and the proceeds from principal repayment and sales of investments, excluding short-term notes, totaled $1,211,750,596 and $1,429,252,901, respectively. At February 28, 2007, the Trust held senior loans valued at $1,829,047,888 representing 98.7% 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 February 28, 2007 (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   $ 107,510    
AM Cosmetics Corporation (Liquidation Interest)   03/07/03        
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        
Covenant Care, Inc. (Warrants for 19,000 Common Shares,
Expires January 13, 2005)
  12/22/95        
Covenant Care, Inc. (Warrants for 26,901 Common Shares,
Expires March 31, 2013)
  01/18/02        
Decision One Corporation (1,402,038 Common Shares)   05/17/05     1,116,773    
Electro Mechanical Solutions (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)   10/02/02     15    
Enterprise Profit Solutions (Liquidation Interest)   10/21/02        
EquityCo, LLC (Warrants for 28,752 Common Shares)   02/25/05        
Euro United Corporation (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)   06/21/02     305,999    
Gemini Leasing, Inc. (143,079 Common Shares)   01/08/04        
Grand Union Company (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)   07/01/02     2,576    
Humphrey's, Inc. (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)   05/15/02     50    
Imperial Home Décor Group, Inc. (Liquidation Interest)   01/22/04        
Insilco Technologies (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)   05/02/03     1    
IT Group, Inc. (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)   09/12/03     50    
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 Easten Fine (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)   06/08/04        
IAP Acquisition Corporation (17,348 Common Shares)   08/29/03        
IAP Acquisition Corporation (1,084 Common Shares)   08/29/03     428,603    
IAP Acquisition Corporation (1,814 Common Shares)   08/29/03        
IAP Acquisition Corporation (3,524 Common Shares)   08/29/03     3,524,300    
New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)   07/02/03        
Norwood Promotional Products, Inc. (104,148 Common Shares)   08/23/04     32,939    
Safelite Glass Corporation (856,340 Common Shares)   10/12/00     173,588    
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 Aggregates (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)   04/07/03        
US Office Products Company (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)   02/11/04        
Total Restricted Securities excluding senior loans (market value
of $18,820,902 was 1.7% of net assets at February 28, 2007)
      $ 5,742,552    

 


17



ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

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% plus the proceeds of any outstanding borrowings of the Trust's Managed Assets.

The Investment Adviser, ING IM and the Administrator are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of ING Groep N.V. ("ING Groep"). ING Groep is one of the largest financial services organizations in the world, and offers an array of banking, insurance and asset management services to both individual and institutional investors.

NOTE 5 — TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND RELATED PARTIES

At February 28, 2007, 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  
$ 1,165,257     $ 364,143     $ 1,529,400    

 

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 $90 million 364-day revolving credit agreement which matured on August 23, 2006 and has been extended to August 22, 2007 and a $535 million 364-day revolving securitization facility which matured on July 9, 2006, and has been extended to June 14, 2007, collateralized by assets of the Trust. Borrowing rates under these agreements are based on a fixed spread over LIBOR, the federal funds rate, 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 February 28, 2007, was $281 million. Weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings was 5.69%, excluding fees related to the unused portion of the facilities, and other fees. The amount of borrowings represented 15.0% of total assets at February 28, 2007. Average borrowings for the year ended February 28, 2007 were $459,982,192 and the average annualized interest rate was 5.73% excluding other fees related to the unused portion of the facilities, and other fees.


18



ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

NOTE 6 — COMMITMENTS (continued)

As of February 28, 2007, the Trust had unfunded loan commitments pursuant to the terms of the following loan agreements:

Builders Firstsource, Inc.   $ 1,500,000    
Coleto Creek Power     5,000,000    
Federal-Mogul Corp.     4,120,000    
Hearthstone Housing Partners II, LLC     1,108,824    
Herbst Gaming, Inc.     750,000    
Infrastrux Group, Inc.     350,000    
Kerasotes Theatres, Inc.     900,000    
Lucite International US Finco Limited     1,038,168    
MEG Energy Corp.     2,800,000    
Neoplan USA Corp.     382,500    
Norwood Promotional Products
Holdings, Inc.
    2,135,662    
Oglebay Norton Co.   $ 400,000    
PLY Gem Industries, Inc.     892,857    
Primedia, Inc.     1,133,250    
Sturm Foods, Inc.     500,000    
Syniverse Holding, LLC     1,500,000    
Trump Entertainment Resorts
Holdings, L.P.
    1,723,750    
United States Shipping, LLC     503,226    
Venetian Macau Ltd.     1,600,000    
Wastequip, Inc.     3,000,000    
    $ 31,363,237    

 

NOTE 7 — RIGHTS AND OTHER OFFERINGS

As of February 28, 2007, outstanding share offerings pursuant to shelf registrations were as follows:

Registration
Date
  Shares
Registered
  Shares
Remaining
 
  9/15/98       25,000,000       12,374,909    
  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.

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 year ended February 28, 2007.

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 February 28, 2007, the Trust held 0.5% of its total assets in subordinated loans and unsecured loans.


19



ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

NOTE 10 — 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 distributions of paid-in capital.

The following permanent tax differences have been reclassified as of February 28, 2007:

Undistributed
Net Investment Income
  Accumulated
Net Realized
Gains
 
$ (1,650,091 )   $ 1,650,091    

 

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:

Year Ended February 28, 2007   Year Ended February 28, 2006  
Ordinary Income   Ordinary Income  
$ 102,371,727     $ 82,267,626    

 

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 28, 2007 were:

Undistributed
Ordinary Income
  Unrealized
Appreciation
  Post-October
Currency Losses
Deferred
  Capital
Loss
Carryforwards
  Expiration
Dates
 
$ 5,656,916     $ 33,968,276     $ (1,770,705 )   $ (33,536,215 )     2008    
              (847,193 )     2009    
              (47,376,376 )     2010    
              (97,064,717 )     2011    
              (57,686,392 )     2012    
              (22,421,058 )     2013    
              (560,828 )     2014    
            $ (259,492,779 )        

 

NOTE 11 — OTHER ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 ("FIN 48"), "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes." This standard defines the threshold for recognizing the benefits of tax-return positions in the financial statements as "more-likely-than-not" to be sustained upon challenge by the taxing authority and requires measurement of a tax position meeting the more-likely-than-not criterion, based on the largest benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, with early application permitted if no interim financial statements have been issued. However, acknowledging the unique issues that FIN 48 presents for investment companies that calculate NAVs, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") has indicated that they would not object if a fund implements FIN 48 in its NAV calculation as late as its last NAV calculation in the first required financial statement reporting period for its fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2006. For the February year-end closed-end funds, this would be no later than their August 31, 2007 NAV and the


20



ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

NOTE 11 — OTHER ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (continued)

effects of FIN 48 would be reflected in the funds' semi-annual financial statements contained in their Form N-CSR filing. At adoption, companies must adjust their financial statements to reflect only those tax positions that are more likely-than-not to be sustained as of the adoption date. Management of the Trust has assessed the impact of adopting FIN 48 and currently does not believe that there will be a material impact to the Trust.

On September 15, 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 ("SFAS No. 157"), "Fair Value Measurements." The new accounting statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). SFAS No. 157 also stipulates that, as a market-based measurement, fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, and establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between (a) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (b) the reporting entity's own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. As of February 28, 2007, management of the Trust is currently assessing the impact, if any, that will result from adopting SFAS No. 157.

NOTE 12 — INFORMATION REGARDING TRADING OF ING'S US MUTUAL FUNDS

In 2004, ING Investments 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 had 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, 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. The goal of this review was to identify any instances of inappropriate trading in those products by third parties or by ING investment professionals and other ING personnel. ING's internal review related to mutual fund trading is now substantially 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 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.


21



ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

NOTE 12 — INFORMATION REGARDING TRADING OF ING'S US MUTUAL FUNDS (continued)

In September 2005, ING Funds Distributor, LLC ("IFD"), the distributor of certain ING Funds, settled an administrative proceeding with the NASD regarding three arrangements, dating from 1995, 1996 and 1998, under which the administrator to the then-Pilgrim Funds, which subsequently became part of the ING Funds, entered into formal and informal arrangements that permitted frequent trading. Under the terms of the Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent ("AWC") with the NASD, under which IFD neither admitted nor denied the allegations or findings, IFD consented to the following sanctions: (i) a censure; (ii) a fine of $1.5 million; (iii) restitution of approximately $1.44 million to certain ING Funds for losses attributable to excessive trading described in the AWC; and (iv) agreement to make certification to NASD regarding the review and establishment of certain procedures.

In addition to the arrangements discussed above, in 2004 ING Investments reported to the Boards that, at that time, these instances include the following, in addition to the arrangements subject to the AWC discussed above:

•  Aeltus Investment Management, Inc. (a predecessor entity to ING Investment Management Co.) identified two investment professionals who engaged in extensive frequent trading in certain ING Funds. One was subsequently terminated for cause and incurred substantial financial penalties in connection with this conduct and the second has been disciplined.

•  ReliaStar Life Insurance Company ("ReliaStar") entered into agreements seven years ago permitting the owner of policies issued by the insurer to engage in frequent trading and to submit orders until 4pm Central Time. In 2001 ReliaStar also entered into a selling agreement with a broker-dealer that engaged in frequent trading. Employees of ING affiliates were terminated and/or disciplined in connection with these matters.

•  In 1998, Golden American Life Insurance Company entered into arrangements permitting a broker-dealer to frequently trade up to certain specific limits in a fund available in an ING variable annuity product. No employee responsible for this arrangement remains at the company.

For additional information regarding these matters, you may consult the Form 8-K and Form 8-K/A for each of four life insurance companies, ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company, ING Insurance Company of America, and ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York, each filed with the SEC on October 29, 2004 and September 8, 2004. These Forms 8-K and Forms 8-K/A can be accessed through the SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov. 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


22



ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

NOTE 12 — INFORMATION REGARDING TRADING OF ING'S US MUTUAL FUNDS (continued)

agencies, litigation or other formal proceedings, including any proceedings by the SEC. ING Investments reported to the Boards that ING management believes that the total amount of any indemnification obligations will not be material to ING or its U.S. business.

•  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.

•  The ING Funds, upon a recommendation from ING, updated their respective Codes of Ethics applicable to investment professionals with ING entities and certain other fund personnel, requiring such personnel to pre-clear any purchases or sales of ING Funds that are not systematic in nature (i.e., dividend reinvestment), and imposing minimum holding periods for shares of ING Funds.

•  ING instituted excessive trading policies for all customers in its variable insurance and retirement products and for shareholders of the ING Funds sold to the public through financial intermediaries. ING does not make exceptions to these policies.

•  ING reorganized and expanded its U.S. Compliance Department, and created an Enterprise Compliance team to enhance controls and consistency in regulatory compliance.

Other Regulatory Matters

The New York Attorney General (the "NYAG") 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 anti-competitive 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. In connection with one such investigation, affiliates of ING Investments were named in a petition for relief and cease and desist order filed by the New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation (the "NH Bureau") concerning their administration of the New Hampshire state employees deferred compensation plan.

On October 10, 2006, an affiliate of ING Investments entered into an assurance of discontinuance with the NYAG (the "NYAG Agreement") regarding the endorsement of its products by the New York State United Teachers Union Member Benefits Trust ("NYSUT") and the sale of their products to NYSUT members. Under the terms of the NYAG Agreement, the affiliate of ING Investments, without admitting or denying the NYAG's findings, will distribute $30 million to NYSUT members, and/or former NYSUT members, who participated in the NYSUT-endorsed products at any point between January 1, 2001 and June 30, 2006. The affiliate also agreed with the NYAG's office to develop a one-page disclosure that will further improve transparency and disclosure regarding retirement product fees (the "One-Page Disclosure"). Pursuant to the terms of the NYAG Agreement, the affiliate has agreed for a five year period to provide its retirement product customers with the One-Page Disclosure.

In addition, on the same date, these affiliates of ING Investments entered into a consent agreement with the NH Bureau (the "NH Agreement") to resolve this petition for relief and cease and desist order. Under the terms of the NH Agreement, these affiliates of ING Investments, without admitting or denying the NH Bureau's claims, have agreed to pay $3 million to resolve the matter, and for a five year period to provide their retirement product customers with the One-Page Disclosure described above.


23



ING Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

NOTE 12 — INFORMATION REGARDING TRADING OF ING'S US MUTUAL FUNDS (continued)

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.

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 13 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Subsequent to February 28, 2007, the Trust paid to Common Shareholders the following dividends from net investment income:

Per Share Amount   Declaration Date   Record Date   Payable Date  
$ 0.0450       2/28/07       3/12/07       3/22/07    
  0.0475       3/30/07       4/10/07       4/23/07    

 

Subsequent to February 28, 2007, 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
 
Series M   $ 173.87     03/05/07-04/16/07   03/12/07-04/23/07   03/13/07-04/24/07  
Series T   $ 173.30     03/06/07-04/17/07   03/13/07-04/24/07   03/14/07-04/25/07  
Series W   $ 172.83     03/07/07-04/18/07   03/14/07-04/25/07   03/15/07-04/26/07  
Series Th   $ 197.98     03/01/07-04/19/07   03/08/07-04/26/07   03/09/07-04/27/07  
Series F   $ 196.59     03/02/07-04/20/07   03/09/07-04/27/07   03/12/07-04/30/07  

 


24




ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007

Senior Loans*: 164.9%           Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Aerospace & Defense: 2.8%      
          Avio Group   NR   NR        
EUR 708,333         Term Loan, 6.032%,
maturing December 13, 2014
          $ 951,516    
$ 590,346         Term Loan, 7.725%,
maturing December 13, 2014
            598,279    
EUR 708,333         Term Loan, 6.407%,
maturing December 13, 2015
            955,721    
$ 590,346         Term Loan, 8.100%,
maturing December 13, 2015
            601,230    
          DeCrane Aircraft Holdings, Inc.   B1   B        
  500,000       (5 )   Term Loan, maturing February 28, 2014         502,500    
        (2 )   Delta   Ba3   B+        
  2,000,000       Debtor in Possession Term Loan, 10.110%,
maturing March 16, 2008
        2,017,500    
          Dyncorp International LLC   Ba2   BB-        
  2,435,449       Term Loan, 7.656%,
maturing February 11, 2011
        2,457,774    
          Forgings International Ltd.   NR   NR        
GBP 239,337         Term Loan, 7.769%,
maturing August 11, 2014
            475,703    
$ 1,362,698         Term Loan, 7.850%,
maturing August 11, 2014
            1,379,449    
GBP 241,073         Term Loan, 8.019%,
maturing August 11, 2015
            481,322    
$ 1,369,696         Term Loan, 8.100%,
maturing August 11, 2015
            1,392,810    
          Hexcel Corporation   Ba2   BB-        
  1,078,657       Term Loan, 7.125%,
maturing March 01, 2012
        1,081,803    
          IAP Worldwide Services, Inc.   B2   B        
  990,000       Term Loan, 9.688%,
maturing December 30, 2012
        995,260    
          K&F Industries, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  3,979,167       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing November 18, 2012
        4,005,282    
          Onex Wind Finance LP
(Mid-Western Aircraft Systems, Inc).
  Ba3   BB+        
  982,953       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing December 31, 2011
        989,402    
          Transdigm, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  3,500,000       Term Loan, 7.366%, maturing June 23, 2013         3,530,625    
          United Airlines, Inc.   B1   B+        
  2,500,000       Term Loan, 7.375%,
maturing February 01, 2014
        2,514,648    
          US Airways   B2   B        
  3,000,000       Term Loan, 8.864%, maturing March 31, 2011         3,024,108    
          Wesco Aircraft Hardware Corporation   B1   B+        
  1,500,000       Term Loan, 7.600%,
maturing September 29, 2013
        1,512,891    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
25



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Aerospace & Defense: (continued)      
              Wyle Holdings Inc.   NR   B+        
$ 1,788,109             Term Loan, 8.110%,
maturing January 28, 2011
          $ 1,797,609    
      31,265,432    
Automobile: 4.9%      
        (2 )   Federal-Mogul Corporation   NR   BBB+        
  880,000           Revolver, 1.641%, maturing July 01, 2007         880,000    
  1,500,000           Debtor in Possession Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing July 01, 2007
        1,503,563    
              Ford Motor Company   Ba3   B        
  2,500,000           Term Loan, 8.360%,
maturing December 15, 2013
        2,531,770    
              Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.   Ba1   BB        
  5,500,000           Term Loan, 7.572%,
maturing April 30, 2010
        5,549,110    
              Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.   Ba3   B+        
  9,400,000           Term Loan, 8.140%,
maturing April 30, 2010
        9,521,420    
              Hertz   Ba1   BB        
  4,878,857           Term Loan, 7.086%,
maturing December 21, 2012
        4,928,026    
  1,027,778           Term Loan, 7.365%,
maturing December 21, 2012
        1,038,136    
              Navistar International Corporation   NR   NR        
  1,800,000           Revolver, 7.168%,
maturing January 19, 2012
        1,833,975    
              Oshkosh Truck Corporation   Ba3   BB        
  17,000,000           Term Loan, 7.350%,
maturing December 06, 2013
        17,165,444    
              SAF-Holland Group GmbH   NR   NR        
  768,615       (5 )   Term Loan, maturing January 07, 2015         778,223    
  703,366       (5 )   Term Loan, maturing February 07, 2016         712,158    
              Tower (R.J.) Corporation   B1   BBB        
  3,500,000           Term Loan, 9.938%,
maturing August 02, 2007
        3,495,989    
              Vanguard Car Rental USA Holdings Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  4,097,500           Term Loan, 8.352%, maturing June 14, 2013         4,146,158    
      54,083,972    
Beverage, Food & Tobacco: 5.4%      
              ARAMARK   Ba3   B+        
  1,600,000           Term Loan, 7.445%,
maturing January 26, 2014
        1,618,301    
  19,000,000           Term Loan, 7.470%,
maturing January 26, 2014
        19,217,322    
              B&G Foods, Inc.   Ba2   B+        
  750,000       (5 )   Term Loan, maturing February 23, 2013         760,313    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
26



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Beverage, Food & Tobacco: (continued)      
          Bolthouse Farms, Inc   B1   B+        
$ 1,975,000         Term Loan, 7.625%,
maturing December 16, 2012
          $ 1,987,962    
          Bumble Bee Foods, LLC   Ba3   B+        
  1,200,000       Term Loan, 7.110%, maturing May 02, 2012         1,200,000    
          Commonwealth Brands, Inc.   B1   B+        
  8,293,720       Term Loan, 7.625%,
maturing December 22, 2012
        8,342,446    
          Gate Gourmet Borrower LLC   B2   B        
  169,681       Revolver, 8.114%, maturing March 09, 2012         167,135    
  425,614       Term Loan, 8.095%,
maturing March 09, 2012
        430,934    
          Golden State Foods   B1   B+        
  3,890,000       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing February 28, 2011
        3,899,725    
          Iglo Birds Eye   NR   NR        
EUR 51,247         Term Loan, 5.982%,
maturing November 30, 2014
            68,817    
EUR 948,754         Term Loan, 6.085%,
maturing November 30, 2014
            1,274,048    
EUR 51,247         Term Loan, 6.357%,
maturing November 30, 2015
            69,110    
EUR 380,330         Term Loan, 6.460%,
maturing November 30, 2015
            510,731    
EUR 568,424         Term Loan, 6.460%,
maturing November 30, 2015
            766,563    
          Michael Foods   Ba3   B+        
$ 3,227,084         Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing November 21, 2010
            3,243,891    
          Nutro Products, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  2,115,758       Term Loan, 7.364%, maturing April 26, 2013         2,126,999    
          Pierre Foods   Ba3   B+        
  3,535,786       Term Loan, 7.610%, maturing June 30, 2010         3,560,095    
          Reynolds American   Baa2   BBB-        
  4,975,000       Term Loan, 7.265%, maturing May 31, 2012         5,020,865    
          Sturm Foods, Inc.   B1   B        
  3,000,000       Term Loan, 7.875%,
maturing January 31, 2014
        3,015,939    
          United Biscuits   NR   NR        
GBP 1,476,692         Term Loan, 8.228%,
maturing December 31, 2014
            2,947,611    
      60,228,807    
Buildings & Real Estate: 3.8%      
          Armstrong World Industries, Inc.   Ba2   BB        
$ 1,745,625         Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing October 02, 2013
            1,753,262    
          Atrium Companies, Inc.   B1   B        
  754,468       Term Loan, 8.104%, maturing May 31, 2012         749,596    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
27



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Buildings & Real Estate: (continued)      
          Capital Automotive L.P.   Ba1   BB+        
$ 11,163,155         Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing December 16, 2010
          $ 11,285,257    
          CB Richard Ellis   Ba1   BB+        
  1,400,000       Term Loan, 6.847%,
maturing December 20, 2013
        1,406,875    
          Champion Home Builders Co.   B1   B+        
  875,000       Revolver, 5.264%,
maturing October 31, 2012
        871,719    
  710,000       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing October 31, 2012
        708,225    
          Contech Construction Products Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  1,733,472       Term Loan, 7.330%,
maturing January 31, 2013
        1,749,183    
          Custom Building Products, Inc.   B1   B+        
  4,939,522       Term Loan, 7.614%,
maturing October 29, 2011
        4,954,958    
          Headwaters Incorporated   Ba3   BB-        
  2,287,820       Term Loan, 7.320%, maturing April 30, 2011         2,299,259    
          Hearthstone Housing Partners II, LLC   NR   NR        
  4,626,471       Revolver, 5.953%,
maturing December 01, 2007
        4,614,905    
          John Maneely Company   B3   B+        
  4,713,035       Term Loan, 8.619%,
maturing December 08, 2013
        4,774,894    
          Nortek, Inc.   Ba2   B        
  3,754,207       Term Loan, 7.350%,
maturing August 27, 2011
        3,780,017    
          Ply Gem Industries, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
  357,143       Revolver, 3.377%,
maturing February 12, 2009
        342,857    
          Shea Capital I, LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  997,500       Term Loan, 7.370%,
maturing October 27, 2011
        997,500    
          Tishman Speyer   Ba2   BB-        
  1,500,000       Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing February 01, 2012
        1,513,751    
      41,802,258    
Cargo Transport: 2.0%      
          Baker Tanks, Inc.   B2   B        
  1,975,000       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing November 22, 2012
        1,991,047    
          Gainey Corporation   B2   BB-        
  796,000       Term Loan, 8.156%, maturing April 20, 2012         798,488    
          Greatwide Logistics Services, Inc.   B1   B-        
  3,000,000       Term Loan, 8.614%,
maturing December 19, 2013
        3,023,751    
          Helm Holding Corporation   B2   B+        
  979,000       Term Loan, 7.866%, maturing July 08, 2011         982,060    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
28



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Cargo Transport: (continued)      
              Horizon Lines, LLC   Ba2   B        
$ 2,188,139             Term Loan, 7.620%, maturing July 07, 2011           $ 2,203,868    
              Kenan Advantage Group, Inc.   B3   B+        
  990,003           Term Loan, 8.364%,
maturing December 16, 2011
        997,428    
          (2 )   Neoplan USA Corporation   NR   NR        
  1,867,500       (3 )   Revolver, 7.213%, maturing June 30, 2006         1,867,500    
  5,306,058       (3 )   Term Loan, 11.008%,
maturing June 30, 2006
        4,457,089    
              Pacer International, Inc.   Ba3   BB        
  694,118           Term Loan, 6.916%, maturing June 10, 2010         692,383    
              TNT Logistics   B1   B        
  1,927,881           Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing November 04, 2013
        1,942,340    
  723,070           Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing November 04, 2013
        732,259    
              US Shipping Partners L.P.   B1   B+        
  335,274           Term Loan, 4.584%,
maturing March 31, 2012
        340,093    
  1,990,000           Term Loan, 8.864%,
maturing March 31, 2012
        2,018,606    
      22,046,912    
Cellular: 2.3%      
              Centennial Communications Corp   Ba2   B        
  10,085,631           Term Loan, 7.363%,
maturing February 09, 2011
        10,190,693    
              Cricket Communications, Inc.   B1   B        
  5,970,000           Term Loan, 8.114%, maturing June 16, 2013         6,052,088    
              NTELOS Inc.   B2   B        
  4,410,157           Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing August 24, 2011
        4,442,131    
              Rogers Wireless   Ba1   BB+        
  2,500,000           Floating Rate Note, 8.485%,
maturing December 15, 2010
        2,550,000    
              Telepak, Inc. / Cellular South   Ba3   B+        
  1,950,000           Term Loan, 7.113%, maturing May 04, 2011         1,959,750    
      25,194,662    
Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber: 10.0%      
              Basell   Ba3   B+        
  1,000,000           Term Loan, 7.595%,
maturing September 07, 2013
        1,012,231    
  1,000,000           Term Loan, 8.345%,
maturing September 07, 2014
        1,012,231    
              Brenntag Holding GmbH & Co. KG   B2   B        
  4,800,000           Term Loan, 7.887%,
maturing January 17, 2014
        4,853,252    
              Celanese   Ba3   BB-        
  5,625,000           Term Loan, 5.320%, maturing April 06, 2009         5,696,483    
  5,303,498           Term Loan, 7.114%, maturing April 06, 2011         5,351,378    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
29



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber: (continued)      
          Flint Group   NR   NR        
$ 936,821         Term Loan, 7.864%,
maturing December 31, 2012
          $ 945,101    
  353,279       Term Loan, 7.864%,
maturing December 31, 2013
        356,402    
  1,290,100       Term Loan, 8.364%,
maturing December 31, 2013
          1,307,263    
          Georgia Gulf Co   Ba2   BB        
  1,620,938       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing October 03, 2013
        1,638,594    
          Hawkeye Renewables, LLC   B3   NR        
  3,731,250       Term Loan, 9.364%, maturing June 30, 2012         3,626,309    
          Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  1,188,000       Term Loan, 7.222%, maturing May 05, 2013         1,199,583    
  9,060,750       Term Loan, 7.875%, maturing May 05, 2013         9,149,092    
          Huntsman International LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  15,198,139       Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing August 16, 2012
        15,309,283    
          Ineos US Finance LLC   Ba3   B+        
  2,520,000       Term Loan, 7.611%,
maturing December 16, 2012
        2,538,270    
  2,970,000       Term Loan, 7.611%,
maturing December 16, 2013
        3,011,146    
  2,970,000       Term Loan, 8.111%,
maturing December 23, 2014
        3,011,146    
          Innophos, Inc.   Ba1   B+        
  1,015,909       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing August 13, 2010
        1,022,893    
          ISP Chemco Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
  3,473,750       Term Loan, 7.375%,
maturing February 16, 2013
        3,513,761    
          JohnsonDiversey, Inc.   Ba2   B+        
  508,666       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing December 16, 2010
        513,912    
  2,672,031       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing December 16, 2011
        2,703,345    
          Kraton Polymers LLC   Ba3   B+        
  1,786,500       Term Loan, 7.375%, maturing May 12, 2013         1,803,808    
          Lucite International Us Finco Limited   B1   B+        
  708,273       Term Loan, 8.070%, maturing July 07, 2013         716,684    
          Lyondell Chemical Company   Ba2   BB        
  3,482,500       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing August 16, 2013
        3,511,279    
          Nalco Company   Ba2   BB-        
  12,626,135       Term Loan, 7.106%,
maturing November 04, 2010
          12,731,538    
          Northeast Biofuels, LLC   B1   B+        
  1,268,293       Term Loan, 8.614%,
maturing June 30, 2013
        1,266,707    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
30



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber: (continued)      
          Polypore Incorporated   Ba3   B        
$ 6,953,993         Term Loan, 8.320%,
maturing November 12, 2011
          $ 6,988,763    
          PQ Corporation   Ba2   B+        
  2,456,250       Term Loan, 7.370%,
maturing February 10, 2012
        2,473,648    
          Ripplewood Phosphorus LLC   Ba3   B        
  1,925,113       Term Loan, 8.620%,
maturing July 20, 2011
        1,927,519    
          Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc.   Ba2   B+        
  9,825,495       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing December 13, 2013
        9,921,293    
          Vertellus Specialties Inc.   B3   B+        
  2,363,125       Term Loan, 8.611%,
maturing March 31, 2013
        2,383,802    
      111,496,316    
Containers, Packaging & Glass: 4.1%      
          Bluegrass Container Company   Ba3   BB-        
  1,197,769       Term Loan, 7.601%,
maturing June 30, 2013
        1,214,862    
          Boise Cascade, L.L.C.   Ba2   BB        
  4,094,702       Term Loan, 7.108%,
maturing October 29, 2011
        4,129,254    
          Graham Packaging Company   B1   B        
  13,244,522       Term Loan, 7.625%,
maturing October 07, 2011
        13,407,708    
          Graphic Packaging International, Inc.   Ba2   B+        
  9,183,118       Term Loan, 7.858%,
maturing August 08, 2010
        9,310,818    
          Owens-Illinois   Ba2   BB-        
EUR 2,199,375         Term Loan, 5.114%,
maturing April 01, 2008
            2,898,548    
          Pro Mach, Inc   B1   B        
$ 2,481,250         Term Loan, 7.620%,
maturing December 01, 2011
            2,499,859    
          Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation   Ba1   B+        
  8,334,672       Term Loan, 7.625%,
maturing November 01, 2011
        8,425,119    
          Xerium Technologies, Inc.   B2   B+        
  3,296,167       Term Loan, 7.864%,
maturing May 18, 2012
        3,300,287    
      45,186,455    
Data and Internet Services: 6.2%      
          Activant Solutions, Inc.   B1   B        
  930,897       Term Loan, 7.375%,
maturing May 02, 2013
        933,225    
          Acxiom Corporation   Ba2   BB        
  1,995,000       Term Loan, 7.083%,
maturing September 15, 2012
        2,013,081    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
31



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Data and Internet Services: (continued)      
          Carlson Wagonlit Holdings B.V.   Ba3   B+        
$ 2,750,000         Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing August 03, 2012
          $ 2,759,023    
          IPayment, Inc.   B1   B        
  2,977,500       Term Loan, 7.352%,
maturing May 10, 2013
          2,996,109    
          Open Text Corporation   Ba3   BB-        
  1,745,625       Term Loan, 7.864%,
maturing October 02, 2013
        1,759,808    
          Reynolds & Reynolds Company   B3   B        
  2,375,000       Term Loan, 10.845%,
maturing October 26, 2013
          2,449,962    
          Reynolds & Reynolds Company   Ba2   BB-        
  10,972,500       Term Loan, 7.845%,
maturing October 26, 2012
        11,099,858    
          Sitel, LLC   B2   B+        
  4,000,000       Term Loan, 7.909%,
maturing January 29, 2014
        4,030,000    
          Sungard Data Systems Inc   Ba3   B+        
  28,535,227       Term Loan, 6.860%,
maturing February 11, 2013
        28,856,248    
          Transfirst Holdings, Inc.   B1   B+        
  870,625       Term Loan, 7.870%,
maturing August 15, 2012
        879,331    
          Travelport, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  3,242,599       Term Loan, 7.864%,
maturing August 23, 2013
        3,278,472    
          Verifone, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  2,250,000       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing October 31, 2013
        2,258,438    
          Worldspan, L.P.   B3   CCC+        
  1,300,000       Term Loan, 12.360%,
maturing December 21, 2013
        1,316,250    
          Worldspan, L.P.   Ba3   B        
  4,000,000       Term Loan, 8.603%,
maturing December 21, 2013
        4,029,500    
      68,659,305    
Diversified / Conglomerate Manufacturing: 4.4%      
          Aearo Technologies, Inc   B1   B        
  1,588,000       Term Loan, 7.864%,
maturing March 24, 2013
        1,603,218    
          Aearo Technologies, Inc   Caa1   CCC+        
  1,200,000       Term Loan, 11.864%,
maturing September 24, 2013
        1,222,876    
          Axia Incorporated   B2   B        
  1,485,000       Term Loan, 8.620%,
maturing December 21, 2012
        1,447,875    
          Baldor Electric Company   Ba3   BB        
  2,200,000       (5 )   Term Loan,
maturing March 31, 2014
        2,222,275    
          Brand Services, Inc.   B1   B        
  1,600,000       Term Loan, 7.625%,
maturing February 07, 2014
          1,613,333    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
32



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Diversified / Conglomerate Manufacturing: (continued)      
          Brand Services, Inc.   Caa1   CCC+        
$ 1,600,000         Term Loan, 11.375%,
maturing February 07, 2014
          $ 1,622,000    
          Chart Industries, Inc.   Ba2   B+        
  2,000,001       Term Loan, 7.432%,
maturing October 17, 2012
        2,011,251    
          Cinram International, Inc   B1   BB-        
  3,980,000       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing May 05, 2011
        3,969,636    
          Dayco Products LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  497,500       Term Loan, 7.865%,
maturing June 21, 2011
        502,061    
          Dresser, Inc.   B1   B        
  1,923,567       Term Loan, 8.125%,
maturing October 31, 2013
        1,945,607    
          Dresser-Rand Group Inc.   Ba1   BB-        
  82,436       Term Loan, 7.345%,
maturing October 29, 2011
        83,106    
          Generac Power Systems, Inc.   B1   B        
  4,455,000       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing November 09, 2013
        4,474,491    
          Generac Power Systems, Inc.   Caa1   CCC+        
  500,000       Term Loan, 11.360%,
maturing May 09, 2014
        500,000    
          Gentek Holding Corporation   B1   B+        
  2,330,352       Term Loan, 7.354%,
maturing February 28, 2011
        2,337,998    
          Goodman Global Holdings, Inc   Ba2   B+        
  1,478,571       Term Loan, 7.125%,
maturing December 23, 2011
        1,484,733    
          Mueller Group, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
  7,540,351       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing October 03, 2012
        7,623,611    
          Norcross Safety Products LLC   Ba1   BB-        
  984,799       Term Loan, 7.414%,
maturing June 30, 2012
        988,801    
          Prysmian S.R.L   NR   NR        
EUR 1,200,000         Term Loan, 5.785%,
maturing August 13, 2014
            1,594,997    
EUR 300,000         Term Loan, 6.285%,
maturing August 31, 2015
            400,733    
          Rexnord Corporation / RBS Global, Inc.   Ba2   B+        
$ 980,744       (5 )   Term Loan,
maturing July 19, 2013
            990,552    
  2,297,131       Term Loan, 7.875%,
maturing July 19, 2013
        2,320,102    
          Sensata Technologies   B1   BB-        
  4,179,000       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing April 27, 2013
        4,190,756    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
33



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Diversified / Conglomerate Manufacturing: (continued)      
          Sensus Metering Systems Inc.   Ba3   B+        
$ 210,217         Term Loan, 7.353%,
maturing December 17, 2010
          $ 211,400    
  1,582,609       Term Loan, 7.363%,
maturing December 17, 2010
        1,591,511    
          Springs Window Fashions   Ba3   B+        
  990,000       Term Loan, 8.125%,
maturing December 31, 2012
        999,900    
          Textron Fastening Systems   B2   B+        
  498,750       Term Loan, 8.921%,
maturing August 11, 2013
        502,491    
          Walter Industries, Inc.   Ba2   B+        
  981,124       Term Loan, 7.103%,
maturing October 03, 2012
        987,379    
      49,442,693    
Diversified / Conglomerate Service: 3.9%      
          Affinion Group   Ba2   B+        
  3,511,628       Term Loan, 7.857%,
maturing October 17, 2012
        3,549,378    
          AlixPartners LLP   B1   BB-        
  2,675,000       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing October 12, 2013
        2,699,244    
          Brickman Group   Ba3   BB-        
  2,000,000       Term Loan, 7.399%,
maturing January 23, 2014
          2,011,250    
          Brock Holdings, Inc.   B1   B        
  500,000 (5)     Term Loan,
maturing February 23, 2014
        505,703    
          CCC Information Services Group, Inc.   B1   B        
  990,741       Term Loan, 7.870%,
maturing February 10, 2013
        995,694    
          Intergraph Corporation   B1   B        
  1,000,000       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing May 28, 2014
        1,008,438    
          Iron Mountain Incorporated   Ba2   BB-        
  4,518,672       Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing April 02, 2011
        4,531,853    
  1,348,801       Term Loan, 7.125%,
maturing April 02, 2011
        1,354,139    
          Mitchell International, Inc.   B1   B+        
  640,695       Term Loan, 7.370%,
maturing August 15, 2011
        643,898    
          Valleycrest Companies, LLC   B1   B+        
  1,246,875       Term Loan, 7.870%,
maturing October 04, 2013
        1,260,123    
          Vertafore, Inc.   B1   B+        
  875,230       Term Loan, 7.822%,
maturing January 31, 2012
        880,974    
          West Corp   Ba3   B+        
  23,750,000       Term Loan, 7.752%,
maturing October 24, 2013
        23,980,898    
      43,421,592    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
34



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Diversified Nat'l Rsrcs, Precious Metals & Minerals: 2.9%      
          Georgia Pacific Corporation   Ba2   BB-        
$ 32,076,000         Term Loan, 7.355%,
maturing December 20, 2012
          $ 32,408,468    
      32,408,468    
Ecological: 1.2%      
          Allied Waste North America, Inc.   Ba3   BB        
  3,158,897       Revolver, 7.063%,
maturing January 15, 2012
        3,185,220    
  6,473,994       Term Loan, 7.152%,
maturing January 15, 2012
        6,524,439    
          IESI Corporation   Ba3   BB        
  1,800,000       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing January 21, 2012
        1,806,750    
          Wastequip, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  1,564,834       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing February 05, 2013
        1,580,482    
      13,096,891    
Electronics: 3.9%      
          Advance Micro Devices   Ba3   BB-        
  17,951,503       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing December 31, 2013
        18,141,214    
          Decision One   NR   NR        
  1,592,598       Term Loan, 12.000%,
maturing April 15, 2010
        1,592,598    
          Eastman Kodak   Ba3   B+        
  3,152,965       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing October 18, 2012
        3,165,445    
  2,101,804       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing October 18, 2012
        2,108,700    
          Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.   Baa3   BB        
  6,000,000       Term Loan, 7.369%,
maturing December 01, 2013
        6,055,314    
          NXP (Philips Semiconductor)   Ba2   BB+        
  1,750,000       Floating Rate Note, 8.110%,
maturing October 15, 2013
        1,789,375    
EUR 1,500,000         Floating Rate Note, 6.507%,
maturing October 15, 2013
            2,024,349    
          ON Semiconductor   Ba3   B+        
$ 1,844,117         Term Loan, 7.614%,
maturing December 15, 2011
            1,851,032    
          PGS, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
  1,100,000       (5 )   Term Loan, maturing December 14, 2013         1,115,125    
          Sanmina   Ba3   B+        
  1,750,000       Term Loan, 7.875%,
maturing January 31, 2008
        1,759,406    
          Serena Software Inc.   B1   B        
  2,243,793       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing March 11, 2013
        2,269,036    
          SI International, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  943,497       Term Loan, 7.353%,
maturing February 09, 2011
        944,677    
      42,816,271    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
35



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Farming & Agriculture: 0.0%      
          The Mosaic Company   Ba1   BB        
$ 600,000         Term Loan, 7.113%,
maturing February 12, 2012
          $ 606,375    
      606,375    
Finance: 1.8%      
          LPL Holdings, Inc.   B1   B        
  4,962,501       Term Loan, 7.864%,
maturing June 28, 2013
        5,038,491    
          Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., The   Ba3   BB+        
  4,016,691       Term Loan, 7.095%,
maturing April 18, 2012
        4,041,586    
  2,328,382       Term Loan, 7.096%,
maturing April 18, 2012
        2,342,813    
          Rent-A-Center, Inc.   Ba2   BB        
  2,618,421       Term Loan, 7.116%,
maturing June 30, 2012
        2,628,240    
          Riskmetrics   Ba3   B+        
  1,400,000       Term Loan, 7.595%,
maturing January 11, 2014
        1,415,750    
          TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation   Ba1   BB        
  4,439,819       Term Loan, 6.820%,
maturing December 31, 2012
        4,463,638    
      19,930,518    
Foreign Cable, Foreign TV, Radio and Equipment: 3.7%      
          Casema Bidco (Serpering Investments B.V.)   NR   NR        
EUR 548,444         Term Loan, 6.173%,
maturing November 14, 2014
            735,549    
EUR 284,889         Term Loan, 6.173%,
maturing November 14, 2014
            380,447    
EUR 583,333         Term Loan, 6.232%,
maturing November 14, 2014
            782,341    
EUR 833,333         Term Loan, 6.673%,
maturing November 14, 2015
            1,117,673    
EUR 583,333         Term Loan, 6.732%,
maturing November 14, 2015
            785,370    
          ENO France   NR   NR        
EUR 2,015,451         Term Loan, 6.026%,
maturing July 30, 2013
            2,663,686    
EUR 1,984,549         Term Loan, 6.106%,
maturing July 30, 2013
            2,622,845    
          NTL Investment Holdings Limited   Ba3   BB-        
GBP 8,750,000         Term Loan, 7.447%,
maturing September 03, 2012
            17,231,938    
          P7S1 Holding II S.A.R.L.
(German Media Partners)
  NR   B+        
EUR 5,000,000         Term Loan, 7.593%, maturing July 17, 2011             6,628,599    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
36



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Foreign Cable, Foreign TV, Radio and Equipment: (continued)      
          TDF SA   NR   NR        
EUR 1,000,000         Term Loan, 6.085%,
maturing January 31, 2015
          $ 1,341,759    
EUR 1,000,000         Term Loan, 6.585%,
maturing January 31, 2016
            1,347,832    
          UPC Financing Partnership   B1   B        
EUR 1,943,333         Term Loan, 6.103%,
maturing March 31, 2013
            2,587,126    
EUR 2,200,000         Term Loan, 6.103%,
maturing December 31, 2013
            2,928,982    
      41,154,147    
Gaming: 4.8%      
          CCM Merger, Inc. (a.k.a. Motorcity Casino)   Ba3   B        
  3,418,743       Term Loan, 7.362%, maturing July 13, 2012         3,451,327    
          Green Valley Ranch Gaming, LLC   B1   B+        
  1,500,000       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing August 08, 2014
        1,519,062    
          Green Valley Ranch Gaming, LLC   Caa1   CCC+        
  750,000       Term Loan, 8.610%,
maturing August 08, 2014
        764,906    
          Greenwood Racing, Inc.   B2   B+        
  1,500,000       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing November 28, 2011
        1,515,000    
          Herbst Gaming, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  1,500,000       Term Loan, 7.245%,
maturing December 02, 2011
        1,513,437    
          Isle Of Capri Casinos, Inc.   Ba1   BB-        
  985,000       Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing February 04, 2011
        993,742    
  1,470,000       Term Loan, 7.118%,
maturing February 04, 2011
        1,483,046    
          Penn National Gaming, Inc.   Ba2   BB        
  13,331,250       Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing October 03, 2012
        13,447,898    
          Ruffin Gaming, LLC   NR   NR        
  1,485,376       Term Loan, 7.625%,
maturing June 28, 2008
        1,494,660    
          Tropicana Entertainment - Landco   B2   B+        
  2,250,000       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing July 03, 2008
        2,268,515    
          Tropicana Entertainment - Opco   Ba3   B+        
  9,000,000       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing January 03, 2012
        9,113,121    
          Trump Entertainment Resorts Holdings, L.P.   Ba3   BB-        
  1,723,750       Term Loan, 7.870%,
maturing May 20, 2012
        1,740,988    
          Venetian Casino Resort, LLC   Ba2   BB-        
  11,000,000       Term Loan, 7.120%,
maturing June 15, 2011
        11,097,834    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
37



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Gaming: (continued)      
          VML US FINANCE LLC   B1   BB-        
$ 1,200,000         Term Loan, 8.120%,
maturing May 26, 2013
          $ 1,214,776    
          Yonkers Racing Corporation   B3   B        
  2,000,000       Term Loan, 8.875%,
maturing August 12, 2011
        2,023,750    
      53,642,062    
Grocery: 0.6%      
          Roundys Supermarkets, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  2,950,000       Term Loan, 8.091%,
maturing November 03, 2011
        2,978,025    
          Supervalu   Ba3   BB-        
  3,970,000       Term Loan, 7.100%,
maturing June 02, 2012
        3,996,234    
      6,974,259    
Healthcare, Education and Childcare: 14.0%      
          Accellent, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  1,980,000       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing November 22, 2012
        1,979,588    
          AGA Medical Corporation   B1   B+        
  1,832,209       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing April 28, 2013
        1,837,935    
          Ameripath, Inc.   Ba2   BB-        
  496,250       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing October 31, 2012
        497,180    
          Amn Healthcare, Inc.   Ba2   BB-        
  730,978       Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing November 02, 2011
        733,262    
          Capella Healthcare, Inc.   B2   B        
  2,970,000       Term Loan, 8.364%,
maturing November 30, 2012
        2,999,700    
          CCS Medical   B3   B        
  4,455,000       Term Loan, 8.620%,
maturing September 30, 2012
        4,429,544    
          CHG Medical Staffing, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  1,600,000       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing January 05, 2012
        1,619,000    
  400,000       Term Loan, 7.845%,
maturing January 05, 2012
        404,750    
          CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
  14,554,078       Term Loan, 7.120%,
maturing August 19, 2011
        14,649,597    
          Compsych Investments Corp.   NR   NR        
  1,469,943       Term Loan, 8.111%,
maturing April 20, 2012
        1,480,968    
          Concentra Operating Corporation   Ba2   B+        
  4,428,313       Term Loan, 7.377%,
maturing September 30, 2011
        4,449,072    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
38



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Healthcare, Education and Childcare: (continued)      
          CRC Health Corporation   Ba3   B        
$ 1,488,769         Term Loan, 7.614%,
maturing February 06, 2013
          $ 1,505,983    
  1,468,032       Term Loan, 7.864%,
maturing February 06, 2013
        1,485,007    
          DJ Orthopedics, LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  629,524       Term Loan, 6.875%,
maturing April 07, 2013
        630,508    
          Education Management Corporation   B2   B        
  5,970,000       Term Loan, 7.375%,
maturing June 03, 2013
        6,027,461    
          Emdeon Business Services LLC   B1   B+        
  2,483,444       Term Loan, 7.870%,
maturing November 16, 2013
        2,496,377    
          EMSC L.P.   Ba2   B+        
  3,235,316       Term Loan, 7.380%,
maturing February 10, 2012
        3,251,493    
          Encore Medical Ihc, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  1,745,625       Term Loan, 7.880%,
maturing November 03, 2013
        1,753,262    
          Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.   Ba2   BB        
  2,069,250       Term Loan, 6.739%,
maturing March 31, 2013
        2,072,699    
          Gambro   NR   NR        
SEK 5,000,000         Term Loan, 5.833%,
maturing March 15, 2007
            721,893    
SEK 5,000,000         Term Loan, 6.333%,
maturing March 15, 2007
            725,017    
$ 750,000         Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing June 05, 2014
            758,438    
  750,000       Term Loan, 8.320%,
maturing June 05, 2015
        761,719    
          Gentiva Health Services, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  2,756,757       Term Loan, 7.602%,
maturing March 31, 2013
        2,767,957    
          Golden Gate National Senior Care
Holdings, LLC (fka Beverley Enterprises)
  Ba3   B+        
  1,191,000       Term Loan, 8.114%,
maturing March 14, 2011
        1,199,685    
          Harrington Holdings, Inc.   B1   B        
  2,133,333       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing December 31, 2013
        2,152,000    
          HCA, Inc.   Ba3   BB        
  17,000,000       Term Loan, 7.614%,
maturing November 17, 2013
        17,222,411    
          Health Management Associates, Inc.   Ba2   B+        
  7,000,000       (5 )   Term Loan, maturing March 01, 2014         7,063,070    
          Healthsouth Corporation   B2   B+        
  2,623,182       Term Loan, 8.610%,
maturing March 10, 2013
        2,650,904    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
39



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Healthcare, Education and Childcare: (continued)      
          Iasis Healthcare LLC   Ba2   B+        
$ 6,781,387         Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing June 22, 2011
          $ 6,857,678    
          Lifepoint Hospitals, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
  9,869,781       Term Loan, 6.985%,
maturing April 15, 2012
        9,879,345    
          Multiplan, Inc.   B2   B+        
  1,441,882       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing April 12, 2013
        1,455,851    
          National Mentor, Inc.   B1   B        
  76,667       Revolver, 7.969%, maturing June 29, 2013         77,098    
  1,250,383       Term Loan, 7.867%,
maturing June 29, 2013
        1,257,417    
          Nycomed   NR   NR        
EUR 2,444,238         Term Loan, 6.195%,
maturing December 10, 2014
            3,238,198    
EUR 2,555,762         Term Loan, 6.695%,
maturing December 10, 2014
            3,385,950    
          Orthofix International/Colgate Medical   Ba3   BB-        
$ 1,910,152         Term Loan, 7.120%,
maturing September 22, 2013
            1,923,284    
          Quintiles Transnational Corp.   B1   BB-        
  2,630,125       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing March 31, 2013
        2,638,754    
          Radiation Therapy Services, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  1,921,001       Term Loan, 7.115%,
maturing December 16, 2012
        1,921,602    
          Radnet Management Inc.   B1   B        
  2,000,000       Term Loan, 8.850%,
maturing November 15, 2012
        2,010,000    
          Renal Advantage Inc.   NR   B+        
  4,033,555       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing October 06, 2012
        4,078,932    
          Rural/Metro Operating Company, LLC   Ba2   B        
  519,127       Revolver, 5.170%,
maturing March 04, 2011
        523,345    
  1,176,469       Term Loan, 7.778%,
maturing March 04, 2011
        1,186,028    
          Select Medical Corporation   Ba1   B+        
  2,456,250       Term Loan, 7.111%,
maturing February 24, 2012
        2,454,784    
          Sheridan Healthcare, Inc.   B2   B+        
  1,496,250       Term Loan, 8.360%,
maturing November 09, 2011
        1,512,148    
          Sterigenics International, Inc.   B2   B+        
  1,995,000       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing November 21, 2013
        2,001,859    
          Stiefel Laboratories, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  1,191,814       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing December 28, 2013
        1,205,967    
  1,558,186       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing December 28, 2013
        1,576,690    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
40



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Healthcare, Education and Childcare: (continued)      
          Team Health, Inc.   B1   B+        
$ 2,063,199         Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing November 23, 2012
          $ 2,080,392    
          Vanguard Health Holdings Company Ii, LLC   Ba3   B        
  9,907,125       Term Loan, 7.614%,
maturing September 23, 2011
        10,014,449    
          VWR International Inc.   Ba2   B+        
  3,260,959       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing April 07, 2011
        3,287,455    
      154,893,706    
Home & Office Furnishings: 1.2%      
          Buhrmann US Inc.   Ba3   BB        
  3,885,375       Term Loan, 7.109%,
maturing December 23, 2010
        3,904,802    
          National Bedding Company   B1   BB-        
  2,216,250       Term Loan, 7.365%,
maturing August 31, 2011
        2,226,500    
          Simmons Company   Ba2   B+        
  7,166,516       Term Loan, 7.413%,
maturing December 19, 2011
        7,224,744    
      13,356,046    
Insurance: 1.2%      
          Applied Systems Inc.   B1   B-        
  1,995,000       Term Loan, 8.175%,
maturing September 26, 2013
        2,006,846    
          Concord RE   Ba2   BB+        
  875,000       Term Loan, 9.610%,
maturing February 29, 2012
        884,844    
          Conseco, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
  5,486,250       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing October 10, 2013
        5,522,256    
          Crawford & Company   B1   BB-        
  3,087,113       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing October 30, 2013
        3,104,478    
          Swett & Crawford   B1   B+        
  1,488,750       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing November 16, 2011
        1,511,081    
      13,029,505    
Leisure, Amusement, Entertainment: 8.6%      
          24 Hour Fitness Worldwide, Inc   Ba3   B        
  3,225,625       Term Loan, 7.865%,
maturing June 08, 2012
        3,254,520    
          AMF Bowling Worldwide, Inc.   Ba2   B        
  875,794       Term Loan, 8.320%,
maturing August 27, 2009
        881,815    
          Cedar Fair, L.P.   Ba3   BB-        
  7,957,506       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing August 30, 2012
        8,050,012    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
41



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Leisure, Amusement, Entertainment: (continued)      
          Cinemark USA, Inc.   Ba2   B        
$ 3,740,625         Term Loan, 7.385%,
maturing October 05, 2013
          $ 3,778,031    
          Easton-Bell Sports, Inc   Ba3   B+        
  492,500       Term Loan, 7.071%,
maturing March 16, 2012
        495,065    
          Hallmark Entertainment, LLC   B1   B        
  1,750,000       Term Loan, 8.610%,
maturing December 31, 2011
        1,763,125    
          HIT Entertainment, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  3,365,417       Term Loan, 7.600%,
maturing March 20, 2012
        3,391,711    
          Kerasotes Showplace Theater LLC   B1   B-        
  225,000       Revolver, 1.935%,
maturing October 31, 2010
        223,875    
          Lodgenet Entertainment Corporation   Ba1   B+        
  2,291,506       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing August 29, 2008
        2,297,235    
          London Arena & Waterfront Finance LLC
(a.k.a. "The O2")
  Ba3   B        
  794,000       Term Loan, 7.853%,
maturing March 08, 2012
        801,444    
          Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc   Ba3   B+        
  7,892,857       Term Loan, 8.614%,
maturing April 08, 2011
        7,944,240    
  33,248,750       Term Loan, 8.614%,
maturing April 08, 2012
        33,581,238    
          National CineMedia, LLC   B1   B+        
  1,350,000       (5 )   Term Loan,
maturing February 12, 2015
        1,362,516    
          NEP II, INC   B1   B        
  3,500,000       Term Loan, 7.595%,
maturing May 02, 2014
        3,541,017    
          Panavision, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  992,502       Term Loan, 8.366%,
maturing March 30, 2011
        1,001,186    
          Six Flags Theme Parks, Inc.   Ba3   B-        
  2,366,321       Term Loan, 8.610%,
maturing June 30, 2009
        2,397,194    
          Universal City Development Partners   Ba1   BB-        
  4,627,273       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing June 09, 2011
        4,673,545    
          Warner Music Group   Ba2   BB-        
  16,113,198       Term Loan, 7.362%,
maturing February 28, 2011
        16,213,905    
      95,651,674    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
42



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Lodging: 1.5%      
          Hotel Del Coronado   NR   NR        
$ 16,400,000         Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing January 09, 2008
          $ 16,400,000    
      16,400,000    
Machinery: 1.3%      
          Alliance Laundry Systems LLC   Ba3   B        
  2,919,149       Term Loan, 7.600%,
maturing January 27, 2012
        2,946,516    
          Enersys Capital Inc.   Ba2   BB        
  4,169,707       Term Loan, 7.111%,
maturing March 17, 2011
        4,195,767    
          Maxim Crane Works, L.P.   B1   BB-        
  2,451,802       Term Loan, 7.321%,
maturing January 25, 2010
        2,456,399    
          United Rentals, Inc.   Ba1   BB-        
  4,552,187       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing February 14, 2011
        4,609,562    
      14,208,244    
Mining, Steel, Iron & Nonprecious Metals: 1.5%      
          Alpha Natural Resources   B1   BB-        
  660,000       Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing October 26, 2012
        663,300    
          Excel Mining Systems, Inc   B1   B-        
  2,000,000       Term Loan, 8.364%,
maturing October 20, 2013
        2,008,750    
          Longyear Holdings, Inc   B1   B-        
  4,619,422       Term Loan, 8.614%,
maturing October 06, 2012
        4,660,563    
  369,328       Term Loan, 8.614%,
maturing October 06, 2012
        372,502    
          Novelis   Ba2   BB-        
  5,446,154       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing January 07, 2012
        5,463,657    
          Oglebay Norton Company   B1   B+        
  1,534,286       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing July 31, 2011
        1,549,629    
          Tube City IMS Corporation   Ba3   BB-        
  162,162       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing January 25, 2014
        163,716    
  1,337,838       Term Loan, 9.500%,
maturing January 25, 2014
        1,350,658    
      16,232,775    
North American Cable: 12.9%      
          Atlantic Broadband   B1   B        
  1,985,004       Term Loan, 8.100%,
maturing August 10, 2012
        2,012,298    
          Bragg Communications, Inc   B1   NR        
  2,437,500       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing August 31, 2011
        2,448,164    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
43



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
North American Cable: (continued)      
          Bresnan Communications, LLC   B1   B+        
$ 2,750,000         Term Loan, 7.111%,
maturing September 29, 2013
          $ 2,763,464    
          Cequel Communications II, LLC   NR   NR        
  3,850,000       Term Loan, 10.320%,
maturing October 30, 2007
        3,854,813    
          Cequel Communications, LLC   B1   B+        
  17,150,000       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing November 05, 2013
        17,341,600    
          Cequel Communications, LLC   Caa1   B-        
  525,000       Term Loan, 9.860%,
maturing May 05, 2014
        539,930    
          Charter Communications Operating, LLC   B1   B+        
  53,500,000       Term Loan, 7.985%,
maturing April 28, 2013
        53,944,746    
          CSC Holdings, Inc. (Cablevision)   Ba2   BB        
  23,224,500       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing March 29, 2013
        23,366,750    
          Insight Midwest Holdings, LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  9,500,000       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing April 06, 2014
        9,603,911    
          Knology Inc   Ba3   NR        
  2,132,778       Term Loan, 7.845%,
maturing June 29, 2010
        2,151,439    
          Mediacom Broadband LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  10,890,000       Term Loan, 7.116%,
maturing January 31, 2015
        10,918,074    
          Nextmedia Operating, Inc.   B1   B        
  2,456,942       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing November 15, 2012
        2,457,250    
          Patriot Media & Communications, LLC   B3   B-        
  1,000,000       Term Loan, 10.360%,
maturing October 04, 2013
        1,015,000    
          Patriot Media & Communications, LLC   Ba3   B+        
  2,539,683       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing March 31, 2013
        2,558,202    
          Quebecor Media Inc   B1   B        
  2,970,000       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing January 17, 2013
        2,994,131    
          San Juan Cable LLC   B1   B+        
  1,734,366       Term Loan, 7.366%,
maturing October 31, 2012
        1,742,497    
          Wideopenwest Finance, LLC   B1   B        
  3,000,000       Term Loan, 7.611%,
maturing May 01, 2014
        3,029,376    
      142,741,645    
Oil & Gas: 8.2%      
          Alon USA   B1   BB-        
  1,990,000       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing June 22, 2013
        2,006,169    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
44



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Oil & Gas: (continued)      
          Coffeyville Resources LLC   B2   B+        
$ 1,067,105         Term Loan, 8.360%,
maturing December 28, 2010
          $ 1,083,111    
  2,019,703       Term Loan, 8.360%,
maturing December 28, 2013
        2,049,999    
          CR Gas Storage   Ba3   BB-        
  287,857       Term Loan, 7.103%,
maturing May 12, 2011
        288,846    
  410,247       Term Loan, 7.098%,
maturing May 13, 2011
        411,658    
  429,621       Term Loan, 7.140%,
maturing May 12, 2013
        430,829    
  2,303,729       Term Loan, 7.151%,
maturing May 12, 2013
        2,310,210    
          El Paso Corporation   Ba3   B+        
  6,250,000       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing August 01, 2011
        6,301,269    
          Energy Transfer Company, L.P.   Ba2   NR        
  10,000,000       Term Loan, 7.095%,
maturing February 08, 2012
        10,104,460    
          EPCO Holdings Inc.   Ba2   BB-        
  11,516,821       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing August 18, 2010
        11,670,041    
          Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.   B1   BB        
  5,173,844       Term Loan, 7.333%,
maturing July 01, 2013
        5,208,488    
          IFM Holdco   Ba3   BBB-        
  500,000       (5 )   Term Loan, maturing February 28, 2014         506,250    
          J. Ray Mcdermott, S.A.   Ba3   B+        
  3,000,000       Term Loan, 7.764%,
maturing June 06, 2012
        3,030,000    
          Key Energy   NR   NR        
  4,455,000       Term Loan, 7.861%,
maturing June 30, 2012
        4,491,197    
          Magellan Midstream Holdings LP   Ba3   BB-        
  1,746,723       Term Loan, 7.365%,
maturing June 30, 2012
        1,757,640    
          McJunkin Corporation   B2   B+        
  3,750,000       Term Loan, 7.595%,
maturing January 31, 2013
        3,793,361    
          MEG Energy   Ba3   BB        
  2,779,000       Term Loan, 7.370%,
maturing April 03, 2013
        2,803,099    
          Opti Canada Inc.   Ba3   BB+        
  3,000,000       Term Loan, 7.355%,
maturing May 17, 2013
        3,021,249    
          Semcrude, L.P.   Ba2   NR        
  5,184,577       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing March 16, 2011
        5,236,423    
  3,601,001       Term Loan, 7.593%,
maturing March 16, 2011
        3,630,259    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
45



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Oil & Gas: (continued)  
          Targa Resources, Inc   B1   B+        
$ 7,677,016         Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing October 31, 2012
          $ 7,747,791    
  1,000,000       Term Loan, 7.614%,
maturing October 31, 2012
        1,009,219    
          Venoco, Inc.   Caa1   B-        
  2,000,000       Term Loan, 9.875%,
maturing March 30, 2009
        2,025,000    
          Volnay Acquisition Co. I   Ba2   BB-        
  2,400,000       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing January 12, 2014
        2,424,751    
          Vulcan Energy Corporation   Ba2   BB        
  4,340,471       Term Loan, 6.860%,
maturing August 12, 2011
        4,349,968    
          W&T Offshore, Inc.   B1   B+        
  2,900,000       Term Loan, 7.620%,
maturing May 26, 2010
        2,924,772    
      90,616,059    
Other Broadcasting and Entertainment: 1.5%      
          Deluxe, Inc   B1   B        
  1,766,215       Term Loan, 8.364%,
maturing January 28, 2011
        1,780,198    
          DirecTV Holdings LLC   Baa3   BB        
  5,934,560       Term Loan, 6.820%,
maturing April 13, 2013
        5,965,752    
          VNU   B1   B+        
  8,977,500       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing August 09, 2013
        9,075,454    
      16,821,404    
Other Telecommunications: 4.0%      
          Asurion Corporation   B1   B        
  5,561,678       Term Loan, 8.320%,
maturing July 13, 2012
        5,624,247    
          Asurion Corporation   B3   CCC+        
  500,000       Term Loan, 11.570%,
maturing January 13, 2013
        512,500    
          BCM Ireland Holdings Ltd   Ba3   B+        
EUR 2,083,333         Term Loan, 5.933%,
maturing September 30, 2014
            2,762,655    
EUR 2,083,333         Term Loan, 6.308%,
maturing September 30, 2015
            2,790,179    
          Cavalier Telephone   B2   B-        
$ 3,500,000         Term Loan, 10.120%,
maturing December 31, 2012
            3,554,688    
          Choice One Communications, Inc.
(A.K.A. Trilogy)
  Ba3   B        
  3,000,000       Term Loan, 9.375%,
maturing June 30, 2012
        3,043,125    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
46



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Other Telecommunications: (continued)      
          Consolidated Communications   Ba3   BB-        
$ 2,452,170         Term Loan, 7.113%,
maturing October 14, 2011
          $ 2,465,963    
          Fairpoint Communications, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  2,000,000       Term Loan, 7.125%,
maturing February 08, 2012
        2,010,312    
          Iowa Telecommunications Services, Inc   Ba3   BB-        
  4,250,000       Term Loan, 7.115%,
maturing November 23, 2011
        4,285,415    
          Kentucky Data Link, Inc.   B1   B        
  2,583,333       (5 )   Term Loan, maturing February 16, 2014         2,605,938    
          PAETEC Holdings   B1   B        
  870,625       Term Loan, 8.875%,
maturing June 12, 2012
        883,902    
          Qwest Communications Intl Inc   Ba3   BB+        
  10,000,000       Floating Rate Note, 8.860%,
maturing February 15, 2009
        10,100,000    
          Time Warner Telecom Holdings, Inc   Ba2   B        
  3,220,000       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing January 07, 2013
        3,249,785    
          U.S. Telepacific Corp   B1   B-        
  997,500       Term Loan, 9.895%,
maturing August 04, 2011
        1,013,086    
      44,901,795    
Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products: 5.2%      
          Advantage Sales And Marketing   B2   B-        
  3,076,750       Term Loan, 7.363%,
maturing March 29, 2013
        3,084,466    
          Bushnell Performance Optics   B1   B+        
  1,728,659       Term Loan, 8.364%,
maturing August 19, 2011
        1,740,903    
          Chattem, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
  1,000,000       Term Loan, 7.107%,
maturing January 02, 2013
        1,007,188    
          Fender Musical Instruments Corp.   B1   B+        
  1,467,907       Term Loan, 8.110%,
maturing March 30, 2012
        1,489,925    
          Fender Musical Instruments Corp.   Caa1   B-        
  2,500,000       Term Loan, 11.360%,
maturing September 30, 2012
        2,562,500    
          Hunter Fan Company   Ba3   B        
  823,333       Term Loan, 7.900%,
maturing March 24, 2012
        810,983    
          Jarden Corporation   Ba2   B+        
  8,280,765       Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing January 24, 2012
        8,328,636    
  1,196,428       Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing January 24, 2012
        1,202,909    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
47



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products: (continued)      
          Mega Bloks Inc.   Ba2   BB-        
$ 985,000         Term Loan, 7.149%,
maturing July 26, 2012
          $ 986,231    
          Natural Products Group, LLC   B1   B        
  922,078       Term Loan, 8.310%,
maturing June 19, 2013
        928,994    
  1,896,104       Term Loan, 8.370%,
maturing June 19, 2013
        1,910,325    
          Norwood Promotional Products   NR   NR        
  1,564,338       Revolver, 3.850%,
maturing December 31, 2008
        1,572,160    
  4,126,296       Term Loan, 11.625%,
maturing August 17, 2009
        4,291,348    
  11,886,828       (3 )   Term Loan, 6.000%,
maturing August 17, 2011
        8,915,121    
          Norwood Promotional Products   NR   NR        
  948,750       Term Loan, 12.766%,
maturing February 15, 2008
        1,081,575    
          Rayovac Corporation   B1   CCC+        
  6,749,739       Term Loan, 8.600%,
maturing February 06, 2012
        6,827,482    
          Totes Isotoner Corporation   B2   B        
  416,667       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing January 31, 2013
        420,183    
          Tupperware   Ba1   BB        
  7,253,786       Term Loan, 6.860%,
maturing December 05, 2012
        7,267,386    
          Yankee Candle Company, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  3,000,000       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing February 06, 2014
        3,033,750    
      57,462,065    
Personal, Food & Miscellaneous: 3.1%      
          Acosta, Inc.   B1   B-        
  2,985,000       Term Loan, 8.070%,
maturing July 28, 2013
        3,014,850    
          AFC Enterprises   B1   B+        
  1,025,007       Term Loan, 7.375%,
maturing May 11, 2011
        1,032,695    
          Allied Security Holdings LLC   Ba3   B        
  495,455       Term Loan, 8.370%,
maturing June 30, 2010
        500,409    
          Arbys Restaurant Group, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  5,416,452       Term Loan, 7.607%,
maturing July 25, 2012
        5,474,565    
          Carrols Corporation   Ba3   BB-        
  1,884,985       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing December 31, 2010
        1,896,178    
          CBRL (Cracker Barrel)   Ba2   BB        
  590,647       Term Loan, 6.860%,
maturing April 27, 2013
        593,084    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
48



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Personal, Food & Miscellaneous: (continued)      
          Coinmach Corporation   B2   B        
$ 5,976,292         Term Loan, 7.875%,
maturing December 19, 2012
          $ 6,035,123    
          Coinstar, Inc.   Ba2   BB-        
  2,430,381       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing July 07, 2011
        2,445,571    
          Culligan International Company   Ba2   BB-        
  1,989,582       Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing September 30, 2011
        1,995,799    
          Dennys, Inc   Ba2   B+        
  600,000       Term Loan, 7.627%,
maturing December 15, 2011
        607,500    
  1,208,696       Term Loan, 7.617%,
maturing March 31, 2012
        1,223,804    
          Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation   NR   NR        
  500,000       (5 )   Term Loan, maturing February 15, 2014         506,094    
          MD Beauty, Inc.   B2   B        
  3,185,139       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing February 18, 2012
        3,203,055    
          N.E.W. Customer Services Companies, Inc.   B1   B+        
  1,756,098       Term Loan, 8.104%,
maturing August 18, 2013
        1,772,561    
          QCE, LLC (Quiznos)   B2   B        
  2,056,333       Term Loan, 7.625%,
maturing May 05, 2013
        2,068,186    
          Reddy Ice Group, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  1,000,000       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing August 09, 2012
        1,003,125    
          Sbarro, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  500,000       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing January 31, 2014
        505,625    
          U.S. Security Holdings, Inc.   B1   B        
  620,313       Term Loan, 7.890%,
maturing May 08, 2013
        626,516    
      34,504,740    
Printing & Publishing: 9.1%      
          American Achievement Corporation   Ba2   B+        
  610,085       Term Loan, 7.928%,
maturing March 25, 2011
        614,533    
          American Media Operations, Inc   B1   B-        
  3,350,000       Term Loan, 8.370%,
maturing January 31, 2013
        3,376,522    
          American Reprographics   Ba2   BB        
  2,053,377       Term Loan, 7.109%,
maturing June 18, 2009
        2,055,303    
          Ascend Media Holdings, LLC   B3   B        
  1,556,575       Term Loan, 8.863%,
maturing January 31, 2012
        1,515,715    
          Black Press, Ltd.   Ba3   B+        
  1,995,000       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing August 02, 2013
        2,014,950    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
49



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Printing & Publishing: (continued)      
              Caribe Information Investments Inc.   B1   B        
$ 1,868,871             Term Loan, 7.611%,
maturing March 31, 2013
          $ 1,878,215    
              Cenveo Corporation   Ba3   BB-        
  1,492,500           Term Loan, 7.365%,
maturing June 21, 2013
        1,496,231    
              Dex Media East, LLC   Ba1   BB        
  3,137,629           Term Loan, 6.859%,
maturing May 08, 2009
        3,144,224    
              Dex Media West, LLC   Ba1   BB        
  884,688           Term Loan, 6.606%,
maturing September 09, 2009
        882,969    
  9,722,507           Term Loan, 6.857%,
maturing March 09, 2010
        9,752,889    
              Gatehouse Media, Inc.   B1   B+        
  2,202,632           Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing December 06, 2013
        2,209,057    
              Hanley Wood, LLC   B2   B        
  291,214           Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing August 01, 2012
        292,063    
  2,438,121           Term Loan, 7.613%,
maturing August 01, 2012
        2,445,233    
              Idearc, Inc.   Ba2   BB+        
  20,400,000           Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing November 17, 2014
        20,595,085    
              Intermedia Outdoor, Inc.   NR   NR        
  1,650,000       (5 )   Term Loan, maturing January 31, 2013         1,666,500    
              Jostens IH Corp   Ba2   B+        
  9,306,264           Term Loan, 7.372%,
maturing December 21, 2011
        9,362,493    
              Medianews Group   Ba2   BB-        
  995,000           Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing August 02, 2013
        999,353    
              Medimedia USA, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  1,246,875           Term Loan, 7.846%,
maturing October 05, 2013
        1,253,889    
              Merrill Communications, LLC   B1   B+        
  2,931,172           Term Loan, 7.589%,
maturing May 15, 2011
        2,947,203    
              PagesJaunes Groupe SA   NR   NR        
EUR 800,000       (5 )   Term Loan, maturing February 28, 2014             1,066,859    
              PagesJaunes Groupe SA   NR   NR        
EUR 600,000       (5 )   Term Loan, maturing February 28, 2014             805,742    
EUR 600,000       (5 )   Term Loan, maturing February 28, 2014             809,710    
              Primedia Inc.   B2   B        
$ 6,101,667             Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing September 30, 2013
            6,108,976    
              Prism Business Media Holdings/
Penton Media, Inc.
  B1   B+        
  1,700,000       (5 )   Term Loan, maturing February 01, 2013         1,718,416    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
50



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Printing & Publishing: (continued)      
          R.H. Donnelley Corporation   Ba1   BB        
$ 268,383         Term Loan, 6.614%,
maturing December 31, 2009
          $ 267,928    
  9,583,550       Term Loan, 6.864%,
maturing June 30, 2011
        9,600,858    
          Source Media Inc.   B1   B        
  3,017,140       Term Loan, 7.614%,
maturing November 08, 2011
        3,044,485    
          Thomas Nelson Publishers   B1   B        
  2,321,667       Term Loan, 7.594%,
maturing June 12, 2012
        2,330,373    
          Wenner Media LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  897,750       Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing October 02, 2013
        903,922    
          Yell Group PLC   Ba3   BB-        
  2,000,000       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing February 10, 2013
        2,015,626    
EUR 2,000,000         Term Loan, 5.732%,
maturing February 27, 2013
            2,677,885    
          Ziff Davis Media, Inc.   Caa1   CCC        
$ 1,500,000         Floating Rate Note, 11.360%,
maturing May 01, 2012
            1,488,750    
      101,341,957    
Radio and TV Broadcasting: 3.3%      
          Block Communications, Inc.   Ba1   BB-        
  990,000       Term Loan, 7.364%,
maturing December 22, 2011
        991,856    
          CMP KC, LLC   Caa1   CCC+        
  1,377,163       Term Loan, 9.375%,
maturing May 03, 2011
        1,387,492    
          CMP Susquehanna Corporation   Ba3   B-        
  4,988,286       Term Loan, 7.405%,
maturing May 05, 2013
        5,028,192    
          Cumulus Media Inc   Ba3   B        
  2,985,000       Term Loan, 7.333%,
maturing June 07, 2013
        3,008,453    
          Emmis Communication   B1   B        
  1,250,000       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing November 01, 2013
        1,261,111    
          Entravision Communications Corporation   Ba3   B+        
  2,955,000       Term Loan, 6.860%,
maturing March 29, 2013
        2,968,853    
          Gray Television, Inc   Ba1   B        
  495,000       Term Loan, 6.850%,
maturing June 15, 2011
        495,442    
  990,000       Term Loan, 6.820%,
maturing November 22, 2012
        990,884    
          Montecito Broadcast Group, LLC   B1   B        
  1,980,000       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing January 27, 2013
        1,993,612    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
51



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Radio and TV Broadcasting: (continued)      
          Nexstar Broadcasting Group   Ba3   B        
$ 4,678,081         Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing October 01, 2012
          $ 4,678,811    
          Paxson Communications   B1   CCC+        
  4,500,000       Term Loan, 8.610%,
maturing January 15, 2012
        4,609,688    
          Raycom TV Broadcasting, LLC   NR   NR        
  3,335,766       Term Loan, 6.875%,
maturing July 31, 2013
        3,339,936    
          Regent Communications   B1   B        
  1,500,000       Term Loan, 7.620%,
maturing November 21, 2013
          1,509,845    
          Spanish Broadcasting Systems   B1   B        
  3,930,000       Term Loan, 7.120%,
maturing July 11, 2012
        3,943,099    
      36,207,274    
Retail Stores: 7.7%      
          Amscan Holdings, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  1,488,750       Term Loan, 8.385%,
maturing December 23, 2012
        1,504,568    
          Burlington Coat Factory   B2   B        
  5,403,750       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing May 28, 2013
        5,417,632    
          Dollarama Group L.P   Ba1   B+        
  3,430,328       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing November 18, 2011
        3,458,200    
          Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc.   B1   B+        
  7,196,359       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing July 15, 2010
        7,271,323    
          Jean Coutu Group (The) Inc.   B1   BB-        
  4,977,195       Term Loan, 7.875%,
maturing July 30, 2011
        4,990,354    
          Mapco Express, Inc.   B2   B+        
  2,228,584       Term Loan, 8.100%,
maturing April 28, 2011
        2,248,084    
          Mattress Firm   B1   B        
  500,000       (5 )   Term Loan, maturing February 09, 2014         506,250    
          Michaels Stores, Inc.   B2   B-        
  12,697,344       Term Loan, 8.125%,
maturing October 31, 2013
        12,834,894    
          Nebraska Book Company, Inc   Ba2   B-        
  2,410,275       Term Loan, 7.880%,
maturing March 04, 2011
        2,428,352    
          Neiman Marcus Group, Inc   Ba3   B+        
  16,354,430       Term Loan, 7.602%,
maturing April 06, 2013
        16,561,412    
          Oriental Trading Company, Inc.   B1   B        
  2,487,500       Term Loan, 8.110%,
maturing July 31, 2013
        2,503,825    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
52



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Retail Stores: (continued)      
          Pep Boys   Ba3   B+        
$ 496,253         Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing January 27, 2011
          $ 502,146    
          Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  5,125,000       Term Loan, 8.103%,
maturing October 26, 2013
        5,189,596    
          Phones 4U Group Limited   NR   NR        
GBP 2,500,000         Term Loan, 8.020%,
maturing September 22, 2014
            4,915,454    
GBP 2,500,000         Term Loan, 8.520%,
maturing September 22, 2015
            4,936,046    
          Sally Holding LLC   B2   B+        
$ 2,493,750         Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing November 16, 2013
            2,523,710    
          Samsonite Corporation   Ba3   BB-        
  1,750,000       Term Loan, 7.620%,
maturing December 01, 2012
        1,772,148    
          Sports Authority   B2   B        
  995,000       Term Loan, 7.614%,
maturing May 03, 2013
        999,198    
          The Pantry, Inc.   Ba2   BB        
  2,475,000       Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing January 02, 2012
        2,485,828    
          Tire Rack, Inc. (The)   B1   BB-        
  851,604       Term Loan, 7.118%,
maturing June 24, 2012
        851,604    
          Toys "R" Us, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  1,375,000       Term Loan, 9.610%,
maturing July 14, 2012
        1,418,915    
      85,319,539    
Satellite: 0.6%      
          Intelsat (Bermuda), Ltd.   B2   B+        
  2,550,000       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing February 02, 2014
        2,567,758    
          Panamsat Corporation   Ba2   BB        
  4,237,500       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing January 03, 2012
        4,285,464    
      6,853,222    
Telecommunications Equipment: 0.6%      
          Sorenson Communications, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  5,212,418       Term Loan, 8.357%,
maturing August 16, 2013
        5,256,943    
          Syniverse Technologies, Inc.   Ba1   BB-        
  1,223,786       Term Loan, 7.120%,
maturing February 15, 2012
        1,229,140    
      6,486,083    
Textiles & Leather: 1.5%      
          Hanesbrands Inc.   Ba2   BB-        
  2,315,179       Term Loan, 7.607%,
maturing September 05, 2013
        2,339,055    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
53



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Textiles & Leather: (continued)      
          Hanesbrands Inc.   B1   B-        
$ 1,000,000         Term Loan, 9.110%,
maturing March 05, 2014
          $ 1,030,078    
          Polymer Group, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  7,425,000       Term Loan, 7.613%,
maturing November 22, 2012
        7,489,969    
          Propex Fabrics Inc.   Ba3   B        
  146,296       Term Loan, 8.360%,
maturing July 31, 2012
        146,845    
          St. John Knits International, Inc.   B1   B+        
  722,091       Term Loan, 8.375%,
maturing March 21, 2012
        725,701    
          Targus Group, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  1,472,199       Term Loan, 8.870%,
maturing November 22, 2012
        1,482,320    
          Targus Group, Inc.   B3   CCC+        
  1,375,000       Term Loan, 13.870%,
maturing May 22, 2013
        1,290,208    
          William Carter   Ba3   BB        
  2,103,291       Term Loan, 6.856%,
maturing July 14, 2012
        2,108,877    
      16,613,053    
Utilities: 9.2%      
          Astoria Generating Company
Acquisitions, LLC
  B1   BB-        
  2,134,665       Term Loan, 7.370%,
maturing February 23, 2013
        2,153,744    
          Babcock & Wilcox Company   Ba2   B+        
  2,500,000       Term Loan, 5.264%,
maturing January 22, 2012
        2,531,250    
  2,000,000       Term Loan, 8.320%,
maturing February 22, 2012
        2,025,000    
          Boston Generating, LLC   B1   B+        
  1,000,000       Term Loan, 5.241%,
maturing December 20, 2013
        1,011,071    
  3,000,000       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing December 20, 2013
        3,033,213    
          Boston Generating, LLC   B3   B-        
  750,000       Term Loan, 9.570%,
maturing December 22, 2013
        772,125    
          Coleto Creek WLE, LP   B1   B+        
  764,331       Term Loan, 8.014%,
maturing June 28, 2013
        767,834    
  5,333,865       Term Loan, 8.114%,
maturing June 28, 2013
        5,358,311    
          HCP Acquisition Inc.   B1   B-        
  750,000       (5 )   Term Loan, maturing February 12, 2014         759,375    
          HCP Acquisition Inc.   NR   CCC        
  1,750,000       (5 )   Term Loan, maturing February 12, 2015         1,793,750    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
54



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Utilities: (continued)      
          Infrastrux Group, Inc.   B2   B+        
$ 5,137,125         Term Loan, 8.231%,
maturing November 03, 2012
          $ 5,182,075    
          KGEN LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  937,500       Term Loan, 7.095%,
maturing January 30, 2014
        943,359    
  1,562,500       Term Loan, 7.125%,
maturing January 30, 2014
        1,572,266    
          La Paloma Generating Company, LLC   B1   BB-        
  218,579       Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing August 16, 2012
        219,126    
  1,418,173       Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing August 16, 2012
        1,421,718    
          LSP - Kendall Energy, LLC   B1   B        
  9,517,850       Term Loan, 7.364%,
maturing October 07, 2013
        9,505,952    
          LSP Gen Finance Co, LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  4,268,421       Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing May 04, 2013
        4,291,099    
          MACH Gen, LLC.   B2   B        
  140,625       (5 )   Term Loan, maturing February 21, 2013         141,557    
  1,359,375       (5 )   Term Loan, maturing February 21, 2014         1,367,871    
          NE Energy, Inc.   B1   B+        
  2,700,000       Term Loan, 7.870%,
maturing November 01, 2013
        2,738,475    
          NE Energy, Inc.   B3   B-        
  425,000       Term Loan, 9.875%,
maturing May 01, 2014
        432,260    
          NRG Energy, Inc.   Ba1   BB-        
  6,000,000       Term Loan, 7.364%,
maturing February 01, 2013
        6,063,174    
  21,641,274       Term Loan, 7.364%,
maturing February 01, 2013
        21,875,086    
          Plum Point Energy Associates   B1   B        
  2,827,736       Term Loan, 8.614%,
maturing March 14, 2014
        2,861,315    
  1,198,857       Term Loan, 8.989%,
maturing Marsch 14, 2014
        1,213,094    
          Riverside Energy Center, LLC   B1   B        
  244,856       Term Loan, 9.610%,
maturing June 24, 2010
        250,977    
  4,980,833       Term Loan, 9.610%,
maturing June 24, 2011
        5,105,353    
          Thermal North America, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  4,000,000       Term Loan, 8.120%,
maturing October 24, 2008
        4,045,000    
          TPF Generation Holdings, LLC   B3   B-        
  1,500,000       Term Loan, 9.620%,
maturing December 15, 2014
        1,535,625    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
55



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Utilities: (continued)      
          TPF Generation Holdings, LLC   Ba3   B+        
$ 6,600,000         Term Loan, 7.370%,
maturing December 15, 2013
          $ 6,660,693    
          Wolf Hollow I, L.P.   B1   BB-        
  450,000       Revolver, 7.570%, maturing June 22, 2012         443,250    
  1,800,000       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing June 22, 2012
        1,773,000    
  2,133,718       Term Loan, 7.614%,
maturing June 22, 2012
        2,101,709    
      101,949,707    
    Total Senior Loans
(Cost $1,807,780,578)
            1,829,047,888    
Other Corporate Debt: 0.5%      
Automobile: 0.5%      
          Avis Budget Car Rental   Ba3   BB-        
  750,000       Floating Rate Note, 7.860%,
maturing May 15, 2014
        772,500    
          Navistar International Corporation   NR   NR        
  4,950,000       Unsecured Term Loan, 8.610%,
maturing January 19, 2012
        5,043,431    
    Total Other Corporate Debt
(Cost $5,700,000)
            5,815,931    
Equities and Other Assets: 1.7%      

 

  Description   Market
Value
 
  (1), (@), (R)
    Allied Digital Technologies Corporation
(Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)
  $ 107,510    
  (2), (@), (R)     AM Cosmetics Corporation (Liquidation Interest)        
  (@), (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)
    Covenant Care, Inc. (Warrants for 19,000
Common Shares, Expires January 13, 2005)
       
  (@), (R)     Covenant Care, Inc. (Warrants for 26,901        
      Common Shares, Expires March 31, 2013)        
  (@), (R)     Decision One Corporation (1,402,038 Common Shares)     145,812    
  (2), (@), (R)
    Electro Mechanical Solutions
(Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)
    1,112    
  (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)
    305,999    
  (@), (R)     Gemini Leasing, Inc. (143,079 Common Shares)        
  (2), (@), (R)
    Grand Union Company
(Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)
    54,523    
  (@)     Hayes-Lemmerz International, Inc. (73,835 Common Shares)     365,483    
  (@), (R)     Humphrey's, Inc. (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)        
  (@), (R)     IAP Acquisition Corporation (3,524 Common Shares)        

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
56



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

  Description  
  Market
Value
 
(@), (R)   IAP Acquisition Corporation (1,084 Common Shares)         $    
(@), (R)   IAP Acquisition Corporation (1,814 Common Shares)              
(@), (R)   IAP Acquisition Corporation (17,348 Common Shares)              
(2), (@), (R)   Imperial Home Décor Group, Inc. (Liquidation Interest)              
(2), (@), (R)   Insilco Technologies (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)              
(2), (@), (R)   IT Group, Inc. (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)           50    
(2), (@), (R)   Kevco Inc. (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)           25    
(2), (@), (R)
  Lincoln Paper & Tissue (Warrants for 291
Common Shares, Expires August 14, 2015)
             
(@), (R)
  Lincoln Pulp and Easten Fine
(Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)
             
(2), (@), (R)
  New Piper Aircraft, Inc.
(Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)
             
(@), (R)
  Norwood Promotional Products, Inc.
(104,148 Common Shares)
             
(@), (R)   Safelite Glass Corporation (856,340 Common Shares)           17,229,561    
(@), (R)   Safelite Realty Corporation (57,804 Common Shares)           976,310    
(1), (@), (R)   Transtar Metals (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)              
(1), (@), (R)   TSR Wireless, LLC (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)              
(2), (@), (R)   US Aggregates (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)              
(2), (@), (R)   US Office Products Company
(Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate)
             
        Total for Equities and Other Assets
(Cost $6,545,876)
            19,186,385    
        Total Investments
(Cost $1,820,026,454)**
    167.1 %   $ 1,854,050,204    
        Other Assets and Liabilities — Net     (67.1 )     (744,511,252 )  
        Net Assets     100.0 %   $ 1,109,538,952    

 

  *  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 7 of the U.S. Federal Bankruptcy Code.

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

  (3)  Loan is on non-accrual basis, and is non-income producing.

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

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

  (@)  Non-income producing security.

  (R)  Restricted security.

  GBP  British Pound Sterling

  EUR  Euro

  SEK  Swedish Kronor

  **  For Federal Income Tax purposes cost of investments is $1,820,085,325.

    Net unrealized appreciation consists of the following:

Gross Unrealized Appreciation   $ 40,727,723    
Gross Unrealized Depreciation     (6,762,844 )  
Net Unrealized Appreciation   $ 33,964,879    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
57



ING Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

At February 28, 2007 the following forward foreign currency contracts were outstanding for ING Prime Rate Trust :

Currency   Buy/Sell   In
Settlement
Date
  Exchange
For
  Unrealized
Value
  Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
Euro
EUR 15,260,000
  Sell   04/13/07   $ 20,126,674     $ 20,220,963     $ (94,289 )  
Euro
EUR 11,445,000
  Sell   05/15/07     14,877,748       15,185,367       (307,619 )  
British Pound Sterling
GBP 6,380,000
  Sell   04/13/07     12,508,350       12,525,999       (17,649 )  
British Pound Sterling
GBP 4,785,000
  Sell   05/15/07     9,323,238       9,393,333       (70,095 )  
Sweden Kronor
SEK 4,004,000
  Sell   04/13/07     587,097       573,068       14,029    
Sweden Kronor
SEK 3,003,000
  Sell   05/15/07     431,900       430,572       1,328    
    $ 57,855,007     $ 58,329,302     $ (474,295 )  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
58




ING Prime Rate Trust

JUNE 14, 2006 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING (Unaudited)

ING Prime Rate Trust, Common Shares

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

ING Prime Rate Trust, Preferred Shares

2.  To elect two members of the Board 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.



  Proposal   Shares
voted for
  Shares voted
against or
withheld
  Shares
abstained
  Total
Shares Voted
 
Common
Shares
Trustees






  John V. Boyer
Patricia W. Chadwick
J. Michael Earley
R. Barbara Gitenstein
Patrick W. Kenny
Shaun P. Mathews
Walter H. May(1)
Sheryl K. Pressler
David W.C. Putnam
John G. Turner
  118,004,490.617
117,993,956.934
118,051,382.617
118,004,758.423
118,048,201.617
117,987,794.617
117,990,924.450
117,826,278.785
118,010,279.255
118,038,404.617
  1,680,411.292
1,690,944.975
1,633,519.292
1,680,143.486
1,636,700.292
1,697,107.292
1,693,977.459
1,858,623.124
1,674,622.654
1,646,497.292
 








  119,684,901.909
119,684,901.909
119,684,901.909
119,684,901.909
119,684,901.909
119,684,901.909
119,684,901.909
119,684,901.909
119,684,901.909
119,684,901.909
 
Preferred
Shares
Trustees
 
Jock Patton
Roger B. Vincent
 
16,781.000
16,783.000
 
55.000
53.000
 

 
16,836.000
16,836.000
 

 

(1)  Effective Janaury 11, 2007, Mr. Walter H. May retired from the Board.


59



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 the 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 1-(800) 992-0180.

KEY FINANCIAL DATES — CALENDAR 2007 DIVIDENDS:

DECLARATION DATE   EX-DIVIDEND DATE   PAYABLE DATE  
January 31   February 8   February 23  
February 28   March 8   March 22  
March 30   April 5   April 23  
April 30   May 8   May 22  
May 31   June 7   June 22  
June 29   July 6   July 23  
July 31   August 8   August 22  
August 31   September 6   September 24  
September 28   October 5   October 22  
October 31   November 8   November 23  
November 30   December 6   December 24  
December 20   December 27   January 10  

 

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


60



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 February 28, 2007 was 5,415 which does not include approximately 48,894 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 1-800-SEC-0330; and is available upon request from the Trust by calling Shareholder Services toll-free at 1-800-992-0180.

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 June 19, 2006 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.


61



ING Prime Rate Trust

TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited)

The Trust is required by Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to advise within 60 days of the Trust's fiscal year end (February 28, 2007) as to the federal tax status of distributions received by the Trust's shareholders. Accordingly, the Trust is hereby advising you that the following dividends were paid to Common Shareholders during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2007:

Type of Dividend   Per Share Amount   Ex-Dividend Date   Payable Date  
Ordinary Income   $ 0.0400     3/8/06   3/22/06  
    $ 0.0440     4/6/06   4/24/06  
    $ 0.0445     5/8/06   5/22/06  
    $ 0.0460     6/8/06   6/22/06  
    $ 0.0460     7/6/06   7/24/06  
    $ 0.0475     8/8/06   8/22/06  
    $ 0.0475     9/7/06   9/22/06  
    $ 0.0470     10/5/06   10/23/06  
    $ 0.0475     11/8/06   11/22/06  
    $ 0.0470     12/7/06   12/22/06  
    $ 0.0475     12/27/06   1/12/07  
    $ 0.0475     2/8/07   2/23/07  
Total   $ 0.5520            

 

The Trust is hereby advising you that the following dividends were paid to Preferred Shareholders during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2007:

Preferred
Shares
  Type of
Dividend
  Total Per
Share Amount
  Auction
Dates
  Record
Dates
  Payable
Dates
 
Series M   Ordinary Income   $ 173.87     03/05/07-04/16/07   03/12/07-04/23/07   03/13/07-04/24/07  
Series T   Ordinary Income   $ 173.30     03/06/07-04/17/07   03/13/07-04/24/07   03/14/07-04/25/07  
Series W   Ordinary Income   $ 172.83     03/07/07-04/18/07   03/14/07-04/25/07   03/15/07-04/26/07  
Series Th   Ordinary Income   $ 197.98     03/01/07-04/19/07   03/08/07-04/26/07   03/09/07-04/27/07  
Series F   Ordinary Income   $ 196.59     03/02/07-04/20/07   03/09/07-04/27/07   03/12/07-04/30/07  

 

Pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 871(k), the Trust designates 97.37% of net investment income distributions as interest-related dividends.

Above figures may differ from those cited elsewhere in this report due to differences in the calculation of income and gains under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (book) purposes and Internal Revenue Service (tax) purposes.

Shareholders are strongly advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investments in the Trust. In January, shareholders, excluding corporate shareholders, receive an IRS 1099-DIV regarding the federal tax status of the dividends and distributions they received in the calendar year.


62



ING Prime Rate Trust

TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

The business and affairs of the Trust are managed under the direction of the Trust's Board. A Trustee who is not an interested person of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, is an independent trustee ("Independent Trustee"). The Trustees and Officers of the Trust are listed below. The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about Trustees of the Registrant and is available, without charge, upon request at 1-800-992-0180.

Name, Address
and Age
  Position(s)
Held with
Trust
  Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served(1) 
  Principal
Occupation(s)
During the
Past Five Years
  Number of
Funds in
Fund Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
  Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee
 
Independent Trustees:  
John V. Boyer(2)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 53
  Trustee   January
2005 - Present
  President and Chief Executive Officer, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute (March 2006 - Present). Formerly, Executive Director, The Mark Twain House & Museum(3) (September 1989 - November 2005).     174     None  
Patricia W. Chadwick(2)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 58
  Trustee   January 2006 - Present   Consultant and President of self-owned company, Ravengate Partners LLC (January 2000 - Present).     174     Wisconsin Energy
(June 2006 - Present).
 
J. Michael Earley(4)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 61
  Trustee   February 2002 - Present   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Bankers Trust Company, N.A., Des Moines (June 1992 - Present).     174     Midamerica Financial Corporation (December 2002 - Present).  
R. Barbara Gitenstein(2)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 59
  Trustee   February 2002 - Present   President, College of New Jersey (January 1999 - Present).     174     None  
Patrick W. Kenny(4)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 64
  Trustee   January 2005 - Present   President and Chief Executive Officer, International Insurance Society (June 2001 - Present).     174     Assured Guaranty Ltd. (April 2004 - Present): and Odyssey Reinsurance Holdings (November 2006 - Present).  
Jock Patton(2)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 61
  Chairman and Trustee   August 1995 - Present   Private Investor (June 1997 - Present).     174     JDA Software Group, Inc. (January 1999 - Present); and Swift Transportation Co. (March 2004 - Present).  
Sheryl K. Pressler(4)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 56
  Trustee   January 2006 - Present   Consultant (May 2001 - Present).     174     Stillwater Mining Company (May 2002 - Present); California HealthCare Foundation (June 1999 - Present); and Romanian-American Enterprise Fund (February 2004 - Present).  
David W.C. Putnam(4)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 67
  Trustee   November 1999 - Present   Chair, Board of Directors and President, F.L. Putnam Securities Company, Inc. (June 1978 - Present).     174     Principled Equity Market Trust (December 1996 - Present); and Asian American Bank and Trust Company (June 1993 - Present).  
Roger B. Vincent(4)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 61
  Trustee   February 2002 - Present   President, Springwell Corporation (March 1989 - Present).     174     UGI Corporation (February 2006 - Present); and UGI Utilities, Inc. (February 2006 - Present).  

 


63



ING Prime Rate Trust

TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued)

Name, Address
and Age
  Position(s)
held with
Trust
  Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served(1) 
  Principal
Occupation(s)
during the
Past Five Years
  Number of
Funds in
Fund Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
  Other
Directorships
held by
Trustee
 
Trustees who are "Interested Persons":  
Shaun P. Mathews(5)
7337 East Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age : 51
  Trustee   June 2006 - Present   President and Chief Executive Officer, ING Investments, LLC and ING Funds Services, LLC (December 2006 - Present); and Head of ING USFS Mutual Funds and Investment Products (October 2004 - Present). Formerly, CMO, ING USFS (April 2002 - October 2004); and Head of Rollover/Payout (October 2001 - December 2003).     4     Mark Twain House & Museum(3) (September 2002 - Present); Connecticut Forum (May 2002 - Present); Capital Community College Foundation (February 2002 - Present); ING Services Holding Company, Inc. (May 2000 - Present); Southland Life Insurance Company (June 2002 - Present); and ING Capital Corporation, LLC, ING Funds Distributor, LLC, ING Funds Services, LLC, ING Investments, LLC and ING Pilgrim Funding, Inc. (March 2006 - Present).  
John G. Turner(5)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 67
  Trustee   September 2000 - Present   Retired.     174     Hormel Foods Corporation (March 2000 - Present); and Conseco, Inc. (September 2003 - Present).  

 

(1)  Trustees serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified, subject to the Board's retirement policy.

(2)  Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee member.

(3)  Shaun Mathews, President and Chief Executive Officer, ING Investments, LLC and ING Funds Services, LLC and Head of ING USFS Mutual Funds and Investment Products, has held a seat on the Board of Directors of The Mark Twain House & Museum since September 19, 2002. ING Groep makes non-material, charitable contributions to The Mark Twain House & Museum.

(4)  Audit Committee member.

(5)  Mr. Mathews and Mr. Turner are "interested persons," as defined under the 1940 Act, because of their affiliation with ING Groep, the parent corporation of the Investment Adviser, ING Investments, LLC and the Distributor, ING Funds Distributor, LLC.


64



ING Prime Rate Trust

TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued)

Name, Address
and Age
  Position(s) Held
with the Trust
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served(1) 
  Principal
Occupation(s)
during the
Past Five Years
 
Officers:  
Shaun P. Mathews
7337 East Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 51
  President and Chief Executive Officer   November 2006 - Present   President and Chief Executive Officer, ING Investments, LLC and ING Funds Services, LLC (December 2006 - Present); and Head of ING USFS Mutual Funds and Investment Products (October 2004 - Present). Formerly, CMO, ING USFS (April 2002 - October 2004); and Head of Rollover/Payout (October 2001 - December 2003).  
Michael J. Roland
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 48
  Executive Vice President   February 2002 - Present   Head of Mutual Fund Platform (February 2007 - Present); and Executive Vice President, ING Investments, LLC and ING Funds Services, LLC (December 2001 - Present). Formerly, Head of Product Management (January 2005 - January 2007); Chief Compliance Officer, ING Investments, LLC and Directed Services, LLC (October 2004 - December 2005); and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, ING Investments, LLC (December 2001 - March 2005).  
Stanley D. Vyner
230 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10169
Age: 56
  Executive Vice President   August 2003 - Present   Executive Vice President, ING Investments, LLC (July 2000 - Present) and Chief Investment Risk Officer (January 2003 - Present). Formerly, Chief Investment Officer of the International Investments, (August 2000 - January 2003).  
Joseph M. O'Donnell
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 52
  Executive Vice President
Chief Compliance Officer
  March 2006 - Present
November 2004 - Present
  Chief Compliance Officer of the ING Funds (November 2004 - Present); ING Investments, LLC and Directed Services, LLC (March 2006 - Present); and Executive Vice President of the ING Funds (March 2006 - Present). Formerly, Chief Compliance Officer of ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company (March 2006 - December 2006); Vice President, Chief Legal Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary of Atlas Securities, Inc., Atlas Advisers, Inc. and Atlas Funds (October 2001 - October 2004).  
Robert S. Naka
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 43
  Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Assistant Secretary
  March 2006 - Present
July 1996 - Present
  Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, ING Funds Services, LLC and ING Investments, LLC (March 2006 - Present); and Assistant Secretary, ING Funds Services, LLC (October 2001 - Present). Formerly, Senior Vice President, ING Investments, LLC (August 1999 - March 2006).  
Todd Modic
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 39
  Senior Vice President, Chief/Principal Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary   March 2005 - Present   Senior Vice President, ING Funds Services, LLC (April 2005 - Present). Formerly, Vice President, ING Funds Services, LLC (September 2002 - March 2005); and Director, Financial Reporting, ING Investments, LLC (March 2001 - September 2002).  
Daniel A. Norman
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 49
  Senior Vice President
Treasurer
  April 1995 - Present
June 1997 - Present
  Senior Vice President and Group Head, ING Senior Debt Group, ING Investment Management Co. (January 2000 - Present).  
Jeffrey A. Bakalar
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 47
  Senior Vice President   November 1999 - Present   Senior Vice President and Group Head, ING Senior Debt Group, ING Investment Management Co. (January 2000 - Present).  

 


65



ING Prime Rate Trust

TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued)

Name, Address
and Age
  Position(s) Held
with the Trust
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served(1) 
  Principal
Occupation(s)
during the
Past Five Years
 
Elliot Rosen
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 53
  Senior Vice President   May 2002 - Present   Senior Vice President in the Senior Floating Rate Loan Group, ING Investment Management Co. (February 1999 - Present).  
William H. Rivoir III
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 56
  Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary   February 2001 - Present   Senior Vice President, ING Investment Management Co. (January 2004 - Present). Formerly, Counsel, ING USFS Law Department (January 2003 - December 2003); and Senior Vice President, ING Investments, LLC (June 1998 - December 2002).  
Curtis F. Lee
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 52
  Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer   February 2001 - Present   Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer in the Senior Floating Rate Loan Group, ING Investment Management Co. (January 2001 - Present).  
Kimberly A. Anderson
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 42
  Senior Vice President   November 2003 - Present   Senior Vice President, ING Investments, LLC (October 2003 - Present). Formerly, Vice President and Assistant Secretary, ING Investments, LLC (January 2001 - October 2003).  
Ernest J. C'DeBaca
7337 East Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 37
  Senior Vice President   May 2006 - Present   Senior Vice President, ING Investments, LLC (December 2006 - Present); and ING Funds Services, LLC (April 2006 - Present). Formerly, Counsel, ING Americas, U.S. Legal Services (January 2004 - March 2006); and Attorney-Adviser, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (May 2001 - December 2003).  
Robert Terris
7337 East Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 36
  Senior Vice President   May 2006 - Present   Senior Vice President, Head of Division Operations, ING Funds (May 2006 - Present); and Vice President, Head of Division Operations, ING Funds Services, LLC (March 2006 - Present). Formerly, Vice President of Administration, ING Funds Services, LLC (October 2001 - March 2006).  
Robyn L. Ichilov
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 39
  Vice President and Treasurer   November 1997 - Present   Vice President and Treasurer, ING Funds Services, LLC (October 2001 - Present) and ING Investments, LLC (August 1997 - Present).  
Lauren D. Bensinger
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 53
  Vice President   August 2003 - Present   Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, ING Funds Distributor, LLC (July 1995 - Present); Vice President, ING Investments, LLC (February 1996 - Present) and Director of Compliance, ING Investments, LLC (October 2004 - Present). Formerly, Chief Compliance Officer, ING Investments, LLC (October 2001 - October 2004).  
Maria M. Anderson
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 48
  Vice President   September 2004 - Present   Vice President, ING Funds Services, LLC (September 2004 - Present). Formerly, Assistant Vice President, ING Funds Services, LLC (October 2001 - September 2004); and Manager of Fund Accounting and Fund Compliance, ING Investments, LLC (September 1999 - October 2001).  

 


66



ING Prime Rate Trust

TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued)

Name, Address
and Age
  Position(s) Held
with the Trust
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served(1) 
  Principal
Occupation(s)
during the
Past Five Years
 
Denise Lewis
7337 East Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 43
  Vice President   January 2007 - Present   Vice President, ING Funds Services, LLC (December 2006 - Present). Formerly, Senior Vice President, UMB Investment Services Group, LLC (November 2003 - December 2006); and Vice President, Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (December 2000 - August 2003).  
Kimberly K. Palmer
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 49
  Vice President   March 2006 - Present   Vice President, ING Funds Services, LLC (March 2006 - present). Formerly, Assistant Vice President, ING Funds Services, LLC (August 2004 - Present); Manager, Registration Statements, ING Funds Services, LLC (May 2003 - August 2004); Associate Partner, AMVESCAP PLC (October 2000 - May 2003); and Director of Federal Filings and Blue Sky Filings, INVESCO Funds Group, Inc. (March 1994 - May 2003).  
Susan P. Kinens
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 30
  Assistant Vice President   February 2003 - Present   Assistant Vice President, ING Funds Services, LLC (December 2002 - Present); and has held various other positions with ING Funds Services, LLC for more than the last five years.  
Huey P. Falgout, Jr.
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 43
  Secretary   August 2003 - Present   Chief Counsel, ING Americas, U.S. Legal Services (September 2003 - Present). Formerly, Counsel, ING Americas, U.S. Legal Services (November 2002 - September 2003); and Associate General Counsel of AIG American General (January 1999 - November 2002).  
Theresa K. Kelety
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 44
  Assistant Secretary   August 2003 - Present   Counsel, ING Americas, U.S. Legal Services (April 2003 - Present). Formerly, Senior Associate with Shearman & Sterling
(February 2000 - April 2003).
 

 

(1)  The officers hold office until the next annual meeting of the Trustees and until their successors have been elected and qualified.


67



ING Prime Rate Trust

ADVISORY CONTRACT APPROVAL DISCUSSION (Unaudited)

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts

Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act provides that, after an initial period, the existing investment advisory and sub-advisory contracts of the Trust remain in effect only if the Board of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees who have no direct or indirect interest in the advisory and sub-advisory contracts, and who are not "interested persons" of the Trust, as such term is defined under the 1940 Act (the "Independent Trustees"), annually review and renew them. In this regard, at a meeting held on November 9, 2006 the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, considered whether to renew the investment advisory contract (the "Advisory Contract") between ING Investments, LLC (the "Adviser") and the Trust and the sub-advisory contract ("Sub-Advisory Contract") with ING Investment Management Co. ("ING IM" or the "Sub-Adviser").

The Independent Trustees also held separate meetings on October 12, 2006 and November 7, 2006 to consider renewals of the Advisory Contract and Sub-Advisory Contract. Thus, references herein to factors considered and determinations made by the Independent Trustees include, as applicable, factors considered and determinations made on those earlier dates.

At the November 9, 2006 meeting, the Board voted to renew the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts for the Trust. In reaching this decision, the Board took into account information furnished throughout the year at regular Board meetings, as well as information prepared specifically in connection with the annual review process. The Board's determination took into account a number of factors that its members believed, in light of the legal advice furnished to them by Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham LLP ("K&LNG"), their independent legal counsel, and their own business judgment, to be relevant. Further, while the Advisory Contract and Sub-Advisory Contract for the Trust were considered at the same Board meeting, the Trustees considered the Trust's advisory and sub-advisory relationships separately.

Provided below is an overview of the Board's contract approval process in general, as well as a discussion of certain of the specific factors the Board considered at the November 9, 2006 meeting. While the Board gave its attention to the information furnished, at its request, that was most relevant to its consideration, discussed below are a number of the primary factors relevant to the Board's consideration as to whether to renew the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts for the one-year period ending November 30, 2007. Each Trustee may have accorded different weight to the various factors in reaching his or her conclusions with respect to the Trust's advisory and sub-advisory arrangements.

Overview of the Contract Renewal and Approval Process

In 2003, the Independent Trustees determined to undertake steps to further enhance the process under which the Board determines whether to renew existing advisory and sub-advisory arrangements for the Funds in the ING Funds complex, including the Trust's existing Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts, and to approve new advisory and sub-advisory arrangements. Among these measures, the Board: retained the services of an independent consultant with experience in the mutual fund industry to assist the Independent Trustees in working with the personnel employed by the Adviser or its affiliates who administer the Trust ("Management") to identify the types of information presented to the Board to inform its deliberations with respect to advisory and sub-advisory relationships; established the format in which the information requested by the Board is provided to the Board; and determined the process for reviewing such information in connection with the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contract renewal process. The end result was the implementation of the current process relied upon by the Board to review and analyze information in connection with the annual renewal of the Trust's Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts, as well as its review and approval of new advisory relationships.


68



ING Prime Rate Trust

ADVISORY CONTRACT APPROVAL DISCUSSION (Unaudited) (continued)

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts (continued)

Since the foregoing approval and renewal process was implemented, the Board regularly has reviewed and refined the process. In addition, the Board established a Contracts Committee and two Investment Review Committees, including the International/Balanced/Fixed Income Funds Investment Review Committee (the "I/B/F IRC"). The type and format of the information provided to the Board or its counsel to inform its approval and annual review and renewal process has been codified in the "15(c) Methodology Guide" (the "Methodology Guide") for the Funds in the ING Funds complex. The Methodology Guide was developed under the direction of the Independent Trustees, and sets out a written blueprint under which the Independent Trustees request certain information necessary to facilitate a thorough and informed review in connection with the annual Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contract renewal process. Management provides Fund-specific information to the Independent Trustees based on the Methodology Guide through "Fund Analysis and Comparison Tables" or "FACT" sheets prior to the Independent Trustees' review of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts. In 2005, the Independent Trustees retained an independent firm to verify and test the accuracy of certain of this information for a representative sample of Funds in the ING Funds complex, including the Trust. The Independent Trustees have determined to conduct such testing periodically.

As part of a regular on-going process, the Board's Contracts Committee recommends or considers recommendations from Management for refinements and other changes to the Methodology Guide and other aspects of the review process, and the I/B/F IRC reviews benchmarks used to assess the performance of the Trust. The I/B/F IRC also meets regularly with the Adviser and periodically with ING IM.

The Board employed its process for reviewing contracts when considering the renewals of the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts that would be effective through November 30, 2007. A number of the Board's primary considerations and conclusions resulting from this process are discussed below.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Service

In determining whether to approve the Advisory Contract and Sub-Advisory Contract for the Trust for the year ending November 30, 2007, the Independent Trustees received and evaluated such information as they deemed necessary regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Trust by the Adviser and ING IM. This included information regarding the Adviser and ING IM provided throughout the year at regular Board meetings, as well as information furnished for the November 9, 2006 Board meeting, which was held specifically to consider contracts renewals for the period ending November 30, 2007. In addition, the Board's Independent Trustees also held meetings on October 12 and November 7, prior to the November 9, 2006 meeting of the full Board, to consider the annual renewal of the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts.

The materials requested by and provided to the Board and/or to K&LNG prior to the November 2006 Board meeting included the following items: (1) FACT sheets for the Trust that provided information about the performance and expenses of the Trust and other similarly managed funds in a selected peer group ("Selected Peer Group"), as well as information about the Trust's investment portfolio, objectives and strategies; (2) the Methodology Guide, which describes how the FACT sheets were prepared, including the manner in which benchmarks and Selected Peer Groups were selected and how profitability was determined; (3) responses from the Adviser and ING IM to a detailed series of questions posed by K&LNG; (4) copies of the forms of Advisory Contract and Sub-Advisory Contract; (5) copies of the Forms ADV for the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser; (6) financial statements for the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser; (7) drafts of a narrative summary addressing key factors the Board customarily considers in evaluating the renewals of Advisory Contract and Sub-Advisory Contract, including a written analysis of how the Trust's performance and fees compare to its Selected Peer Group and/or designated benchmarks; and (8) other information relevant to the Board's evaluations.


69



ING Prime Rate Trust

ADVISORY CONTRACT APPROVAL DISCUSSION (Unaudited) (continued)

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts (continued)

The Trust's common shares were used for purposes of certain comparisons to the funds in its Selected Peer Group. While the Trust has a preferred class of shares, common shares were selected for comparison purposes because they are publicly traded and are the largest class. The common shares were compared to the analogous class of shares for each fund in the Selected Peer Group. The mutual funds chosen for inclusion in the Trust's Selected Peer Group were selected based upon criteria designed to mirror the class being compared to the Selected Peer Group.

In arriving at its conclusions with respect to the Advisory Contract, the Board was mindful of the "manager-of-managers" platform of the ING Funds. The Board also considered the techniques that the Adviser developed, at the Board's direction, to screen and perform due diligence on sub-advisers that are recommended to the Board to manage the Funds in the ING Funds complex. The Board noted the resources that the Adviser has committed to the Board and its Investment Review Committees, including the I/B/F IRC, to assist the Board and members of the Committees with their assessment of the investment performance of the Trust on an ongoing basis throughout the year. This includes the appointment of a Chief Investment Risk Officer and his staff, who report directly to the Board and who have developed attribution analyses and other metrics used by the I/B/F IRC to analyze the key factors underlying investment performance for the Trust. The Board also noted the techniques used by the Adviser to monitor the performance of ING IM.

In considering the Advisory Contract, the Board also considered the extent of benefits provided to the Trust's shareholders, beyond advisory services, from being part of the ING family of Funds.

The Board also took into account the Adviser's extensive efforts in recent years to reduce the expenses of the ING Funds through re-negotiated arrangements with the ING Funds' service providers.

Further, the Board received periodic reports showing that the Trust's investment policies and restrictions were consistently complied with and other periodic reports covering matters such as compliance by Adviser and Sub-Adviser personnel with codes of ethics. The Board considered reports from the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") evaluating the regulatory compliance systems of the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser and procedures reasonably designed by them to assure compliance with the federal securities laws, including those related to late trading and market timing, best execution, fair value pricing, proxy voting procedures, and trade allocation, among others. The Board considered the implementation by the Adviser and ING IM of enhanced compliance policies and procedures in response to SEC rule changes and other regulatory initiatives. The Board also took into account the CCO's annual and periodic reports with respect to service provider compliance and his recommendations regarding service providers' compliance programs. In this regard, the Board also considered the policies and procedures developed by the CCO in consultation with the Board's Compliance Committee that guide the CCO's compliance oversight function.

The Board reviewed the level of staffing, quality and experience of the Trust's portfolio management team. The Board took into account the respective resources and reputations of the Adviser and ING IM, and evaluated the ability of the Adviser and ING IM to attract and retain qualified investment advisory personnel. The Board also considered the adequacy of the resources committed to the Trust (and other relevant funds in the ING Funds complex) by the Adviser and ING IM, and whether those resources are commensurate with the needs of the Funds and are appropriate to attempt to sustain expected levels of performance, compliance, and other needs.


70



ING Prime Rate Trust

ADVISORY CONTRACT APPROVAL DISCUSSION (Unaudited) (continued)

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts (continued)

Based on their deliberations and the materials presented to them, the Board concluded that the advisory and related services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser are appropriate in light of the Trust's operations, the competitive landscape of the investment company business, and investor needs, and that the nature and quality of the overall services provided by the Adviser and ING IM were appropriate.

Performance

In assessing advisory and sub-advisory relationships, the Board placed emphasis on the investment performance of the Trust, taking into account the importance of such performance to the Trust's shareholders. While the Board considered the performance reports and discussions with portfolio managers at Board and Committee meetings during the year, particular attention in assessing performance was given to the Fund FACT sheets furnished in advance of the November meeting of the Independent Trustees. The FACT sheet prepared for the Trust included its investment performance compared to the Morningstar category median, Selected Peer Group and Trust's primary benchmark. The Board's findings specific to the Trust's performance are discussed under "Specific Factors Considered," below.

Economies of Scale

In considering the reasonableness of advisory fees, the Board also considered whether economies of scale will be realized by the Adviser as the Trust grows larger and the extent to which this is reflected in the level of management fee rates charged. In this regard, the Board considered the fairness of the compensation under an Advisory Contract with level fees that does not include breakpoints, taking into account that the Trust is a closed-end Fund.

In evaluating economies of scale, the Independent Trustees also considered a management report presented to them and considered an evaluation and analysis presented to them on November 8, 2006 by an independent consultant.

Information about Services to Other Clients

The Board requested, and if received considered, information about the nature of services and fee rates offered by the Adviser and ING IM to other clients, including other registered investment companies and institutional accounts. The Board also noted that the fee rates charged to the Trust and similar institutional clients may differ materially due to the different services and additional regulatory overlay associated with registered investment companies, such as the Trust.

Fee Rates and Profitability

The Board reviewed and considered the contractual investment advisory fee rate, combined with the administrative fee rate, payable by the Trust to the Adviser. The Board also considered the contractual sub-advisory fee rates payable by the Adviser to the Sub-Adviser for sub-advisory services.

The Board considered the Trust's fee structure as it relates to the services provided under the Contracts, and the potential fall-out benefits to the Adviser and ING IM, and their respective affiliates, from their association with the Trust. For the Trust, the Board determined that the fees payable to the Adviser and ING IM reasonable for the services that each performs, which were considered in light of the nature and quality of the services that each has performed and is expected to perform through the year ending November 30, 2007.

The Board considered information on revenues, costs and profits realized by the Adviser, which was prepared by Management in accordance with the allocation methodology (including assumptions)


71



ING Prime Rate Trust

ADVISORY CONTRACT APPROVAL DISCUSSION (Unaudited) (continued)

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts (continued)

specified in the Methodology Guide. In analyzing the profitability of the Adviser in connection with its services to the Trust, the Board took into account the sub-advisory fee rate payable by the Adviser to ING IM with respect to the Trust. The Board also considered information that it requested

and was provided by Management with respect to the profitability of service providers affiliated with the Adviser, as well as information provided by ING IM with respect to its profitability.

The Board determined that it had requested and received sufficient information to gain a reasonable understanding regarding the Adviser's and ING IM's profitability. The Board also recognized that profitability analysis is not an exact science and there is no uniform methodology for determining profitability for this purpose. In this context, the Board realized that Management's calculations regarding its costs incurred in establishing the infrastructure necessary for the Trust's operations may not be fully reflected in the expenses allocated to the Trust in determining profitability, and that the information presented may not portray all of the costs borne by Management nor capture Management's entrepreneurial risk associated with offering and managing a mutual fund complex in today's regulatory environment.

Based on the information on revenues, costs, and profitability considered by the Board, after considering the factors described in this section, the Board concluded that the profits, if any, realized by the Adviser and ING IM were not excessive.

Specific Factors Considered

The following paragraphs outline certain of the specific factors that the Board considered, and the conclusions reached, at its November 2006 meeting in relation to renewing the Trust's Advisory Contract and its Sub-Advisory Contract for the year ending November 30, 2007. These specific factors are in addition to those considerations discussed above. The Trust's performance was compared to its Morningstar category median and its primary benchmark, a broad-based securities market index that appears in the Trust's prospectus. The Trust's management fee and expense ratio were compared to the fees and expense ratios of the funds in its Selected Peer Group.

In considering whether to approve the renewal of the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts for ING Prime Rate Trust, the Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended June 30, 2006: (1) the Trust outperformed its Morningstar category median for all periods presented, except it underperformed for the most recent calendar quarter; (2) the Trust outperformed its benchmark for all periods presented, except it underperformed for the most recent calendar quarter; and (3) the Trust is ranked in the first (highest) quintile of its Morningstar category for the ten-year period, in the second quintile of its Morningstar category for the year-to-date, one- and three-year periods, in the third quintile of its Morningstar category for the five-year period, and in the fifth (lowest) quintile of its Morningstar category for the most recent calendar quarter.

In analyzing this performance data, the Board took into account: (1) in March 2006, the Trust's strategy was changed to allow for an increase in investments in foreign securities; and (2) Management's analysis regarding the Sub-Adviser's rationale for underperformance during the most recent calendar quarter, including its discussion of the negative effect of a transitional period in the US leveraged loan market on the Trust's more recent performance.

In considering the fees payable under the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts for ING Prime Rate Trust, the Board took into account the factors described above and also considered: (1) the fairness of the compensation under an Advisory Contract with level fees that does not include breakpoints; (2) the pricing structure (including the expense ratio to be borne by shareholders) of ING Prime Rate Trust, as compared to its Selected Peer Group, including that: (a) the management fee (inclusive of


72



ING Prime Rate Trust

ADVISORY CONTRACT APPROVAL DISCUSSION (Unaudited) (continued)

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts (continued)

the advisory fee and a 0.25% administration fee) for the Trust is above the median and the average management fees of the funds in its Selected Peer Group; and (b) the expense ratio for the Trust is above the median and the average expense ratios of the funds in its Selected Peer Group.

After its deliberation, the Board reached the following conclusions: (1) the Trust's management fee rate is reasonable in the context of all factors considered by the Board; (2) the Trust's expense ratio is reasonable in the context of all factors considered by the Board; (3) the Trust's performance is reasonable in the context of all factors considered by the Board; and (4) the sub-advisory fee rate payable by the Adviser to the Sub-Adviser is reasonable in the context of all factors considered by the Board. Based on these conclusions and other factors, the Board voted to renew the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts for the Trust for the year ending November 30, 2007. During this renewal process, different Board members may have given different weight to different individual factors and related conclusions.


73




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

Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm

KPMG LLP

99 High Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

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.

PRAR-UPRT     (0207-042707)




 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, Registrant had adopted a code of ethics, as defined in Item 2 of Form N-CSR, that applies to the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer.  There were no amendments to the Code during the period covered by the report.  The Registrant did not grant any waivers, including implicit waivers, from any provisions of the Code during the period covered by this report.  The code of ethics is filed herewith pursuant to Item 10(a)(1), Exhibit 99.CODE ETH.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

The Board of Trustees has determined that Patrick W. Kenny is an audit committee financial expert, as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR.  Mr. Kenny is “independent” for purposes of Item 3 of Form N-CSR.

 

Item 4.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

(a)           Audit Fees:  The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by KPMG LLP (“KPMG”), the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements, for services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years were $68,750 for year ended February 28, 2007 and $65,500 for year ended February 28, 2006.

 

(b)           Audit-Related Fees:  The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by KPMG that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item were $33,125 for the year ended February 28, 2007 and $24,200 for the year ended February 28, 2006.

 

(c)           Tax Fees:  The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by KPMG for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning were $8,838 in the year ended February 28, 2007 and $3,200 in the year ended February 28, 2006.  Such services included review of excise distribution calculations (if applicable), preparation of the Funds’ federal, state and excise tax returns, tax services related to mergers and routine consulting.

 

(d)           All Other Fees:  The aggregate fees billed for products and services provided by KPMG, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item was $3,150 in the year ended February 28, 2006. There were no other fees for the year ended February 28, 2007.

 

(e) (1)      Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

 

2



 

AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT SERVICES
PRE-APPROVAL POLICY

 

I.              Statement of Principles

 

Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Act”), the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors or Trustees (the “Committee”) of the ING Funds (each a “Fund,” collectively, the “Funds”) set out on Exhibit A to this Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy (“Policy”) is responsible for the oversight of the work of the Funds’ independent auditors. As part of its responsibilities, the Committee must pre-approve the audit and non-audit services performed by the auditors in order to assure that the provision of these services does not impair the auditors’ independence from the Funds. The Committee has adopted, and the Board has ratified, this Policy, which sets out the procedures and conditions under which the services of the independent auditors may be pre-approved.

 

Under Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules promulgated in accordance with the Act, the Funds may establish two different approaches to pre-approving audit and non-audit services. The Committee may approve services without consideration of specific case-by-case services (“general pre-approval”) or it may pre-approve specific services (“specific pre-approval”). The Committee believes that the combination of these approaches contemplated in this Policy results in an effective and efficient method for pre-approving audit and non-audit services to be performed by the Funds’ independent auditors. Under this Policy, services that are not of a type that may receive general pre-approval require specific pre-approval by the Committee. Any proposed services that exceed pre-approved cost levels or budgeted amounts will also require the Committee’s specific pre-approval.

 

For both types of approval, the Committee considers whether the subject services are consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence and that such services are compatible with maintaining the auditors independence. The Committee also considers whether a particular audit firm is in the best position to provide effective and efficient services to the Funds. Reasons that the auditors are in the best position include the auditors’ familiarity with the Funds’ business, personnel, culture, accounting systems, risk profile, and other factors, and whether the services will enhance the Funds’ ability to manage and control risk or improve audit quality. Such factors will be considered as a whole, with no one factor being determinative.

 

The appendices attached to this Policy describe the audit, audit-related, tax-related, and other services that have the Committee’s general pre-approval. For any service that has been approved through general pre-approval, the general pre-approval will remain in place for a period 12 months from the date of pre-approval, unless the Committee determines that a different period is appropriate. The Committee will annually review and pre-approve the services that may be provided by the independent auditors without specific pre-approval. The Committee will revise the list of services subject to general pre-approval as appropriate. This Policy does not serve as a delegation to Fund management of the Committee’s duty to pre-approve services performed by the Funds’ independent auditors.

 

 



 

II.            Audit Services

 

The annual audit services engagement terms and fees are subject to the Committee’s specific pre-approval. Audit services are those services that are normally provided by auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements or those that generally only independent auditors can reasonably provide. They include the Funds’ annual financial statement audit and procedures that the independent auditors must perform in order to form an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements (e.g., information systems and procedural reviews and testing). The Committee will monitor the audit services engagement and approve any changes in terms, conditions or fees deemed by the Committee to be necessary or appropriate.

 

The Committee may grant general pre-approval to other audit services, such as statutory audits and services associated with SEC registration statements, periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC or issued in connection with securities offerings.

 

The Committee has pre-approved the audit services listed on Appendix A. The Committee must specifically approve all audit services not listed on Appendix A.

 

III.           Audit-related Services

 

Audit-related services are assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or the review of the Funds’ financial statements or are traditionally performed by the independent auditors. The Committee believes that the provision of audit-related services will not impair the independent auditors’ independence, and therefore may grant pre-approval to audit-related services. Audit-related services include accounting consultations related to accounting, financial reporting or disclosure matters not classified as “audit services;” assistance with understanding and implementing new accounting and financial reporting guidance from rulemaking authorities; agreed-upon or expanded audit procedures relating to accounting and/or billing records required to respond to or comply with financial, accounting or regulatory reporting matters; and assistance with internal control reporting requirements under Form N-SAR or Form N-CSR.

 

The Committee has pre-approved the audit-related services listed on Appendix B. The Committee must specifically approve all audit-related services not listed on Appendix B.

 

IV.           Tax Services

 

The Committee believes the independent auditors can provide tax services to the Funds, including tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice, without compromising the auditors’ independence. Therefore, the Committee may grant general pre-approval with respect to tax services historically provided by the Funds’ independent auditors that do not, in the Committee’s view, impair auditor independence and that are consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence.

 

The Committee will not grant pre-approval if the independent auditors initially recommends a transaction the sole business purpose of which is tax avoidance and the tax treatment of which may not be supported in the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations. The Committee may consult

 

2



 

outside counsel to determine that tax planning and reporting positions are consistent with this Policy.

 

The Committee has pre-approved the tax-related services listed on Appendix C. The Committee must specifically approve all tax-related services not listed on Appendix C.

 

V.            Other Services

 

The Committee believes it may grant approval of non-audit services that are permissible services for independent auditors to a Fund. The Committee has determined to grant general pre-approval to other services that it believes are routine and recurring, do not impair auditor independence, and are consistent with SEC rules on auditor independence.

 

The Committee has pre-approved the non-audit services listed on Appendix D. The Committee must specifically approve all non-audit services not listed on Appendix D.

 

A list of the SEC’s prohibited non-audit services is attached to this Policy as Appendix E. The SEC’s rules and relevant guidance should be consulted to determine the precise definitions of these impermissible services and the applicability of exceptions to certain of the SEC’s prohibitions.

 

VI.           Pre-approval of Fee levels and Budgeted Amounts

 

The Committee will annually establish pre-approval fee levels or budgeted amounts for audit, audit-related, tax and non-audit services to be provided to the Funds by the independent auditors. Any proposed services exceeding these levels or amounts require the Committee’s specific pre-approval. The Committee considers fees for audit and non-audit services when deciding whether to pre-approve services. The Committee may determine, for a pre-approval period of 12 months, the appropriate ratio between the total amount of fees for the Fund’s audit, audit-related, and tax services (including fees for services provided to Fund affiliates that are subject to pre-approval), and the total amount of fees for certain permissible non-audit services for the Fund classified as other services (including any such services provided to Fund affiliates that are subject to pre-approval).

 

VII.         Procedures

 

Requests or applications for services to be provided by the independent auditors will be submitted to management. If management determines that the services do not fall within those services generally pre-approved by the Committee and set out in the appendices to these procedures, management will submit the services to the Committee or its delagee. Any such submission will include a detailed description of the services to be rendered. Notwithstanding this paragraph, the Committee will, on a quarterly basis, receive from the independent auditors a list of services provided for the previous calendar quarter on a cumulative basis by the auditors during the Pre-Approval Period.

 

3



 

VIII.        Delegation

 

The Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of the Committee’s members. Any member or members to whom such pre-approval authority is delegated must report any pre-approval decisions, including any pre-approved services, to the Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Committee will identify any member to whom pre-approval authority is delegated in writing. The member will retain such authority for a period of 12 months from the date of pre-approval unless the Committee determines that a different period is appropriate. The period of delegated authority may be terminated by the Committee or at the option of the member.

 

IX.           Additional Requirements

 

The Committee will take any measures the Committee deems necessary or appropriate to oversee the work of the independent auditors and to assure the auditors’ independence from the Funds. This may include reviewing a formal written statement from the independent auditors delineating all relationships between the auditors and the Funds, consistent with Independence Standards Board No. 1, and discussing with the auditors their methods and procedures for ensuring independence.

 

Amended: February 23, 2007

 

4



 

Appendix A

 

Pre-Approved Audit Services for the Pre-Approval Period January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007

 

Service

 

 

 

The Fund(s)

 

Fee Range

Statutory audits or financial audits (including tax services associated with audit services)

 

x

 

As presented to Audit Committee (1)

Services associated with SEC registration statements, periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC or other documents issued in connection with securities offerings (e.g., consents), and assistance in responding to SEC comment letters.

 

x

 

Not to exceed $9,750 per filing

Consultations by Fund management with respect to accounting or disclosure treatment of transactions or events and/or the actual or potential effect of final or proposed rules, standards or interpretations by the SEC, Financial Accounting Standards Board, or other regulatory or standard setting bodies.

 

x

 

Not to exceed $8,000 during the Pre-Approval Period

Seed capital audit and related review and issuance of consent on the N-2 registration statement

 

x

 

Not to exceed $12,600 per audit

 


(1)           For new Funds launched during the Pre-Approval Period, the fee ranges pre-approved will be the same as those for existing Funds, pro-rated in accordance with inception dates as provided in the auditors’ Proposal or any Engagement Letter covering the period at issue.  Fees in the Engagement Letter will be controlling.

 

5



 

Appendix B

 

Pre-Approved Audit-Related Services for the Pre-Approval Period January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007

 

Service

 

 

 

The Fund(s)

 

Fund Affiliates

 

Fee Range

Services related to Fund mergers (Excludes tax services — See Appendix C for tax services associated with Fund mergers)

 

x

 

x

 

Not to exceed $10,000 per merger

Consultations by Fund management with respect to accounting or disclosure treatment of transactions or events and/or the actual or potential effect of final or proposed rules, standards or interpretations by the SEC, Financial Accounting Standards Board, or other regulatory or standard setting bodies. [Note: Under SEC rules some consultations may be “audit” services and others may be “audit-related” services.]

 

x

 

 

 

Not to exceed $5,000 per occurrence during the Pre-Approval Period

Review of the Funds’ semi-annual financial statements

 

x

 

 

 

Not to exceed $2,200 per set of financial statements per fund

Reports to regulatory or government agencies related to the annual engagement

 

x

 

 

 

Up to $5,000 per occurrence during the Pre-Approval Period

Regulatory compliance assistance

 

x

 

x

 

Not to exceed $5,000 per quarter

Training courses

 

 

 

x

 

Not to exceed $2,000 per course

For Prime Rate Trust, agreed upon procedures for quarterly reports to rating agencies

 

x

 

 

 

Not to exceed $9,450 per quarter

For Prime Rate Trust and Senior Income Fund, agreed upon procedures for the Revolving Credit and Security Agreement with Citigroup

 

x

 

 

 

Not to exceed $21,000 per fund per year

 

6



 

Appendix C

 

Pre-Approved Tax Services for the Pre-Approval Period January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007

 

Service

 

 

 

The Fund(s)

 

Fund
Affiliates

 

Fee Range

Preparation of federal and state income tax returns and federal excise tax returns for the Funds including assistance and review with excise tax distributions

 

x

 

 

 

As presented to Audit Committee (2)

Review of IRC Sections 851(b) and 817(h) diversification testing on a real-time basis

 

x

 

 

 

As presented to Audit Committee(2)

Assistance and advice regarding year-end reporting for 1099’s

 

x

 

 

 

As presented to Audit Committee(2)

Tax assistance and advice regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments

 

x

 

x

 

Not to exceed $5,000 for the Funds or for the Funds’ investment adviser during the Pre-Approval Period

 


(2)           For new Funds launched during the Pre-Approval Period, the fee ranges pre-approved will be the same as those for existing Funds, pro-rated in accordance with inception dates as provided in the auditors’ Proposal or any Engagement Letter covering the period at issue.  Fees in the Engagement Letter will be controlling.

 

7



 

Service

 

 

 

The Fund(s)

 

Fund
Affiliates

 

Fee Range

Tax training courses

 

 

 

x

 

Not to exceed $2,000 per course during the Pre-Approval Period

Tax services associated with Fund mergers

 

x

 

x

 

Not to exceed $4,000 per fund per merger during the Pre-Approval Period

Other tax-related assistance and consultation, including, without limitation, assistance in evaluating derivative financial instruments and international tax issues, qualification and distribution issues, and similar routine tax consultations.

 

x

 

 

 

Not to exceed $120,000 during the Pre-Approval Period

 

8



 

Appendix D

 

Pre-Approved Other Services for the Pre-Approval Period January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007

 

Service

 

 

 

The Fund(s)

 

Fund Affiliates

 

Fee Range

Agreed-upon procedures for Class B share 12b-1 programs

 

 

 

x

 

Not to exceed $50,000 during the Pre-Approval Period

Security counts performed pursuant to Rule 17f-2 of the 1940 Act (i.e., counts for Funds holding securities with affiliated sub-custodians)
Cost to be borne 50% by the Funds and 50% by ING Investments, LLC.

 

x

 

x

 

Not to exceed $5,000 per Fund during the Pre-Approval Period

Agreed upon procedures for 15 (c) FACT Books

 

x

 

 

 

Not to exceed $35,000 during the Pre-Approval Period

 

9



 

Appendix E

 

Prohibited Non-Audit Services
Dated:            January 1, 2007

 

                  Bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting records or financial statements of the Funds

 

                  Financial information systems design and implementation

 

                  Appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions, or contribution-in-kind reports

 

                  Actuarial services

 

                  Internal audit outsourcing services

 

                  Management functions

 

                  Human resources

 

                  Broker-dealer, investment adviser, or investment banking services

 

                  Legal services

 

                  Expert services unrelated to the audit

 

                  Any other service that the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board determines, by regulation, is impermissible

 

10



 

EXHIBIT A

 

ING EQUITY TRUST

ING FUNDS TRUST

ING ASIA PACIFIC HIGH DIVIDEND EQUITY INCOME FUND

ING GLOBAL ADVANTAGE AND PREMIUM OPPORTUNITY FUND

ING GLOBAL EQUITY DIVIDEND AND PREMIUM OPPORTUNITY FUND

ING RISK MANAGED NATURAL RESOURCES FUND

ING INVESTMENT FUNDS, INC.

ING INVESTORS TRUST

ING MAYFLOWER TRUST

ING MUTUAL FUNDS

ING PARTNERS, INC.

ING PRIME RATE TRUST

ING SENIOR INCOME FUND

ING VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST

ING VARIABLE PRODUCTS TRUST

ING VP NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST

 



 

(e) (2)      Percentage of services referred to in 4(b) — (4)(d) that were approved by the audit committee 

 

                100% of the services were approved by the audit committee.

 

(f)            Percentage of hours expended attributable to work performed by other than full time employees of KPMG if greater than 50%.

 

Not applicable.

 

(g)           Non-Audit Fees:  The non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant were $898,238 for year ended February 28, 2007 and $234,850 for fiscal year ended February 28, 2006.

 

(h)           Principal Accountants Independence:  The Registrant’s Audit committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(ii) of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining KPMG’s independence.

 

3



 

Item 5.  Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

a.             The registrant has a separately-designated standing audit committee.  The members are J. Michael Earley, Patrick W. Kenny, David W.C. Putnam, Roger B. Vincent and Sheryl K. Pressler.

 

b.             Not applicable.

 

Item 6.  Schedule of Investments

 

Schedule is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

 

Item 7.  Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment companies.

 



 
ING FUNDS
 

PROXY VOTING PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

 

Effective Date:  July 10, 2003

Revision Date:  March 2, 2007

 

I.              INTRODUCTION

 

The following are the Proxy Voting Procedures and Guidelines (the “Procedures and Guidelines”) of the ING Funds set forth on Exhibit 1 attached hereto and each portfolio or series thereof (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). The purpose of these Procedures and Guidelines is to set forth the process by which each Fund will vote proxies related to the equity assets in its investment portfolio (the “portfolio securities”). The Procedures and Guidelines have been approved by the Funds’ Boards of Trustees/Directors (1) (each a “Board” and collectively, the “Boards”), including a majority of the independent Trustees/Directors (2) of the Board. These Procedures and Guidelines may be amended only by the Board. The Board shall review these Procedures and Guidelines at its discretion, and make any revisions thereto as deemed appropriate by the Board.

 

II.            VALUATION, PROXY AND BROKERAGE COMMITTEE

 

The Boards hereby delegate to the Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee of each Board (each a “Committee” and collectively, the “Committees”) the authority and responsibility to oversee the implementation of these Procedures and Guidelines, and where applicable, to make determinations on behalf of the Board with respect to the voting of proxies on behalf of each Fund. Furthermore, the Boards hereby delegate to each Committee the authority to review and approve material changes to proxy voting procedures of any Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Proxy Voting Procedures of the Adviser (the “Adviser Procedures”) are attached hereto as Exhibit 2. Any determination regarding the voting of proxies of each Fund that is made by a Committee, or any member thereof, as permitted herein, shall be deemed to be a good faith determination regarding the voting of proxies by the full Board. Each Committee

 


(1)

 

Reference in these Procedures to one or more Funds shall, as applicable, mean those Funds that are under the jurisdiction of the particular Board or Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee at issue. No provision in these Procedures is intended to impose any duty upon the particular Board or Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee with respect to any other Fund.

 

 

 

(2)

 

The independent Trustees/Directors are those Board members who are not “interested persons” of the Funds within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

Effective Date:  07/10/03

Revision Date:  03/02/07

 

 



 

may rely on the Adviser through the Agent, Proxy Coordinator and/or Proxy Group (as such terms are defined for purposes of the Adviser Procedures) to deal in the first instance with the application of these Procedures and Guidelines. Each Committee shall conduct itself in accordance with its charter.

 

III.           DELEGATION OF VOTING AUTHORITY

 

The Board hereby delegates to the Adviser to each Fund the authority and responsibility to vote all proxies with respect to all portfolio securities of the Fund in accordance with then current proxy voting procedures and guidelines that have been approved by the Board. The Board may revoke such delegation with respect to any proxy or proposal, and assume the responsibility of voting any Fund proxy or proxies as it deems appropriate. Non-material amendments to the Procedures and Guidelines may be approved for immediate implementation by the President or Chief Financial Officer of a Fund, subject to ratification at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee.

 

When a Fund participates in the lending of its securities and the securities are on loan at record date, proxies related to such securities will not be forwarded to the Adviser by the Fund’s custodian and therefore will not be voted.

 

Funds that are “funds-of-funds” will “echo” vote their interests in underlying mutual funds, which may include ING Funds (or portfolios or series thereof) other than those set forth on Exhibit 1 attached hereto. This means that, if the fund-of-funds must vote on a proposal with respect to an underlying investment company, the fund-of-funds will vote its interest in that underlying fund in the same proportion all other shareholders in the investment company voted their interests.

 

A fund that is a “feeder” fund in a master-feeder structure does not echo vote. Rather, it passes votes requested by the underlying master fund to its shareholders. This means that, if the feeder fund is solicited by the master fund, it will request instructions from its own shareholders, either directly or, in the case of an insurance-dedicated Fund, through an insurance product or retirement plan, as to the manner in which to vote its interest in an underlying master fund.

 

When a Fund is a feeder in a master-feeder structure, proxies for the portfolio securities owned by the master fund will be voted pursuant to the master fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures. As such, and except as otherwise noted herein with respect to vote reporting requirements, feeder Funds shall not be subject to these Procedures and Guidelines.

 

IV.           APPROVAL AND REVIEW OF PROCEDURES

 

Each Fund’s Adviser has adopted proxy voting procedures in connection with the voting of portfolio securities for the Funds as attached hereto in Exhibit 2. The Board hereby approves such procedures. All material changes to the Adviser Procedures must be approved by the Board or the Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee prior to implementation; however, the President or Chief Financial Officer of a Fund may make such non-material changes as they deem appropriate, subject to ratification by the Board or the Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage

 

2



 

Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

 

V.            VOTING PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

 

The Guidelines that are set forth in Exhibit 3 hereto specify the manner in which the Funds generally will vote with respect to the proposals discussed therein.

 

Unless otherwise noted, the defined terms used hereafter shall have the same meaning as defined in the Adviser Procedures

 

A.            Routine Matters
 

The Agent shall be instructed to submit a vote in accordance with the Guidelines where such Guidelines provide a clear “For,” “Against,” “Withhold” or “Abstain” on a proposal. However, the Agent shall be directed to refer any proxy proposal to the Proxy Coordinator for instructions as if it were a matter requiring case-by-case consideration under circumstances where the application of the Guidelines is unclear, it appears to involve unusual or controversial issues, or an Investment Professional (as such term is defined for purposes of the Adviser Procedures) recommends a vote contrary to the Guidelines.

 

B.            Matters Requiring Case-by-Case Consideration

 

The Agent shall be directed to refer proxy proposals accompanied by its written analysis and voting recommendation to the Proxy Coordinator where the Guidelines have noted “case-by-case” consideration.

 

Upon receipt of a referral from the Agent, the Proxy Coordinator may solicit additional research from the Agent, Investment Professional(s), as well as from any other source or service.

 

Except in cases in which the Proxy Group has previously provided the Proxy Coordinator with standing instructions to vote in accordance with the Agent’s recommendation, the Proxy Coordinator will forward the Agent’s analysis and recommendation and/or any research obtained from the Investment Professional(s), the Agent or any other source to the Proxy Group. The Proxy Group may consult with the Agent and/or Investment Professional(s), as it deems necessary.

 

The Proxy Coordinator shall use best efforts to convene the Proxy Group with respect to all matters requiring its consideration. In the event quorum requirements cannot be timely met in connection with a voting deadline, it shall be the policy of the Funds to vote in accordance with the Agent’s recommendation, unless the Agent’s recommendation is deemed to be conflicted as provided for under the Adviser Procedures, in which case no action shall be taken on such matter (i.e., a “Non-Vote”).

 

3



 

1.   Within-Guidelines Votes:  Votes in Accordance with a Fund’s Guidelines and/or, where applicable, Agent Recommendation

 

In the event the Proxy Group, and where applicable, any Investment Professional participating in the voting process, recommend a vote Within Guidelines, the Proxy Group will instruct the Agent, through the Proxy Coordinator, to vote in this manner. Except as provided for herein, no Conflicts Report (as such term is defined for purposes of the Adviser Procedures) is required in connection with Within-Guidelines Votes.

 

2.     Non-Votes:  Votes in Which No Action is Taken

 

The Proxy Group may recommend that a Fund refrain from voting under the following circumstances:  (1) if the economic effect on shareholders’ interests or the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant, e.g., proxies in connection with securities no longer held in the portfolio of an ING Fund or proxies being considered on behalf of a Fund that is no longer in existence; or (2) if the cost of voting a proxy outweighs the benefits, e.g., certain international proxies, particularly in cases in which share blocking practices may impose trading restrictions on the relevant portfolio security. In such instances, the Proxy Group may instruct the Agent, through the Proxy Coordinator, not to vote such proxy. The Proxy Group may provide the Proxy Coordinator with standing instructions on parameters that would dictate a Non-Vote without the Proxy Group’s review of a specific proxy. It is noted a Non-Vote determination would generally not be made in connection with voting rights received pursuant to class action participation; while a Fund may no longer hold the security, a continuing economic effect on shareholders’ interests is likely.

 

Reasonable efforts shall be made to secure and vote all other proxies for the Funds, but, particularly in markets in which shareholders’ rights are limited, Non-Votes may also occur in connection with a Fund’s related inability to timely access ballots or other proxy information in connection with its portfolio securities.

 

Non-Votes may also result in certain cases in which the Agent’s recommendation has been deemed to be conflicted, as described in V.B. above and V.B.4. below.

 

3.     Out-of-Guidelines Votes:  Votes Contrary to Procedures and Guidelines, or Agent Recommendation, where applicable, Where No Recommendation is Provided by Agent, or Where Agent’s Recommendation is Conflicted

 

If the Proxy Group recommends that a Fund vote contrary to the Procedures and Guidelines, or the recommendation of the Agent, where applicable, if the Agent has made no recommendation on a matter requiring case-by-case consideration and the Procedures and Guidelines are silent, or the Agent’s recommendation on a

 

4



 

matter requiring case-by-case consideration is deemed to be conflicted as provided for under the Adviser Procedures, the Proxy Coordinator will then request that all members of the Proxy Group, including any members not in attendance at the meeting at which the relevant proxy is being considered, and each Investment Professional participating in the voting process complete a Conflicts Report (as such term is defined for purposes of the Adviser Procedures). As provided for in the Adviser Procedures, the Proxy Coordinator shall be responsible for identifying to Counsel potential conflicts of interest with respect to the Agent.

 

If Counsel determines that a conflict of interest appears to exist with respect to the Agent, any member of the Proxy Group or the participating Investment Professional(s), the Proxy Coordinator will then contact the Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee(s) and forward to such Committee(s) all information relevant to their review, including the following materials or a summary thereof:  the applicable Procedures and Guidelines, the recommendation of the Agent, where applicable, the recommendation of the Investment Professional(s), where applicable, any resources used by the Proxy Group in arriving at its recommendation, the Conflicts Report and any other written materials establishing whether a conflict of interest exists, and findings of Counsel (as such term is defined for purposes of the Adviser Procedures). Upon Counsel’s finding that a conflict of interest exists with respect to one or more members of the Proxy Group or the Advisers generally, the remaining members of the Proxy Group shall not be required to complete a Conflicts Report in connection with the proxy.

 

If Counsel determines that there does not appear to be a conflict of interest with respect to the Agent, any member of the Proxy Group or the participating Investment Professional(s), the Proxy Coordinator will instruct the Agent to vote the proxy as recommended by the Proxy Group.

 

4.     Referrals to a Fund’s Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee

 

A Fund’s Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee may consider all recommendations, analysis, research and Conflicts Reports provided to it by the Agent, Proxy Group and/or Investment Professional(s), and any other written materials used to establish whether a conflict of interest exists, in determining how to vote the proxies referred to the Committee. The Committee will instruct the Agent through the Proxy Coordinator how to vote such referred proposals.

 

The Proxy Coordinator shall use best efforts to timely refer matters to a Fund’s Committee for its consideration. In the event any such matter cannot be timely referred to or considered by the Committee, it shall be the policy of the Funds to vote in accordance with the Agent’s recommendation, unless the Agent’s recommendation is conflicted on a matter requiring case-by-case consideration, in which case no action shall be taken on such matter (i.e., a “Non-Vote”).

 

5



 

The Proxy Coordinator will maintain a record of all proxy questions that have been referred to a Fund’s Committee, all applicable recommendations, analysis, research and Conflicts Reports.

 

VI.           CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

In all cases in which a vote has not been clearly determined in advance by the Procedures and Guidelines or for which the Proxy Group recommends an Out-of-Guidelines Vote, and Counsel has determined that a conflict of interest appears to exist with respect to the Agent, any member of the Proxy Group, or any Investment Professional participating in the voting process, the proposal shall be referred to the Fund’s Committee for determination so that the Adviser shall have no opportunity to vote a Fund’s proxy in a situation in which it or the Agent may be deemed to have a conflict of interest. In the event a member of a Fund’s Committee believes he/she has a conflict of interest that would preclude him/her from making a voting determination in the best interests of the beneficial owners of the applicable Fund, such Committee member shall so advise the Proxy Coordinator and recuse himself/herself with respect to determinations regarding the relevant proxy.

 

VII.         REPORTING AND RECORD RETENTION

 

Annually in August, each Fund that is not a feeder in a master/feeder structure will post its proxy voting record or a link thereto, for the prior one-year period ending on June 30th on the ING Funds website. No proxy voting record will be posted on the ING Funds website for any Fund that is a feeder in a master/feeder structure; however, a cross-reference to that of the master fund’s proxy voting record as filed in the SEC’s EDGAR database will be posted on the ING Funds website. The proxy voting record for each Fund will also be available in the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website.

 

6



 

EXHIBIT 1

to the

ING Funds

Proxy Voting Procedures

 

ING ASIA PACIFIC HIGH DIVIDEND EQUITY INCOME FUND

ING EQUITY TRUST

ING FUNDS TRUST

ING GLOBAL ADVANTAGE AND PREMIUM OPPORTUNITY FUND

ING GLOBAL EQUITY DIVIDEND AND PREMIUM OPPORTUNITY FUND

ING INVESTMENT FUNDS, INC.

ING INVESTORS TRUST

ING MAYFLOWER TRUST

ING MUTUAL FUNDS

ING PARTNERS, INC.

ING PRIME RATE TRUST

ING RISK MANAGED NATURAL RESOURCES FUND

ING SENIOR INCOME FUND

ING SEPARATE PORTFOLIOS TRUST

ING VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST

ING VARIABLE PRODUCTS TRUST

ING VP EMERGING MARKETS FUND, INC.

ING VP NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST

USLICO SERIES FUND
 

7



 

EXHIBIT 2

to the

ING Funds

Proxy Voting Procedures

 

ING INVESTMENTS, LLC

AND

DIRECTED SERVICES, LLC

 

PROXY VOTING PROCEDURES

 

I.              INTRODUCTION

 

ING Investments, LLC and Directed Services, LLC (each an “Adviser” and collectively, the “Advisers”) are the investment advisers for the registered investment companies and each series or portfolio thereof (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) comprising the ING family of funds. As such, the Advisers have been delegated the authority to vote proxies with respect to securities for the Funds over which they have day-to-day portfolio management responsibility.

 

The Advisers will abide by the proxy voting guidelines adopted by a Fund’s respective Board of Directors or Trustees (each a “Board” and collectively, the “Boards”) with regard to the voting of proxies unless otherwise provided in the proxy voting procedures adopted by a Fund’s Board.

 

In voting proxies, the Advisers are guided by general fiduciary principles. Each must act prudently, solely in the interest of the beneficial owners of the Funds it manages. The Advisers will not subordinate the interest of beneficial owners to unrelated objectives. Each Adviser will vote proxies in the manner that it believes will do the most to maximize shareholder value.

 

The following are the Proxy Voting Procedures of ING Investments, LLC and Directed Services, LLC (the “Adviser Procedures”) with respect to the voting of proxies on behalf of their client Funds as approved by the respective Board of each Fund.

 

Unless otherwise noted, best efforts shall be used to vote proxies in all instances.

 

II.            ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

A.            Proxy Coordinator

 

The Proxy Coordinator identified in Appendix 1 will assist in the coordination of the voting of each Fund’s proxies in accordance with the ING Funds Proxy Voting

 



 

Procedures and Guidelines (the “Procedures” or “Guidelines” and collectively the “Procedures and Guidelines”). The Proxy Coordinator is authorized to direct the Agent to vote a Fund’s proxy in accordance with the Procedures and Guidelines unless the Proxy Coordinator receives a recommendation from an Investment Professional (as described below) to vote contrary to the Procedures and Guidelines. In such event, and in connection with proxy proposals requiring case-by-case consideration (except in cases in which the Proxy Group has previously provided the Proxy Coordinator with standing instructions to vote in accordance with the Agent’s recommendation), the Proxy Coordinator will call a meeting of the Proxy Group (as described below).

 

Responsibilities assigned herein to the Proxy Coordinator, or activities in support thereof, may be performed by such members of the Proxy Group or employees of the Advisers’ affiliates as are deemed appropriate by the Proxy Group.

 

Unless specified otherwise, information provided to the Proxy Coordinator in connection with duties of the parties described herein shall be deemed delivered to the Advisers.

 

B.            Agent

 

An independent proxy voting service (the “Agent”), as approved by the Board of each Fund, shall be engaged to assist in the voting of Fund proxies for publicly traded securities through the provision of vote analysis, implementation, recordkeeping and disclosure services. The Agent is Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. The Agent is responsible for coordinating with the Funds’ custodians to ensure that all proxy materials received by the custodians relating to the portfolio securities are processed in a timely fashion. To the extent applicable, the Agent is required to vote and/or refer all proxies in accordance with these Adviser Procedures. The Agent will retain a record of all proxy votes handled by the Agent. Such record must reflect all the information required to be disclosed in a Fund’s Form N-PX pursuant to Rule 30b1-4 under the Investment Company Act. In addition, the Agent is responsible for maintaining copies of all proxy statements received by issuers and to promptly provide such materials to the Adviser upon request.

 

The Agent shall be instructed to vote all proxies in accordance with a Fund’s Guidelines, except as otherwise instructed through the Proxy Coordinator by the Adviser’s Proxy Group or a Fund’s Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee (“Committee”).

 

The Agent shall be instructed to obtain all proxies from the Funds’ custodians and to review each proxy proposal against the Guidelines. The Agent also shall be requested to call the Proxy Coordinator’s attention to specific proxy proposals that although governed by the Guidelines appear to involve unusual or controversial issues.

 

Subject to the oversight of the Advisers, the Agent shall establish and maintain adequate internal controls and policies in connection with the provision of proxy voting services

 

9



 

voting to the Advisers, including methods to reasonably ensure that its analysis and recommendations are not influenced by conflict of interest, and shall disclose such controls and policies to the Advisers when and as provided for herein. Unless otherwise specified, references herein to recommendations of the Agent shall refer to those in which no conflict of interest has been identified.

 

C.            Proxy Group

 

The Adviser shall establish a Proxy Group (the “Group” or “Proxy Group”) which shall assist in the review of the Agent’s recommendations when a proxy voting issue is referred to the Group through the Proxy Coordinator. The members of the Proxy Group, which may include employees of the Advisers’ affiliates, are identified in Appendix 1, as may be amended from time at the Advisers’ discretion.

 

A minimum of four (4) members of the Proxy Group (or three (3) if one member of the quorum is either the Fund’s Chief Investment Risk Officer or Chief Financial Officer) shall constitute a quorum for purposes of taking action at any meeting of the Group. The vote of a simple majority of the members present and voting shall determine any matter submitted to a vote. Tie votes shall be broken by securing the vote of members not present at the meeting; provided, however, that the Proxy Coordinator shall ensure compliance with all applicable voting and conflict of interest procedures and shall use best efforts to secure votes from all or as many absent members as may reasonably be accomplished. The Proxy Group may meet in person or by telephone. The Proxy Group also may take action via electronic mail in lieu of a meeting, provided that each Group member has received a copy of any relevant electronic mail transmissions circulated by each other participating Group member prior to voting and provided that the Proxy Coordinator follows the directions of a majority of a quorum (as defined above) responding via electronic mail. For all votes taken in person or by telephone or teleconference, the vote shall be taken outside the presence of any person other than the members of the Proxy Group and such other persons whose attendance may be deemed appropriate by the Proxy Group from time to time in furtherance of its duties or the day-to-day administration of the Funds. In its discretion, the Proxy Group may provide the Proxy Coordinator with standing instructions to perform responsibilities assigned herein to the Proxy Group, or activities in support thereof, on its behalf, provided that such instructions do not contravene any requirements of these Adviser Procedures or a Fund’s Procedures and Guidelines.

 

A meeting of the Proxy Group will be held whenever (1) the Proxy Coordinator receives a recommendation from an Investment Professional to vote a Fund’s proxy contrary to the Procedures and Guidelines, or the recommendation of the Agent, where applicable, (2) the Agent has made no recommendation with respect to a vote on a proposal, or (3) a matter requires case-by-case consideration, including those in which the Agent’s recommendation is deemed to be conflicted as provided for under these Adviser Procedures, provided that, if the Proxy Group has previously provided the Proxy

 

10



 

Coordinator with standing instructions to vote in accordance with the Agent’s recommendation and no issue of conflict must be considered, the Proxy Coordinator may implement the instructions without calling a meeting of the Proxy Group.

 

For each proposal referred to the Proxy Group, it will review (1) the relevant Procedures and Guidelines, (2) the recommendation of the Agent, if any, (3) the recommendation of the Investment Professional(s), if any, and (4) any other resources that any member of the Proxy Group deems appropriate to aid in a determination of a recommendation.

 

If the Proxy Group recommends that a Fund vote in accordance with the Procedures and Guidelines, or the recommendation of the Agent, where applicable, it shall instruct the Proxy Coordinator to so advise the Agent.

 

If the Proxy Group recommends that a Fund vote contrary to the Procedures and Guidelines, or the recommendation of the Agent, where applicable, or if the Agent’s recommendation on a matter requiring case-by-case consideration is deemed to be conflicted, it shall follow the procedures for such voting as established by a Fund’s Board.

 

The Proxy Coordinator shall use best efforts to convene the Proxy Group with respect to all matters requiring its consideration. In the event quorum requirements cannot be timely met in connection with to a voting deadline, the Proxy Coordinator shall follow the procedures for such voting as established by a Fund’s Board.

 

D.            Investment Professionals

 

The Funds’ Advisers, sub-advisers and/or portfolio managers (each referred to herein as an “Investment Professional” and collectively, “Investment Professionals”) may submit, or be asked to submit, a recommendation to the Proxy Group regarding the voting of proxies related to the portfolio securities over which they have day-to-day portfolio management responsibility. The Investment Professionals may accompany their recommendation with any other research materials that they deem appropriate or with a request that lending activity with respect to the relevant security be reviewed, such requests to be timely considered by the Proxy Group.

 

III.           VOTING PROCEDURES

 

A.            In all cases, the Adviser shall follow the voting procedures as set forth in the Procedures and Guidelines of the Fund on whose behalf the Adviser is exercising delegated authority to vote.

 

11



 

B.            Routine Matters
 

The Agent shall be instructed to submit a vote in accordance with the Guidelines where such Guidelines provide a clear “For”, “Against,” “Withhold” or “Abstain” on a proposal. However, the Agent shall be directed to refer any proxy proposal to the Proxy Coordinator for instructions as if it were a matter requiring case-by-case consideration under circumstances where the application of the Guidelines is unclear, it appears to involve unusual or controversial issues, or an Investment Professional recommends a vote contrary to the Guidelines.

 

C.            Matters Requiring Case-by-Case Consideration

 

The Agent shall be directed to refer proxy proposals accompanied by its written analysis and voting recommendation to the Proxy Coordinator where the Guidelines have noted “case-by-case” consideration.

 

Upon receipt of a referral from the Agent, the Proxy Coordinator may solicit additional research from the Agent, Investment Professional(s), as well as from any other source or service.

 

Except in cases in which the Proxy Group has previously provided the Proxy Coordinator with standing instructions to vote in accordance with the Agent’s recommendation, the Proxy Coordinator will forward the Agent’s analysis and recommendation and/or any research obtained from the Investment Professional(s), the Agent or any other source to the Proxy Group. The Proxy Group may consult with the Agent and/or Investment Professional(s), as it deems necessary.

 

1.     Within-Guidelines Votes:  Votes in Accordance with a Fund’s Guidelines and/or, where applicable, Agent Recommendation

 

In the event the Proxy Group, and where applicable, any Investment Professional participating in the voting process, recommend a vote Within Guidelines, the Proxy Group will instruct the Agent, through the Proxy Coordinator, to vote in this manner. Except as provided for herein, no Conflicts Report (as such term is defined herein) is required in connection with Within-Guidelines Votes.

 

2.             Non-Votes:  Votes in Which No Action is Taken

 

The Proxy Group may recommend that a Fund refrain from voting under the following circumstances:  (1) if the economic effect on shareholders’ interests or the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant, e.g., proxies in connection with securities no longer held in the portfolio of an ING Fund or proxies being considered on behalf of a Fund that is no longer in existence; or (2) if the cost of voting a proxy outweighs the benefits, e.g., certain international

 

12



 

proxies, particularly in cases in which share blocking practices may impose trading restrictions on the relevant portfolio security. In such instances, the Proxy Group may instruct the Agent, through the Proxy Coordinator, not to vote such proxy. The Proxy Group may provide the Proxy Coordinator with standing instructions on parameters that would dictate a Non-Vote without the Proxy Group’s review of a specific proxy. It is noted a Non-Vote determination would generally not be made in connection with voting rights received pursuant to class action participation; while a Fund may no longer hold the security, a continuing economic effect on shareholders’ interests is likely.

 

Reasonable efforts shall be made to secure and vote all other proxies for the Funds, but, particularly in markets in which shareholders’ rights are limited, Non-Votes may also occur in connection with a Fund’s related inability to timely access ballots or other proxy information in connection with its portfolio securities.

 

Non-Votes may also result in certain cases in which the Agent’s recommendation has been deemed to be conflicted, as provided for in the Funds’ Procedures.

 

3.     Out-of-Guidelines Votes:  Votes Contrary to Procedures and Guidelines, or Agent Recommendation, where applicable, Where No Recommendation is Provided by Agent, or Where Agent’s Recommendation is Conflicted

 

If the Proxy Group recommends that a Fund vote contrary to the Procedures and Guidelines, or the recommendation of the Agent, where applicable, if the Agent has made no recommendation on a matter requiring case-by-case consideration and the Procedures and Guidelines are silent, or the Agent’s recommendation on a matter requiring case-by-case consideration is deemed to be conflicted as provided for under these Adviser Procedures, the Proxy Coordinator will then implement the procedures for handling such votes as adopted by the Fund’s Board.

 

4.     The Proxy Coordinator will maintain a record of all proxy questions that have been referred to a Fund’s Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee, all applicable recommendations, analysis, research and Conflicts Reports.

 

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III.           ASSESSMENT OF THE AGENT AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

In furtherance of the Advisers’ fiduciary duty to the Funds and their beneficial owners, the Advisers shall establish the following:

 

A.            Assessment of the Agent

 

The Advisers shall establish that the Agent (1) is independent from the Advisers, (2) has resources that indicate it can competently provide analysis of proxy issues and (3) can make recommendations in an impartial manner and in the best interests of the Funds and their beneficial owners. The Advisers shall utilize, and the Agent shall comply with, such methods for establishing the foregoing as the Advisers may deem reasonably appropriate and shall do not less than annually as well as prior to engaging the services of any new proxy service. The Agent shall also notify the Advisers in writing within fifteen (15) calendar days of any material change to information previously provided to an Adviser in connection with establishing the Agent’s independence, competence or impartiality.

 

Information provided in connection with assessment of the Agent shall be forwarded to a member of the mutual funds practice group of ING US Legal Services (“Counsel”) for review. Counsel shall review such information and advise the Proxy Coordinator as to whether a material concern exists and if so, determine the most appropriate course of action to eliminate such concern.

 

B.            Conflicts of Interest

 

The Advisers shall establish and maintain procedures to identify and address conflicts that may arise from time to time concerning the Agent. Upon the Advisers’ request, which shall be not less than annually, and within fifteen (15) calendar days of any material change to such information previously provided to an Adviser, the Agent shall provide the Advisers with such information as the Advisers deem reasonable and appropriate for use in determining material relationships of the Agent that may pose a conflict of interest with respect to the Agent’s proxy analysis or recommendations. The Proxy Coordinator shall forward all such information to Counsel for review. Counsel shall review such information and provide the Proxy Coordinator with a brief statement regarding whether or not a material conflict of interest is present. Matters as to which a material conflict of interest is deemed to be present shall be handled as provided in the Fund’s Procedures and Guidelines.

 

In connection with their participation in the voting process for portfolio securities, each member of the Proxy Group, and each Investment Professional participating in the voting process, must act solely in the best interests of the beneficial owners of the applicable Fund. The members of the Proxy Group may not subordinate

 

14



 

the interests of the Fund’s beneficial owners to unrelated objectives, including taking steps to reasonably insulate the voting process from any conflict of interest that may exist in connection with the Agent’s services or utilization thereof.

 

For all matters for which the Proxy Group recommends an Out-of-Guidelines Vote, or for which a recommendation contrary to that of the Agent or the Guidelines has been received from an Investment Professional and is to be utilized, the Proxy Coordinator will implement the procedures for handling such votes as adopted by the Fund’s Board, including completion of such Conflicts Reports as may be required under the Fund’s Procedures. Completed Conflicts Reports shall be provided to the Proxy Coordinator within two (2) business days. Such Conflicts Report should describe any known conflicts of either a business or personal nature, and set forth any contacts with respect to the referral item with non-investment personnel in its organization or with outside parties (except for routine communications from proxy solicitors). The Conflicts Report should also include written confirmation that any recommendation from an Investment Professional provided in connection with an Out-of-Guidelines Vote or under circumstances where a conflict of interest exists was made solely on the investment merits and without regard to any other consideration.

 

The Proxy Coordinator shall forward all Conflicts Reports to Counsel for review. Counsel shall review each report and provide the Proxy Coordinator with a brief statement regarding whether or not a material conflict of interest is present. Matters as to which a material conflict of interest is deemed to be present shall be handled as provided in the Fund’s Procedures and Guidelines.

 

V.            REPORTING AND RECORD RETENTION

 

The Adviser shall maintain the records required by Rule 204-2(c)(2), as may be amended from time to time, including the following: (1) A copy of each proxy statement received regarding a Fund’s portfolio securities. Such proxy statements received from issuers are available either in the SEC’s EDGAR database or are kept by the Agent and are available upon request. (2) A record of each vote cast on behalf of a Fund. (3) A copy of any document created by the Adviser that was material to making a decision how to vote a proxy, or that memorializes the basis for that decision. (4) A copy of written requests for Fund proxy voting information and any written response thereto or to any oral request for information on how the Adviser voted proxies on behalf of a Fund. All proxy voting materials and supporting documentation will be retained for a minimum of six (6) years.

 

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APPENDIX 1

to the

Advisers’ Proxy Voting Procedures

 

Proxy Group for registered investment company clients of ING Investments, LLC and Directed Services, LLC:

 

Name

 

Title or Affiliation

 

 

 

Stanley D. Vyner

 

Chief Investment Risk Officer and Executive Vice President, ING Investments, LLC

 

 

 

Todd Modic

 

Senior Vice President, ING Funds Services, LLC and ING Investments, LLC; and Chief Financial Officer of the ING Funds

 

 

 

Maria Anderson

 

Vice President of Fund Compliance, ING Funds Services, LLC

 

 

 

Karla J. Bos

 

Proxy Coordinator for the ING Funds and Manager – Special Projects, ING Funds Services, LLC

 

 

 

Julius Drelick

 

Vice President, Advisory and Product Management, ING Funds Services, LLC

 

 

 

Theresa K. Kelety, Esq.

 

Counsel, ING Americas US Legal Services

 

 

 

Steve Wastek, Esq.

 

Counsel, ING Americas US Legal Services

 

 

Effective as of December 31, 2006

 

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EXHIBIT 3

to the

ING Funds

Proxy Voting Procedures

 

PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES OF THE ING FUNDS

 

I.             INTRODUCTION

 

The following is a statement of the Proxy Voting Guidelines (“Guidelines”) that have been adopted by the respective Boards of Directors or Trustees of each Fund. Unless otherwise provided for herein, any defined term used herein shall have the meaning assigned to it in the Funds’ and Advisers’ Proxy Voting Procedures (the “Procedures”).

 

Proxies must be voted in the best interest of the Fund(s). The Guidelines summarize the Funds’ positions on various issues of concern to investors, and give a general indication of how Fund portfolio securities will be voted on proposals dealing with particular issues. The Guidelines are not exhaustive and do not include all potential voting issues.

 

The Advisers, in exercising their delegated authority, will abide by the Guidelines as outlined below with regard to the voting of proxies except as otherwise provided in the Procedures. In voting proxies, the Advisers are guided by general fiduciary principles. Each must act prudently, solely in the interest of the beneficial owners of the Funds it manages. The Advisers will not subordinate the interest of beneficial owners to unrelated objectives. Each Adviser will vote proxies in the manner that it believes will do the most to maximize shareholder value.

 

II.                   GUIDELINES

 

The following Guidelines are grouped according to the types of proposals generally presented to shareholders of U.S. issuers:  Board of Directors, Proxy Contests, Auditors, Proxy Contest Defenses, Tender Offer Defenses, Miscellaneous, Capital Structure, Executive and Director Compensation, State of Incorporation, Mergers and Corporate Restructurings, Mutual Fund Proxies and Social and Environmental Issues. An additional section addresses proposals most frequently found in global proxies.

 

General Policies

 

These Guidelines apply to securities of publicly traded companies and to those of privately held companies if publicly available disclosure permits such application. All matters for which such disclosure is not available shall be considered CASE-BY-CASE.

 

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It shall generally be the policy of the Funds to take no action on a proxy for which no Fund holds a position or otherwise maintains an economic interest in the relevant security at the time the vote is to be cast.

 

In all cases receiving CASE-BY-CASE consideration, including cases not specifically provided for under these Guidelines, unless otherwise provided for under these Guidelines, it shall generally be the policy of the Funds to vote in accordance with the recommendation provided by the Funds’ Agent, Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc.

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, it shall generally be the policy of the Funds to vote in accordance with the Agent’s recommendation in cases in which such recommendation aligns with the recommendation of the relevant issuer’s management. However, this policy shall not apply to CASE-BY-CASE proposals for which a contrary recommendation from the Investment Professional for the relevant Fund has been received and is to be utilized, provided that incorporation of any such recommendation shall be subject to the conflict of interest review process required under the Procedures.

 

Recommendations from the Investment Professionals, while not required under the Procedures, are likely to be considered with respect to proxies for private equity securities and/or proposals related to merger transactions/corporate restructurings, proxy contests related to takeover bids/contested business combinations, or unusual or controversial issues. Such input shall be given primary consideration with respect to CASE-BY-CASE proposals being considered on behalf of the relevant Fund.

 

Except as otherwise provided for herein, it shall generally be the policy of the Funds not to support proposals that would impose a negative impact on existing rights of the Funds to the extent that any positive impact would not be deemed sufficient to outweigh removal or diminution of such rights.

 

The foregoing policies may be overridden in any case as provided for in the Procedures. Similarly, the Procedures provide that proposals whose Guidelines prescribe a firm voting position may instead be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis in cases in which unusual or controversial circumstances so dictate.

 

Interpretation and application of these Guidelines is not intended to supersede any law, regulation, binding agreement or other legal requirement to which an issuer may be or become subject. No proposal shall be supported whose implementation would contravene such requirements.

 

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1.             The Board of Directors

 

Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, the Agent’s standards with respect to determining director independence shall apply. These standards generally provide that, to be considered completely independent, a director shall have no material connection to the company other than the board seat.

 

Agreement with the Agent’s independence standards shall not dictate that a Fund’s vote shall be cast according to the Agent’s corresponding recommendation. Votes on director nominees not subject to specific policies described herein should be made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Where applicable and except as otherwise provided for herein, it shall be the policy of the Funds to lodge disagreement with an issuer’s policies or practices by withholding support from a proposal for the relevant policy or practice rather than the director nominee(s) to which the Agent assigns a correlation.

 

If application of the policies described herein would result in withholding votes from the majority of independent outside directors sitting on a board, or removal of such directors is likely to negatively impact majority board independence, primary consideration shall be given to retention of such independent outside director nominees unless the concerns identified are of such grave nature as to merit removal of the independent directors.

 

Where applicable and except as otherwise provided for herein, generally DO NOT WITHHOLD votes (or DO NOT VOTE AGAINST, pursuant to the applicable election standard) in connection with issues raised by the Agent if the nominee did not serve on the board or relevant committee during the majority of the time period relevant to the concerns cited by the Agent.

 

WITHHOLD votes from a nominee who, during both of the most recent two years, attended less than 75 percent of the board and committee meetings without a valid reason for the absences. DO NOT WITHHOLD votes in connection with attendance issues for nominees who have served on the board for less than the two most recent years.

 

WITHHOLD votes from a nominee in connection with poison pill or anti-takeover considerations (e.g., furtherance of measures serving to disenfranchise shareholders or failure to remove restrictive pill features or ensure pill expiration or submission to shareholders for vote) in cases for which culpability for implementation or renewal of the pill in such form can be specifically attributed to the nominee.

 

Provided that a nominee served on the board during the relevant time period, WITHHOLD votes from a nominee who has failed to implement a shareholder proposal that was approved by (1) a majority of the issuer’s shares outstanding (most recent annual meeting) or (2) a majority of the votes cast for two consecutive years. However, in the case of shareholder proposals seeking shareholder ratification of a poison pill, generally DO NOT WITHHOLD votes from a nominee

 

19



 

in such cases if the company has already implemented a policy that should reasonably prevent abusive use of the pill.

 

If a nominee has not acted upon WITHHOLD votes representing a majority of the votes cast at the previous annual meeting, consider such nominee on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. Generally, vote FOR nominees when (1) the issue relevant to the majority WITHHOLD has been adequately addressed or cured or (2) the Funds’ Guidelines or voting record do not support the relevant issue.

 

WITHHOLD votes from inside directors or affiliated outside directors who sit on the audit committee.

 

DO NOT WITHHOLD votes from inside directors or affiliated outside directors who sit on the nominating or compensation committee, provided that such committee meets the applicable independence requirements of the relevant listing exchange.

 

DO NOT WITHHOLD votes from inside directors or affiliated outside directors if the full board serves as the compensation or nominating committee OR has not created one or both committees, provided that the issuer is in compliance with all provisions of the listing exchange in connection with performance of relevant functions (e.g., performance of relevant functions by a majority of independent directors in lieu of the formation of a separate committee).

 

In cases in which the Agent has identified a “pay for performance” disconnect, as defined by the Agent, generally DO NOT WITHHOLD support from director nominees. If the Agent has raised other considerations regarding “poor compensation practices,” consider nominees on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. However, where applicable and except as otherwise provided for herein, generally DO NOT WITHHOLD votes from nominees who did not serve on the compensation committee, or board, as applicable, during the majority of the time period relevant to the concerns cited by the Agent.

 

Generally, vote FOR independent outside director nominees serving on the audit committee, but if total non-audit fees exceed the total of audit fees, audit-related fees and tax compliance and preparation fees, do vote AGAINST auditor ratification if concerns exist regarding such fees, e.g., that remuneration for the non-audit work is so lucrative as to taint the auditor’s independence or is excessive in connection with the level and type of services provided.

 

It shall generally be the policy of the Funds that a board should be majority independent and therefore to consider inside director or affiliated outside director nominees in cases in which the full board is not majority independent on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. Generally:

 

(1)       WITHHOLD votes from the fewest directors whose removal would achieve majority independence across the remaining board.

 

(2)       WITHHOLD votes from all non-independent nominees, including the founder, chairman or CEO, if the number required to achieve majority independence is equal to or greater than the number of non-independent nominees.

 

20



 

(3)       Except as provided above, vote FOR non-independent nominees in the role of CEO, and when appropriate, founder or chairman, and determine support for other non-independent nominees based on the qualifications and contributions of the nominee as well as the Funds’ voting precedent for assessing relative independence to management, e.g., insiders holding senior executive positions are deemed less independent than affiliated outsiders with a transactional or advisory relationship to the company, and affiliated outsiders with a material transactional or advisory relationship are deemed less independent than those with lesser relationships.

 

(4)       Non-voting directors (e.g., director emeritus or advisory director) shall be excluded from calculations with respect to majority board independence.

 

(5)       When conditions contributing to a lack of majority independence remain substantially similar to those in the previous year, it shall generally be the policy of the Funds to vote on nominees in a manner consistent with votes cast by the Fund(s) in the previous year.

 

Generally vote FOR nominees without regard to “over-boarding” issues raised by the Agent unless other concerns requiring CASE-BY-CASE consideration have been raised.

 

Generally, WITHHOLD support from nominees when the Agent so recommends due to assessment that they acted in bad faith or against shareholder interests in connection with a major transaction, such as a merger or acquisition.

 

Performance Test for Directors

 

Consider nominees failing the Agent’s performance test, which includes market-based and operating performance measures, on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. Input from the Investment Professional(s) for a given Fund shall be given primary consideration with respect to such proposals.

 

Proposals Regarding Board Composition or Board Service

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to impose new board structures or policies, including those requiring that the positions of chairman and CEO be held separately, except consider such proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis if the board is not majority independent or pervasive corporate governance concerns have been identified. Generally, except as otherwise provided for herein, vote FOR management proposals to adopt or amend board structures or policies, except consider such proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis if the board is not majority independent, pervasive corporate governance concerns have been identified, or the proposal may result in a material reduction in shareholders’ rights.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals asking that more than a simple majority of directors be independent.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals asking that board compensation and/or nominating committees be composed exclusively of independent directors.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to limit the number of public company boards on which a director may serve.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals that seek to redefine director independence or directors’ specific roles (e.g., responsibilities of the lead director).

 

21



 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requesting creation of additional board committees or offices, except as otherwise provided for herein.

 

Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals that seek creation of an audit, compensation or nominating committee of the board, unless the committee in question is already in existence or the issuer has availed itself of an applicable exemption of the listing exchange (e.g., performance of relevant functions by a majority of independent directors in lieu of the formation of a separate committee).

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to limit the tenure of outside directors.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to impose a mandatory retirement age for outside directors unless the proposal seeks to relax existing standards, but generally DO NOT VOTE AGAINST management proposals seeking to establish a retirement age for directors.

 

Stock Ownership Requirements

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requiring directors to own a minimum amount of company stock in order to qualify as a director or to remain on the board.

 

Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection

 

Proposals on director and officer indemnification and liability protection should be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, using Delaware law as the standard. Vote AGAINST proposals to limit or eliminate entirely directors’ and officers’ liability for monetary damages for violating the duty of care. Vote AGAINST indemnification proposals that would expand coverage beyond just legal expenses to acts, such as negligence, that are more serious violations of fiduciary obligation than mere carelessness. Vote FOR only those proposals providing such expanded coverage in cases when a director’s or officer’s legal defense was unsuccessful if:

 

(1)       The director was found to have acted in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed was in the best interests of the company, and

 

(2)       Only if the director’s legal expenses would be covered.

 

2.             Proxy Contests

 

These proposals should generally be analyzed on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. Input from the Investment Professional(s) for a given Fund shall be given primary consideration with respect to proposals in connection with proxy contests related to takeover bids or other contested business combinations being considered on behalf of that Fund.

 

Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections

 

Votes in a contested election of directors must be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Reimburse Proxy Solicitation Expenses

 

Voting to reimburse proxy solicitation expenses should be analyzed on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

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3.             Auditors

 

Ratifying Auditors

 

Generally, except in cases of high non-audit fees, vote FOR management proposals to ratify auditors. If total non-audit fees exceed the total of audit fees, audit-related fees and tax compliance and preparation fees, consider on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, voting AGAINST management proposals to ratify auditors in cases in which concerns exist that remuneration for the non-audit work is so lucrative as to taint the auditor’s independence. If such concerns exist or an issuer has a history of questionable accounting practices, also vote FOR shareholder proposals asking the issuer to present its auditor annually for ratification, but in other cases generally vote AGAINST.

 

Auditor Independence

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals asking companies to prohibit their auditors from engaging in non-audit services (or capping the level of non-audit services).

 

Audit Firm Rotation:

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals asking for mandatory audit firm rotation.

 

4.             Proxy Contest Defenses

 

Board Structure: Staggered vs. Annual Elections

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals to classify the board.

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to repeal classified boards and to elect all directors annually.

 

Shareholder Ability to Remove Directors

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals that provide that directors may be removed only for cause.

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to restore shareholder ability to remove directors with or without cause.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals that provide that only continuing directors may elect replacements to fill board vacancies.

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies.

 

Cumulative Voting

 

Unless the company maintains a classified board of directors, generally, vote FOR management proposals to eliminate cumulative voting.

 

In cases in which the company maintains a classified board of directors, generally vote FOR shareholder proposals to restore or permit cumulative voting.

 

Time-Phased Voting

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals to implement, and FOR proposals to eliminate, time-phased or other forms of voting that do not promote a one share, one vote standard.

 

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Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meetings

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to call special meetings.

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals that remove restrictions on the right of shareholders to act independently of management.

 

Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to take action by written consent.

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to allow or make easier shareholder action by written consent.

 

Shareholder Ability to Alter the Size of the Board

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals that seek to fix the size of the board.

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the board without shareholder approval.

 

5.             Tender Offer Defenses

 

Poison Pills

 

Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals that ask a company to submit its poison pill for shareholder ratification, or to redeem its pill in lieu thereof, unless (1) shareholders have approved adoption of the plan, (2) a policy has already been implemented by the company that should reasonably prevent abusive use of the pill, or (3) the board had determined that it was in the best interest of shareholders to adopt a pill without delay, provided that such plan would be put to shareholder vote within twelve months of adoption or expire, and if not approved by a majority of the votes cast, would immediately terminate.

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis shareholder proposals to redeem a company’s poison pill.

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis management proposals to approve or ratify a poison pill or any plan that can reasonably be construed as an anti-takeover measure, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s approach to evaluating such proposals, considering factors such as rationale, trigger level and sunset provisions. Votes will generally be cast in a manner that seeks to preserve shareholder value and the right to consider a valid offer, voting AGAINST management proposals in connection with poison pills or anti-takeover activities that do not meet the Agent’s standards.

 

Fair Price Provisions

 

Vote proposals to adopt fair price provisions on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST fair price provisions with shareholder vote requirements greater than a majority of disinterested shares.

 

Greenmail

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to adopt antigreenmail charter or bylaw amendments or otherwise restrict a company’s ability to make greenmail payments.

 

24



 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis antigreenmail proposals when they are bundled with other charter or bylaw amendments.

 

Pale Greenmail

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis restructuring plans that involve the payment of pale greenmail.

 

Unequal Voting Rights

 

Generally, vote AGAINST dual-class exchange offers.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST dual-class recapitalizations.

 

Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Amend the Charter or Bylaws

 

Generally, vote AGAINST management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve charter and bylaw amendments or other key proposals.

 

Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for charter and bylaw amendments, unless the proposal also asks the issuer to mount a solicitation campaign or similar form of comprehensive commitment to obtain passage of the proposal.

 

Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Approve Mergers

 

Generally, vote AGAINST management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve mergers and other significant business combinations.

 

Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for mergers and other significant business combinations.

 

White Squire Placements

 

Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals to require approval of blank check preferred stock issues for other than general corporate purposes.

 

Amendments to Corporate Documents

 

Unless support is recommended by the Agent or Investment Professional (including, for example, as a condition to a major transaction such as a merger), generally, vote AGAINST proposals seeking to remove shareholder approval requirements or otherwise remove or diminish shareholder rights, e.g., by (1) adding restrictive provisions, (2) removing provisions or moving them to portions of the charter not requiring shareholder approval or (3) in corporate structures such as holding companies, removing provisions in an active subsidiary’s charter that provide voting rights to parent company shareholders. This policy would also generally apply to proposals seeking approval of corporate agreements or amendments to such agreements that the Agent recommends AGAINST because a similar reduction in shareholder rights is requested.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals for charter amendments that may support board entrenchment or may be used as an anti-takeover device, particularly if the proposal is bundled or the board is classified.

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals seeking charter or bylaw amendments to remove anti-takeover provisions.

 

25



 

6.             Miscellaneous

 

Confidential Voting

 

Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals that request companies to adopt confidential voting, use independent tabulators, and use independent inspectors of election as long as the proposals include clauses for proxy contests as follows:

 

       In the case of a contested election, management should be permitted to request that the dissident group honor its confidential voting policy.

 

       If the dissidents agree, the policy remains in place.

 

       If the dissidents do not agree, the confidential voting policy is waived.

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals to adopt confidential voting.

 

Open Access

 

Consider on a CASE-BY-CASE basis shareholder proposals seeking open access to management’s proxy material in order to nominate their own candidates to the board.

 

Majority Voting Standard

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals but AGAINST shareholder proposals, unless also supported by management, seeking election of directors by the affirmative vote of the majority of votes cast in connection with a meeting of shareholders, including amendments to corporate documents or other actions in furtherance of such standard, and provided such standard when supported does not conflict with state law in which the company is incorporated. For issuers with a history of board malfeasance or pervasive corporate governance concerns, consider such proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Bundled Proposals

 

Except as otherwise provided for herein, review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis bundled or “conditioned” proxy proposals, generally voting AGAINST bundled proposals containing one or more items not supported under these Guidelines if the Agent or an Investment Professional deems the negative impact, on balance, to outweigh any positive impact.

 

Shareholder Advisory Committees

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals to establish a shareholder advisory committee.

 

Reimburse Shareholder for Expenses Incurred

 

Voting to reimburse expenses incurred in connection with shareholder proposals should be analyzed on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with voting decisions determined based on the Agent’s criteria, considering whether the related proposal received the requisite support for approval and was adopted for the benefit of the company and its shareholders.

 

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Other Business

 

In connection with proxies of U.S. issuers, generally vote FOR management proposals for Other Business, except in connection with a proxy contest in which a Fund is not voting in support of management.

 

Quorum Requirements

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals to lower quorum requirements for shareholder meetings below a majority of the shares outstanding.

 

Advance Notice for Shareholder Proposals

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals related to advance notice period requirements, provided that the period requested is in accordance with applicable law and no material governance concerns have been identified in connection with the issuer.

 

7.             Capital Structure

 

Analyze on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Common Stock Authorization

 

Review proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issue on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. Except where otherwise indicated, the Agent’s proprietary approach, utilizing quantitative criteria (e.g., dilution, peer group comparison, company performance and history) to determine appropriate thresholds and, for requests marginally above such allowable threshold, a qualitative review (e.g., rationale and prudent historical usage), will generally be utilized in evaluating such proposals.

 

       Generally vote FOR proposals to authorize capital increases within the Agent’s allowable thresholds or those in excess but meeting Agent’s qualitative standards, but consider on a CASE-BY-CASE basis those requests failing the Agent’s review for proposals in connection with which a contrary recommendation from the Investment Professional(s) has been received and is to be utilized (e.g., in support of a merger or acquisition proposal).

 

       Generally vote FOR proposals to authorize capital increases within the Agent’s allowable thresholds or those in excess but meeting Agent’s qualitative standards, unless the company states that the stock may be used as a takeover defense. In those cases, consider on a CASE-BY-CASE basis if a contrary recommendation from the Investment Professional(s) has been received and is to be utilized.

 

       Generally vote FOR proposals to authorize capital increases exceeding the Agent’s thresholds when a company’s shares are in danger of being delisted or if a company’s ability to continue to operate as a going concern is uncertain.

 

       Generally, vote AGAINST proposals to increase the number of authorized shares of a class of stock if the issuance which the increase is intended to service is not supported under these Guidelines.

 

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Dual Class Capital Structures

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals to increase the number of authorized shares of the class of stock that has superior voting rights in companies that have dual class capital structures, but consider CASE-BY-CASE if bundled with favorable proposal(s) or if approval of such proposal(s) is a condition of such favorable proposal(s).

 

Generally, vote AGAINST management proposals to create or perpetuate dual class capital structures with unequal voting rights, and vote FOR shareholder proposals to eliminate them, in cases in which the relevant Fund owns the class with inferior voting rights, but generally vote FOR management proposals and AGAINST shareholder proposals in cases in which the relevant Fund owns the class with superior voting rights. Consider CASE-BY-CASE if bundled with favorable proposal(s) or if approval of such proposal(s) is a condition of such favorable proposal(s).

 

Consider management proposals to eliminate dual class capital structures CASE-BY-CASE, generally voting with the Agent’s recommendation unless a contrary recommendation has been received from the Investment Professional for the relevant Fund and is to be utilized.

 

Stock Distributions: Splits and Dividends

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals to increase common share authorization for a stock split, provided that the increase in authorized shares falls within the Agent’s allowable thresholds, but consider on a CASE-BY-CASE basis those proposals exceeding the Agent’s threshold for proposals in connection with which a contrary recommendation from the Investment Professional(s) has been received and is to be utilized.

 

Reverse Stock Splits

 

Consider on a CASE-BY-CASE basis management proposals to implement a reverse stock split. In the event the split constitutes a capital increase effectively exceeding the Agent’s allowable threshold because the request does not proportionately reduce the number of shares authorized, vote FOR the split if the Agent otherwise supports management’s rationale.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals authorizing the issuance of preferred stock or creation of new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights (“blank check” preferred stock), but vote FOR if the Agent or an Investment Professional so recommends because the issuance is required to effect a merger or acquisition proposal.

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to issue or create blank check preferred stock in cases when the company expressly states that the stock will not be used as a takeover defense. Generally vote AGAINST in cases where the company expressly states that, or fails to disclose whether, the stock may be used as a takeover defense, but vote FOR if the Agent or an Investment Professional so recommends because the issuance is required to effect a merger or acquisition proposal.

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to authorize or issue preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable.

 

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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred shares after analyzing the number of preferred shares available for issue given a company’s industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.

 

Shareholder Proposals Regarding Blank Check Preferred Stock

 

Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals to have blank check preferred stock placements, other than those shares issued for the purpose of raising capital or making acquisitions in the normal course of business, submitted for shareholder ratification.

 

Adjustments to Par Value of Common Stock

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals to reduce the par value of common stock.

 

Preemptive Rights

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis shareholder proposals that seek preemptive rights or management proposals that seek to eliminate them. In evaluating proposals on preemptive rights, consider the size of a company and the characteristics of its shareholder base.

 

Debt Restructurings

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals to increase common and/or preferred shares and to issue shares as part of a debt restructuring plan.

 

Share Repurchase Programs

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals to institute open-market share repurchase plans in which all shareholders may participate on equal terms, but vote AGAINST plans with terms favoring selected, non-Fund parties.

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals to cancel repurchased shares.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals for share repurchase methods lacking adequate risk mitigation as assessed by the Agent.

 

Tracking Stock

 

Votes on the creation of tracking stock are determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

8.             Executive and Director Compensation

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, votes with respect to compensation and employee benefit plans should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s quantitative approach to evaluating such plans, which includes determination of costs and comparison to an allowable cap.

 

       Generally, vote in accordance with the Agent’s recommendations FOR equity-based plans with costs within such cap and AGAINST those with costs in excess of it, except that plans above the cap may be supported if so recommended by the Agent or Investment Professional as a condition to a major transaction such as a merger.

 

       Generally, vote AGAINST plans if the Agent suggests cost or dilution assessment may not be possible due to the method of disclosing shares allocated to the plan(s), except that

 

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such concerns arising in connection with evergreen provisions shall be considered CASE-BY-CASE.

 

       Generally, vote FOR plans with costs within the cap if the considerations raised by the Agent pertain solely to equity compensation burn rate or pay for performance as defined by Agent.

 

       Generally, vote AGAINST plans administered by potential grant recipients.

 

       Consider plans CASE-BY-CASE if the Agent raises other considerations not otherwise provided for herein.

 

Restricted Stock or Stock Option Plans

 

Consider proposals for restricted stock or stock option plans, or the issuance of shares in connection with such plans, on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering factors such as level of disclosure and adequacy of vesting or performance requirements. Plans that do not meet the Agent’s criteria in this regard may be supported, but vote AGAINST if no disclosure is provided regarding either vesting or performance requirements.

 

Management Proposals Seeking Approval to Reprice Options

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis management proposals seeking approval to reprice, replace or exchange options, considering factors such as rationale, historic trading patterns, value-for-value exchange, vesting periods and replacement option terms. Generally, vote FOR proposals that meet the Agent’s criteria for acceptable repricing, replacement or exchange transactions, except that considerations raised by the Agent regarding burn rate or executive participation shall not be grounds for withholding support.

 

Vote AGAINST compensation plans that (1) permit or may permit (e.g., history of repricing and no express prohibition against future repricing) repricing of stock options, or any form or alternative to repricing, without shareholder approval, (2) include provisions that permit repricing, replacement or exchange transactions that do not meet the Agent’s criteria (except regarding burn rate or executive participation as noted above), or (3) give the board sole discretion to approve option repricing, replacement or exchange programs.

 

Director Compensation

 

Votes on stock-based plans for directors are made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s quantitative approach described above as well as a review of qualitative features of the plan in cases in which costs exceed the Agent’s threshold. DO NOT VOTE AGAINST plans for which burn rate is the sole consideration raised by the Agent.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plans

 

Votes on employee stock purchase plans, and capital issuances in support of such plans, should be made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s approach to evaluating such plans, except that negative recommendations by the Agent due to evergreen provisions will be reviewed CASE-BY-CASE.

 

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OBRA-Related Compensation Proposals:

 

Amendments that Place a Cap on Annual Grants or Amend Administrative Features

 

Generally, vote FOR plans that simply amend shareholder-approved plans to include administrative features or place a cap on the annual grants any one participant may receive to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) of OBRA.

 

Amendments to Add Performance-Based Goals

 

Generally, vote FOR amendments to add performance goals to existing compensation plans to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) of OBRA.

 

Amendments to Increase Shares and Retain Tax Deductions Under OBRA

 

Votes on amendments to existing plans to increase shares reserved and to qualify the plan for favorable tax treatment under the provisions of Section 162(m) should be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Approval of Cash or Cash-and-Stock Bonus Plans

 

Generally, vote FOR cash or cash-and-stock bonus plans to exempt the compensation from taxes under the provisions of Section 162(m) of OBRA, with primary consideration given to management’s assessment that such plan meets the requirements for exemption of performance-based compensation.

 

Shareholder Proposals Regarding Executive and Director Pay

 

Regarding the remuneration of individuals other than senior executives and directors, generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals that seek to expand or restrict disclosure or require shareholder approval beyond regulatory requirements and market practice. Vote AGAINST shareholder proposals that seek disclosure of executive or director compensation if providing it would be out of step with market practice and potentially disruptive to the business.

 

Unless evidence exists of abuse in historical compensation practices, and except as otherwise provided for herein, generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals that seek to impose new compensation structures or policies, such as “claw back” recoupments or advisory votes.

 

Golden and Tin Parachutes

 

Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals to have golden and tin parachutes submitted for shareholder ratification, provided that such “parachutes” specify change-in-control events and that the proposal does not include unduly restrictive or arbitrary provisions such as advance approval requirements.

 

Generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to submit executive severance agreements that do not specify change-in-control events, Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans or deferred executive compensation plans for shareholder ratification, unless such ratification is required by the listing exchange.

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis all proposals to ratify or cancel golden or tin parachutes.

 

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Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals that request shareholder approval in order to implement an ESOP or to increase authorized shares for existing ESOPs, except in cases when the number of shares allocated to the ESOP is “excessive” (i.e., generally greater than five percent of outstanding shares).

 

401(k) Employee Benefit Plans

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to implement a 401(k) savings plan for employees.

 

Expensing of Stock Options

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to expense stock options before such treatment is required by the Federal Accounting Standards Board.

 

Holding Periods

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals requiring mandatory periods for officers and directors to hold company stock.

 

9.             State of Incorporation

 

Voting on State Takeover Statutes

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals to opt in or out of state takeover statutes (including control share acquisition statutes, control share cash-out statutes, freezeout provisions, fair price provisions, stakeholder laws, poison pill endorsements, severance pay and labor contract provisions, antigreenmail provisions, and disgorgement provisions).

 

Voting on Reincorporation Proposals

 

Proposals to change a company’s state of incorporation should be examined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, generally supporting management proposals not assessed by the Agent as a potential takeover defense. Generally, vote FOR management reincorporation proposals upon which another key proposal, such as a merger transaction, is contingent if the other key proposal is also supported. Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder reincorporation proposals not also supported by the company.

 

10.          Mergers and Corporate Restructurings

 

Input from the Investment Professional(s) for a given Fund shall be given primary consideration with respect to proposals regarding business combinations, particularly those between otherwise unaffiliated parties, or other corporate restructurings being considered on behalf of that Fund.

 

Generally, vote FOR a proposal not typically supported under these Guidelines if a key proposal, such as a merger transaction, is contingent upon its support and a vote FOR is accordingly recommended by the Agent or an Investment Professional.

 

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Mergers and Acquisitions

 

Votes on mergers and acquisitions should be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Corporate Restructuring

 

Votes on corporate restructuring proposals, including demergers, minority squeezeouts, leveraged buyouts, spinoffs, liquidations, dispositions, divestitures and asset sales, should be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s approach to evaluating such proposals.

 

Adjournment

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to adjourn a meeting to provide additional time for vote solicitation when the primary proposal is also voted FOR.

 

Appraisal Rights

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to restore, or provide shareholders with, rights of appraisal.

 

Changing Corporate Name

 

Generally, vote FOR changing the corporate name.

 

11.          Mutual Fund Proxies

 

Election of Directors

 

Vote the election of directors on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Converting Closed-end Fund to Open-end Fund

 

Vote conversion proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Proxy Contests

 

Vote proxy contests on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Investment Advisory Agreements

 

Vote the investment advisory agreements on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Approving New Classes or Series of Shares

 

Generally, vote FOR the establishment of new classes or series of shares.

 

Preferred Stock Proposals

 

Vote the authorization for or increase in preferred shares on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

1940 Act Policies

 

Vote these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Changing a Fundamental Restriction to a Nonfundamental Restriction

 

Vote these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

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Change Fundamental Investment Objective to Nonfundamental

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals to change a fund’s fundamental investment objective to nonfundamental.

 

Name Rule Proposals

 

Vote these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Disposition of Assets/Termination/Liquidation

 

Vote these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Changes to the Charter Document

 

Vote changes to the charter document on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Changing the Domicile of a Fund

 

Vote reincorporations on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Change in Fund’s Subclassification

 

Vote these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Authorizing the Board to Hire and Terminate Subadvisors Without Shareholder Approval

 

Generally, vote FOR these proposals.

 

Distribution Agreements

 

Vote these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Master-Feeder Structure

 

Generally, vote FOR the establishment of a master-feeder structure.

 

Mergers

 

Vote merger proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Establish Director Ownership Requirement

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals for the establishment of a director ownership requirement.

 

Reimburse Shareholder for Expenses Incurred

 

Voting to reimburse proxy solicitation expenses should be analyzed on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Terminate the Investment Advisor

 

Vote to terminate the investment advisor on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

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12.          Social and Environmental Issues

 

These issues cover a wide range of topics. In general, unless otherwise specified herein, vote CASE-BY-CASE. While a wide variety of factors may go into each analysis, the overall principle guiding all vote recommendations focuses on how or whether the proposal will enhance the economic value of the company. Because a company’s board is likely to have access to relevant, non-public information regarding a company’s business, such proposals will generally be voted in a manner intended to give the board (rather than shareholders) latitude to set corporate policy and oversee management.

 

Absent concurring support from the issuer, compelling evidence of abuse, significant public controversy or litigation, the issuer’s significant history of relevant violations; or activities not in step with market practice or regulatory requirements, or unless provided for otherwise herein, generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals seeking to dictate corporate conduct, apply existing law, duplicate policies already substantially in place and/or addressed by the issuer, or release information that would not help a shareholder evaluate an investment in the corporation as an economic matter. Such proposals would generally include those seeking preparation of reports and/or implementation or additional disclosure of corporate policies related to issues such as consumer and public safety, environment and energy, labor standards and human rights, military business and political concerns, workplace diversity and non-discrimination, sustainability, social issues, vendor activities, economic risk or matters of science and engineering.

 

13.          Global Proxies

 

The foregoing Guidelines provided in connection with proxies of U.S. issuers shall also be applied to global proxies where applicable and not provided for otherwise herein. The following provide for differing regulatory and legal requirements, market practices and political and economic systems existing in various global markets.

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, it shall generally be the policy of the Funds to vote AGAINST global proxy proposals in cases in which the Agent recommends voting AGAINST such proposal because relevant disclosure by the issuer, or the time provided for consideration of such disclosure, is inadequate. For purposes of these global Guidelines, “AGAINST” shall mean withholding of support for a proposal, resulting in submission of a vote of AGAINST or ABSTAIN, as appropriate for the given market and level of concern raised by the Agent regarding the issue or lack of disclosure or time provided.

 

In connection with practices described herein that are associated with a firm AGAINST vote, it shall generally be the policy of the Funds to consider them on a CASE-BY-CASE basis if the Agent recommends their support (1) as the issuer or market transitions to better practices (e.g., having committed to new regulations or governance codes) or (2) as the more favorable choice in cases in which shareholders must choose between alternate proposals.

 

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Routine Management Proposals

 

Generally, vote FOR the following and other similar routine management proposals:

 

       the opening of the shareholder meeting

 

       that the meeting has been convened under local regulatory requirements

 

       the presence of quorum

 

       the agenda for the shareholder meeting

 

       the election of the chair of the meeting

 

       the appointment of shareholders to co-sign the minutes of the meeting

 

       regulatory filings (e.g., to effect approved share issuances)

 

       the designation of inspector or shareholder representative(s) of minutes of meeting

 

       the designation of two shareholders to approve and sign minutes of meeting

 

       the allowance of questions

 

       the publication of minutes

 

       the closing of the shareholder meeting

 

Discharge of Management/Supervisory Board Members

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals seeking the discharge of management and supervisory board members, unless the Agent recommends AGAINST due to concern about the past actions of the company’s auditors or directors or legal action is being taken against the board by other shareholders, including when the proposal is bundled.

 

Director Elections

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, the Agent’s standards with respect to determining director independence shall apply. These standards generally provide that, to be considered completely independent, a director shall have no material connection to the company other than the board seat.

 

Agreement with the Agent’s independence standards shall not dictate that a Fund’s vote shall be cast according to the Agent’s corresponding recommendation. Further, the application of Guidelines in connection with such standards shall apply only in cases in which the nominee’s level of independence can be ascertained based on available disclosure. These policies generally apply to director nominees in uncontested elections; votes in contested elections, and votes on director nominees not subject to policies described herein, should be made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

For issuers domiciled in Canada, Finland, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden or tax haven markets, generally vote AGAINST non-independent directors in cases in which the full board serves as the audit committee, or the company does not have an audit committee.

 

For issuers in all markets, including those in tax haven markets and those in Japan that have adopted the U.S.-style board-with-committees structure, vote AGAINST non-independent directors who sit on the audit committee, or, if the slate of nominees is bundled, vote AGAINST the slate. If the slate is bundled and audit committee membership is unclear, vote FOR if the Agent otherwise recommends support.

 

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In tax haven markets, DO NOT VOTE AGAINST non-independent directors in cases in which the full board serves as the compensation committee, or the company does not have a compensation committee.

 

DO NOT VOTE AGAINST non-independent directors who sit on the compensation or nominating committees, provided that such committees meet the applicable independence requirements of the relevant listing exchange.

 

In cases in which committee membership is unclear, consider non-independent director nominees on a CASE-BY-CASE basis if no other issues have been raised in connection with his/her nomination.

 

Generally follow Agent’s recommendations to vote AGAINST individuals nominated as outside/non-executive directors who do not meet the Agent’s standard for independence, unless the slate of nominees is bundled, in which case the proposal(s) to elect board members shall be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

For issuers in Canada and tax haven markets, generally withhold support (AGAINST or ABSTAIN, as appropriate) from bundled slates of nominees if the board is non-majority independent. For issuers in other global markets, generally follow Agent’s standards for withholding support from bundled slates or non-independent directors excluding the CEO, as applicable, if the board is non-majority independent or the board’s independence cannot be ascertained due to inadequate disclosure.

 

Generally, withhold support (AGAINST or ABSTAIN, as appropriate) from nominees or slates of nominees presented in a manner not aligned with market practice and/or legislation, including:

 

       bundled slates of nominees (e.g., Hong Kong or France);

 

       simultaneous reappointment of retiring directors (e.g., South Africa);

 

       in markets with term lengths capped by legislation or market practice, nominees whose terms exceed the caps or are not disclosed (except that bundled slates with such lack of disclosure shall be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis); or

 

       nominees whose names are not disclosed in advance of the meeting (e.g., Austria, Philippines, Hong Kong or South Africa).

 

Such criteria will not generally provide grounds for withholding support in countries in which they may be identified as best practice but such legislation or market practice is not yet applicable, unless specific governance shortfalls identified by the Agent dictate that less latitude should be extended to the issuer.

 

In cases in which cumulative or net voting applies, generally vote with Agent’s recommendation to support nominees asserted by the issuer to be independent, even if independence disclosure or criteria fall short of Agent’s standards.

 

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Consider nominees for whom the Agent has raised concerns regarding scandals or internal controls on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. Generally, withhold support (AGAINST or ABSTAIN, as appropriate) from nominees or slates of nominees when:

 

       the scandal or shortfall in controls took place at the company, or an affiliate, for which the nominee is being considered;

 

       culpability can be attributed to the nominee (e.g., nominee manages or audits relevant function), and

 

•       the nominee has been directly implicated, with resulting arrest and criminal charge or regulatory sanction.

 

For markets such as the tax havens, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Malaysia (and for outside directors in South Korea) in which nominees’ attendance records are adequately disclosed, the Funds’ U.S. Guidelines with respect to director attendance shall apply.

 

Consider self-nominated director candidates on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s approach to evaluating such candidates.

 

Generally vote FOR nominees without regard to “over-boarding” issues raised by the Agent unless other concerns requiring CASE-BY-CASE consideration have been raised.

 

For companies incorporated in tax haven markets but which trade exclusively in the U.S., the Funds’ U.S. Guidelines with respect to director elections shall apply.

 

Board Structure

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to fix board size, but also support proposals seeking a board range if the range is reasonable in the context of market practice and anti-takeover considerations. Proposed article amendments in this regard shall be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s approach to evaluating such proposals.

 

Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection

 

Generally, vote in accordance with the Agent’s standards for indemnification and liability protection for officers and directors, voting AGAINST overly broad provisions.

 

Independent Statutory Auditors

 

With respect to Japanese companies that have not adopted the U.S.-style board-with-committees structure, vote AGAINST any nominee to the position of “independent statutory auditor” whom the Agent considers affiliated, e.g., if the nominee has worked a significant portion of his career for the company, its main bank or one of its top shareholders. Where shareholders are forced to vote on multiple nominees in a single resolution, vote AGAINST all nominees.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST incumbent nominees at companies implicated in scandals or exhibiting poor internal controls.

 

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Key Committees

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals that permit non-board members to serve on the audit, compensation or nominating committee, provided that bundled slates may be supported if no slate nominee serves on the relevant committee(s).

 

Director Remuneration

 

Consider director compensation plans on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s approach to evaluating such proposals, while also factoring in the merits of the rationale and disclosure provided. Generally, vote FOR proposals to approve the remuneration of directors as long as the amount is not excessive and there is no evidence of abuse.

 

Retirement Bonuses

 

With respect to Japanese companies, generally vote FOR such proposals if all payments are for directors and auditors who have served as executives of the company. Generally vote AGAINST such proposals if one or more payments are for non-executive, affiliated directors or statutory auditors; when one or more of the individuals to whom the grants are being proposed (1) has not served in an executive capacity for the company for at least three years or (2) has been designated by the company as an independent statutory auditor, regardless of the length of time he/she has served. If the Agent raises scandal or internal control considerations, generally vote AGAINST bonus proposals only for nominees whom a Fund is also voting AGAINST for that reason, unless bundled with bonuses for a majority of retirees a Fund is voting FOR.

 

Stock Option Plans for Independent Internal Statutory Auditors

 

With respect to Japanese companies, follow the Agent’s guidelines with respect to proposals regarding option grants to independent internal statutory auditors, generally voting AGAINST such plans.

 

Compensation Plans

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, votes with respect to compensation plans, and awards thereunder or capital issuances in support thereof, should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s approach to evaluating such plans, considering quantitative or qualitative factors as appropriate for the market.

 

Amendment Procedures for Equity Compensation Plans and ESPPs

 

For Toronto (Canada) Stock Exchange issuers, votes with respect to amendment procedures for security-based compensation arrangements and employee share purchase plans shall generally be cast in a manner designed to preserve shareholder approval rights, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s recommendation.

 

Shares Reserved for Equity Compensation Plans

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, voting decisions shall generally be based on the Agent’s methodology, including classification of a company’s stage of development as growth or mature and the corresponding determination as to reasonability of the share requests.

 

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Generally, vote AGAINST equity compensation plans (e.g., option, warrant, restricted stock or employee share purchase plans or participation in company offerings such as IPOs or private placements), the issuance of shares in connection with such plans, or related management proposals that:

 

       exceed Agent’s recommended dilution limits, including cases in which the Agent suggests dilution assessment is precluded by inadequate disclosure;

 

       provide deep or near-term discounts to executives or directors, unless discounts to executives are deemed by the Agent to be adequately mitigated by other requirements such as long-term vesting (e.g., Japan);

 

       are administered by potential grant recipients;

 

       permit financial assistance in the form of non-recourse (or essentially non-recourse) loans in connection with executive’s participation;

 

       for matching share plans, do not meet the Agent’s standards, considering holding period, discounts, dilution, purchase price and performance criteria;

 

       vesting upon change in control if deemed by the Agent to evidence a conflict of interest or anti-takeover device;

 

       provide no disclosure regarding vesting or performance criteria (provided that proposals providing disclosure in one or both areas, without regard to Agent’s criteria for such disclosure, shall be supported provided they otherwise satisfy these Guidelines);

 

       allow plan administrators to make material amendments without shareholder approval unless adequate prior disclosure has been provided, with such voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s approach to evaluating such plans; or

 

       provide for retesting in connection with achievement of performance hurdles unless the Agent’s analysis indicates that (1) performance targets are adequately increased in proportion to the additional time available, (2) the retesting is de minimis as a percentage of overall compensation or is acceptable relative to market practice, or (3) the issuer has committed to cease retesting within a reasonable period of time.

 

Generally, vote FOR such plans/awards or the related issuance of shares that (1) do not suffer from the defects noted above or (2) otherwise meet the Agent’s tests if the considerations raised by the Agent pertain primarily to performance hurdles, contract or notice periods, discretionary bonuses or vesting upon change in control (other than addressed above), provided the company has provided a reasonable rationale in support of the relevant plan/award, practice or participation.

 

Consider proposals in connection with such plans or the related issuance of shares in other instances on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Remuneration Reports

 

Generally, withhold support (AGAINST or ABSTAIN as appropriate for specific market and level of concerns identified by the Agent) from remuneration reports that include compensation plans permitting:

 

(1)   practices or features not supported under these Guidelines, including financial assistance under the conditions described above;

 

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(2)   retesting deemed by the Agent to be excessive relative to market practice (irrespective of the Agent’s support for the report as a whole);

 

(3)   equity award valuation triggering a negative recommendation from the Agent; or

 

(4)   provisions for retirement benefits or equity incentive awards to outside directors if not in line with market practice, except that reports will generally be voted FOR if contractual components are reasonably aligned with market practices on a going-forward basis (e.g., existing obligations related to retirement benefits or terms contrary to evolving standards would not preclude support for the report).

 

Reports receiving the Agent’s support and not triggering the concerns cited above will generally be voted FOR. Unless otherwise provided for herein, reports not receiving the Agent’s support due to concerns regarding severance/termination payments, “leaver” status, incentive structures and vesting or performance criteria not otherwise supported by these Guidelines shall be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, factoring in the merits of the rationale and disclosure provided. Reports with unsupported features may be voted FOR in cases in which the Agent recommends their initial support as the issuer or market transitions to better practices (e.g., having committed to new regulations or governance codes).

 

Shareholder Proposals Regarding Executive and Director Pay

 

The Funds’ U.S. Guidelines with respect to such shareholder proposals shall apply.

 

General Share Issuances

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, voting decisions shall generally be based on the Agent’s practice to vote FOR general issuance requests with preemptive rights to a maximum of 100 percent over currently issued capital, general issuance requests without preemptive rights to a maximum of 20 percent of currently issued capital, and requests to reissue repurchased shares if the related general issuance request is also supported.

 

Consider specific issuance requests on a CASE-BY-CASE basis based on the proposed use and the company’s rationale.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals to issue shares (with or without preemptive rights), or to grant rights to acquire shares, in cases in which concerns have been identified by the Agent with respect to inadequate disclosure, inadequate restrictions on discounts, or authority to refresh share issuance amounts without prior shareholder approval.

 

Increases in Authorized Capital

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, voting decisions should generally be based on the Agent’s approach, as follows:

 

       Generally, vote FOR nonspecific proposals, including bundled proposals, to increase authorized capital up to 100 percent over the current authorization unless the increase would leave the company with less than 30 percent of its new authorization outstanding.

 

       Vote FOR specific proposals to increase authorized capital, unless:

 

       the specific purpose of the increase (such as a share-based acquisition or merger) does not meet these Guidelines for the purpose being proposed; or

 

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       the increase would leave the company with less than 30 percent of its new authorization outstanding after adjusting for all proposed issuances.

 

       Vote AGAINST proposals to adopt unlimited capital authorizations.

 

       The Agent’s market-specific exceptions to the above parameters (e.g., The Netherlands, due to hybrid market controls) shall be applied.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, voting decisions should generally be based on the Agent’s approach, including:

 

       Vote FOR the creation of a new class of preferred stock or issuances of preferred stock up to 50 percent of issued capital unless the terms of the preferred stock would adversely affect the rights of existing shareholders.

 

       Vote FOR the creation/issuance of convertible preferred stock as long as the maximum number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion meets the Agent’s guidelines on equity issuance requests.

 

       Vote AGAINST the creation of (1) a new class of preference shares that would carry superior voting rights to the common shares or (2) blank check preferred stock unless the board states that the authorization will not be used to thwart a takeover bid.

 

Poison Pills/Protective Preference Shares

 

Generally, vote AGAINST management proposals in connection with poison pills or anti-takeover activities (e.g., issuances, transfers or repurchases) that do not meet the Agent’s standards. Generally vote in accordance with Agent’s recommendation to withhold support from a nominee in connection with poison pill or anti-takeover considerations when culpability for the actions can be specifically attributed to the nominee. Generally DO NOT VOTE AGAINST director remuneration in connection with poison pill considerations raised by the Agent.

 

Approval of Financial Statements and Director and Auditor Reports

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals seeking approval of financial accounts and reports, unless there is concern about the company’s financial accounts and reporting, which, in the case of related party transactions, would include concerns raised by the Agent regarding consulting agreements with non-executive directors. However, generally do not withhold support from such proposals in connection with remuneration practices otherwise supported under these Guidelines or as a means of expressing disapproval of broader practices of the issuer or its board.

 

Remuneration of Auditors

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to authorize the board to determine the remuneration of auditors, unless there is evidence of excessive compensation relative to the size and nature of the company.

 

Indemnification of Auditors

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals to indemnify auditors.

 

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Ratification of Auditors and Approval of Auditors’ Fees

 

Generally, follow the Agent’s standards for proposals seeking auditor ratification or approval of auditors’ fees, which indicate a vote FOR such proposals for companies in the MSCI EAFE index, provided the level of audit fee disclosure meets the Agent’s standards. In other cases, generally vote FOR such proposals unless there are material concerns raised by the Agent about the auditor’s practices or independence.

 

Allocation of Income and Dividends

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals concerning allocation of income and the distribution of dividends.

 

Stock (Scrip) Dividend Alternatives

 

Generally, vote FOR most stock (scrip) dividend proposals, but vote AGAINST proposals that do not allow for a cash option unless management demonstrates that the cash option is harmful to shareholder value.

 

Debt Instruments

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals authorizing excessive discretion, as assessed by the Agent, to a board to issue or set terms for debt instruments (e.g., commercial paper).

 

Debt Issuance Requests

 

When evaluating a debt issuance request, the issuing company’s present financial situation is examined. The main factor for analysis is the company’s current debt-to-equity ratio, or gearing level. A high gearing level may incline markets and financial analysts to downgrade the company’s bond rating, increasing its investment risk factor in the process. A gearing level up to 100 percent is considered acceptable.

 

Generally, vote FOR debt issuances for companies when the gearing level is between zero and 100 percent. Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals where the issuance of debt will result in the gearing level being greater than 100 percent, or for which inadequate disclosure precludes calculation of the gearing level, comparing any such proposed debt issuance to industry and market standards, and with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s approach to evaluating such requests.

 

Financing Plans

 

Generally, vote FOR the adoption of financing plans if they are in the best economic interests of shareholders.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

Consider related party transactions on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. Generally, vote FOR approval of such transactions unless the agreement requests a strategic move outside the company’s charter or contains unfavorable terms.

 

43



 

Approval of Donations

 

Generally, vote AGAINST such proposals unless adequate, prior disclosure of amounts is provided.

 

Capitalization of Reserves

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to capitalize the company’s reserves for bonus issues of shares or to increase the par value of shares.

 

Article Amendments

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis all proposals seeking amendments to the articles of association.

 

Generally, vote FOR an article amendment if:

 

       it is editorial in nature;

 

       shareholder rights are protected;

 

       there is negligible or positive impact on shareholder value;

 

       management provides adequate reasons for the amendments or the Agent otherwise supports management’s position;

 

       it seeks to discontinue and/or delist a form of the issuer’s securities in cases in which the relevant Fund does not hold the affected security type; or

 

       the company is required to do so by law (if applicable).

 

Generally, vote AGAINST an article amendment if:

 

       it removes or lowers quorum requirements for board or shareholder meetings below levels recommended by the Agent;

 

       it reduces relevant disclosure to shareholders;

 

       it seeks to align the articles with provisions of another proposal not supported by these Guidelines;

 

       it is not supported under these Guidelines, is presented within a bundled proposal, and the Agent deems the negative impact, on balance, to outweigh any positive impact; or

 

      it imposes a negative impact on existing shareholder rights, including rights of the Funds, to the extent that any positive impact would not be deemed by the Agent to be sufficient to outweigh removal or diminution of such rights.

 

With respect to article amendments for Japanese companies:

 

      Generally vote FOR management proposals to amend a company’s articles to expand its business lines.

 

      Generally vote FOR management proposals to amend a company’s articles to provide for an expansion or reduction in the size of the board, unless the expansion/reduction is clearly disproportionate to the growth/decrease in the scale of the business or raises anti-takeover concerns.

 

      If anti-takeover concerns exist, generally vote AGAINST management proposals, including bundled proposals, to amend a company’s articles to authorize the Board to

 

44



 

vary the annual meeting record date or to otherwise align them with provisions of a takeover defense.

 

       Generally follow the Agent’s guidelines with respect to management proposals regarding amendments to authorize share repurchases at the board’s discretion, voting AGAINST proposals unless there is little to no likelihood of a “creeping takeover” (major shareholder owns nearly enough shares to reach a critical control threshold) or constraints on liquidity (free float of shares is low), and where the company is trading at below book value or is facing a real likelihood of substantial share sales; or where this amendment is bundled with other amendments which are clearly in shareholders’ interest.

 

Other Business

 

In connection with global proxies, vote in accordance with the Agent’s market-specific recommendations on management proposals for Other Business, generally AGAINST.

 

 

45



 

Item 8.  Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

(a) (1) Portfolio Management. The following individuals comprise the investment committee of the Trust and share responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Trust’s portfolio:

 

Daniel A. Norman.  Mr. Norman is Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager in the Senior Debt Group, and has served in that capacity since November 1999. Prior to that,Mr. Norman was Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager in the Senior Debt Group (since April 1995). Mr. Norman has managed the Trust since April 1995 and is responsible for the operations, analytics, legal and marketing areas for the Trust. Mr. Norman also serves as Senior Vice President of the Trust, and he serves as Senior Vice President of ING Senior Income Fund, another closed-end fund sub-advised by ING IM that invests primarily in Senior Loans. Mr. Norman co-manages the Trust with Mr. Bakalar.

 

Jeffrey A. Bakalar.  Mr. Bakalar is Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager in the Senior Debt Group, and has served in that capacity since November 1999. Prior to that, Mr. Bakalar was Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager in the Senior Debt Group (since January 1998). Mr. Bakalar has managed the Trust since January 1998 and is responsible for overseeing the portfolio management of the Trust. Before joining ING Groep N.V., Mr. Bakalar was Vice President of The First National Bank of Chicago (from 1994 to 1998). Mr. Bakalar also serves as Senior Vice President of the Trust and as Senior Vice President of ING Senior Income Fund, another closed-end fund sub-advised by ING IM that invests primarily in Senior Loans. Mr. Bakalar co-manages the Trust with Mr. Norman.

 

Curtis F. Lee.  Mr. Lee is Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer in the Senior Debt Group and has served in that capacity since August 1999. Mr. Lee has managed the Trust since August 1999. Prior to joining the Investment Manager, Mr. Lee held a series of positions with Standard Chartered Bank in the credit approval and problem loan management functions (1992 - 1999). Mr. Lee also serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of the Trust (since January 2001), and he serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of ING Senior Income Fund, another closed-end fund sub-advised by ING IM that invests primarily in Senior Loans.

 

(a) (2) (i-iii) Other Accounts Managed

 

The following table shows the number of accounts and total assets in the accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers as of February 28, 2006.

 

 

 

Registered Investment Companies

 

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

 

Other Accts*

 

Portfolio Manager

 

Number of
Accounts

 

Total Assets
(in billions)

 

Number of
Accounts

 

Total Assets
(in billions)

 

Number of
Accounts

 

Total Assets
(in billions)

 

Daniel A. Norman

 

2

 

4.5b

 

10

 

1.0

 

0

 

N/A

 

Jeffrey A. Bakalar

 

2

 

4.5b

 

10

 

1.0

 

0

 

N/A

 

Curtis F. Lee

 

2

 

4.5b

 

10

 

1.0

 

0

 

N/A

 

 


* Of these other accounts, none have an advisory fee based on performance

 

 



 

(a) (2) (iv) Conflicts of Interest

 

A portfolio manager may be subject to potential conflicts of interest because the portfolio manager is responsible for other accounts in addition to the Trust.  These other accounts may include, among others, other mutual funds, separately managed advisory accounts, commingled trust accounts, insurance separate accounts, wrap fee programs and hedge funds.  Potential conflicts may arise out of the implementation of differing investment strategies for the portfolio manager’s various accounts, the allocation of investment opportunities among those accounts or differences in the advisory fees paid by the portfolio manager’s accounts.

 

A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio manager’s responsibility for multiple accounts with similar investment guidelines.  Under these circumstances, a potential investment may be suitable for more than one of the portfolio manager’s accounts, but the quantity of the investment available for purchase is less than the aggregate amount the accounts would ideally devote to the opportunity.  Similar conflicts may arise when multiple accounts seek to dispose of the same investment.

 

A portfolio manager may also manage accounts whose objectives and policies differ from those of the Trust.  These differences may be such that under certain circumstances, trading activity appropriate for one account managed by the portfolio manager may have adverse consequences for another account managed by the portfolio manager.  For example, if an account were to sell a significant position in a security, which could cause the market price of that security to decrease, while the Trust maintained its position in that security.

 

A potential conflict may arise when a portfolio manager is responsible for accounts that have different advisory fees – the difference in the fees may create an incentive for the portfolio manager to favor one account over another, for example, in terms of access to particularly appealing investment opportunities.  This conflict may be heightened where an account is subject to a performance-based fee.

 

As part of its compliance program, ING IM has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to address the potential conflicts of interest described above.

 

Finally, a potential conflict of interest may arise because the investment mandates for certain other accounts, such as hedge funds, may allow extensive use of short sales, which, in theory, could allow them to enter into short positions in securities where other accounts hold long positions. ING IM has policies and procedures reasonably designed to limit and monitor short sales by the other accounts to avoid harm to the Trust.

 

(a) (3) Compensation

 

Compensation consists of (a) fixed base salary; (b) bonus which is based on ING IM’s performance, three- and five-year pre-tax performance of the accounts the portfolio managers are primarily and jointly responsible for relative to account benchmarks and peer universe performance, and revenue growth of the accounts they are responsible for; and (c) long-term equity awards tied to the performance of our parent company, ING Groep.

 

 



 

Portfolio managers are also eligible to participate in an annual cash incentive plan.  The overall design of the ING IM annual incentive plan was developed to closely tie pay to performance, structured in such a way as to drive performance and promote retention of top talent.  As with base salary compensation, individual target awards are determined and set based on external market data and internal comparators.  Investment performance is measured on both relative and absolute performance in all areas.  ING IM has a defined index, the S&P’s LSTA Leveraged Loan Index and, where applicable, peer groups including but not limited to Russell, Morningstar, Inc. (“Morningstar”), Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. (“Lipper”) and Lehman and set performance goals to appropriately reflect requirements for each investment team.  The measures for each team are outlined on a “scorecard” that is reviewed on an annual basis.  These scorecards reflect a comprehensive approach to measuring investment performance versus both benchmarks and peer groups over one- and three-year periods and year-to-date net cash flow (changes in the accounts’ net assets not attributable to changes in the value of the accounts’ investments) for all accounts managed by the team.  The results for overall IIM scorecards are calculated on an asset weighted performance basis of the individual team scorecards.

 

Investment professionals’ performance measures for bonus determinations are weighted by 25% being attributable to the overall ING IM performance and 75% attributable to their specific team results (60% investment performance and 15% net cash revenue).

 

Based on job function, internal comparators and external market data, portfolio managers participate in the ING Long-Term Incentive Plan.  Plan awards are based on the current year’s performance as defined by the ING IM component of the annual incentive plan.  The awards vest in three years and are paid in a combination of ING restricted stock, stock options and restricted performance units.

 

Portfolio managers whose base salary compensation exceeds a particular threshold may participate in ING’s deferred compensation plan.  The plan provides an opportunity to invest deferred amounts of compensation in mutual funds, ING stock or at an annual fixed interest rate.  Deferral elections are done on an annual basis and the amount of compensation deferred is irrevocable.

 

(a) (4) Ownership of Securities

 

The following table shows the dollar range of shares of the Trust owned by each team member as of February 28, 2006, including investments by their immediate family members and amounts invested through retirement and deferred compensation plans.

 

 

 

Dollar Range of

Portfolio Manager

 

Trust Shares Owned

Daniel A. Norman

 

$101,000 - $500,000

Jeffrey A. Bakalar

 

$10,001 - $100,000

Curtis F. Lee

 

$0

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

 



 

Item 9.  Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers

 

None

 

Item 10.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

The Board has a Nominating Committee for the purpose of considering and presenting to the Board candidates it proposes for nomination to fill Independent Trustee vacancies on the Board.  The Committee currently consists of all Independent Trustees of the Board (6 individuals). The Nominating Committee operates pursuant to a Charter approved by the Board.  The primary purpose of the Nominating Committee is to consider and present to the Board the candidates it proposes for nomination to fill vacancies on the Board.  In evaluating candidates, the Nominating Committee may consider a variety of factors, but it has not at this time set any specific minimum qualifications that must be met. Specific qualifications of candidates for Board membership will be based on the needs of the Board at the time of nomination.

 

The Nominating Committee is willing to consider nominations received from shareholders and shall assess shareholder nominees in the same manner as it reviews its own nominees.  A shareholder nominee for director should be submitted in writing to the Fund’s Secretary.  Any such shareholder nomination should include at a minimum the following information as to each individual proposed for nomination as trustee: such individual’s written consent to be named in the proxy statement as a nominee (if nominated) and to serve as a trustee (if elected), and all information relating to such individual that is required to be disclosed in the solicitation of proxies for election of trustees, or is otherwise required, in each case under applicable federal securities laws, rules and regulations.

 

The Secretary shall submit all nominations received in a timely manner to the Nominating Committee.  To be timely, any such submission must be delivered to the Fund’s Secretary not earlier than the 90th day prior to such meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 60th day prior to such meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the meeting is first made, by either disclosure in a press release or in a document publicly filed by the Fund with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Item 11.  Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)                                  Based on our evaluation conducted within 90 days of the filing date, hereof, the design and operation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material information relating to the registrant is made known to the certifying officers by others within the appropriate entities, particularly during the period in which Forms N-CSR are being prepared, and the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures allow timely preparation and review of the information for the registrant’s Form N-CSR and the officer certifications of such Form N-CSR.

 

(b)                                 There were no significant changes in the registrant’s internal controls that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1)                    Code of Ethics pursuant to Item 2 of Form N-CSR is filed and attached hereto as EX-99.CODE ETH.

 

(a)(2)                    A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2 under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2) is attached hereto as EX-99.CERT.

 

(b)                                 The officer certifications required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto as EX-99.906CERT.

 

     (3)                   Not applicable.

 

 


 


 

SIGNATURES

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

(Registrant): ING Prime Rate Trust

 

 

By

/s/ Shaun P. Mathews

 

Shaun P. Mathews

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: May 7, 2007

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

By

/s/ Shaun P. Mathews

 

Shaun P. Mathews

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: May 7, 2007

 

 

By

/s/ Todd Modic

 

Todd Modic

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Date: May 7, 2007