FIRST QUARTER REPORT FIRST QUARTER REPORT MAY 31, 2004 ING PRIME RATE TRUST [GRAPHIC] [ING FUNDS LOGO] ING Prime Rate Trust FIRST QUARTER REPORT May 31, 2004 Table of Contents Portfolio Managers' Report 2 Statement of Assets and Liabilities 7 Statement of Operations 8 Statements of Changes in Net Assets 9 Statement of Cash Flows 10 Financial Highlights 11 Notes to Financial Statements 12 Portfolio of Investments 19 Additional Information 39 Trustee and Officer Information 41 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 in a professionally managed portfolio comprised primarily of senior loans. PORTFOLIO CHARACTERISTICS AS OF MAY 31, 2004 Net Assets $ 1,014,597,112 Total Assets $ 1,917,751,793 Assets Invested in Senior Loans $ 1,828,496,834 Senior Loans Represented 384 Average Amount Outstanding per Loan $ 4,761,711 Industries Represented 39 Average Loan Amount per Industry $ 46,884,534 Portfolio Turnover Rate (YTD) 24% Weighted Average Days to Interest Rate Reset 45 Average Loan Final Maturity 57 months Total Leverage as a Percentage of Total Assets (including Preferred Shares) 45.31% PEFORMANCE SUMMARY* The Trust declared $0.10 of dividends during the first fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2004. Based on the average month-end net asset value ("NAV") per share of $7.38, this resulted in an annualized distribution rate of 5.62%(1) for the quarter. The Trust's total return for the first fiscal quarter, based on NAV, was 1.63%, versus a total return on the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index of 0.95% for the same period. The total market value return (based on full reinvestment of dividends) for the Trust's common shares during the first fiscal quarter was 2.01%. MARKET OVERVIEW The tone of the non-investment grade loan market remained quite strong during this fiscal quarter. Factors underlying such strength included a demonstrably healthier U.S. economic environment, improved corporate earnings and a continued reduction in trailing default rates. To these factors, add a now near consensus view that the Federal Reserve is about to embark on a program to systematically raise short-term interest rates, and the result is an almost universally bullish outlook--and intense investor demand--for floating rate loans. When taken in isolation, strong demand for loans has a positive influence on loan returns in that it provides significant and deep price support. To be fully constructive, however, high levels of demand must be met with an equally strong supply of new loans. Although improved measurably, supply only kept pace with demand during the quarter. As a result, significant levels of idle cash resident in many loan portfolios since the end of 2003 remained largely in place, thereby driving secondary loan prices to new highs and borrowing spreads on new loans to historical lows. On the plus side, while pricing trends remain unfavorable, credit trends continue to look relatively positive. At this point, nearly all qualitative and quantitative factors point to the continuation of low near-term default risk in non-investment grade credit markets. ---------- * Please see the more detailed information on the charts immediately following this report. 2 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued) PORTFOLIO OVERVIEW In addition to general market strength, the Trust's favorable results for the first fiscal quarter were attributable primarily to gains experienced by a select number of individual positions in which the Trust had a significant investment and, to a lesser degree, the higher utilization of leverage for investment purposes (discussed below). Valuations (and thus loan prices) in the cable television sector were buoyed during the quarter by the successful refinance of the Charter Communications Holdings, LLC ("Charter") loan facilities. The refinance enabled us to reduce (at full value) the Trust's aggregate Charter exposure to 2.7% of total assets (from 4.0% at the end of last fiscal quarter) and realize gains on prior investments. Similarly, Nextel Finance Company ("Nextel"), historically one of the Trust's largest holdings and long the bellwether issuer in the cellular communications sector, refinanced its sizeable loan facility during the quarter. Accordingly, our exposure to Nextel declined to 3.3% of total assets (the Trust's largest holding as of the current fiscal quarter-end), from 3.7% at last quarter-end. A follow-on refinance is expected to close shortly which will materially reduce our Nextel position from this lower level. These activities had, in part, the net effect of reducing the Trust's exposure to the cable television and wireless communications sectors to approximately 9.0% and 6.8% of total assets, respectively, from 11.9% and 9.1%, respectively, at the end of the prior fiscal quarter. We continue to find these sectors attractive on the basis of offering attractive returns for the underlying risk. TOP TEN INDUSTRY SECTORS AS OF MAY 31, 2004 AS A PERCENTAGE OF: TOTAL NET ASSETS ASSETS -------- -------- Cable Television 9.0% 17.0% Cellular Communications 6.8% 12.8% Printing and Publishing 6.6% 12.4% Leisure, Amusement and Entertainment 5.9% 11.1% Healthcare, Education and Childcare 5.5% 10.3% Chemicals, Plastics and Rubber 5.4% 10.2% Automobile 4.8% 9.0% Containers, Packaging and Glass 4.0% 7.6% Beverage, Food and Tobacco 3.4% 6.5% Radio and TV Broadcasting 3.3% 6.2% While we proactively manage the Trust's top exposures, we continue to maintain a high level of diversification of the portfolio across both issuer and industry lines. As of May 31, 2004, the average individual position accounted for approximately 0.25% of the Trust's total assets, while the average amount invested per industry amounted to approximately 2.44% of total assets. TOP TEN SENIOR LOAN ISSUERS AS OF MAY 31, 2004 AS A PERCENTAGE OF: TOTAL NET ASSETS ASSETS -------- -------- Nextel Finance Company 3.3% 6.3% Charter Communications Holdings, LLC 2.7% 5.2% CNL Hospitality Partners, L.P. 1.8% 3.4% Dex Media West, LLC 1.7% 3.1% Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Inc. 1.5% 2.9% Century Cable Holdings, LLC 1.2% 2.4% Olympus Cable Holdings, LLC 1.2% 2.3% General Growth Properties 1.2% 2.3% Crown Castle Operating Company 1.1% 2.1% Allegheny Energy Supply Company 1.1% 2.1% USE OF LEVERAGE The Trust utilizes financial leverage to seek to increase the yield to the holders of common shares. As of May 31, 2004, the Trust had $450 million of "Aaa/AAA(2)" rated cumulative auction rate preferred shares outstanding, and $419 million of borrowings outstanding under $525 million in available credit facilities. Total leverage, as a percentage of total assets (including preferred shares), was 45.3% at 3 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued) year end. The use of leverage for investment purposes increases both investment opportunity and investment risk. OUTLOOK The combination of rising short-term rates and the expectation of a relatively stable credit environment has created unprecedented demand for the floating rate loan asset class. As a result, barring any unforeseen economic or geopolitical event, we expect the second half of the year to be at least as robust as the first. The downside to such technical strength, while limited in terms of immediate NAV volatility, continues to be the compression of borrowing spreads to historical lows, and in many cases, relaxed structural protections afforded to senior secured lenders (e.g., second lien and covenant-light loan facilities). Our strategy remains credit-focused; as in the past, we will continue to forfeit yield in order to maintain credit discipline. As with other market participants, we'll also stay keenly focused on the Federal Reserve as it determines the timing of future changes in interest rates. Given the ultra-short duration of floating rate loans, an upward move in short-term rates would prove positive for the Fund's distributable yield. We thank you for your investment in ING Prime Rate Trust. /s/ Jeffrey A. Bakalar /s/ Daniel A. Norman Jeffrey A. Bakalar Daniel A. Norman SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT CO-SENIOR PORTFOLIO MANAGER CO-SENIOR PORTFOLIO MANAGER ING INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CO. ING INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CO. ING Prime Rate Trust July 26, 2004 (1) The distribution rate is calculated by annualizing dividends declared during the quarter and dividing the resulting annualized dividend by the Trust's average month-end 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) 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. 4 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued) AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED MAY 31, 2004 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SINCE TRUST SINCE INITIAL 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS INCEPTION(1)(2) TRADING ON NYSE(3) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------------------- -------------------- Based on Net Asset Value (NAV) 13.13% 4.90% 3.82% 5.90% 6.86% -- Based on Market Value 18.19% 7.91% 4.37% 6.55% -- 7.08% Credit Suisse First Boston Leveraged Loan Index 8.29% 4.87% 4.83% 6.18% -- 6.80% S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index(4) 7.58% 4.93% 5.07% -- -- -- ASSUMES RIGHTS WERE EXERCISED AND EXCLUDES SALES CHARGES AND COMMISSIONS(5),(6),(7) (1) Inception Date -- May 12, 1988. Return since inception is not applicable since the Trust did not trade on the NYSE prior to March 9, 1992. (2) Reflects partial waiver of fees. (3) Initial Trading on NYSE -- March 9, 1992. Performance since inception for the index is shown from 03/01/92. (4) Performance since inception for the index is 5.32% from 1/1/97. (5) Calculation of total return assumes a hypothetical initial investment at the net asset value (in the case of NAV) or the NYSE Composite closing price (in the case of Market) on the last business day before the first day of the stated period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested at the actual reinvestment price. (6) On December 27, 1994, the Trust issued to its shareholders transferable rights which entitled the holders to subscribe for 17,958,766 shares of the Trust's common stock at the rate of one share of common stock for each four rights held. On January 27, 1995, the offering expired and was fully subscribed. The Trust issued 17,958,766 shares of its common stock to exercising rights holders at a subscription price of $8.12. Offering costs of $4,470,955 were charged against the offering proceeds. (7) On October 18, 1996, the Trust issued to its shareholders non-transferable rights which entitled the holders to subscribe for 18,122,963 shares of the Trust's common stock at the rate of one share of common stock for each five rights held. On November 12, 1996, the offering expired and was fully subscribed. The Trust issued 18,122,963 shares of its common stock to exercising rights holders at a subscription price of $9.09. Offering costs of $6,972,203 were charged against the offering proceeds. 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 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 TO THE MOST RECENT MONTH END. 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 LETTER 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 LETTER 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. 5 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued) YIELDS AND DISTRIBUTION RATES NET ASSET AVERAGE AVERAGE VALUE ("NAV") MARKET ANNUALIZED ANNUALIZED PRIME 30-DAY SEC 30-DAY SEC DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION QUARTER ENDED RATE YIELD(A) YIELD(A) RATE AT NAV(B) RATE AT MARKET(B) ---------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- -------------------- -------------------- May 31, 2004 4.00% 5.83% 5.44% 5.62% 5.17% February 29, 2004 4.00% 5.56% 5.20% 5.82% 5.35% November 30, 2003 4.00% 6.51% 6.30% 5.83% 5.68% August 31, 2003 4.00% 5.82% 5.45% 5.98% 5.72% (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 SEC standardized yield formula for investment companies. (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. INDEX DESCRIPTIONS THE S&P/LSTA LEVERAGED LOAN INDEX ("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 FIRST BOSTON LEVERAGED LOAN INDEX is an unmanaged index of below investment grade loans designed to mirror the investable universe of the U.S. dollar-denominated leveraged loan market. An investor cannot invest directly in an index. 6 ING Prime Rate Trust STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) ASSETS: Investments in securities at value (Cost $1,878,179,401) $ 1,873,157,301 Cash 21,276,345 Receivables: Investment securities sold 14,226,916 Interest 8,780,568 Other 95,810 Prepaid expenses 214,853 ---------------- Total assets 1,917,751,793 ---------------- LIABILITIES: Notes payable 419,000,000 Payable for investments purchased 27,360,378 Deferred arrangement fees on senior loans 3,199,903 Dividends payable - preferred shares 43,875 Payable to affiliates 1,658,807 Accrued trustees' fees 49,308 Other accrued expenses 1,842,410 ---------------- Total liabilities 453,154,681 ---------------- Preferred shares, $25,000 stated value per share at liquidation value (18,000 shares outstanding) 450,000,000 ---------------- NET ASSETS $ 1,014,597,112 ================ Net assets value per common share outstanding (net assets less preferred shares at liquidation value, divided by 137,821,394 shares of beneficial interest authorized and outstanding, no par value) $ 7.36 NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: Paid-in capital $ 1,290,371,862 Undistributed net investment income 9,372,635 Accumulated net realized loss on investments (280,125,285) Net unrealized depreciation of investments (5,022,100) ---------------- NET ASSETS $ 1,014,597,112 ================ See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statement 7 ING Prime Rate Trust STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS for the Three Months Ended May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) INVESTMENT INCOME: Interest $ 20,967,401 Arrangement fees earned 676,232 Dividends 15,337 Other 545,646 ---------------- Total investment income 22,204,616 ---------------- EXPENSES: Investment management fees 3,597,102 Administration fees 1,124,094 Transfer agent and registrar fees 186,608 Interest 1,280,690 Shareholder reporting expense 37,340 Custodian fees 179,400 Professional fees 264,183 Preferred Shares - Dividend disbursing agent fees 295,945 Pricing expense 8,074 ICI fees 10,790 Postage expense 58,780 Trustees' fees 18,400 Miscellaneous expense 40,860 ---------------- Total expenses 7,102,266 ---------------- Net investment income 15,102,350 ---------------- REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS: Net realized gain on investments 2,168,656 Net change in value of investments 148,464 ---------------- Net realized and unrealized gain on investments 2,317,120 ---------------- DISTRIBUTIONS TO PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS: From net investment income (1,206,860) ---------------- Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $ 16,212,610 ================ See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statement 8 ING Prime Rate Trust STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Unaudited) THREE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED MAY 31, FEBRUARY 29, 2004 2004 --------------- --------------- FROM OPERATIONS: Net investment income $ 15,102,350 $ 64,881,220 Net realized gain (loss) on investments 2,168,656 (45,502,509) Change in value of investments 148,464 126,661,233 Distributions to preferred shareholders from net investment income (1,206,860) (5,199,537) --------------- --------------- Net increase in net assets resulting from operations 16,212,610 140,840,407 --------------- --------------- FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS: Distributions from net investment income (14,184,327) (57,649,691) --------------- --------------- Decrease in net assets from distributions to common shareholders (14,184,327) (57,649,691) --------------- --------------- FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: Dividends reinvested for common shares 2,063,350 4,364,604 Sales of shares in connection with shelf offering 180,038 386,779 --------------- --------------- Net increase from capital share transactions 2,243,388 4,751,383 --------------- --------------- Net increase in net assets 4,271,671 87,942,099 --------------- --------------- NET ASSETS: Beginning of period 1,010,325,441 922,383,342 --------------- --------------- End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $9,372,635 and $9,661,472, respectively) $ 1,014,597,112 $ 1,010,325,441 =============== =============== SUMMARY OF CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: Shares issued in payment of distributions from net investments income 158,628 612,173 Shares sold in connection with shelf offering 24,495 53,184 --------------- --------------- Net increase in shares outstanding 183,123 665,357 =============== =============== See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statement 9 ING Prime Rate Trust STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the Three Months Ended May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Interest received $ 18,148,626 Dividends received 15,337 Dividends paid to preferred shareholders (1,230,264) Arrangement fee paid (354,883) Other income received 543,153 Interest paid (1,280,690) Other operating expenses paid (5,335,203) Purchases of securities (595,134,226) Proceeds from sales of securities 421,377,350 --------------- Net cash used in operating activities $ (163,250,800) --------------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Dividends paid in cash to common shareholders (12,120,977) Proceeds from shelf offerings 180,038 Net issuance of notes payable 194,000,000 --------------- Net cash flows provided by financing activities 182,059,061 --------------- Net change in cash 18,808,261 Cash at beginning of period 2,468,084 --------------- Cash at end of period $ 21,276,345 =============== RECONCILIATION OF NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS TO NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $ 16,212,610 --------------- Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by operating activities: Change in unrealized depreciation of securities (148,464) Net accretion of discounts on securities (1,777,495) Realized gain on sale of securities (2,168,656) Purchase of securities (595,134,226) Proceeds on sale of securities 421,377,350 Increase in other assets (2,493) Increase in interest receivable (1,041,280) Increase in prepaid expenses (177,563) Decrease in deferred arrangement fees on senior loans (1,031,115) Decrease in preferred shareholder dividend payable (23,404) Increase in affiliate payable 274,389 Increase in accrued trustees' fees 7,106 Increase in accrued expenses 382,441 --------------- Total adjustments (179,463,410) --------------- Net cash used in operating activities $ (163,250,800) =============== NON CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES Reinvestment of dividends $ 2,063,350 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statement 10 ING PRIME RATE TRUST FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For a common share outstanding throughout the period THREE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28 OR FEBRUARY 29, 2004 -------------------------------------------------------------- (UNAUDITED) 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE Net asset value, beginning of year $ 7.34 6.73 7.20 8.09 8.95 9.24 Income from investment operations: Net investment income $ 0.11 0.46 0.50 0.74 0.88 0.79 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments $ 0.02 0.61 (0.47) (0.89) (0.78) (0.30) ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Total from investment operations $ 0.13 1.07 0.03 (0.15) 0.10 0.49 Distributions to Common Shareholders from net investment income $ (0.10) (0.42) (0.45) (0.63) (0.86) (0.78) Distribution to Preferred Shareholders $ (0.01) (0.04) (0.05) (0.11) (0.06) -- Reduction in net asset value from Preferred Shares offerings $ -- -- -- -- (0.04) -- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Net asset value, end of year $ 7.36 7.34 6.73 7.20 8.09 8.95 ============ ========== ========== ========== =========== ========== Closing market price at end of year $ 7.89 7.84 6.46 6.77 8.12 8.25 TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN(1) Total investment return at closing market price(2) % 2.01 28.77 2.53 (9.20) 9.10 (5.88) Total investment return at net asset value(3) % 1.63 15.72 0.44 (3.02) 0.19 5.67 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA Net assets end of year (000's) $ 1,014,597 1,010,325 922,383 985,982 1,107,432 1,217,339 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) $ 419,000 225,000 167,000 282,000 510,000 484,000 Asset coverage per $1,000 of debt(4) $ 2,170 2,500 2,500 2,350 2,150 3,520 Average borrowings (000's) $ 321,315 143,194 190,671 365,126 450,197 524,019 Ratios to average net assets including Preferred Shares(5) Expenses (before interest and other fees related to revolving credit facility)(6) % 1.59 1.45 1.49 1.57 1.62 -- Expenses(6) % 1.94 1.65 1.81 2.54 3.97 -- Net investment income(6) % 1.03 4.57 4.97 6.83 9.28 -- Ratios to average net assets plus borrowings Expenses (before interest and other fees related to revolving credit facility)(6) % 1.75 1.84 1.82 1.66 1.31 1.00(7) Expenses(6) % 2.10 2.09 2.23 2.70 3.21 2.79(7) Net investment income(6) % 4.48 5.82 6.10 7.24 7.50 6.12 Ratios to average net assets Expenses (before interest and other fees related to revolving credit facility)(6) % 2.26 2.11 2.19 2.25 1.81 1.43(7) Expenses(6) % 2.78 2.40 2.68 3.64 4.45 4.00(7) Net investment income(6) % 5.91 6.68 7.33 9.79 10.39 8.77 Portfolio turnover rate % 24 87 48 53 46 71 Common shares outstanding at end of period (000's) 137,821 137,638 136,973 136,973 136,847 136,036 (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. (6) Annualized for periods less than one year. (7) Calculated on total expenses before impact on earnings credits. See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 11 ING Prime Rate Trust NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) NOTE 1 -- ORGANIZATION ING Prime Rate Trust (the "Trust"), a Massachusetts business trust, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as a diversified, closed-end, management investment company. The Trust invests primarily in senior loans which are exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "33 Act"), but 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 Prime Rate of a U.S. bank specified in the credit agreement, the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), the certificate of deposit rate, or in some cases another base lending rate. 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. NOTE 2 -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. A. SENIOR LOAN AND OTHER SECURITY VALUATION. Senior loans held by the Trust are normally valued at the mean of the means of one or more bid and asked quotations obtained from an independent pricing service or other sources determined by the Board of Trustees 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 readily available, reliable 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 May 31, 2004, 97.60% of total investments 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 Manager") or ING Investment Management Co. (formerly, "Aeltus Investment Management, Inc.")("INGIM" 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 Manager or the Sub-Adviser that the Investment Manager 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 Trust's Board of Trustees and in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act. Under these procedures, fair value is determined by the Investment Manager and monitored by the Trust's Board of Trustees through its Valuation and Proxy Voting 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 12 ING Prime Rate Trust NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) NOTE 2 -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 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, 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. Debt and equity 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 asked 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 of Trustees of the Trust. Investments in securities maturing in less than 60 days from the date of acquisition are valued at amortized cost. 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 discontinued when, in the opinion of management, there is an indication that the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due. Upon such discontinuance, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed. Cash collections on nonaccrual senior loans are generally applied as a reduction to the recorded investment of the loan. Senior loans are returned to accrual status only after all past due amounts have been received. For all loans acquired prior to March 1, 2001, arrangement fees received, which represent non-refundable fees associated with the acquisition of loans, are deferred and recognized over the shorter of 2.5 years or the actual terms of the loan. For all loans, except revolving credit facilities, acquired subsequent to February 28, 2001, fees received are treated as discounts and are accreted whereas premiums are amortized. Fees associated with revolving credit facilities acquired subsequent to February 28, 2001 are deferred and recognized over the shorter of four years or the actual term of the loan. D. DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS. The Trust declares dividends monthly for 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for investment companies. 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 Trust records distributions to its shareholders on the ex-dividend date. 13 ING Prime Rate Trust NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) NOTE 2 -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) E. DIVIDEND REINVESTMENTS. Pursuant to the Trust's Shareholder Investment Program (formerly known as the Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan), DST Systems, Inc., the Plan Agent, 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 net asset value per share of the Trust's common shares on the valuation date. If the market price plus commissions is equal to or exceeds the net asset value, new shares are issued by the Trust at the greater of (i) net asset value or (ii) the market price of the shares during the pricing period, minus a discount of 5%. F. USE OF ESTIMATES. Management of the Trust has made certain estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and contingencies to prepare these financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. Actual results could differ from these estimates. G. SHARE OFFERINGS. Beginning in the year ended February 28, 1999, the Trust began issuing 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 three months ended May 31, 2004, the cost of purchases and the proceeds from principal repayment and sales of investments, excluding short-term notes, totaled $599,935,714 and $420,421,285, respectively. At May 31, 2004, the Trust held senior loans valued at $1,828,496,834 representing 97.6% 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 '33 Act, or without an exemption under the '33 Act. In some cases, these restrictions expire after a designated period of time after issuance of the shares or warrants. 14 ING Prime Rate Trust NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) NOTE 3 -- INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) Dates of acquisition and cost or assigned basis of restricted securities are as follows: DATE OF COST OR ACQUISITION ASSIGNED BASIS --------------- --------------- Acterna, LLC -- Common Shares 12/24/03 $ 1,090,731 Allied Digital Technologies Corporation -- Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate 06/05/02 186,961 AM Cosmetics Corporation -- Liquidation Interest 03/07/03 50 Block Vision Holdings Corporation -- Common Shares 09/30/02 -- Boston Chicken, Inc. -- Residual Interest in Boston Chicken Plan Trust 12/26/00 6,728,959 Cedar Chemical -- Liquidation Interest 12/31/02 -- Covenant Care, Inc. -- Warrants 12/22/95 -- Covenant Care, Inc. -- Warrants 01/18/02 -- Decision One Corporation -- Common Shares 06/16/00 -- Electro Mechanical Solutions -- Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate 10/02/02 30 Enginen Realty -- Common Shares 11/24/03 -- Enterprise Profit Solutions -- Liquidation Interest 10/21/02 -- Euro United Corporation -- Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate 06/21/02 2,539,432 Exide Technologies -- Warrants 11/30/01 -- Galey & Lord -- Common Shares 03/31/04 -- Gate Gourment Borrower, LLC -- Common Shares 12/04/03 -- Gemini Leasing, Inc. -- Common Shares 01/08/04 -- Grand Union Company -- Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate 07/01/02 3,599 Holmes Group -- Common Shares 05/26/04 -- Humphreys, Inc. -- Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate 05/15/02 100 IHDG Realty -- Common Shares 05/02/01 1 Imperial Home Decor Group, Inc. -- Common Shares 05/02/01 1,654,378 Insilco Technologies -- Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate 05/02/03 21,140 Intera Group, Inc. -- Common Shares 11/29/02 -- IT Group, Inc. -- Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate 09/12/03 366,989 Kevco, Inc. -- Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate 06/05/02 147,443 Malden Mills Industries, Inc. -- Common Shares 11/04/03 -- Morris Material Handling, Inc. -- Common Shares 10/09/01 3,009,059 MP Holdings, Inc. -- Common Shares 04/16/01 6 Murray's Discount Auto Stores, Inc. -- Escrow 08/11/03 510,279 Neoplan USA Corporation -- Common Shares 08/29/03 -- Neoplan USA Corporation -- Series B Preferred Shares 08/29/03 -- Neoplan USA Corporation -- Series C Preferred Shares 08/29/03 428,603 Neoplan USA Corporation -- Series D Preferred Shares 08/29/03 3,524,300 New Piper Aircraft -- Residual Interest in Litigation Proceeds 07/02/03 -- New World Restaurant Group, Inc. -- Warrants 09/27/01 40 Safelite Glass Corporation -- Common Shares 09/12/00 -- Safelite Realty -- Common Shares 09/12/00 -- Sarcom, Inc. -- Common Shares 12/11/02 -- Sarcom, Inc. -- Preferred Shares 12/11/02 2,782,654 Scientific Games Corporation -- Common Shares 10/30/03 554,457 Soho Publishing -- Common Shares 01/10/02 133 Stellex Aerostructures, Inc. -- Common Shares 10/17/01 275,767 Targus Group, Inc. -- Common Shares 03/11/03 -- Tartan Textile Services, Inc. -- Series D Preferred Shares 07/16/01 2,227,655 Tartan Textile Services, Inc. -- Series E Preferred Shares 07/16/01 2,333,852 Telinget, Inc. -- Common Shares 09/18/02 -- Tembec, Inc. -- Common Shares 01/08/02 1,442,942 Transtar Metals -- Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate 01/09/03 80,459 TSR Wireless, LLC -- Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate 10/15/02 -- U.S. Aggregates -- Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate 04/07/03 -- U.S. Office Products Company -- Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate 06/11/02 -- --------------- Total restricted securities excluding senior loans (market value of $29,175,576 was 2.9% of net assets at May 31, 2004) $ 29,910,019 =============== 15 ING Prime Rate Trust NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) NOTE 4 -- MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS The Trust has entered into an Investment Management Agreement with the Investment Manager, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ING Funds Services, LLC (the "Administrator"), to provide advisory and management services. The Investment Management Agreement compensates the Investment Manager with a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate of 0.80% of the Trust's Managed Assets. For purposes of this 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 Manager entered into a subadvisory agreement with INGIM, a wholly owned subsidiary of ING Groep N.V., effective August 19, 2003. Subject to such policies as the Board or the Investment Manager may determine, INGIM 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 the Administrator to provide administrative services and also to furnish facilities. The Administrator is compensated with a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Trust's average daily Managed Assets. NOTE 5 -- TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND RELATED PARTIES At May 31, 2004, the Trust had the following amounts recorded in payables to affiliates on the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities: ACCRUED INVESTMENT ACCRUED MANAGEMENT FEES ADMINISTRATIVE FEES TOTAL ------------------ ------------------- ------------ $ 1,263,853 $ 394,954 $ 1,658,807 The Trust has adopted a Retirement Policy covering all independent trustees of the Trust who will have served as a independent trustee for at least five years at the time of retirement. Benefits under this plan are based on an annual rate as defined in the plan agreement. NOTE 6 -- COMMITMENTS The Trust has entered into both a $90 million 364-day revolving credit agreement which matures on August 25, 2004 and a $435 million 364-day revolving securitization facility which matures on June 13, 2005, 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 May 31, 2004, was $419 million. Weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings was 1.50%, excluding fees related to the unused portion of the facilities, and other fees. The amount of borrowings represented 21.84% of total assets at May 31, 2004. Average borrowings for the three months ended May 31, 2004 were $321,315,217 and the average annualized interest rate was 1.47% excluding other fees related to the unused portion of the facilities, and other fees. 16 ING Prime Rate Trust NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) As of May 31, 2004, the Trust had unfunded loan commitments pursuant to the terms of the following loan agreements: Allied Waste North America, Inc. $ 1,402,800 Apria Healthcare Group, Inc. 2,000,000 Block Vision Holdings Corporation 118,771 Cincinnati Bell, Inc. 2,970,838 Davita, Inc. 3,000,000 Envirosolutions, Inc. 1,363,636 Federal -Mogul Corporation 438,518 Fleming Companies, Inc. 593,411 Geo Specialty Chemicals, Inc. 670,000 Georgia-Pacific Corporation 16,703,111 Green-Valley Ranch Gaming, LLC 1,000,000 IESI Corporation 1,049,375 Lyondell-Citgo Refining, L.P. 9,000,000 Neoplan USA Corporation 315,000 Nextel Finance Company $ 5,952,591 Nutrasweet Acquisition Corporation 425,025 Outsourcing Solutions, Inc. 63,692 Owens-Illinois Group, Inc. 7,000,000 Peabody Energy Corporation 2,500,000 Pinnacle Entertainment 1,050,525 Ply Gem Industries 1,045,455 Primedia Inc. 6,893,570 Saguaro Utility Group 3,500,000 SBA Senior Finance, Inc. 1,115,385 Six Flags Theme Parks, Inc. 2,700,000 United Defense Industries, Inc. 3,000,000 United Industries Corporation 1,280,000 --------------- $ 77,151,703 =============== NOTE 7 -- RIGHTS AND OTHER OFFERINGS As of May 31, 2004, outstanding share offerings pursuant to shelf registrations were as follows: REGISTRATION SHARES SHARES DATE REGISTERED REMAINING ------------ ---------- ---------- 9/15/98 25,000,000 19,089,760 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, $.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, $.01 Par Value, $25,000, liquidation preference, for a total issuance of $180 million. Costs associated with the offering of approximately $5,438,664 were charged against the proceeds received. 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. 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 three months ended May 31, 2004. 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 Manager 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. The Trust may invest up to 5% of its total assets, measured at the time of investment, in subordinated loans and unsecured loans. As of May 31, 2004, the Trust held 0.79% of its total assets in subordinated loans and unsecured loans. 17 ING Prime Rate Trust NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) NOTE 10 -- FEDERAL INCOME TAXES The tax composition of dividends and distributions to shareholders for the three months ended May 31, 2004 and year ended February 29, 2004 were as follows: THREE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 2004 YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2004 ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ORDINARY INCOME ORDINARY INCOME --------------- --------------- $ 15,391,187 $ 62,849,228 NOTE 11 -- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Subsequent to May 31, 2004, the Trust paid to Common Shareholders the following dividends from net investment income: PER SHARE AMOUNT DECLARATION DATE RECORD DATE PAYABLE DATE ---------------- ---------------- ----------- ------------ $ 0.035 5/28/04 6/10/04 6/22/04 0.035 6/30/04 7/12/04 7/22/04 Subsequent to May 31, 2004, the Trust paid to Preferred Shareholders the following dividends from net investment income: TOTAL PREFERRED PER SHARE AUCTION RECORD PAYABLE SHARES AMOUNT DATES DATES DATES --------- --------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- Series M $ 38.83 06/07/04 to 07/12/04 06/14/04 to 07/19/04 06/15/04 to 07/20/04 Series T $ 40.06 06/01/04 to 07/06/04 06/08/04 to 07/13/04 06/09/04 to 07/14/04 Series W $ 38.46 06/02/04 to 07/07/04 06/09/04 to 07/14/04 06/10/04 to 07/15/04 Series Th $ 40.04 06/03/04 to 07/08/04 06/10/04 to 07/15/04 06/14/04 to 07/16/04 Series F $ 39.74 06/04/04 to 07/09/04 06/11/04 to 07/16/04 06/14/04 to 07/19/04 18 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) SENIOR LOANS*: 180.2% BANK LOAN RATINGS+ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT BORROWER/TRANCHE DESCRIPTION MOODY'S S&P VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE: 2.0% ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS, INC. Ba2 BB $ 2,000,000 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2011 $ 2,016,250 ARINC, INC. Ba3 BB 1,000,000 Term Loan, maturing March 10, 2011 1,011,875 PIEDMONT AVIATION SERVICES NR NR 4,504,706 Term Loan, maturing July 23, 2006 4,459,659 4,504,706 Term Loan, maturing July 23, 2007 4,459,659 TRANSDIGM, INC. B1 B+ 1,995,000 Term Loan, maturing July 22, 2010 2,011,834 UNITED DEFENSE INDUSTRIES, INC. Ba2 BB 6,139,810 Term Loan, maturing August 13, 2009 6,194,632 ---------------- 20,153,909 ---------------- AUTOMOBILE: 9.0% AFTERMARKET TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION Ba3 BB- 958,622 Term Loan, maturing February 08, 2008 961,960 1,318,154 Term Loan, maturing February 08, 2008 1,324,745 COLLINS & AIKMAN PRODUCTS B1 B+ 1,298,246 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2005 1,312,851 DURA OPERATING CORPORATION Ba3 BB 3,144,000 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2008 3,170,529 (2) FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION Ca NR 8,502,361 Revolver, maturing February 24, 2004 7,822,172 5,059,121 Term Loan, maturing February 24, 2004 4,659,137 7,500,000 Term Loan, maturing February 24, 2005 6,907,035 GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY B1 BB 5,500,000 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2006 5,564,169 GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY B2 B 1,500,000 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2006 1,507,500 GUILFORD MILLS, INC. B2 B+ 3,000,000 Term Loan, maturing May 31, 2010 2,992,500 HLI OPERATING COMPANY, INC. Ba3 BB- 4,784,722 Term Loan, maturing June 03, 2009 4,859,483 KEYSTONE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRIES, INC. B1 B+ 1,454,348 Term Loan, maturing October 30, 2009 1,472,527 MERIDIAN AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. B2 B+ 2,000,000 Term Loan, maturing April 28, 2010 2,000,000 METALDYNE COMPANY, LLC B2 BB- 3,401,703 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2009 3,411,058 PLASTECH, INC. Ba3 BB- 2,000,000 Term Loan, maturing February 12, 2010 2,029,166 RJ TOWER CORPORATION B1 B+ 6,000,000 Term Loan, maturing May 21, 2009 6,037,500 SAFELITE GLASS CORPORATION B3 B+ 6,729,690 Term Loan, maturing September 30, 2007 6,578,272 10,823,607 Term Loan, maturing September 30, 2007 10,580,076 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 19 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) BANK LOAN RATINGS+ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT BORROWER/TRANCHE DESCRIPTION MOODY'S S&P VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ AUTOMOBILE: (CONTINUED) TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE, INC. B1 B+ $ 2,064,825 Term Loan, maturing December 12, 2010 $ 2,098,808 TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGIES INDUSTRIES, INC. B2 B 2,500,000 Term Loan, maturing March 14, 2009 2,520,833 TRW AUTOMOTIVE ACQUISITIONS CORPORATION Ba2 BB+ 1,600,000 Term Loan, maturing February 28, 2009 1,610,501 9,913,043 Term Loan, maturing February 28, 2011 10,070,591 UNITED COMPONENTS, INC. B1 BB- 2,998,333 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2010 3,043,308 ---------------- 92,534,720 ---------------- BANKING: 0.1% OUTSOURCING SOLUTIONS, INC. NR NR 2,978 Revolver, maturing December 09, 2008 2,918 1,426,801 Term Loan, maturing December 09, 2008 1,398,265 ---------------- 1,401,183 ---------------- BEVERAGE, FOOD AND TOBACCO: 6.5% B & G FOODS, INC. B1 B 1,492,500 Term Loan, maturing August 31, 2009 1,503,694 BIRDS EYE FOODS, INC. B1 B+ 6,567,369 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2008 6,650,486 COMMONWEALTH BRANDS, INC. Ba3 BB- 5,954,000 Term Loan, maturing August 28, 2007 6,020,983 CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC. Ba1 BB 5,250,000 Term Loan, maturing November 30, 2008 5,328,750 DEAN FOODS COMPANY Ba1 BB+ 4,437,500 Term Loan, maturing July 15, 2007 4,469,397 13,453,532 Term Loan, maturing July 15, 2008 13,612,647 DEL MONTE CORPORATION Ba3 BB- 3,195,840 Term Loan, maturing December 20, 2010 3,241,282 DR. PEPPER BOTTLING COMPANY OF TEXAS B1 BB- 3,880,411 Term Loan, maturing December 19, 2010 3,939,223 DS WATERS ENTERPRISES, L.P. B1 B+ 2,481,250 Term Loan, maturing November 07, 2009 2,477,374 (2) FLEMING COMPANIES, INC. B3 D 455,428 Revolver, maturing June 18, 2007 452,771 GOLDEN STATE FOODS CORPORATION B1 B+ 4,000,000 Term Loan, maturing February 28, 2011 4,027,500 INTERSTATE BRANDS CORPORATION B1 CCC+ 934,069 Term Loan, maturing July 19, 2007 914,512 2,478,693 Term Loan, maturing July 19, 2007 2,429,506 MAFCO WORLDWIDE CORPORATION B1 B 980,098 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2006 970,297 MICHAEL FOODS, INC. B1 B+ 3,980,000 Term Loan, maturing November 21, 2010 4,038,458 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 20 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) BANK LOAN RATINGS+ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT BORROWER/TRANCHE DESCRIPTION MOODY'S S&P VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BEVERAGE, FOOD AND TOBACCO: (CONTINUED) PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION B1 BB- $ 2,339,450 Term Loan, maturing November 25, 2010 $ 2,365,769 660,550 Term Loan, maturing November 25, 2010 667,981 SOUTHERN WINE & SPIRITS OF AMERICA, INC. Ba3 BB+ 2,959,991 Term Loan, maturing July 02, 2008 2,995,141 ---------------- 66,105,770 ---------------- BUILDINGS AND REAL ESTATE: 5.8% ASSOCIATED MATERIALS, INC. Ba3 B+ 1,473,684 Term Loan, maturing August 02, 2010 1,492,105 ATRIUM COMPANIES, INC. B1 B+ 2,992,500 Term Loan, maturing December 10, 2008 3,033,647 BUILDERS FIRSTSOURCE, INC. B1 B+ 4,000,000 Term Loan, maturing February 25, 2010 4,040,000 BUILDING MATERIALS HOLDING CORPORATION Ba2 BB- 1,985,000 Term Loan, maturing August 21, 2010 1,992,444 CRESCENT REAL ESTATE EQUITIES, L.P. B1 BB+ 3,500,000 Term Loan, maturing January 12, 2006 3,532,813 DMB NEWCO, LLC NR NR 8,208,810 Term Loan, maturing February 28, 2009 8,229,332 GENERAL GROWTH PROPERTIES Ba1 BBB- 5,925,000 Term Loan, maturing April 16, 2006 5,962,031 16,762,500 Term Loan, maturing April 16, 2006 16,867,266 MACERICH PARTNERSHIP, L.P. Ba2 NR 4,723,200 Term Loan, maturing July 26, 2005 4,746,816 PLY GEM INDUSTRIES B1 B+ 204,545 Revolver, maturing February 12, 2009 198,409 750,000 Term Loan, maturing March 15, 2010 750,938 4,250,000 Term Loan, maturing October 01, 2011 4,250,000 ST. MARYS CEMENT, INC. B1 BB- 2,992,500 Term Loan, maturing December 04, 2009 3,038,324 WERNER HOLDINGS COMPANY, INC. B1 B 958,333 Term Loan, maturing June 11, 2009 931,380 ---------------- 59,065,503 ---------------- CABLE TELEVISION: 17.0% (2) ADELPHIA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION NR BBB 2,956,684 Debtor in Possession Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2005 2,970,852 ATLANTIC BROADBAND FINANCE, LLC B2 B 2,000,000 Term Loan, maturing September 01, 2011 2,024,376 BRESNAN COMMUNICATIONS, LLC B1 BB- 5,000,000 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2007 5,052,500 CEBRIDGE CONNECTIONS, INC. NR NR 4,500,000 Term Loan, maturing February 04, 2009 4,466,250 1,500,000 Term Loan, maturing February 23, 2009 1,503,750 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 21 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) BANK LOAN RATINGS+ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT BORROWER/TRANCHE DESCRIPTION MOODY'S S&P VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CABLE TELEVISION: (CONTINUED) (2) CENTURY CABLE HOLDINGS, LLC Caa1 NR $ 1,230,000 Revolver, maturing March 31, 2009 $ 1,186,566 18,357,940 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2009 17,879,863 5,000,000 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2009 4,851,250 CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC B2 B 53,000,000 Term Loan, maturing April 27, 2011 52,440,161 (2) FRONTIERVISION OPERATING PARTNERS, L.P. B2 NR 4,546,959 Revolver, maturing October 31, 2005 4,541,275 (2) HILTON HEAD COMMUNICATIONS, L.P. Caa1 NR 7,000,000 Revolver, maturing September 30, 2007 6,741,000 6,500,000 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2008 6,266,000 INSIGHT MIDWEST HOLDINGS, LLC Ba3 BB+ 1,940,000 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2009 1,936,363 1,995,000 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2009 2,016,197 16,458,750 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2009 16,633,624 MCC IOWA, LLC Ba3 BB+ 1,500,000 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2010 1,496,484 16,000,000 Term Loan, maturing September 30, 2010 16,202,000 (2) OLYMPUS CABLE HOLDINGS, LLC B2 NR 5,000,000 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2010 4,843,305 19,250,000 Term Loan, maturing September 30, 2010 18,756,719 PERSONA COMMUNICATIONS, INC. B2 B+ 1,000,000 Term Loan, maturing May 31, 2011 1,007,813 ---------------- 172,816,348 ---------------- CARGO TRANSPORT: 3.1% (2) AMERICAN COMMERCIAL LINES, LLC Caa1 D 1,258,356 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2006 1,168,698 1,804,934 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2007 1,676,332 (2) AMERICAN COMMERCIAL LINES, LLC Ba3 NR 689,870 Debtor in Possession Term Loan, maturing July 31, 2004 688,145 ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORT B3 B 6,000,000 Floating Rate Note, maturing April 15, 2008 5,970,000 BAKER TANKS, INC. B1 B+ 997,500 Term Loan, maturing January 30, 2011 1,002,176 CSX/HORIZON LINES, LLC Ba3 BB- 1,569,048 Term Loan, maturing February 27, 2009 1,576,239 GEMINI LEASING, INC. NR NR 1,972,274 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2011 1,577,819 NEOPLAN USA CORPORATION NR NR 1,935,000 Revolver, maturing June 30, 2006 1,935,000 5,401,295 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2006 5,401,295 PACER INTERNATIONAL, INC. B1 BB- 2,282,353 Term Loan, maturing June 10, 2010 2,313,735 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 22 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) BANK LOAN RATINGS+ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT BORROWER/TRANCHE DESCRIPTION MOODY'S S&P VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CARGO TRANSPORT: (CONTINUED) TEREX CORPORATION B1 BB- $ 1,960,075 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2009 $ 1,971,345 1,411,524 Term Loan, maturing July 03, 2009 1,418,935 UNITED STATES SHIPPING, LLC Ba2 BB 3,500,000 Term Loan, maturing April 14, 2010 3,530,625 YELLOW ROADWAY CORPORATION Baa3 BBB 1,168,831 Term Loan, maturing June 11, 2008 1,177,597 ---------------- 31,407,943 ---------------- CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS: 12.8% AIRGATE PCS, INC. B2 CCC+ 696,750 Term Loan, maturing June 06, 2007 693,847 9,890,932 Term Loan, maturing September 30, 2008 9,849,716 CELLULAR SOUTH, INC. Ba3 B+ 2,000,000 Term Loan, maturing May 04, 2011 2,011,250 CENTENNIAL CELLULAR OPERATING COMPANY B2 B- 9,980,000 Term Loan, maturing February 09, 2011 9,997,675 DOBSON CELLULAR SYSTEMS, INC. B1 B- 5,463,747 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2010 5,460,332 INDEPENDENT WIRELESS ONE CORPORATION Caa1 NR 3,304,714 (3) Term Loan, maturing December 20, 2007 3,201,442 10,912,873 (3) Term Loan, maturing June 20, 2008 10,571,846 MICROCELL TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC. B3 B- 7,000,000 Term Loan, maturing July 15, 2011 7,030,625 MICROCELL TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC. Caa2 CCC- 1,000,000 Term Loan, maturing February 15, 2011 1,025,000 NEXTEL FINANCE COMPANY Ba2 BBB 595,773 Revolver, maturing December 31, 2007 590,963 34,578,424 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2007 34,470,366 28,932,500 Term Loan, maturing December 15, 2010 29,180,480 NEXTEL PARTNERS OPERATING CORPORATION B1 B+ 8,000,000 Term Loan, maturing May 31, 2011 8,073,752 RURAL CELLULAR CORPORATION B2 B- 2,500,000 Floating Rate Note, maturing March 15, 2010 2,550,000 US UNWIRED, INC. B2 CCC- 2,457,145 Term Loan, maturing September 30, 2007 2,379,335 2,681,083 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2008 2,596,181 ---------------- 129,682,810 ---------------- CHEMICALS, PLASTICS AND RUBBER: 10.2% ACADIA ELASTOMERS CORPORATION NR NR 8,430,657 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2004 8,009,124 BRENNTAG AG B1 BB- 4,000,000 Term Loan, maturing December 09, 2011 4,030,000 CP KELCO APS B3 B 2,492,576 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2008 2,512,310 810,798 Term Loan, maturing September 30, 2008 816,372 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 23 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) BANK LOAN RATINGS+ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT BORROWER/TRANCHE DESCRIPTION MOODY'S S&P VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHEMICALS, PLASTICS AND RUBBER: (CONTINUED) FMC CORPORATION Ba1 BBB- $ 3,887,824 Term Loan, maturing October 21, 2007 $ 3,938,852 (2) GEO SPECIALTY CHEMICALS, INC. Caa1 D 1,740,101 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2007 1,613,944 HERCULES, INC. Ba1 BB 9,325,000 Term Loan, maturing October 08, 2010 9,456,137 HUNTSMAN INTERNATIONAL, LLC B1 B 5,624,593 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2007 5,653,593 5,624,593 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2008 5,653,593 HUNTSMAN, LLC B2 B 7,372,482 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2007 7,315,869 5,565,110 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2007 5,525,358 JOHNSONDIVERSEY, INC. Ba3 BB- 3,203,601 Term Loan, maturing November 03, 2009 3,244,649 KRATON POLYMERS B1 BB- 2,991,667 Term Loan, maturing December 23, 2010 3,026,571 NALCO COMPANY B1 BB- 17,331,923 Term Loan, maturing November 04, 2010 17,400,523 NOVEON, INC. B1 BB- 7,862,146 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2009 7,894,090 NUTRASWEET ACQUISITION CORPORATION Ba3 NR 47,225 Revolver, maturing May 24, 2005 45,100 281,567 Term Loan, maturing May 24, 2005 268,896 207,979 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2006 208,499 2,868,590 Term Loan, maturing May 25, 2009 2,839,904 POLYPORE, INC. B1 B+ 10,000,000 Term Loan, maturing November 12, 2011 10,112,500 ROCKWOOD SPECIALTIES GROUP, INC. B1 B+ 3,980,000 Term Loan, maturing July 23, 2010 4,012,338 ---------------- 103,578,222 ---------------- CONTAINERS, PACKAGING AND GLASS: 7.6% BERRY PLASTICS CORPORATION B1 B+ 1,000,000 Term Loan, maturing July 22, 2010 1,010,000 2,842,357 Term Loan, maturing July 22, 2010 2,880,553 CONSTAR INTERNATIONAL, INC. B2 BB- 2,457,525 Term Loan, maturing November 20, 2009 2,487,091 CROWN CORK & SEAL COMPANY, INC. Ba3 BB- 3,325,000 Term Loan, maturing September 15, 2008 3,371,237 GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL, INC. B1 B+ 14,925,000 Term Loan, maturing August 09, 2010 15,131,771 GREIF BROS. CORPORATION Ba3 BB 2,198,625 Term Loan, maturing August 23, 2009 2,217,863 IMPAXX, INC. NR NR 2,754,865 Term Loan, maturing April 30, 2005 2,272,477 JEFFERSON SMURFIT CORPORATION Ba3 B+ 1,647,273 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2007 1,665,187 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 24 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) BANK LOAN RATINGS+ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT BORROWER/TRANCHE DESCRIPTION MOODY'S S&P VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTAINERS, PACKAGING AND GLASS: (CONTINUED) KERR GROUP, INC. B1 BB- $ 2,423,692 Term Loan, maturing August 13, 2010 $ 2,442,248 KOCH CELLULOSE B1 BB 1,812,680 Term Loan, maturing May 07, 2011 1,823,444 (2) LINCOLN PULP & EASTERN FINE NR NR 61,520 (3) Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2001 12,919 112,339 (3) Term Loan, maturing August 25, 2004 112,339 13,849,995 (3) Term Loan, maturing August 31, 2004 2,908,499 OWENS-ILLINOIS GROUP, INC. B1 BB- 12,000,000 Term Loan, maturing April 01, 2008 12,063,216 SILGAN HOLDINGS, INC. Ba3 BB 5,929,950 Term Loan, maturing November 30, 2008 6,008,706 SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CANADA, INC. Ba3 B+ 1,204,111 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2009 1,216,905 SOLO CUP, INC. B1 B+ 9,476,250 Term Loan, maturing February 27, 2011 9,612,471 STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION Ba3 B+ 9,290,454 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2009 9,373,195 TEKNI-PLEX, INC. B1 B+ 253,713 Term Loan, maturing June 21, 2008 255,193 ---------------- 76,865,314 ---------------- DATA AND INTERNET SERVICES: 0.1% McLEODUSA, INC. Caa2 NR 1,319,441 Term Loan, maturing May 30, 2008 724,868 ---------------- 724,868 ---------------- DIVERSIFIED/CONGLOMERATE MANUFACTURING: 4.6% BRAND SERVICES, INC. B1 B+ 3,181,544 Term Loan, maturing October 16, 2009 3,202,755 DRESSER, INC. Ba3 BB- 3,092,429 Term Loan, maturing April 10, 2009 3,135,918 FLOWSERVE CORPORATION Ba3 BB- 1,208,163 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2006 1,214,455 3,840,150 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2009 3,887,192 MUELLER GROUP, INC. B2 B+ 9,633,028 Term Loan, maturing April 23, 2011 9,705,276 NORCROSS SAFETY PRODUCTS, LLC B1 B+ 949,038 Term Loan, maturing March 20, 2009 958,528 RLC INDUSTRIES COMPANY B1 BB+ 1,995,000 Term Loan, maturing February 26, 2010 2,009,963 ROPER INDUSTRIES, INC. Ba2 BB+ 3,308,125 Term Loan, maturing December 29, 2008 3,356,715 SENSUS METERING SYSTEMS, INC. B2 B+ 1,734,783 Term Loan, maturing December 17, 2010 1,749,602 260,217 Term Loan, maturing December 17, 2010 262,440 SPX CORPORATION Ba2 BBB- 11,473,481 Term Loan, maturing September 30, 2009 11,616,900 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 25 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) BANK LOAN RATINGS+ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT BORROWER/TRANCHE DESCRIPTION MOODY'S S&P VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DIVERSIFIED/CONGLOMERATE MANUFACTURING: (CONTINUED) UNITED PET GROUP NR NR $ 5,648,685 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2006 $ 5,662,807 ---------------- 46,762,549 ---------------- DIVERSIFIED/CONGLOMERATE SERVICE: 2.0% AMERCO, INC. NR BB 9,983,334 Term Loan, maturing February 27, 2009 10,226,678 IRON MOUNTAIN, INC. B1 BB- 1,500,000 Term Loan, maturing April 02, 2009 1,517,813 RELIZON COMPANY B1 BB- 4,306,476 Term Loan, maturing February 20, 2011 4,322,625 US INVESTIGATIONS SERVICES, LLC B1 BB- 4,109,445 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2008 4,106,877 ---------------- 20,173,992 ---------------- DIVERSFIED/NATURAL RESOURCES, METALS AND MINERALS: 0.2% GEORGIA-PACIFIC CORPORATION Ba2 BB+ 2,296,889 Revolver, maturing November 03, 2005 2,288,995 ---------------- 2,288,995 ---------------- ECOLOGICAL: 2.0% ALLIED WASTE NORTH AMERICA, INC. Ba3 BB 97,200 Revolver, maturing June 30, 2010 96,095 7,572,321 Term Loan, maturing January 15, 2010 7,685,565 2,000,000 Term Loan, maturing January 15, 2010 2,031,876 1,000,000 Term Loan, maturing January 15, 2010 1,013,625 ENVIROSOLUTIONS, INC. NR NR 3,559,091 Term Loan, maturing March 01, 2009 3,559,091 77,273 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2009 77,273 GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION B1 B 1,917,081 Term Loan, maturing December 22, 2010 1,936,252 IESI COPRORATION B1 B+ 200,625 Revolver, maturing September 30, 2008 198,117 995,000 Term Loan, maturing September 30, 2010 1,007,438 WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC. Ba2 BB+ 3,000,000 Term Loan, maturing October 22, 2010 3,018,750 ---------------- 20,624,082 ---------------- ELECTRONICS: 1.3% ACTERNA, LLC NR NR 670,332 Term Loan, maturing October 14, 2008 670,332 ANTEON CORPORATION Ba3 BB 997,500 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2010 1,006,644 DECISION ONE CORPORATION B3 CCC 1,744,352 Term Loan, maturing April 18, 2005 1,133,829 8,796,660 Term Loan, maturing April 18, 2005 5,717,829 INVENSYS INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LIMITED Ba3 B+ 2,000,000 Term Loan, maturing September 05, 2009 2,020,000 KNOWLES ELECTRONICS, INC. B3 B- 2,121,197 Term Loan, maturing June 29, 2007 2,130,918 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 26 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) BANK LOAN RATINGS+ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT BORROWER/TRANCHE DESCRIPTION MOODY'S S&P VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ELECTRONICS: (CONTINUED) SARCOM, INC. NR NR $ 978,578 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2007 $ 479,503 ---------------- 13,159,056 ---------------- FARMING AND AGRICULTURE: 1.5% AGCO CORPORATION Ba1 BB+ 4,628,333 Term Loan, maturing January 31, 2006 4,697,758 SCOTTS COMPANY Ba1 BB 2,997,000 Term Loan, maturing September 30, 2010 3,037,741 UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION B1 B+ 720,000 Revolver, maturing April 30, 2010 709,200 7,000,000 Term Loan, maturing April 29, 2011 7,091,875 ---------------- 15,536,574 ---------------- FINANCE: 0.5% RENT-A-CENTER, INC. Ba2 BB+ 4,962,500 Term Loan, maturing May 28, 2009 5,027,633 ---------------- 5,027,633 ---------------- GAMING: 4.3% (2) ALADDIN GAMING, LLC Caa1 NR 3,869,336 (3) Term Loan, maturing August 26, 2006 3,701,666 10,377,506 (3) Term Loan, maturing February 26, 2008 9,927,818 ALLIANCE GAMING CORPORATION B1 BB- 8,000,000 Term Loan, maturing September 04, 2009 8,090,000 AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC. Ba3 BB- 2,762,195 Term Loan, maturing December 20, 2006 2,793,270 ARGOSY GAMING COMPANY Ba2 BB 4,376,250 Term Loan, maturing July 31, 2008 4,414,542 GLOBAL CASH ACCESS, LLC B2 B+ 3,000,000 Term Loan, maturing March 10, 2010 3,037,500 GREEN VALLEY RANCH GAMING, LLC B1 B+ 1,995,000 Term Loan, maturing December 22, 2010 2,017,444 ISLE OF CAPRI CASINOS, INC. Ba2 BB- 2,165,418 Term Loan, maturing April 26, 2008 2,190,940 PENN NATIONAL GAMING Ba3 BB- 2,211,922 Term Loan, maturing September 01, 2007 2,244,548 PINNACLE ENTERTAINMENT B1 B+ 2,286,667 Term Loan, maturing December 17, 2009 2,316,680 UNITED AUBURN INDIAN COMMUNITY Ba3 BB- 3,069,498 Term Loan, maturing January 24, 2009 3,084,845 ---------------- 43,819,252 ---------------- GROCERY: 0.3% GIANT EAGLE, INC. Ba2 BB+ 1,909,667 Term Loan, maturing August 02, 2009 1,938,312 1,041,960 Term Loan, maturing August 06, 2009 1,054,659 ---------------- 2,992,971 ---------------- See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 27 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) BANK LOAN RATINGS+ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT BORROWER/TRANCHE DESCRIPTION MOODY'S S&P VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE: 10.3% ALARIS MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. Ba3 BB $ 1,997,908 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2009 $ 2,025,068 ALLIANCE IMAGING, INC. B1 B+ 704,198 Term Loan, maturing November 02, 2006 692,755 4,612,436 Term Loan, maturing June 10, 2008 4,583,608 APRIA HEALTHCARE GROUP, INC. Ba1 BBB- 2,753,425 Term Loan, maturing July 20, 2006 2,789,564 4,875,000 Term Loan, maturing July 20, 2008 4,934,109 COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. Ba3 BB- 14,784,900 Term Loan, maturing July 16, 2010 15,030,699 1,990,000 Term Loan, maturing January 16, 2011 2,017,363 DAVITA, INC. Ba2 BB 4,062,500 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2007 4,100,586 10,921,856 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2009 11,034,493 DJ ORTHOPEDICS, LLC B1 BB- 987,500 Term Loan, maturing May 15, 2009 1,001,078 EMPI CORPORATION B1 B+ 1,450,795 Term Loan, maturing November 24, 2009 1,467,116 EXPRESS SCRIPTS, INC. Ba1 BBB 3,000,000 Term Loan, maturing February 13, 2010 3,026,874 FISHER SCIENTIFIC INTERNATIONAL, INC. Ba3 BB+ 5,171,655 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2010 5,211,518 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS, INC. Ba1 BB+ 4,000,000 Term Loan, maturing February 21, 2010 4,015,624 IASIS HEALTHCARE CORPORATION B1 B+ 1,835,000 Term Loan, maturing February 09, 2009 1,844,175 INSIGHT HEALTH SERVICES CORPORATION B1 B+ 866,667 Term Loan, maturing October 07, 2008 866,667 200,000 Term Loan, maturing October 07, 2008 200,000 100,000 Term Loan, maturing October 07, 2008 100,000 5,289,255 Term Loan, maturing October 17, 2008 5,302,478 KINETIC CONCEPTS, INC. B1 BB- 4,454,167 Term Loan, maturing August 11, 2010 4,489,431 MAGELLAN HEALTH SERVICES, INC. B1 B+ 1,604,167 Term Loan, maturing August 15, 2008 1,630,235 OXFORD HEALTH PLANS, INC. Baa3 BB+ 4,950,000 Term Loan, maturing April 25, 2009 4,973,720 PACIFICARE HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. Ba3 BB+ 992,500 Term Loan, maturing June 03, 2008 1,003,252 SOLA INTERNATIONAL, INC. Ba3 BB- 2,000,000 Term Loan, maturing December 11, 2009 2,032,500 SYBRON DENTAL MANAGEMENT, INC. Ba2 BB+ 628,305 Term Loan, maturing June 06, 2009 632,468 TRIAD HOSPITALS, INC. Ba3 BB 1,491,121 Term Loan, maturing September 30, 2008 1,512,636 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 28 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) BANK LOAN RATINGS+ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT BORROWER/TRANCHE DESCRIPTION MOODY'S S&P VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE: (CONTINUED) VANGUARD HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. Ba3 B+ $ 6,000,000 Term Loan, maturing May 18, 2009 $ 6,022,500 VICAR OPERATING, INC. B1 B+ 5,911,718 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2009 5,985,614 VWR INTERNATIONAL, INC. B1 BB- 5,500,000 Term Loan, maturing April 07, 2011 5,577,688 ---------------- 104,103,818 ---------------- HOME AND OFFICE FURNISHINGS, HOUSEWARES: 3.1% GLOBAL IMAGING SYSTEMS, INC. Ba3 BB- 1,500,000 Term Loan, maturing May 10, 2010 1,500,000 HILLMAN GROUP, INC. B2 B 3,000,000 Term Loan, maturing March 30, 2011 3,030,000 HOLMES GROUP, INC. B1 B 5,000,000 Term Loan, maturing November 08, 2010 5,025,000 IDENTITY GROUP, INC. NR NR 4,082,337 Term Loan, maturing April 30, 2006 2,571,872 SEALY MATTRESS COMPANY B2 B+ 9,000,000 Term Loan, maturing April 06, 2012 9,112,500 SIMMONS COMPANY B2 B+ 8,323,704 Term Loan, maturing December 19, 2011 8,415,614 XEROX CORPORATION Ba3 BB- 2,000,000 Term Loan, maturing September 30, 2008 1,998,542 ---------------- 31,653,529 ---------------- INSURANCE: 1.4% CONSECO, INC. B3 BB- 8,778,184 Term Loan, maturing September 10, 2009 8,796,469 1,995,042 Term Loan, maturing September 10, 2009 1,999,198 2,633,455 Term Loan, maturing September 10, 2010 2,638,940 598,512 Term Loan, maturing September 10, 2010 599,759 ---------------- 14,034,366 ---------------- LEISURE, AMUSEMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: 11.1% AMF BOWLING WORLDWIDE, INC. B1 B 2,500,000 Term Loan, maturing August 26, 2009 2,517,188 FITNESS HOLDINGS WORLDWIDE, INC. B1 B 4,987,500 Term Loan, maturing July 01, 2009 5,018,672 LODGENET ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION B1 B+ 4,919,380 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2006 4,947,819 LOEWS CINEPLEX ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION NR NR 6,210,990 Term Loan, maturing February 29, 2008 6,222,636 METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER STUDIOS, INC. Ba3 B+ 29,000,000 Term Loan, maturing April 30, 2011 29,152,250 NEW JERSEY BASKETBALL, LLC NR NR 9,000,000 Term Loan, maturing July 16, 2004 9,016,875 PURE FISHING B1 BB- 3,000,000 Term Loan, maturing September 30, 2010 3,041,250 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 29 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) BANK LOAN RATINGS+ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT BORROWER/TRANCHE DESCRIPTION MOODY'S S&P VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ LEISURE, AMUSEMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: (CONTINUED) REGAL CINEMAS, INC. Ba3 BB- $ 14,000,000 Term Loan, maturing November 10, 2010 $ 14,129,066 SIX FLAGS THEME PARKS, INC. Ba3 B+ 300,000 Revolver, maturing June 30, 2008 291,000 9,959,870 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2009 10,055,315 VIVENDI UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT, LLLP Ba2 BBB- 7,000,000 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2008 7,054,691 WARNER MUSIC GROUP B1 B+ 15,000,000 Term Loan, maturing February 28, 2011 15,179,685 XANTERRA PARKS & RESORTS, LLC NR NR 3,030,409 Term Loan, maturing September 30, 2004 3,026,621 3,030,409 Term Loan, maturing September 30, 2005 3,026,621 ---------------- 112,679,688 ---------------- LODGING: 5.3% CNL HOSPITALITY PARTNERS, L.P. NR NR 35,000,000 Term Loan, maturing January 02, 2005 35,000,000 WYNDHAM INTERNATIONAL, INC. NR NR 3,546,242 Term Loan, maturing April 01, 2006 3,474,682 15,713,651 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2006 15,119,486 ---------------- 53,594,169 ---------------- MACHINERY: 4.0% ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS, LLC B1 B 3,206,990 Term Loan, maturing August 02, 2007 3,223,025 ANTHONY CRANE RENTAL, L.P. Caa2 CC 13,757,427 Term Loan, maturing July 20, 2006 10,341,004 ENERSYS, INC. B1 BB- 4,500,000 Term Loan, maturing March 15, 2011 4,571,249 MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC. NR NR 249,574 Term Loan, maturing September 28, 2004 237,095 NATIONAL WATERWORKS, INC. B1 BB- 2,892,857 Term Loan, maturing November 22, 2009 2,926,608 REXNORD CORPORATION B1 B+ 6,222,222 Term Loan, maturing November 25, 2009 6,288,333 UNITED RENTALS (NORTH AMERICA), INC. Ba3 BB 10,333,333 Term Loan, maturing February 14, 2011 10,445,708 VUTEK, INC. B1 NR 470,218 Term Loan, maturing July 31, 2005 456,111 1,650,956 Term Loan, maturing July 31, 2007 1,601,427 671,218 Term Loan, maturing December 30, 2007 671,218 ---------------- 40,761,778 ---------------- MINING, STEEL, IRON AND NONPRECIOUS METALS: 0.9% PEABODY ENERGY CORPORATION Ba1 BB+ 8,910,000 Term Loan, maturing March 21, 2010 8,991,304 ---------------- 8,991,304 ---------------- See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 30 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) BANK LOAN RATINGS+ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT BORROWER/TRANCHE DESCRIPTION MOODY'S S&P VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OIL AND GAS: 2.6% CITGO PETROLEUM CORPORATION Ba2 BB+ $ 2,500,000 Term Loan, maturing February 27, 2006 $ 2,601,563 GETTY PETROLEUM MARKETING, INC. B1 BB- 6,000,000 Term Loan, maturing May 19, 2010 6,000,000 LYONDELL-CITGO REFINING, L.P. Ba3 BB 1,000,000 Term Loan, maturing May 03, 2007 1,015,313 PACIFIC ENERGY GROUP, LLC Ba2 BBB- 4,000,000 Term Loan, maturing July 26, 2009 4,040,000 TRANSWESTERN PIPELINE COMPANY B1 BB 2,000,000 Term Loan, maturing April 30, 2009 2,021,876 W-H ENERGY SERVICES, INC. B2 B+ 3,395,078 Term Loan, maturing April 16, 2007 3,412,053 3,473,750 Term Loan, maturing April 16, 2007 3,491,119 WILLIAMS PRODUCTION RMT COMPANY B2 BB 3,981,281 Term Loan, maturing May 30, 2007 4,024,828 ---------------- 26,606,752 ---------------- OTHER BROADCASTING AND ENTERTAINMENT: 3.2% DIRECTV HOLDINGS, LLC Ba2 BB 7,020,306 Term Loan, maturing March 06, 2010 7,124,733 LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION Baa3 BBB- 15,000,000 Floating Rate Note, maturing September 17, 2006 15,254,760 PEGASUS MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Caa1 B- 1,651,507 Term Loan, maturing April 30, 2005 1,589,575 RAINBOW MEDIA GROUP Ba2 BB+ 7,959,972 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2009 8,030,450 ---------------- 31,999,518 ---------------- OTHER TELECOMMUNICATIONS: 6.1% CINCINNATI BELL, INC. B1 B+ 14,389,414 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2008 14,547,698 CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS, INC. B1 B+ 3,500,000 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2010 3,508,750 2,500,000 Term Loan, maturing October 14, 2011 2,509,375 D&E COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Ba3 BB- 2,992,500 Term Loan, maturing March 05, 2012 3,026,166 ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION Ba3 BB- 12,000,000 Floating Rate Note, maturing October 01, 2008 12,405,000 GCI HOLDINGS, INC. Ba3 BB+ 2,087,144 Term Loan, maturing October 31, 2007 2,104,102 INTERA GROUP, INC. NR NR 2,640,478 (3) Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2005 1,214,620 909,384 (3) Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2005 -- 1,922,621 (3) Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2005 -- PANAMSAT CORPORATION Ba2 BB 537,115 Term Loan, maturing September 30, 2010 539,465 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 31 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) BANK LOAN RATINGS+ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT BORROWER/TRANCHE DESCRIPTION MOODY'S S&P VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OTHER TELECOMMUNICATIONS: (CONTINUED) QWEST COMMUNICATIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC. B3 CCC+ $ 15,000,000 Floating Rate Note, maturing February 15, 2009 $ 13,875,000 QWEST CORPORATION B2 B- 2,000,000 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2007 2,067,750 TIME WARNER TELECOM HOLDINGS B1 B 6,000,000 Floating Rate Note, maturing February 15, 2011 5,880,000 ---------------- 61,677,925 ---------------- PERSONAL AND NONDURABLE CONSUMER PRODUCTS: 4.3% AMSCAN HOLDINGS, INC. B1 B+ 3,000,000 Term Loan, maturing April 30, 2012 3,030,000 BUHRMANN U.S., INC. Ba3 BB- 2,992,500 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2010 3,028,841 CHURCH & DWIGHT CO., INC. Ba2 BB 1,163,424 Term Loan, maturing September 30, 2007 1,172,877 JARDEN CORPORATION Ba3 B+ 1,990,000 Term Loan, maturing April 24, 2008 2,010,523 JOSTENS, INC. Ba3 B+ 4,264,991 Term Loan, maturing July 29, 2010 4,308,707 NORWOOD PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS, INC. NR NR 12,113,580 Term Loan, maturing February 01, 2005 12,113,580 8,358,425 (3) Term Loan, maturing February 01, 2005 3,719,499 1,998,167 (3) Term Loan, maturing February 01, 2005 -- PAINT SUNDRY BRANDS CORPORATION B1 B 4,000,000 Term Loan, maturing July 28, 2010 4,050,000 PRESTIGE BRANDS HOLDINGS, INC. B1 B 6,000,000 Term Loan, maturing April 06, 2011 6,048,750 RAYOVAC CORPORATION B1 B+ 3,607,729 Term Loan, maturing September 30, 2009 3,649,445 ---------------- 43,132,222 ---------------- PERSONAL, FOOD AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES: 2.9% AFC ENTERPRISES, INC. B1 B 1,478,620 Term Loan, maturing May 23, 2009 1,484,165 ALDERWOODS GROUP, INC. B1 BB- 2,155,448 Term Loan, maturing September 29, 2008 2,187,107 COINMACH CORPORATION B1 BB- 4,900,000 Term Loan, maturing July 25, 2009 4,949,613 DOMINO'S, INC. B1 B+ 7,971,655 Term Loan, maturing June 25, 2010 8,067,562 GATE GOURMET BORROWER, LLC B1 BB 990,000 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2008 992,888 1,034,811 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2009 1,050,333 JACK IN THE BOX, INC. Ba2 BB 3,990,000 Term Loan, maturing January 09, 2010 4,049,850 OTIS SPUNKMEYER, INC. B1 B+ 6,127,563 Term Loan, maturing February 20, 2009 6,181,179 ---------------- 28,962,697 ---------------- See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 32 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) BANK LOAN RATINGS+ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT BORROWER/TRANCHE DESCRIPTION MOODY'S S&P VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PRINTING AND PUBLISHING: 12.4% ADAMS OUTDOOR ADVERTISING, L.P. B1 B+ $ 4,000,000 Term Loan, maturing October 15, 2011 $ 4,040,832 AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT CORPORATION B1 B+ 1,000,000 Term Loan, maturing March 17, 2011 1,013,750 AMERICAN MEDIA OPERATIONS, INC. Ba3 B+ 3,777,279 Term Loan, maturing April 01, 2007 3,832,760 AMERICAN REPROGRAPHICS COMPANY B1 BB 2,493,750 Term Loan, maturing June 18, 2009 2,524,922 AMERICAN REPROGRAPHICS COMPANY B3 B 1,000,000 Term Loan, maturing December 18, 2009 1,017,500 CANWEST MEDIA, INC. Ba3 B+ 9,897,436 Term Loan, maturing May 15, 2009 9,938,679 DEX MEDIA EAST, LLC B1 BB- 7,561,803 Term Loan, maturing November 08, 2008 7,590,160 4,205,195 Term Loan, maturing May 08, 2009 4,227,537 DEX MEDIA WEST, LLC B1 BB- 6,345,372 Term Loan, maturing September 09, 2009 6,369,827 25,381,476 Term Loan, maturing March 09, 2010 25,576,380 FREEDOM COMMUNICATIONS Ba3 BB 12,000,000 Term Loan, maturing April 12, 2012 12,117,504 LAMAR MEDIA CORPORATION Ba2 BB- 2,000,000 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2009 2,007,084 12,370,370 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2010 12,540,463 MEDIANEWS GROUP, INC. Ba3 BB 2,493,750 Term Loan, maturing December 30, 2010 2,518,688 PRIMEDIA, INC. B3 B 6,439,135 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2009 6,141,325 R.H. DONNELLEY, INC. Ba3 BB 7,901,382 Term Loan, maturing June 30, 2010 8,000,694 TRANSWESTERN PUBLISHING COMPANY B1 BB- 6,418,750 Term Loan, maturing February 25, 2011 6,474,914 TRANSWESTERN PUBLISHING COMPANY B2 B 4,000,000 Term Loan, maturing February 25, 2012 4,031,668 ZIFF DAVIS MEDIA, INC. B3 CCC 6,315,549 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2007 6,253,707 ---------------- 126,218,393 ---------------- RADIO AND TV BROADCASTING: 6.2% BLOCK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Ba2 BB- 2,804,772 Term Loan, maturing November 15, 2009 2,839,832 CUMULUS MEDIA, INC. Ba3 B+ 2,970,000 Term Loan, maturing March 28, 2010 3,013,065 EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY Ba2 B+ 10,000,000 Term Loan, maturing November 10, 2011 10,013,890 FISHER BROADCASTING, INC. Ba3 B+ 1,271,673 Term Loan, maturing February 28, 2010 1,274,852 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 33 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) BANK LOAN RATINGS+ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT BORROWER/TRANCHE DESCRIPTION MOODY'S S&P VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ RADIO AND TV BROADCASTING: (CONTINUED) GRAY TELEVISION, INC. Ba2 B+ $ 3,990,000 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2010 $ 4,018,429 LIN TELEVISION CORPORATION Ba1 BB 2,028,571 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2007 2,054,652 MISSION BROADCASTING, INC. Ba3 B+ 2,327,500 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2010 2,352,230 NEXSTAR BROADCASTING Ba3 B+ 1,196,426 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2010 1,207,643 PAXSON COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION B1 B+ 18,000,000 Floating Rate Note, maturing January 15, 2010 17,820,000 SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. Ba2 BB 2,765,400 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2009 2,806,306 4,609,000 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2009 4,676,213 SPANISH BROADCASTING SYSTEMS B1 B+ 1,995,000 Term Loan, maturing October 30, 2009 2,022,431 SUSQUEHANNA MEDIA COMPANY Ba2 BB- 7,000,000 Term Loan, maturing March 31, 2012 7,067,816 TELEVICENTRO OF PUERTO RICO, LLC Ba1 BB 1,851,429 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2007 1,875,233 ---------------- 63,042,591 ---------------- RETAIL: 4.2% ADVANCE STORES COMPANY, INC. Ba2 BB 5,478,926 Term Loan, maturing November 30, 2007 5,545,703 ALIMENTATION COUCHE-TARD, INC. Ba2 BB 1,221,429 Term Loan, maturing December 17, 2010 1,234,661 BAKER & TAYLOR, INC. B1 B 1,000,000 Term Loan, maturing May 06, 2011 990,000 CH OPERATING, LLC B2 B+ 1,663,339 Term Loan, maturing June 21, 2007 1,679,972 CSK AUTO, INC. Ba3 B+ 1,500,000 Term Loan, maturing June 19, 2009 1,516,875 NEBRASKA BOOK COMPANY, INC. B2 B 2,500,000 Term Loan, maturing March 04, 2011 2,533,595 ORIENTAL TRADING COMPANY, INC. B1 B+ 2,936,651 Term Loan, maturing August 06, 2010 2,956,840 ORIENTAL TRADING COMPANY, INC. B2 B- 1,000,000 Term Loan, maturing January 08, 2011 1,019,583 PANTRY, INC. B1 B+ 9,000,000 Term Loan, maturing March 12, 2011 9,129,375 PETCO ANIMAL SUPPLIES, INC. Ba3 BB 2,540,168 Term Loan, maturing October 26, 2008 2,565,570 RITE AID CORPORATION Ba3 BB 11,000,000 Term Loan, maturing April 30, 2008 11,269,500 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 34 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) BANK LOAN RATINGS+ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT BORROWER/TRANCHE DESCRIPTION MOODY'S S&P VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ RETAIL: (CONTINUED) TRAVELCENTERS OF AMERICA, INC. Ba3 BB $ 2,192,775 Term Loan, maturing November 14, 2008 $ 2,222,011 ---------------- 42,663,686 ---------------- TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT: 4.4% CROWN CASTLE OPERATING COMPANY B1 B- 4,066,258 Term Loan, maturing September 15, 2007 4,096,393 17,347,825 Term Loan, maturing September 30, 2010 17,666,591 SBA SENIOR FINANCE, INC. B2 CCC+ 6,134,615 Term Loan, maturing October 31, 2008 6,165,288 SPECTRASITE COMMUNICATIONS, INC. B1 B+ 10,263,258 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2007 10,385,134 4,896,488 Term Loan, maturing December 31, 2007 4,923,012 TRIPOINT GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC. NR NR 1,043,184 Term Loan, maturing May 31, 2006 1,006,673 ---------------- 44,243,091 ---------------- TEXTILES AND LEATHER: 0.9% GALEY & LORD, INC. NR NR 2,670,191 Term Loan, maturing September 05, 2009 1,555,386 MALDEN MILLS INDUSTRIES, INC. NR NR 2,573,615 Term Loan, maturing October 01, 2008 2,573,615 735,319 (3) Term Loan, maturing October 01, 2008 -- POLYMER GROUP, INC. B2 B+ 3,000,000 Term Loan, maturing April 27, 2010 3,023,751 WILLIAM CARTER COMPANY Ba3 BB+ 1,515,984 Term Loan, maturing September 08, 2008 1,533,039 ---------------- 8,685,791 ---------------- UTILITIES: 6.0% ALLEGHENY ENERGY SUPPLY COMPANY B1 B 14,000,000 Term Loan, maturing March 08, 2011 14,037,506 7,000,000 Term Loan, maturing June 08, 2011 7,011,249 ASTORIA ENERGY, LLC Ba3 B+ 14,500,000 Term Loan, maturing April 15, 2012 14,617,813 CALPINE CONSTRUCTION FINANCE COMPANY, L.P. NR B+ 1,990,000 Term Loan, maturing February 26, 2009 2,102,435 CALPINE CORPORATION B2 B 7,433,775 Term Loan, maturing July 16, 2007 7,461,652 3,962,550 Term Loan, maturing July 16, 2007 3,551,435 CALPINE GENERATING COMPANY, LLC B1 B+ 2,500,000 Term Loan, maturing April 01, 2008 2,476,563 CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. Ba1 BBB 3,481,081 Term Loan, maturing October 07, 2006 3,540,757 PIKE ELECTRIC, INC. Ba3 BB- 1,611,765 Term Loan, maturing April 18, 2010 1,631,912 TETON POWER FUNDING Ba3 B+ 4,250,000 Term Loan, maturing March 12, 2011 4,292,500 ---------------- 60,723,821 ---------------- TOTAL SENIOR LOANS (COST $1,834,605,679) $ 1,828,496,834 ---------------- See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 35 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) BANK LOAN RATINGS+ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT BORROWER/TRANCHE DESCRIPTION MOODY'S S&P VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OTHER CORPORATE DEBT: 1.1% FINANCE: 0.8% VALUE ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC. B3 B $ 7,794,118 Senior Subordinated Bridge Note, maturing August 31, 2005 $ 7,618,750 ---------------- 7,618,750 ---------------- HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE: 0.0% BLOCK VISION HOLDINGS CORPORATION NR NR 13,365 Junior Term Loan, maturing July 30, 2007 -- ---------------- -- ---------------- HOME AND OFFICE FURNISHINGS, HOUSEWARES: 0.2% MP HOLDINGS, INC. NR NR 45,229 Subordinated Note, maturing March 14, 2007 42,968 SEALY MATTRESS COMPANY B3 B- 2,000,000 Unsecured Term Loan, maturing April 05, 2013 2,026,250 ---------------- 2,069,218 ---------------- TEXTILES AND LEATHER: 0.1% TARTAN TEXTILE SERVICES, INC. NR NR 1,332,583 Subordinated Note, maturing April 01, 2011 1,332,583 ---------------- 1,332,583 ---------------- TOTAL OTHER CORPORATE DEBT (COST $11,144,616) 11,020,551 ---------------- EQUITIES AND OTHER ASSETS: 3.3% SECURITY DESCRIPTION VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (@), (R) Acterna, LLC (85,722 Common Shares) 1,090,731 (@), (R) Acterna, Inc. - Contingent Right -- (1), (@), (R) Allied Digital Technologies Corporation (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate) 186,961 (@), (R) AM Cosmetics Corporation (Liquidation Interest) 50 (@), (R) Block Vision Holdings Corporation (571 Common Shares) -- (2), (@), (R) Boston Chicken, Inc. (Residual Interest in Boston Chicken Plan Trust) 6,728,959 (@), (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 (350,065 Common Shares) -- (2), (@), (R) Electro Mechanical Solutions (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate) 2,193 (@), (R) Enginen Realty (857 Common Shares) -- (@), (R) Enterprise Profit Solutions (Liquidation Interest) -- See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 36 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) SECURITY DESCRIPTION VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (4), (@), (R) Euro United Corporation (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate) $ 2,335,366 (2), (@), (R) Exide Technologies (Warrants for 16,501 Common Shares, Expires March 16, 2006) 165 (@), (R) Galey & Lord (203,345 Common Shares) -- (@), (R) Gate Gourmet Borrower, LLC (Warrants for 101 Common Shares) -- (@), (R) Gemini Leasing, Inc. (143,079 common shares) -- (@) Genesis Healthcare Corporation (13,302 Common Shares) 244,276 (2), (@), (R) Grand Union Company (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate) 76,172 (@) Hayes Lemmerz (73,835 Common Shares) 976,837 (@) Hayes Lemmerz (246 Preferred Shares) 3,255 (@), (R) Holmes Group (2,303, Common Shares) 24,527 (@) HQ Global (1,523 Common Shares) 24,520 HQ Global (2,461,860 Preferred Shares) 2,461,860 (2), (@), (R) Humphreys, Inc. (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate) -- (@), (R) IHDG Realty (300,141 Common Shares) 1 (@), (R) Imperial Home Decor Group, Inc. (300,141 Common Shares) 1 (@), (R) Imperial Home Decor Group, Inc. (Liquidation Interest) -- (2), (@), (R) Insilco Technologies (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate) 43,482 (@), (R) Intera Group, Inc. (864 Common Shares) -- (2), (@), (R) IT Group, Inc. (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate) 366,989 (2), (@), (R) Kevco, Inc. (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate) 147,443 (@), (R) Malden Mills Industries, Inc. (436,865 Common Shares) -- (@), (R) Malden Mills Industries, Inc. (1,427,661 Preferred Shares) -- (@), (R) Morris Material Handling, Inc. (481,373 Common Shares) 1,078,276 (@), (R) MP Holdings, Inc. (590 Common Shares) 6 (@), (R) Murray's Discount Auto Stores, Inc. (Escrow Interest) 510,279 (@) NeighborCare (6,365 Common Shares) 190,950 (@), (R) Neoplan USA Corporation (17,348 Common Shares) -- (@), (R) Neoplan USA Corporation (1,814,180 Series B Preferred Shares) -- (@), (R) Neoplan USA Corporation (1,084,000 Series C Preferred Shares) 428,603 (@), (R) Neoplan USA Corporation (3,524,300 Series D Preferred Shares) 3,524,300 (@), (R) New Piper Aircraft (Residual Interest in Litigation Proceeds) -- (@), (R) New World Restaurant Group, Inc. (Warrants for 4,489 Common Shares, Expires June 15, 2006) 61,589 (@) Outsourcing Solutions, Inc. (31,129 Common Shares) 766,707 (@), (R) Safelite Glass Corporation (660,808 Common Shares) 8,484,775 (@), (R) Safelite Realty (44,605 Common Shares) 245,328 (@), (R) Sarcom, Inc. (462,984 Common Shares) -- (@), (R) Sarcom, Inc. (4,015 Preferred Shares) -- (@), (R) Scientific Games Corporation (48,930 Non-Voting Common Shares) 906,184 (@), (R) Soho Publishing (17,582 Common Shares) 176 (@), (R) Stellex Aerostructures, Inc. (11,130 Common Shares) -- (@), (R) Targus Group, Inc. (Warrants for 66,824 Common Shares, Expires December 6, 2012) -- See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 37 ING Prime Rate Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of May 31, 2004 (Unaudited) (continued) SECURITY DESCRIPTION VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (@), (R) Tartan Textile Services, Inc. (23,449 Shares of Series D Preferred Stock) $ 1,440,521 (@), (R) Tartan Textile Services, Inc. (36,775 Shares of Series E Preferred Stock) -- (@), (R) Teligent, Inc. (50 Common Shares) -- (@), (R) Tembec, Inc. (167,239 Common Shares) 1,288,434 (1), (@), (R) Transtar Metals (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate) -- (1), (@), (R) TSR Wireless, LLC (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate) -- (2), (@), (R) U.S. Aggregates (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate) -- (2), (@), (R) U.S. Office Products Company (Residual Interest in Bankruptcy Estate) -- --------------- TOTAL FOR EQUITY AND OTHER ASSETS (COST $33,429,106) 33,639,916 --------------- TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $1,879,179,401) 184.6% $ 1,873,157,301 PREFERRED SHARES AND LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF CASH AND OTHER ASSETS, NET (84.6) (858,560,189) ----- --------------- NET ASSETS 100.0% $ 1,014,597,112 ===== =============== ---------- (@) Non-income producing security. (R) Restricted security. * Senior loans, while exempt from registration under the Security 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. NR Not Rated + Bank Loans rated below Baa3 by Moody's Investor Services, Inc. or BBB- by Standard & Poor's Group are considered to be below investment grade. (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. (4) The borrower filed for protection under the Canadian Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. (5) For federal income tax purposes, the cost of investment is $1,880,664,502. Net unrealized depreciation consists of the following: Gross Unrealized Appreciation $ 79,017,853 Gross Unrealized Depreciation (85,525,054) -------------- Net Unrealized Depreciation $ (6,507,201) ============== See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 38 ING Prime Rate Trust ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT PROGRAM The Trust offers a Shareholder Investment Program (the "Program," formerly known as the Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan) 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 reinvestment purposes, DST Systems, Inc. will purchase shares of the Trust on the open market when the market price plus estimated commissions is less than the net asset value on the valuation date. The Trust will issue new shares for dividend reinvestment purchases when the market price plus estimated commissions is equal to or exceeds the net asset value on the valuation date. New shares may be issued at the greater of (i) net asset value 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 Systems, Inc. when the market price plus estimated commissions is less than the net asset value on the valuation date. New shares will be issued by the Trust for optional cash investments when the market price plus estimated commissions 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 PRORATA basis, in the fees or expenses of any shares acquired in the open market. Participation in the Program is not automatic. If you would like to receive more information about the Program or if you desire to participate, please contact your broker or the Trust's Shareholder Services Department at (800) 992-0180. KEY FINANCIAL DATES -- CALENDAR 2004 DIVIDENDS: DECLARATION DATE EX-DIVIDEND DATE PAYABLE DATE ---------------- ---------------- ------------ January 30 February 6 February 24 February 27 March 8 March 22 March 31 April 7 April 22 April 30 May 6 May 24 May 28 June 8 June 22 June 30 July 8 July 22 July 30 August 6 August 23 August 31 September 8 September 22 September 30 October 7 October 22 October 29 November 8 November 22 November 30 December 8 December 22 December 20 December 29 January 12 RECORD DATE WILL BE TWO BUSINESS DAYS AFTER EACH EX-DIVIDEND DATE. THESE DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. 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 39 ING Prime Rate Trust ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued) 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 May 28, 2004 was 7,428 which does not include approximately 49,800 beneficial owners of shares held in the name of brokers of other nominees. 40 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 of Trustees. A trustee who is not an interested person of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, is an independent trustee ("Non-Interested Trustee"). The Trustees of the Trust are listed below. The Trust's Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the trustees and is available, without charge, upon request at 1-800-992-0180. NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL PORTFOLIOS IN OTHER POSITION(S) TERM OF OFFICE OCCUPATION(S) FUND COMPLEX DIRECTORSHIPS NAME, ADDRESS HELD WITH AND LENGTH OF DURING THE OVERSEEN BY HELD BY AND AGE THE REGISTRANT(S) TIME SERVED(1) PAST FIVE YEARS TRUSTEE TRUSTEE ---------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------------- ------------- ---------------------------- NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES: Paul S. Doherty(2) Trustee November President and Partner, 118 University of Massachusetts 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. 1999 - Doherty, Wallace, Foundation Board (April Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 present Pillsbury 2004 - Present) Born: 1934 and Murphy, P.C., Attorneys (1996 - Present). J. Michael Earley(3) Trustee February President and Chief 118 None 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. 2002 - Executive Officer, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 present Bankers Born: 1945 Trust Company, N.A. (1992 - Present). R. Barbara Gitenstein(2) Trustee February President, College of 118 New Jersey Resources 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. 2002 - New Jersey (1999 - (September 2003 - Present) Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 present Present). Born: 1948 Walter H. May(2) Trustee November Retired. Formerly, 118 Trustee, BestPrep Charity 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. 1999 - Trustee of each of the (1991 - Present) - Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 present funds managed by Charitable Born: 1936 Northstar Investment organization. Management Corporation (1996 - 1999). Jock Patton(2) Trustee August Private Investor (June 118 Director, Hypercom, Inc. 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. 1995 - 1997 - Present).Formerly, (January 1999 - Present); Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 present Director and Chief JDA Software Group, Inc. Born: 1945 Executive Officer, (January 1999 - Present); Rainbow Multimedia Swift Transportation Co. Group, Inc. (January (March 2004 - Present) 1999 - December 2001). David W.C. Putnam(3) Trustee November President and Director, 118 Anchor International Bond 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. 1999 - F.L. Putnam Securities Trust (December 2000 - Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 present Company, Inc. and its 2002); F.L. Putnam Born: 1939 affiliates (1978 - Foundation (December 2000 - Present); President, Present); Progressive Secretary and Trustee, Capital Accumulation Trust The Principled Equity (August 1998 - Present); Market Fund (1996 - Principled Equity Market Present). Fund (November 1996 - Present); Mercy Endowment Foundation (1995 - Present); Asian American Bank and Trust Company (June 1992 - Present); and Notre Dame Health Care Center (1991 - Present); F.L. Putnam Securities Company, Inc. (June 1998 - Present); and an Honorary Trustee, Mercy Hospital (1973 - Present). Blaine E. Rieke Trustee February General Partner, 118 Trustee, Morgan Chase Trust 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. 2001 - Huntington Partners Co. (January 1998 - Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 present (January 1997 - Present); Director, Members Born: 1933 Present). Chairman of Trust Co. (November 2003 - the Board and Trustee of Present). each of the funds managed by ING Investment Management Co. LLC (November 1998 - February 2001). Roger B. Vincent Trustee February President, Springwell 118 Director, AmeriGas Propane, 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. 2002 - Corporation (1989 - Inc. (1998 - Present). Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 present Present). Formerly, Born: 1945 Director Tatham Offshore, Inc. (1996 - 2000). 41 ING Prime Rate Trust TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued) NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL PORTFOLIOS IN OTHER POSITION(S) TERM OF OFFICE OCCUPATION(S) FUND COMPLEX DIRECTORSHIPS NAME, ADDRESS HELD WITH AND LENGTH OF DURING THE OVERSEEN BY HELD BY AND AGE THE REGISTRANT(S) TIME SERVED(1) PAST FIVE YEARS TRUSTEE TRUSTEE ---------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------------- ------------- ---------------------------- INTERESTED TRUSTEES: Richard A. Wedemeyer(2)(3) Trustee February Retired. Formerly, Vice 118 Touchstone Consulting Group 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. 2001 - President - Finance and (1997 - Present); Jim Henson Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 present Administration, Channel Legacy (1994 - Present). Born: 1936 Corporation (1996 - 2002); Trustee, First Choice Funds (1997 - 2001); and of each of the funds managed by ING Investment Management Co. LLC (1998 - 2001). Thomas J. McInerney(4) Trustee February Chief Executive Officer, 171 Director, Equitable Life 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. 2001 - ING U.S. Financial Insurance Co., Golden Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 present Services (September 2001 American Life Insurance Born: 1956 - present); Member, ING Co., Life Insurance Company Americas Executive of Georgia, Midwestern Committee (2001 - United Life Insurance Co., present); President, ReliaStar Life Insurance Chief Executive Officer Co., Security Life of and Director of Northern Denver, Security Life Insurance Company Connecticut Life Insurance (2001 - present), ING Co., Southland Life Aeltus Holding Company, Insurance Co., USG Annuity Inc. (2000 - present), and Life Company and United ING Retail Holding Life and Annuity Insurance Company (1998 - Co. Inc. (March 2001 - present). Formerly, Present); Member of the General Manager and Board, Bushnell Performing Chief Executive Officer, Arts Center; St. Francis ING Worksite Division Hospital; National (December 2000 - October Conference of Community 2001), President, Justice; and Metro Atlanta ING-SCI, Inc. (August Chamber of Commerce. 1997 - December 2000); President, Aetna Financial Services (August 1997 - December 2000). John G. Turner(5) Trustee September Chairman, Hillcrest 118 Director, Hormel Foods 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. 2000 - Capital Partners Corporation (March 2000 - Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 present (May 2002 - Present); Present); Shopko Stores, Born: 1939 Formerly, Vice Chairman Inc. (August 1999 - of ING Americas (2000 - Present); and M.A. 2002); Chairman and Mortenson Company (March Chief Executive Officer 2002 - Present); Conseco, of ReliaStar Financial Inc. (September 2003 - Corp. (1993 - 2001); Present). Chairman of ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York (1995 - 2001); Chairman of Northern Life Insurance Company (1992 - 2001); Chairman and Trustee of the Northstar affiliated investment companies (1993 - 2001); and Director, Northstar Investment Management Corporation and its affiliates (1993 - 1999). ---------- (1) Trustees serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified, subject to the Board's retirement policy. (2) Valuation and Proxy Voting Committee (formerly the Valuation Committee) member. (3) Audit Committee member. (4) Mr.McInerney is an "interested person," as defined by the 1940 Act, because of an affiliation with ING Groep N.V., the parent corporation of the Investment Manager, ING Investments, LLC and the Distributor, ING Funds Distributor, LLC. (5) Mr. Turner is an "interested person," as defined by the 1940 Act, because of his affiliation with ING Groep N.V., the parent corporation of the Investment Manager, ING Investments, LLC and the Distributor, ING Funds Distributor, LLC. 42 ING Prime Rate Trust TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued) PRINCIPAL TERM OF OFFICE OCCUPATION(S) NAME, ADDRESS POSITION(S) HELD AND LENGTH OF DURING THE AND AGE WITH THE TRUST TIME SERVED(1) PAST FIVE YEARS ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------------------------- OFFICERS: James M. Hennessy President and Chief February 2001 - Present President and Chief Executive Officer, 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Executive Officer ING Investments, LLC(2) (December Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 2001 - Present). Formerly, Senior Born: 1949 Chief Operating Officer July 2000 - Present Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, ING Investments, LLC(2) (April 1995 - December 2000); and Executive Vice President, ING Investments, LLC(2) (May 1998 - June 2000). Michael J. Roland Executive Vice President February 2002 - Present Executive Vice President, Chief 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. and Assistant Secretary Financial Officer and Treasurer, ING Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 Investments, LLC(2) (December 2001 - Born: 1958 Chief Financial Officer August 1998 - Present Present). Formerly, Senior Vice President, ING Investments, LLC(2) (June 1998 - December 2001). Stanley D. Vyner Executive Vice President August 2003 - Present Executive Vice President, ING 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Investments, LLC(2) and certain of its Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 affiliates (July 2000 - Present) and Born: 1950 Chief Investment Risk Officer (June 2003 - Present); Formerly, Chief Investment Officer for the International Portfolios, ING Investments, LLC(2) (July 1996 - June 2003); and President and Chief Executive Officer, ING Investments, LLC(2) (August 1996 - August 2000). Robert S. Naka Senior Vice President November 1999 - Present Senior Vice President and Assistant 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Secretary, ING Funds Services, LLC(3) Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 Assistant Secretary July 1996 - Present (October 2001 - Present). Formerly, Born: 1963 Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary, ING Funds Services, LLC(3) (February 1997 - August 1999). Daniel A. Norman Senior Vice President April 1995 - Present Senior Vice President (April 1995 - 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Present) and Senior Investment Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 Treasurer June 1997 - Present Manager, in the Senior Floating Rate Born: 1957 Loan Group (November 1999 - Present), ING Investment Management Co. Formerly, Portfolio Manager, in the Senior Floating Rate Loan Group (April 1995 - November 1999). Jeffrey A. Bakalar Senior Vice President November 1999 - Present Senior Vice President (January 1998 - 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Present) and Senior Investment Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 Manager, in the Senior Floating Rate Born: 1959 Loan Group (November 1999 - Present), ING Investment Management Co. Formerly, Portfolio Manager, in the Senior Floating Rate Loan Group (January 1998 - November 1999). Elliot Rosen Senior Vice President May 2002 - Present Senior Vice President, in the Senior 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Floating Rate Loan Group of ING Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 Investment Management Co. Born: 1953 (February 1999 - Present). William H. Rivoir III Senior Vice President and February 2001 - Present Vice President of ING Investment 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Assistant Secretary Management Co. (January 2004 - Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 Present). Formerly, Counsel, ING USFS Born: 1951 Law Department (January 2003 - December 2003); and Senior Vice President, ING Investments, LLC(2) and certain of its affiliates (June 1998 - December 2002). Curtis F. Lee Senior Vice President and February 2001 - Present Senior Vice President and Chief Credit 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Chief Credit Officer Officer in the Senior Floating Rate Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 Loan Group of ING Investment Born: 1955 Management Co. (August 1999 - Present). Formerly, held a series of positions with Standard Chartered Bank in the credit approval and problem loan management functions (1992 - 1999). 43 ING Prime Rate Trust TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued) PRINCIPAL TERM OF OFFICE OCCUPATION(S) NAME, ADDRESS POSITION(S) HELD AND LENGTH OF DURING THE AND AGE WITH THE TRUST TIME SERVED(1) PAST FIVE YEARS ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Kimberly A. Anderson Senior Vice President November 2003 - Present Senior Vice President and Assistant 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Secretary, ING Investments, LLC(2) Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 (October 2003 - Present). Formerly, Born: 1964 Vice President and Assistant Secretary, ING Investments, LLC(2) (October 2001 - October 2003); Secretary, ING Investments, LLC(2) (October 2001 - August 2003); Assistant Vice President, ING Funds Services, LLC(3) (November 1999 - January 2001); and has held various other positions with ING Funds Services, LLC(3) for more than the last five years. Robyn L. Ichilov Vice President November 1997 - Present Vice President, ING Funds Services, 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. LLC(3) (October 2001 - Present) and Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 ING Investments, LLC(2) (August Born: 1967 1997 - Present). J. David Greenwald Vice President August 2003 - June 2004 Vice President of Mutual Fund 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Compliance, ING Funds Services, LLC(3) Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 (May 2003 - June 2004). Formerly, Born: 1957 Assistant Treasurer and Director of Mutual Fund Compliance and Operations, American Skandia, a Prudential Financial Company (October 1996 - May 2003). Lauren D. Bensinger Vice President August 2003 - Present Vice President and Chief Compliance 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Officer, ING Funds Distributor, LLC(4) Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 (July 1995 - Present); Vice President Born: 1954 (February 1996 - Present) and Chief Compliance Officer (October 2001 - Present), ING Investments, LLC(2). Huey P. Falgout, Jr. Secretary August 2003 - Present Chief Counsel, ING U.S. Financial 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Services (September 2003 - Present). Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 Formerly, Counsel, ING U.S. Financial Born: 1963 Services (November 2002 - September 2003); and Associate General Counsel of AIG American General (January 1999 - November 2002). Todd Modic Vice President August 2003 - Present Vice President of Financial Reporting - 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Fund Accounting of ING Fund Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 Services, LLC(3) (September 2002 - Born: 1967 Present). Formerly, Director of Financial Reporting, ING Investments, LLC(2) (March 2001 - September 2002); Director of Financial Reporting, Axient Communications, Inc. (May 2000 - January 2001); and Director of Finance, Rural/Metro Corporation (March 1995 - May 2000). Theresa Kelety Assistant Secretary August 2003 - Present Counsel, ING U.S. Financial Services 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. (April 2003 - Present). Formerly, Senior Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 Associate with Shearman & Sterling Born: 1963 (February 2000 - April 2003); and Associate with Sutherland Asbill & Brennan (1996 - February 2000). Susan P. Kinens Assistant Vice President and February 2003 - Present Assistant Vice President and Assistant 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Assistant Secretary Secretary, ING Funds Services, LLC Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 (December 2002 - Present); and has Born: 1976 held various other positions with ING Funds Services, LLC for more than the last five years. 44 ING Prime Rate Trust TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued) PRINCIPAL TERM OF OFFICE OCCUPATION(S) NAME, ADDRESS POSITION(S) HELD AND LENGTH OF DURING THE AND AGE WITH THE TRUST TIME SERVED(1) PAST FIVE YEARS ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Maria M. Anderson Assistant Vice President August 2001 - Present Assistant Vice President of ING Funds 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Services, LLC(3) (October 2001 - Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 Present). Formerly, Manager of Fund Born: 1958 Accounting and Fund Compliance, ING Investments, LLC(2) (September 1999 - November 2001); and Section Manager of Fund Accounting, Stein Roe Mutual Funds (July 1998 - August 1999). ---------- (1) The officers hold office until the next annual meeting of the Trustees and until their successors have been elected and qualified. (2) ING Investments, LLC was previously named ING Pilgrim Investments, LLC. ING Pilgrim Investments, LLC is the sucessor in interest to ING Pilgrim Investments, Inc., which was previously known as Pilgrim Investments, Inc. and before that was known as Pilgrim America Investments, Inc. (3) ING Funds Services, LLC was previously named ING Pilgrim Group, LLC. ING Pilgrim Group, LLC is the sucessor in interest to ING Pilgrim Group, Inc., which was previously known as Pilgrim Group, Inc. and before that was known as Pilgrim America Group, Inc. (4) ING Funds Distributor, LLC is the sucessor in interest to ING Funds Distributor, Inc., which was previously known as ING Pilgrim Securities, Inc., and before that was known as Pilgrim Securities, Inc., and before that was known as Pilgrim America Securities, Inc. 45 INVESTMENT MANAGER ING Investments, LLC 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 ADMINISTRATOR ING Fund Services, LLC 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 1-800-992-0180 INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS AND ANALYSTS Call ING Prime Rate Trust 1-800-336-3436, Extension 2217 DISTRIBUTOR ING Funds Distributor, LLC 7337 E. 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 INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM KPMG LLP 355 S. Grand Avenue, Suite 2000 Los Angeles, CA 90071-1568 WRITTEN REQUESTS Please mail all account inquiries and other comments to: ING Prime Rate Trust Account c/o ING Fund Services, LLC 7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85258-2034 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 1-800-992-0180 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 FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, RISKS, AND CHARGES AND EXPENSES CAREFULLY BEFORE INVESTING. THE PROSPECTUS CONTAINS THIS INFORMATION AND OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND. THE TRUST'S PROXY VOTING RECORD WILL BE AVAILABLE WITHOUT CHARGE ON OR ABOUT AUGUST 31, 2004 ON THE FUND'S WEBSITE AT www.ingfunds.com AND ON THE SEC'S WEBSITE www.sec.gov. [ING FUNDS LOGO] PRQR-PRT1Q (0507-073004)