Form N-CSR Voya PRIME RATE TRUST For: Feb 29

Voya Investment Management

Annual Report

February 29, 2016

Voya Prime Rate Trust

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

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

voyainvestments.com

Voya Prime Rate Trust

ANNUAL REPORT

February 29, 2016

Table of Contents

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Voya Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT

Dear Shareholders:

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

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

The Trust declared $0.08 of dividends during the fourth fiscal quarter and $0.33 during the year ended February 29, 2016. Based on the average month-end net asset value ("NAV") per share of $5.51 for the fourth fiscal quarter and $5.78 for the year, this resulted in an annualized distribution rate⁽¹⁾ of 5.74% for the fourth fiscal quarter and 5.73% for the year. The Trust's total return for the fourth fiscal quarter, based on NAV, was (2.73)%⁽²⁾ versus a total gross return on the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index (the "Index")⁽³⁾ of (2.21)% for the same quarter. For the year ended February 29, 2016, the Trust's total return, based on NAV⁽⁴⁾, was (3.72)%⁽²⁾, versus a total return on the Index of (3.54)%. The total market value return⁽⁴⁾ for the Trust's Common Shares during the fourth fiscal quarter was (7.55)% and for the year ended February 29, 2016 was (10.17)%.

MARKET REVIEW

Despite solid performance in the first half of the Trust's fiscal year, the U.S. loan market's total return suffered amid broad capital markets volatility, which weighed on loan prices through the balance of the

⁽¹⁾  The distribution rate is calculated by annualizing dividends and distributions declared during the period using the 30/360 convention and dividing the resulting annualized dividend by the Trust's average net asset value (in the case of NAV) or the average month-end NYSE Composite closing price (in the case of market). The distribution rate is based solely on the actual dividends and distributions, which are made at the discretion of management. The distribution rate includes distributions from net investment income. The distribution rate includes distributions from net investment income, but does not include capital gains or losses.

⁽²⁾  The Trust's performance returns shown reflect applicable fee waivers and/or expense limits in effect during this period. Absent such fee waivers/expense limitations, if any, performance would have been lower.

⁽³⁾  The Index is an unmanaged total return index that captures accrued interest, repayments, and market value changes. It represents a broad cross section of leveraged loans syndicated in the United States, including dollar-denominated loans to overseas issuers. Standard & Poor's ("S&P") and the Loan Syndications and Trading Association ("LSTA") conceived the Index to establish a performance benchmark for the syndicated leveraged loan industry. The Index is not subject to any fees or expenses. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

⁽⁴⁾  The total return is based on full reinvestment of dividends.

Voya Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued)

period. Investor sentiment was negatively impacted by a number of external headwinds, resulting in shifting market technical factors and a heightened focus on sector-specific and idiosyncratic risks, as well as overall market liquidity.

Excluding the struggling energy and mining sectors, fundamental credit risk — as measured by trailing and shadow default rates — remained mostly stable during the period. Against that relatively stable credit backdrop stood a fluctuating technical environment in which new issue supply dominated investor demand for much of the fiscal year. Although new issue activity trailed year-earlier totals, at times it surpassed uneven investor demand. Consistent with a general "risk-off" environment in which significant Federal Reserve Board ("Fed") action was deemed unlikely, retail loan funds spent most of the fiscal year in moderate outflow mode. While creation of collateralized loan obligations was reasonably good during the third calendar quarter of the year, increasingly deep valuation gaps between the primary and secondary markets for equity and mezzanine tranches amidst high macro and sector-specific volatility resulted in very low issuance during the fourth quarter, further weakening overall demand for senior-loan-related products. Finally, the Fed's role in sculpting the loan market's outcome during the Trust's fiscal year cannot be discounted. Although the Fed finally made a move late in 2015, short term rates spent nearly another full year near zero, with a lack of market consensus until around October. As expected, the first move upward did not have a discernable impact on loan demand from investors focused solely on total return and yield. It's also quite probable that the shift toward positive demand may be slower than in past interest rate lifting cycles — a result of the likely slow pace of further interest rate increases and the continued influence of LIBOR⁽¹⁾ floors in the near term.

PORTFOLIO SPECIFICS

The Trust underperformed the Index during the reporting period on a NAV basis. Although the gross asset return of the Trust was better than the Index, leverage, operating expenses and falling asset prices detracted from relative results. Detractors from return included issuer selection in healthcare, telecommunications and business equipment and services; also, underweight positions in cable and satellite television and financial intermediaries. The Trust benefited from underweight positions in oil and gas, utilities and nonferrous metals/minerals; and from overweight positions in electronics/electrical and insurance.

TOP TEN SENIOR LOAN ISSUERS
AS OF FEBRUARY 29, 2016
AS A PERCENTAGE OF:

TOP TEN INDUSTRIES
AS OF FEBRUARY 29, 2016
AS A PERCENTAGE OF:

⁽¹⁾  The London Interbank Offered Rate is the average interest rate estimated by leading banks in London that they would be charged if borrowing from other banks.

Voya Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued)

Use of leverage (for investment purposes) was below the historical average during the middle part of the fiscal year, in response to elevated volatility and uncertainty surrounding the immediate direction and magnitude of retail investor net redemptions. As overall conditions stabilized and became more predictable towards the end of the fiscal year, we moved the Trust's leverage back in line with historical levels. Use of leverage continues to be evaluated in conjunction with both fundamental risk and short term technical price movements.

Credit spreads remained range-bound for much of the period, though they had widened by the end of December. In an effort to capture what we believed to be the best relative value available, the bulk of incremental investment during the first half of the fiscal year was in the new issue market, which typically offers a slight discount to face value. We saw increasing opportunity toward the second half of the fiscal year to find attractive value in the secondary market. As of period-end, the weighted average coupon of the Trust's loan assets, inclusive of LIBOR floors, was 5.00%, compared to 5.33% for the Index. The differential is due largely to a lower weighting to the broad energy and mining sectors, which carry a disproportionate level of high-spread, high-risk loans relative to the overall average.

In our view, the Trust continues to be well diversified, with 301 individual issuers and 33 different industry sectors represented. The average issuer exposure at period-end stood at 0.33% of assets under management ("AUM"), while the average industry exposure closed the fiscal year at 3.03% of AUM. Both measures were relatively unchanged from the prior reporting period.

OUTLOOK AND CURRENT STRATEGY

What we envisioned for 2015 senior loan performance was an attractive risk-adjusted return based on low relative volatility, credit spreads above historical averages and forward implied credit risks that would remain below long-term averages. Those assumptions were effectively hijacked by a historic decline in the price of oil and other economically-sensitive commodities, and the overall risk-off environment that ensued. Given recent stabilizing trends now observed in the loan and other risk markets, our outlook for 2016 again calls for a coupon-clipping year with a relatively small deduction for potential credit loss. We believe a more bullish case is supported by sustained and deeper macroeconomic stability and potential for strengthening demand stemming from increasing short-term rates in the United States. All other things held equal, this would lead to a partial recovery of the existing market value discount. Finally, we stress that investors should approach the senior loan market from a longer-term, strategic perspective. While we believe the path to price recovery and, consequently, attractive risk-adjusted returns is

Loan ratings apply to the underlying holdings of the Trust and not the Trust itself. Ratings distribution shows the percentage of the Trust's loan commitments (excluding cash and foreign cash) that are rated in each ratings category, based upon the categories provided by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Ratings distribution is based on Moody's senior secured facility ratings. Moody's ratings classification methodology: Aaa rating denotes the least credit risk; C rating denotes the greatest credit risk. Loans rated below Baa by Moody's are considered to be below investment-grade. When a loan is not rated by Moody's, it is designated as "Not Rated." Ratings can change from time to time, and current ratings may not fully reflect the actual credit condition or risks posed by a loan.

*  Not rated includes loans to non-U.S. borrowers (which are typically unrated) and loans for which the rating has been withdrawn.

Voya Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued)

emerging, general financial market volatility is likely to remain high in the face of the myriad macro risk factors facing investors over the visible horizon.

Voya Prime Rate Trust
April 1, 2016

Voya Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued)

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

Total returns shown include, if applicable, the effect of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by Voya Investments, LLC. Had all fees and expenses been considered, the total returns would have been lower.

Performance data represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment in the Trust will fluctuate. Shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Trust's future performance may be lower or higher than the performance data shown. Please log on to www.voyainvestments.com or call (800) 336-3436 to get performance through the most recent month end.

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

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

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

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

INDEX DESCRIPTIONS

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

Voya Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued)

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

^(B)  The distribution rate is calculated by annualizing the last regular dividend and distribution declared during the period using the 30/360 convention by the Trust's reporting period-end net asset value (in the case of NAV) or the reporting period-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 includes distributions from net investment income. The distribution rate includes distributions from net investment income, but does not include capital gains or losses.

All Voya family of funds involve risk — some more than others — and there is always the chance that you could lose money or not earn as much as you hope. The Trust's risk profile is largely a factor of the principal securities in which it invests and investment techniques that it uses. The following are the principal risks associated with investing in the Trust. This is not, and is not intended to be, a description of all risks of investing in the Trust. A more detailed description of the risks of investing in the Trust is contained in the Trust's current prospectus.

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

Interest Rate Risk: Changes in short-term market interest rates will directly affect the yield on the Trust's Common Shares. If short-term market interest rates fall, the yield on the Trust's Common Shares will also fall. To the extent that the interest rate spreads on loans in the Trust's portfolio experience a general decline, the yield on the Trust's Common Shares will fall and the value of the Trust's assets may decrease, which will cause the Trust's NAV to decrease. Conversely, when short-term market interest rates rise, because of the lag between changes in such short-term rates and the resetting of the floating rates on assets in the Trust's portfolio, the impact of rising rates will be delayed to the extent of such lag. In the case of inverse securities, the interest rate will generally decrease when the market rate of interest to which the inverse security is indexed increases. As of the date of this report, interest rates in the United States are at, or near, historic lows, which may increase the Trust's exposure to risks associated with rising interest rates.

Leverage Risk: The Trust borrows money for investment purposes. Borrowing increases both investment opportunity and investment risk. In the event of a general market decline in the value of assets such as those in which the Trust invests, the effect of that decline will be magnified in the Trust because of the additional assets purchased with the proceeds of the borrowings. The Trust also faces

Voya Prime Rate Trust

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued)

the risk that it might have to sell assets at relatively less advantageous times if it were forced to de-leverage if a source of leverage becomes unavailable.

The Trust's use of leverage through borrowings or the issuance of Preferred Shares can adversely affect the yield on the Trust's Common Shares. To the extent that the Trust is unable to invest the proceeds from the use of leverage in assets which pay interest at a rate which exceeds the rate paid on the leverage, the yield on the Trust's Common Shares will decrease. In addition, in the event of a general market decline in the value of assets such as those in which the Trust invests, the effect of that decline will be magnified in the Trust because of the additional assets purchased with the proceeds of the leverage. The Trust also faces the risk that it might have to sell assets at relatively less advantageous times if it were forced to de-leverage if a source of leverage becomes unavailable.

Voya Prime Rate Trust

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Shareholders and Board of Trustees
Voya Prime Rate Trust

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, of Voya Prime Rate Trust, as of February 29, 2016, and the related statement of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the years in the ten-year period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and portfolio of investments. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of February 29, 2016, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, and brokers, or by other appropriate auditing procedures when replies from brokers were not received. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Voya Prime Rate Trust as of February 29, 2016, the results of its operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the years in the ten-year period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Boston, Massachusetts
April 25, 2016

Voya Prime Rate Trust

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES as of February 29, 2016

Voya Prime Rate Trust

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS for the Year Ended February 29, 2016

Voya Prime Rate Trust

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

Voya Prime Rate Trust

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the Year Ended February 29, 2016

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year or period.

⁽¹⁾  Total investment return calculations are attributable to Common Shares.

⁽²⁾  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, capital gain distributions and return of capital distributions/allocations, if any, in accordance with the provisions of the dividend reinvestment plan.

⁽³⁾  Total investment return at market value has been calculated assuming a purchase at market value at the beginning of each period and a sale at market value at the end of each period and assumes reinvestment of dividends, capital gain distributions, and return of capital/allocations, if any, in accordance with the provisions of the dividend reinvestment plan.

⁽⁴⁾  The Investment Adviser has agreed to limit expenses excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, leverage expenses, other investment related costs and extraordinary expenses, subject to possible recoupment by the Investment Adviser within three years to 1.05% of Managed Assets plus 0.15% of average daily net assets.

⁽⁵⁾  There was no impact on total return due to payments by affiliates.

⁽⁶⁾  Includes excise tax fully reimbursed by the Investment Adviser.

⁽⁷⁾  Annualized for periods less than one year.

*  Amount is less than $0.005 or more than $(0.005).

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)

Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year or period.

(a)  Asset coverage ratios, for fiscal periods beginning after 2011, is presented to represent the coverage available to each $1,000 of borrowings. Asset coverage ratios, for periods prior to fiscal 2009, represented the coverage available for both the borrowings and Preferred Shares expressed in relation to each $1,000 of borrowings and Preferred Shares liquidation value outstanding. The Asset coverage ratio per $1,000 of debt for periods subsequent to fiscal 2008, is presented to represent the coverage available

to each $1,000 of borrowings before consideration of any Preferred Shares liquidation price, while the Asset coverage inclusive of Preferred Shares, presents the coverage available to both borrowings and Preferred Shares, expressed in relation to the per share liquidation price of the Preferred Shares.

⁽¹⁾  Includes excise tax fully reimbursed by the Investment Adviser.

⁽²⁾  Annualized for periods less than one year.

Voya Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 29, 2016

NOTE 1 — ORGANIZATION

Voya 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 at least 80% of its assets in senior loans, which generally are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and which contain certain restrictions on resale and cannot be sold publicly. These loans bear interest (unless otherwise noted) at rates that float periodically at a margin above the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and other short-term rates. The investment objective of the Trust is described in the Trust's prospectus.

Voya Investments, LLC ("Voya Investments" or the "Investment Adviser"), an Arizona limited liability company, serves as the Investment Adviser to the Trust. Voya Investments oversees all investment advisory and portfolio management services for the Trust and assists in managing and supervising all aspects of the general day-to-day business activities and operations of the Trust, including custodial, transfer agency, dividend disbursing, accounting, auditing, compliance and related services. The Investment Adviser has engaged Voya Investment Management Co. LLC ("Voya IM" or the "Sub-Adviser"), a Delaware limited liability company, to serve as the Sub-Adviser to the Trust.

NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following significant accounting policies are consistently followed by the Trust in the preparation of its financial statements. The Trust is considered an investment company under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies.

A.  Senior Loan and Other Security Valuation. The Trust is open for business every day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") opens for regular trading (each such day, a "Business Day"). The net asset value ("NAV") per Common Share of the Trust is determined each Business Day as of the close of the regular trading session ("Market Close"), as determined by the Consolidated Tape Association ("CTA"), the central distributor of transaction prices for exchange-traded securities (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time unless otherwise designated by the CTA). The NAV per Common Share of the Trust is calculated by dividing the value of the Trust's loan assets plus all cash and other assets (including accrued expenses but excluding capital and surplus) attributable to the Common Shares by the number of Common Shares outstanding. The NAV per Common Share is made available for publication. On days when the Trust is closed for business, Trust shares will not be priced and the Trust does not transact purchase and redemption orders. To the extent the Trust's assets are traded in other markets on days when the Trust does not price its shares, the value of the Trust's assets will likely change and you will not be able to purchase or redeem shares of the Trust.

Assets for which market quotations are readily available are valued at market value. A security listed or traded on an exchange is valued at its last sales price or official closing price as of the close of the regular trading session on the exchange where the security is principally traded or, if such price is not available, at the last sale price as of the Market Close for such security provided by the CTA. Bank loans are valued at the average of the averages of the bid and ask prices provided to an independent loan pricing service by brokers. Futures contracts are valued at the final settlement price set by an exchange on which they are principally traded. Listed options are valued at the mean between the last bid and ask prices from the exchange on which they are principally traded. Investments in open-end registered investment companies that do not trade on an exchange are valued at the end of day NAV per share. Investments in registered investment companies that trade on an exchange are valued at the last sales price or official closing price as of the close of the regular trading session on the exchange where the security is principally traded.

When a market quotation is not readily available or is deemed unreliable, the Trust will determine a fair value for the relevant asset in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees ("Board"). Such procedures provide, for example, that: (a) Exchange-traded securities are valued at the mean of the closing bid and ask; (b) Debt obligations are valued using an evaluated price provided by an independent

Voya Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 29, 2016 (continued)

NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

pricing service. Evaluated prices provided by the pricing service may be determined without exclusive reliance on quoted prices, and may reflect factors such as institution-size trading in similar groups of securities, developments related to specific securities, benchmark yield, quality, type of issue, coupon rate, maturity, individual trading characteristics and other market data; (c) Securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued based on prices provided by independent pricing services or market makers; (d) Options not listed on an exchange are valued by an independent source using an industry accepted model, such as Black-Scholes; (e) Centrally cleared swap agreements are valued using a price provided by the central counterparty clearinghouse; (f) Over-the-counter swap agreements are valued using a price provided by an independent pricing service; (g) Forward foreign currency contracts are valued utilizing current and forward rates obtained from an independent pricing service. Such prices from the third party pricing service are for specific settlement periods and the Trust's forward foreign currency contracts are valued at an interpolated rate between the closest preceding and subsequent period reported by the independent pricing service and (h) Securities for which market prices are not provided by any of the above methods may be valued based upon quotes furnished by brokers.

The prospectuses of the open-end registered investment companies in which the Trust may invest explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.

Foreign securities' (including foreign exchange contracts) prices are converted into U.S. dollar amounts using the applicable exchange rates as of Market Close. If market quotations are available and believed to be reliable for foreign exchange-traded equity securities, the securities will be valued at the market quotations. Because trading hours for certain foreign securities end before Market Close, closing market quotations may become unreliable. An independent pricing service determines the degree of certainty, based on historical data, that the closing price in the principal market where a foreign security trades is not the current value as of Market Close. Foreign securities' prices meeting the approved degree of certainty that the price is not reflective of current value will be valued by the independent pricing service using pricing models designed to estimate likely changes in the values of those securities between the times in which the trading in those securities is substantially completed and Market Close. Multiple factors may be considered by the independent pricing service in determining the value of such securities and may include information relating to sector indices, American Depositary Receipts and domestic and foreign index futures.

All other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or became unreliable (or if the above fair valuation methods are unavailable or determined to be unreliable) are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the supervision of the Board following procedures approved by the Board. The Board has delegated to the Investment Adviser responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the Trust's valuation procedures; a "Pricing Committee" comprised of employees of the Investment Adviser or its affiliates has responsibility for applying the fair valuation methods set forth in the procedures and, if a fair valuation cannot be determined pursuant to the fair valuation methods, determining the fair value of assets held by the Trust. Issuer specific events, transaction price, position size, nature and duration of restrictions on disposition of the security, market trends, bid/ask quotes of brokers and other market data may be reviewed in the course of making a good faith determination of a security's fair value. Valuations change in response to many factors including the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer, the value of the issuer's assets, general economic conditions, interest rates, investor perceptions and market liquidity. Because of the inherent uncertainties of fair valuation, the values used to determine the Trust's NAV may materially differ from the value received upon actual sale of those investments. Thus, fair valuation may have an unintended dilutive or accretive effect on the value of shareholders' investments in the Trust.

Each investment asset or liability of the Trust is assigned a level at measurement date based on the significance and source of the inputs to its valuation. Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities are classified as "Level 1," inputs other than quoted prices for an asset or liability that are observable are classified as "Level 2" and unobservable inputs, including the Sub-Adviser's or Pricing

Voya Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 29, 2016 (continued)

NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Committee's judgment about the assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability are classified as "Level 3." The inputs used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities. Short-term securities of sufficient credit quality are generally considered to be Level 2 securities under applicable accounting rules. A table summarizing the Trust's investments under these levels of classification is included following the Portfolio of Investments.

U.S. GAAP requires a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported fair values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchases and sales, and transfers in or out of the Level 3 category during the period. The beginning of period timing recognition is used for the transfers between Levels of the Trust's assets and liabilities. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Trust has a significant amount of Level 3 investments.

For the year ended February 29, 2016, there have been no significant changes to the fair valuation methodologies.

B.  Security Transactions and Revenue Recognition. Security transactions and senior loans are accounted for on trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). The unfunded portion of revolver and delayed draw loans are booked once that portion becomes funded. Realized gains or losses are reported on the basis of identified cost of securities sold. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis at the then-current loan rate. The accrual of interest on loans is partially or fully discontinued when, in the opinion of management, there is an indication that the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due. If determined to be uncollectible, unpaid accrued interest is also written off. Cash collections on non-accrual senior loans are generally applied as a reduction to the recorded investment of the loan. Senior loans are generally returned to accrual status only after all past due amounts have been received and the borrower has demonstrated sustained performance. Premium amortization and discount accretion are deferred and recognized over the shorter of four years or the actual term of the loan. Arrangement fees received on revolving credit facilities, which represent non-refundable fees or purchase discounts associated with the acquisition of loans, are deferred and recognized using the effective yield method over the shorter of four years or the actual term of the loan. No such fees are recognized on loans which have been placed on non-accrual status. Arrangement fees associated with all other loans, except revolving credit facilities, are treated as discounts and are accreted as described above. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Amendment fees are earned as compensation for evaluating and accepting changes to an original senior loan agreement and are recognized when received. Amendment fees and other fees earned are reported on the Statement of Operations.

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

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

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

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

Voya Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 29, 2016 (continued)

NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

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

D.  Forward Foreign Currency Contracts. The Trust has entered into forward foreign currency contracts primarily to hedge against foreign currency exchange rate risks on its non-U.S. dollar denominated investment securities. When entering into a currency forward foreign contract, the Trust agrees to receive or deliver a fixed quantity of foreign currency for an agreed-upon price on an agreed future date. These contracts are valued daily and the Trust's net equity therein, representing unrealized gain or loss on the contracts as measured by the difference between the forward foreign exchange rates at the dates of entry into the contracts and the forward rates at the reporting date, is included in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in the Statement of Operations. These instruments involve market and/or credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Risks arise from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from movement in currency and securities values and interest rates. Open forward foreign currency contracts are presented following the respective Portfolio of Investments.

For the year ended February 29, 2016, the Trust entered into one forward foreign currency contract to buy with a contract amount of $1,210,146. The Trust had an average quarterly contract amount on forward foreign currency contracts to sell of $31,208,531 for the year ended February 29, 2016.

E.  When-Issued Delayed-Delivery. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued, delayed-delivery or forward purchase commitment basis may have extended settlement periods. The value of the security so purchased is subject to market fluctuations during this period. Due to the nature of the Senior Loan market, the actual settlement date may not be certain at the time of the purchase or sale for some of the Senior Loans. Interest income on such Senior Loans is not accrued until settlement date.

F.  Federal Income Taxes. It is the policy of the Trust to comply with the requirements of subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code that are applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and any net realized capital gains to its shareholders. Therefore, a federal income tax or excise tax provision is not required. Management has considered the sustainability of the Trust's tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years in making this determination. No capital gain distributions shall be made until the capital loss carryforwards have been fully utilized or expire.

The Trust may utilize equalization accounting for tax purposes, whereby a portion of redemption payments are treated as distributions of income or gain.

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

Voya Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 29, 2016 (continued)

NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

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

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

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

K.  Indemnifications. In the normal course of business, the Trust may enter into contracts that provide certain indemnifications. The Trust's maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Trust and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, based on experience, management considers the risk of loss from such claims remote.

NOTE 3 — INVESTMENTS

For the year ended February 29, 2016, the cost of purchases and the proceeds from principal repayment and sales of investments, excluding short-term notes, totaled $527,120,696 and $566,348,165, respectively. At February 29, 2016, the Trust held senior loans valued at $1,107,083,078 representing 99.5% of its total investments. The fair 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. In the event that the lead lender becomes insolvent, enters Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") receivership or, if not FDIC insured, enters into bankruptcy, the Fund may incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment, or may suffer a loss of principal and/or interest.

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

Voya Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 29, 2016 (continued)

NOTE 3 — INVESTMENTS (continued)

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

NOTE 4 — INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEES

Prior to May 1, 2015, the Trust had entered into an investment management agreement ("Management Agreement") with the Investment Adviser to provide advisory and management services. The Management Agreement compensated the Investment Adviser with a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate of 0.80% of the Trust's Managed Assets. For purposes of the Management 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). Amounts paid to the Investment Adviser through April 30, 2015 are reflected as investment management fees on the accompanying Statement of Operations.

Also, prior to May 1, 2015, the Trust had entered into an administrative agreement ("Administrative Agreement") with Voya Funds Services, LLC (the "Administrator"), a Delaware limited liability company, to provide administrative services and also to furnish facilities. For its services, the Administrator was compensated with a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Trust's Managed Assets. Amounts paid to the Administrator through April 30, 2015 are reflected as administrative service fees on the accompanying Statement of Operations.

Effective May 1, 2015, the terms of the Trust's Management Agreement and Administrative Agreement were combined under a single Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement with a single management fee. The single management fee rate under the Trust's Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement does not exceed the former combined investment management and administrative services fee rates for the Trust and there is no change to the investment management or administrative services provided. The Investment Adviser oversees all investment advisory and portfolio management services for the Trust and assists in managing and supervising all aspects of the general day-to-day business activities and operations of the Trust, including custodial, transfer agency, dividend disbursing, accounting, auditing, compliance and related services.

The Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement compensates the Investment Adviser with a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate of 1.05% of the Trust's Managed Assets. Single management fee amounts paid to the Investment Adviser from May 1, 2015 through February 29, 2016 are reflected as investment management fees on the accompanying Statement of Operations.

The Investment Adviser has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with Voya IM. Subject to such policies as the Board or the Investment Adviser may determine, Voya IM manages the Trust's assets in accordance with the Trust's investment objectives, policies, and limitations.

Voya Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 29, 2016 (continued)

NOTE 5 — EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT

The Investment Adviser has agreed to limit expenses, excluding interest, taxes, investment-related costs, leverage expenses, extraordinary expenses, and acquired fund fees and expenses to 1.05% of Managed Assets plus 0.15% of average daily net assets.

The Investment Adviser may at a later date recoup from the Trust for fees waived and other expenses assumed by the Investment Adviser during the previous 36 months, but only if, after such recoupment, the Trust's expense ratio does not exceed the percentage described above. Waived and reimbursed fees net of any recoupment by the Investment Adviser of such waived and reimbursed fees are reflected on the accompanying Statement of Operations. Amounts payable by the Investment Adviser are reflected on the accompanying Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

The expense limitation agreement is contractual through July 1, 2016 and shall renew automatically for one-year terms. Termination or modification of this obligation requires approval by the Board.

As of February 29, 2016, the amount of reimbursed fees that are subject to recoupment by the Investment Adviser, and the related expiration dates are as follows:

NOTE 6 — TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND RELATED PARTIES

The Trust has adopted a deferred compensation plan (the "Plan"), which allows eligible independent trustees, as described in the Plan, to defer the receipt of all or a portion of the trustees' fees that they are entitled to receive from the Trust. For purposes of determining the amount owed to the trustee under the Plan, the amounts deferred are invested in shares of the funds selected by the trustee (the "Notional Funds"). The Trust purchases shares of the Notional Funds, which are all advised by Voya Investments, in amounts equal to the trustees' deferred fees, resulting in a Trust asset equal to the deferred compensation liability. Such assets are included as a component of "Other assets" on the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Deferral of trustees' fees under the Plan will not affect net assets of the Trust, and will not materially affect the Trust's assets, liabilities or net investment income per share. Amounts will be deferred until distributed in accordance with the Plan.

The Trust may engage in purchase and sale transactions with funds that have a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers) and/or have a common sub-adviser. These interfund transactions are made pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. For the year ended February 29, 2016, the Trust engaged in such purchase and sales transactions totaling $7,366,252 and $815,938, respectively.

NOTE 7 — COMMITMENTS

The Trust has entered into a $440 million 364-day revolving credit agreement which matures July 18, 2016, collateralized by assets of the Trust. Borrowing rates under this agreement are based on a fixed spread over LIBOR, and a commitment fee is charged on the unused portion. Prepaid arrangement fees are amortized over the term of the agreement. The amount of borrowings outstanding at February 29, 2016, was $324 million. Weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings during the year was 1.34%, excluding fees related to the unused portion of the facilities, and other fees. The amount of borrowings represented 28.61% of total assets at February 29, 2016. Average borrowings for the period ended February 29, 2016 were $331,738,251 and the average annualized interest rate was 1.22% excluding other fees related to the unused portion of the facility, and other fees.

Voya Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 29, 2016 (continued)

NOTE 8 — RIGHTS AND OTHER OFFERINGS

As of February 29, 2016, the Trust had unfunded loan commitments pursuant to the terms of the following loan agreements:

The net unrealized depreciation on these commitments of $2,443 as of February 29, 2016 is reported as such on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

As of February 29, 2016, outstanding share offerings pursuant to shelf registrations were as follows:

As of February 29, 2016 the Trust had no Preferred Shares outstanding. The Trust may consider issuing Preferred Shares during the current fiscal year or in the future.

NOTE 9 — SUBORDINATED LOANS AND UNSECURED LOANS

The Trust may invest in subordinated loans and in unsecured loans. The primary risk arising from investing in subordinated loans or in unsecured loans is the potential loss in the event of default by the issuer of the loans. The Trust may acquire a subordinated loan only if, at the time of acquisition, it acquires or holds a senior loan from the same borrower. The Trust will acquire unsecured loans only where the Investment Adviser believes, at the time of acquisition, that the Trust would have the right to payment upon default that is not subordinate to any other creditor. Subject to the aggregate 20% limit on other investments, the Trust may invest up to 20% of its total assets in unsecured floating rate loans, notes and other debt instruments and 5% of its total assets in floating rate subordinated loans. As of February 29, 2016, the Trust held no subordinated loans or unsecured loans.

NOTE 10 — CAPITAL SHARES

There was no capital shares activity during the year ended February 29, 2016 and during the year ended February 28, 2015.

NOTE 11 — FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

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

The following permanent tax differences have been reclassified as of February 29, 2016:

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.

Voya Prime Rate Trust

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 29, 2016 (continued)

NOTE 11 — FEDERAL INCOME TAXES (continued)

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

The tax-basis components of distributable earnings and the capital loss carryforwards which may be used to offset future realized capital gains for federal income tax purposes as of February 29, 2016 are detailed below. The Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the "Act") provides an unlimited carryforward period for newly generated capital losses. Under the Act, there may be a greater likelihood that all or a portion of the Trust's pre-enactment capital loss carryforwards may expire without being utilized due to the fact that post-enactment capital losses are required to be utilized before pre-enactment capital loss carryforwards.

The Trust's major tax jurisdictions are U.S. federal and Arizona state.

As of February 29, 2016, no provision for income tax is required in the Trust's financial statements as a result of tax positions taken on federal and state income tax returns for open tax years. The Trust's federal and state income and federal excise tax returns for tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state department of revenue. The earliest tax year that remains subject to examination by these jurisdictions is 2011.

NOTE 12 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

DIVIDENDS

Subsequent to February 29, 2016, the Trust paid the following dividends from net investment income:

The Trust has evaluated events occurring after the Statement of Assets and Liabilities date ("subsequent events") to determine whether any subsequent events necessitated adjustment to or disclosure in the financial statements. Other than the above, no such subsequent events were identified.

  PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
VOYA PRIME RATE TRUST  AS OF FEBRUARY 29, 2016

  PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
VOYA PRIME RATE TRUST  AS OF FEBRUARY 29, 2016 (CONTINUED)