PILGRIM AMERICA PRIME RATE TRUST
N-30D, 1999-05-07
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Pilgrim(SM)
- -------
THE VALUE OF INVESTING(R)







                                                 P r i m e   R a t e   T r u s t



                                                                   Annual Report



























- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               February 28, 1999
                                                                   Annual Report
<PAGE>
                            Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust


                                 ANNUAL REPORT

                               February 28, 1999


                                   --------



                               Table of Contents



               Chairman's Message ........................     2
               Letter to Shareholders   ..................     3
               Statistics and Performance  ...............     7
               Performance Footnotes .....................     9
               Additional Notes and Information  .........    10
               Portfolio of Investments ..................    11
               Statement of Assets and Liabilities ......     20
               Statement of Operations  ..................    21
               Statements of Changes in Net Assets  ......    22
               Statement of Cash Flows  ..................    23
               Financial Highlights  .....................    24
               Notes to Financial Statements  ............    26
               Report of Independent Auditors ............    31
               Tax Information ...........................    32
               Fund Advisors and Agents ..................    33

                                   --------

                                       1
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Shareholder:

We  are  pleased  to present the Annual Report for Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust (the
"Trust").

On  the  following  pages,  the  Portfolio  Manager  will  discuss  the  Trust's
milestones  and  performance, as well as recent market developments. A leader in
its  class, the Trust has continued to increase shareholder value through strong
management and innovative approaches.

We  believe  you  will find the twelve month results a reflection of the Pilgrim
Investment,  Inc.  philosophy  to  provide  core holdings which seek to meet the
three key needs of the serious investor:

 1. Preservation of capital

 2. Participation in rising markets

 3. Outperformance in falling markets

Thank  you  for selecting Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust. We appreciate the confidence
you have placed in us in serving your investment needs.


Sincerely,


/s/ Robert W. Stallings

Robert W. Stallings
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Pilgrim Group, Inc.
April 23, 1999

                                       2
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

The  objective of Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust is to provide a high level of current
income  consistent  with  the  preservation  of capital. During the fiscal year,
which   ended  on  February  28,  1999,  the  Trust  declared  distributions  to
shareholders  totaling  $0.813  per  share.  Based  on the average month-end net
asset  value ("NAV") per share, this distribution rate is equivalent to 8.74%(1)
per  anum.  If compared with average closing prices for the Trust's stock at the
end  of  each  month,  the  distribution rate, based on market was equivalent to
8.26%(1)  per  anum.  Interest  rates  generally  fell in the second half of the
fiscal  year. The Trust's distribution rates for the period from January 1, 1991
through  February  28, 1999 in relation to the Prime Rate and LIBOR, an index of
the rate of interest at which banks lend to one another, is shown in Chart I.

              Comparative Performance -- Trailing 12 Month Average

                Prime Rate Trust (2)    Prime Rate (3)    60-Day LIBOR (4)
                --------------------    --------------    ----------------
Jan-91              9.675%                   9.917%              8.063%
Jan-92              7.739                    8.125               5.574
Jan-93              6.203                    6.208               3.677
Jan-94              5.955                    6.000               3.214
Jan-95              7.288                    7.458               4.927
Jan-96              8.886                    8.813               5.812
Jan-97              8.569                    8.250               5.422
Jan-98              8.780                    8.479               5.639
Jan-99              8.764                    8.250               5.420

Chart I                      Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

The  Trust's month-end net asset value ranged between $9.36 and $9.23. Financial
assets  generally  experienced  a  relatively  high  degree of volatility in the
second  half  of  the  fiscal  year. Senior floating rate loans experienced less
volatility,  but  were  not  immune to the gyrations seen in the bond and equity
markets.  Some  of  the market changes, which led to the relatively lower degree
of   stability   in   the  third  and  fourth  fiscal  quarters,  may  continue.
Nevertheless,  the  stability  of  the  senior  floating  rate  loan asset class
relative  to the bond and equity markets, has remained fundamentally undisturbed
as  shown in Chart II which illustrates volatility in the S&P 500, Merrill Lynch
High  Yield  Corporate  Bond  Domestic  Cash Pay Index and the Trust's net asset
value(5).
          WEEKLY VALUE VARIANCES                      WEEKLY VALUE VARIANCES
          ----------------------                      ----------------------
 3/6/98    0.0000%   0.0000%   0.0000%     9/4/98    0.1073%  -5.1843%  -1.1530%
3/13/98    0.2153%   1.2238%   0.4876%    9/11/98   -0.6431%   3.6113%  -0.4323%
3/20/98    0.2148%   2.8589%   0.3571%    9/18/98    0.2157%   1.0931%   0.0561%
3/27/98    0.1072%  -0.3384%   0.1385%    9/25/98    0.2153%   2.4174%   0.8161%
 4/3/98    0.2141%   2.4885%   0.5362%    10/2/98   -0.1074%  -4.0345%   0.2125%
 4/9/98   -0.6410%  -1.0715%  -0.0018%    10/9/98   -0.6452%  -1.8163%  -2.8874%
4/17/98    0.2151%   1.0849%   0.1884%   10/16/98    0.2165%   7.3172%  -0.3787%
4/24/98    0.1073%  -1.3200%   0.0377%   10/23/98    0.1080%   1.3489%   0.8413%
 5/1/98    0.1072%   1.1824%  -0.0914%   10/30/98    0.1079%   2.6152%   0.8191%
 5/8/98   -0.5353%  -1.1472%   0.1388%    11/6/98   -0.5388%   3.8538%   0.7345%
5/15/98    0.2153%   0.0532%  -0.0334%   11/13/98    0.1083%  -1.3400%   1.5101%
5/22/98    0.2148%   0.1569%   0.1955%   11/20/98    0.2165%   3.3605%   1.1347%
5/29/98    0.3215%  -1.7695%   0.2833%   11/27/98    0.1080%   2.4700%   0.7656%
 6/5/98    0.1068%   2.1122%   0.2530%    12/4/98    0.2157%  -1.3042%   0.4305%
6/12/98   -0.6403%  -1.3485%   0.2915%   12/11/98   -0.5382%  -0.8736%  -0.0799%
6/19/98    0.1074%   0.1647%  -0.1842%   12/18/98    0.1082%   1.8492%  -0.2256%
6/26/98    0.2146%   2.9573%   0.1998%   12/24/98    0.2162%   3.2188%  -0.1022%
 7/2/98    0.1071%   1.1666%   0.1199%   12/31/98   -0.4315%   0.2414%   0.3704%
7/10/98   -0.5348%   1.5623%   0.2812%     1/8/99    0.2167%   3.7308%   0.3596%
7/17/98    0.0000%   1.9256%   0.0592%    1/15/99    0.1081%  -2.4963%  -0.1022%
7/24/98    0.2151%  -3.8719%   0.2412%    1/22/99    0.1080%  -1.4534%   0.3956%
7/31/98    0.1073%  -1.7646%  -0.1480%    1/29/99    0.0000%   4.4442%   0.2850%
 8/7/98   -0.5359%  -2.7858%  -0.1317%     2/5/99    0.1079%  -3.1446%  -0.1497%
8/14/98    0.1078%  -2.4508%  -0.6916%    2/12/99   -0.5388%  -0.7479%   0.0036%
8/21/98    0.2153%   1.7342%  -0.6880%    2/19/99    0.0000%   0.7365%   0.0000%
8/28/98    0.1074%  -4.9982%  -2.1861%

Chart II                     Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

                                       3
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MARKET PERFORMANCE

The  Trust's  shares  have  continued  to trade at a premium to NAV although the
premium  recently  declined.  During  1998,  new higher yielding, New York Stock
Exchange  listed  closed-end funds were launched raising more than $5.5 billion.
Four  of  these  funds,  with over $2 billion in net assets, invest primarily in
senior   floating   rate   loans.   This   increase  in  competitive  investment
alternatives  probably  reduced  demand  for the Trust's shares. In October, the
Trust's  share  price  dipped  to  as low as $8.50, most likely because of hedge
fund  panic  selling.  By  the end of February, the price had returned to $9.56.
Chart III depicts the Trust's market price performance.

       DATE         PRICE           NAV          % PREM
       ----         -----           ---          ------
     7/31/98        10.000         9.330          7.18
     7/24/98         9.938         9.320          6.63
     7/17/98        10.000         9.300          7.53
     7/10/98        10.000         9.300          7.62

     6/26/98         9.938         9.340          6.40
     6/19/98         9.938         9.320          6.63
     6/12/98        10.000         9.310          7.41
     6/5/98         10.125         9.370          8.06
     5/29/98        10.250         9.360          9.51

     5/22/98        10.188         9.330          9.19
     5/15/98        10.188         9.310          9.43
     5/8/98         10.063         9.290          8.32
     5/1/98         10.125         9.340          8.40
     4/24/98        10.000         9.330          7.18

     4/17/98        10.063         9.320          7.97
     4/10/98         9.938         9.300          6.85
     4/3/98         10.063         9.360          7.51
     3/27/98         9.875         9.340          5.73
     3/20/98        10.000         9.330          7.18

     3/13/98        10.125         9.310          8.75
     3/6/98         10.250         9.290         10.33

     2/26/99         9.563         9.240          3.49
     2/19/99         9.500         9.230          2.93
     2/12/99         9.500         9.230          2.93
     2/5/99          9.438         9.280          1.70
     1/29/99         9.563         9.270          3.16

     1/22/99         9.438         9.270          1.81
     1/15/99         9.313         9.260           .57
     1/8/99          9.313         9.250           .68
     1/1/99          9.313         9.230           .89
     12/25/98        9.313         9.270           .46

     12/18/98        9.250         9.250           .00
     12/11/98        9.375         9.240          1.46
     12/4/98         9.563         9.290          2.93
     11/27/98        9.563         9.270          3.16
     11/20/98        9.563         9.260          3.27

     11/13/98        9.625         9.240          4.17
     11/6/98         9.688         9.230          4.96
     10/30/98        9.688         9.280          4.39
     10/23/98        9.625         9.270          3.83
     10/16/98        9.375         9.260          1.24

     10/9/98         9.125         9.240         -1.24
     10/2/98         9.938         9.300          6.85
     9/25/98         9.938         9.310          6.74
     9/18/98         9.938         9.290          6.97
     9/11/98        10.000         9.270          7.87

     9/4/98         10.016         9.330          7.35
     8/28/98        10.000         9.320          7.30
     8/21/98        10.000         9.310          7.41
     8/14/98        10.063         9.290          8.32
     8/7/98         10.000         9.280          7.76

In  June  1998, the Trust introduced programs to allow existing shareholders and
qualified  institutional  investors  to acquire newly issued shares of the Trust
at  prices  at or below market, but above NAV. Nearly 20 million new shares have
been issued under these and other programs; increasing NAV by $0.03 per share.


ASSET QUALITY

In  last  year's  letter  to  shareholders, we commented on the need to minimize
non-performing  assets  towards  the  end of a period of economic expansion. The
expansion  is now twelve months older, but in some parts of the market there are
scattered  signs  of  financial  stress.  Some of these stresses have caused the
percentage  of  non-performing  loans in the portfolio to increase although poor
quality  assets  remain  within  normal  limits. As measured by number of loans,
problems  remain  few  and  causes  seem to be peculiar to each case rather than
systemic.

                                       4
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


As  we  continue  our initial credit analysis and systematic review of portfolio
investments,  we  find  few  signs  of  stress  among  credits arising from weak
business  models. Disappointments are nearly always connected to poor management
or   weak   sponsorship   by  equity  investors.  Sometimes,  previously  strong
management  or equity sponsors have become ineffectual. We also have experienced
the  adverse  consequences  of  poor  diligence  on  the  part  of acquirers. In
response  to  such events, we place higher emphasis on the quality, strength and
depth  of  management  and  the  goals of equity sponsors. Where equity sponsors
have  failed  to  meet  our  expectations  and  do  not  appear  to  have  taken
appropriate  action  in response to problems, we will not invest in transactions
led  by  them  until  we  have  clear  evidence  that  they  intend  to act more
responsibly.

In  addition  to our focus on the strength of management and equity sponsors, we
also  focus on the integrity of the credit monitoring and management function of
lead  lenders.  We  give  lead lenders active support in their efforts to manage
the  loans  in  which  the  Trust  invests.  Our goal is to help lead lenders to
optimize  the  quality  of  the  Trust's  investments  and to offer ideas on how
processes   and  practices  might  be  improved  to  enhance  credit  management
practices.

Diversification  remains our principal defense against defaults. Defaults are an
inevitable  consequence  of investing in this asset class. Diversification seeks
to  ensure  that  the  impact of failure to pay interest or suffer losses in the
event of default is minimized.

THE FOURTH QUARTER AND OUTLOOK

The  market  dislocations  which  occurred  during  the  summer and fall of 1998
resulted  in a reduced supply of new deals and a lower but still favorable yield
margin  over  LIBOR and the Prime Rate. Although the Trust's yield has declined,
the  Trust  has  outperformed  its  peer  group(6).  Of  course, there can be no
guarantees,  however,  we  expect the yield based on the Trust's NAV to maintain
its  close  historical relationship to Prime (currently 7.75%) and LIBOR + 2.75%
(also  approximately  7.75%) provided there are no material changes in defaults,
interest rate levels or in the margins earned on investments.

We look forward to receiving your comments and questions.


/s/ Howard Tiffen

Howard Tiffen
President, COO, and
Senior Portfolio Manager
Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust
April 23, 1999

                                       5
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SHAREHOLDER LETTER FOOTNOTES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


(1) Distribution  rate  is  calculated  by  dividing  the total distributions of
    $0.813  per  share  by the 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) The  distribution  rate  in chart I is the average of the distribution rates
    for  the  preceding  twelve  months.  Distribution  rates  are calculated by
    annualizing  each  monthly  dividend  and  dividing the resulting annualized
    dividend amount by the Trust's net asset value at the end of that month.

(3) Source: Bloomberg Financial Markets.

(4) Source:  IDD/Tradeline. The LIBOR rate is the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate
    and  is  the benchmark for determining the interest paid on more than 90% of
    the senior loans in the Trust's portfolio.

(5) The  Merrill Lynch High Yield Corporate Bond Domestic Cash Pay Index and the
    Standard  and  Poor's  Index  are  unmanaged  indexes. The Standard & Poor's
    Index  is  generally  representative  of  the U.S. stock market. All returns
    reflect  reinvestment  of  dividends  and capital gains, if any. An investor
    cannot invest directly in an index.

(6) Lipper  ranked  the Trust #1 for the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year periods among 8, 6,
    5,  and  1  loan  participation  funds  for  the periods ending February 28,
    1999.  Lipper  ranked  the Trust #2, #1, #1 and #1 among 10, 6, 5 and 1 loan
    participation  funds  for  the  1,  3, 5 and 10 year periods ended March 31,
    1999,  respectively.  Lipper  ranked  the Trust for total return through the
    periods,  excluding  sales  charges  and  not  reflecting  the 1995 and 1996
    rights  offerings.  Rankings  reflect partial waiver of fees for some of the
    periods shown. Without such waivers, rankings may 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.

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 manager, only
through  the  end  of  the  period  of  the  report  as stated on the cover. The
manager's  views  are  subject  to  change at any time based on market and other
conditions.

                                       6
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 STATISTICS AND PERFORMANCE as of February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                           PORTFOLIO CHARACTERISTICS


    Net Assets                                               $1,202,565,343
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Assets Invested in Senior Loans*                         $1,700,208,675
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Number of Senior Loans                                        164
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Average Amount Outstanding per Loan                         $10,367,126
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Number of Industries                                           30
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Average Loan Amount per Industry                            $56,673,623
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Portfolio Turnover Rate                                             68%
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Weighted Average Days to Interest Rate Reset                    53 days
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Average Loan Maturity                                         65 months
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Average Age of Loans Held in Portfolio                        11 months
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

* Includes loans and other debt received through restructures


                          TOP 10 INDUSTRIES AS A % OF


                                                 NET ASSETS   TOTAL ASSETS
                                                 ----------   ------------
    Healthcare, Education and Childcare              17.3%         11.9%
    Telecommunications                               12.9%         8.9%
    Containers, Packaging and Glass                   7.9%         5.4%
    Buildings and Real Estate                         7.7%         5.3%
    Chemicals, Plastics and Rubber                    7.5%         5.2%
    Broadcasting                                      6.9%         4.8%
    Personal, Food and Miscellaneous Services         6.9%         4.7%
    Aerospace and Defense                             6.2%         4.2%
    Leisure, Amusement, Motion Pictures
      and Entertainment                               6.1%         4.2%
    Beverage, Food and Tobacco                        5.6%         3.9%

                         TOP 10 SENIOR LOANS AS A % OF


                                                 NET ASSETS   TOTAL ASSETS
                                                 ----------   ------------
    Patriot American Hospitality                    2.5%          1.7%
    Nextel Finance Co.                              2.4%          1.6%
    Lyondell Petrochemical Company                  2.2%          1.5%
    MAFCO Finance Corp.                             2.1%          1.5%
    Community Health Systems, Inc.                  2.0%          1.4%
    Jefferson Smurfit                               2.0%          1.4%
    Omnipoint Corp.                                 1.9%          1.3%
    Ventas, Inc.                                    1.8%          1.2%
    Gaylord Container Corporation                   1.7%          1.2%
    Florida Panthers Holdings, Inc.                 1.7%          1.1%


                                       7
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 STATISTICS AND PERFORMANCE as of February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         YIELDS AND DISTRIBUTION RATES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              (NAV)        (MKT)       Annualized      Annualized
                    Prime   30-Day SEC   30-Day SEC    Distribution   Distribution
Quarter-ended       Rate     Yield A      Yield A     Rate at NAV B   Rate at MKT B
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>       <C>          <C>            <C>             <C>
February 28, 1999   7.75%     8.28%        7.99%          8.56%           8.27%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 30, 1998   7.75%     9.02%        8.68%          8.74%           8.42%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 31, 1998     8.50%     8.46%        7.88%          8.81%           8.21%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May 31, 1998        8.50%     9.67%        8.82%          8.86%           8.09%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                          AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

                                               NAV                  MKT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Year                                        7.86%                1.11%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Years                                       7.98%                9.44%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 Years                                       8.29%                9.99%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 Years                                      8.34%                N/A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since Trust Inception F,H                     8.41%                N/A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since Initial Trading on NYSE G                N/A                10.10%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assumes rights were exercised and excludes sales charges and commissions C,D,E


   Performance data represents past performance and is no guarantee of future
                                    results.


                      See performance footnotes on page 9.

                                       8
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PERFORMANCE FOOTNOTES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


(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 open-end 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  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.

(C)  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.  The Trust's  average  annual returns on a
     market basis and assuming rights were exercised  through  February 28, 1999
     were 1.11% and 9.99% for the one and five year periods,  respectively.  The
     Trust's average annual total return  assuming an initial  investment at NAV
     with a 3% sales  charge and assuming an ending value at market and assuming
     rights were exercised through February 28, 1999, was 9.58% for the ten-year
     period.  The average  annual total returns  based on market price  assuming
     rights were exercised with a brokerage commission are not presented.

(D)  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.

(E)  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.

(F)  Inception Date -- May 12, 1988.

(G)  Initial Trading on NYSE -- March 9, 1992.

(H)  Reflects partial waiver of fees.

     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.

                                       9
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 ADDITIONAL NOTES AND INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT PROGRAM

The  Trust  offers  a  Shareholder  Investment  Program (the "Program", formerly
known  as  the  Dividend  Reinvestment  and  Cash  Purchase  Plan)  which allows
shareholders   a   simple   way   to   reinvest   dividends  and  capital  gains
distributions,  if  any,  in  additional  shares  of the Trust. The Program also
offers  Trust  shareholders the ability to make optional cash investments in any
amount  from  $100  to  $5,000  on  a monthly basis. Amounts in excess of $5,000
require  prior  approval  of  the Trust. DST Systems, Inc., the Trust's Transfer
Agent, is the Administrator for the Program.

For  dividend  reinvestment  purposes, the Administrator 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 may issue new
shares  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  Administrator when the market price plus estimated commissions is less than
the  net  asset  value  on  the  valuation date. New shares may be issued by the
Trust  when  the  market price plus estimated commissions is equal to or exceeds
the net asset value on the valuation date.

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

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


KEY FINANCIAL DATES -- CALENDAR 1999 DIVIDENDS:

       DECLARATION DATE           EX-DATE                   PAYABLE DATE
       ----------------           -------                   ------------
       January 29                 February 8                February 23
       February 26                March 8                   March 22
       March 31                   April 8                   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 6                 October 22
       October 28                 November 8                November 22
       November 30                December 8                December 22
       December 20                December 28               January 13, 2000

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

STOCK DATA

The  Trust's  shares  are  traded  on the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol: PPR).
Effective  November  16,  1998  the  Trust's  name changed to Pilgrim Prime Rate
Trust  and  its  cusip number became 72146W 10 3. Prior to November 16, 1998 the
Trust's  name  was  Pilgrim  America  Prime  Rate Trust and its cusip number was
720906  10  6.  The  Trust's  NAV and market price are published daily under the
"Closed-End  Funds"  feature  in  Barron's,  The New York Times, The Wall Street
Journal and many other regional and national publications.

                                       10
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                 SENIOR LOANS*

          (Dollar weighted portfolio interest reset period is 53 days)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal
Amount                                                                       Loan       Stated
(000's)                          Industry/Borrower                           Type      Maturity        Value
- -------                          -----------------                           ----      --------        -----
<S>          <C>                                                            <C>        <C>          <C>
             AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE: 6.2%
  $8,843     Erickson Air-Crane Co. (heavy lift helicopters)                Term B     12/31/04     $ 8,400,375
   8,816     New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (aircraft manufacturer)               Term       04/15/05       8,816,484
  14,925     Nortek Aviation Support, Inc. (aviation services company)      Term B     06/30/03      14,925,000
   6,390     Piedmont Aviation Services (airport facility operator)         Term B     07/23/06       6,389,830
   6,390      Piedmont Aviation Services                                    Term C     07/23/07       6,389,830
   4,899     Technetics Corp. (aircraft engine components)                  Term       06/20/02       4,899,082
  15,000     TRANSTAR (aluminum distribution)                               Term B     01/20/06      15,000,000
   9,261     Tri Star/Odessy, Inc. (aerospace hardware distributor)         Term       09/30/03       9,260,505
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                     74,081,106
                                                                                                    ------------
             AUTOMOBILE: 5.6%
   4,963     Autosystems manufacturing, Inc. (automotive lighting)          Term B     05/31/04       4,863,250
   4,963      Autosystems manufacturing, Inc.                               Term C     05/31/05       4,863,250
  14,438     Breed Technologies, Inc. (airbags/seatbelts)                   Term B     04/27/06      14,437,870
   9,900     Cambridge Industries, Inc. (automotive plastics)               Term B     06/30/06       9,900,000
   9,380     Capital Tool & Design, Ltd. (brake backing plates)             Term B     07/19/03       9,379,829
   3,000     Federal Mogul Corp. (automotive parts)                         Term B     12/31/05       3,000,000
   8,767     Global Metal Technologies, Inc. (automotive parts)             Term B     03/12/05       8,767,420
   5,978     Safelite Glass Corp. (automobile windshield replacement)       Term B     12/23/04       5,978,143
   5,978      Safelite Glass Corp.                                          Term C     12/23/05       5,978,143
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                     67,167,905
                                                                                                    ------------
             BANKING: 0.8%
  10,000     Alliance Data Systems (financial data processing)              Term B     07/25/05      10,000,000
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                     10,000,000
                                                                                                    ------------
             BEVERAGE, FOOD AND TOBACCO: 5.6%
   2,359     Edward's Baking Co. (food service bakery)                      Term A     09/30/03       2,241,280
   3,292      Edward's Baking Co.                                           Term B     09/30/05       3,127,083
   3,292      Edward's Baking Co.                                           Term C     09/30/05       3,127,083
  13,790     Empire Kosher Poultry (kosher chicken and poultry)             Term B     07/31/04      13,790,000
  12,417     Favorite Brands International (confectionary manufacturer)     Term B     05/19/05      12,416,667
  15,000     General Nutrition Corp. (nutritional product retail
             and manufacturer)                                              Term       12/18/05      15,000,000
   9,214     Imperial Holly Corp. (sugar producer)                          Term A     12/31/05       9,213,617
   8,274      Imperial Holly Corp.                                          Term B     12/31/05       8,274,164
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                     67,189,894
                                                                                                    ------------
</TABLE>

                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

                                       11
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal
Amount                                                                         Loan         Stated
(000's)                          Industry/Borrower                             Type        Maturity        Value
- -------                          -----------------                             ----        --------        -----
<S>          <C>                                                            <C>            <C>          <C>
             BROADCASTING: 6.9%
 $10,000     American Cable Entertainment (cable television)                Term B         09/30/07     $ 10,000,000
   9,899     Benedek Broadcasting Corp. (television broadcasting)           Axel A (A)     12/31/04        9,898,713
   4,689      Benedek Broadcasting Corp.                                    Axel B (A)     12/31/04        4,688,941
   2,368     Capstar Radio Broadcasting (radio broadcasting)                Term A         09/24/99        2,368,421
   4,963      Capstar Radio Broadcasting                                    Term B         07/01/07        4,962,500
     326      Capstar Radio Broadcasting                                    Revolver       09/24/99          326,316
   5,000     Classic Cable, Inc. (cable television)                         Term B         10/31/07        5,000,000
   9,977     Intermedia Partners IV (cable television)                      Term           01/01/05        9,977,273
   1,728     Liberman Broadcasting, Inc. (spanish radio/tv)                 Revolver       03/31/05        1,728,000
   8,000      Liberman Broadcasting, Inc.                                   Term B         09/30/05        8,000,000
   9,204     Retlaw Broadcasting, LLC (television broadcasting)             Term B         04/30/06        9,203,750
  17,000     Telemundo (television broadcasting)                            Term B         12/28/06       17,000,000
                                                                                                        -------------
                                                                                                          83,153,914
                                                                                                        -------------
             BUILDINGS AND REAL ESTATE: 7.7%
   5,000     Alliance National, Inc. (temporary offices)                    Term B         09/04/05        5,000,000
   6,000     Dayton Superior Corp. (concrete/masonry accessories)           Term           09/29/05        6,000,000
   5,422     Falcon Building Products (building products)                   Term B         06/30/05        5,421,519
   6,600     Imperial Home Decor Group (home accessories)                   Term B         03/13/05        6,600,000
   3,400      Imperial Home Decor Group                                     Term C         03/13/06        3,400,000
   7,920     Kevco, Inc. (manufactured home components)                     Term B         02/02/05        7,920,000
   1,500     Meditrust Corp. (real estate investment trust)                 Term D         07/15/01        1,500,000
  15,000     Prison Realty (owner/operator of prison facilities)            Term B         01/01/03       15,000,000
  13,050     Tree Island Industries (nail and wire products)                Term B         03/31/03       13,050,000
       9     United Building Materials, Inc. (stone and concrete
             products)(1)                                                   Term           03/31/06            8,658
   7,800     US Aggregates (aggregate, asphalt, concrete manufacturer)      Term B         03/31/06        7,800,000
  21,154     Ventas, Inc. (real estate investment trust)                    Term D         05/05/03       21,153,789
                                                                                                        -------------
                                                                                                          92,853,966
                                                                                                        -------------
             CARGO TRANSPORT: 2.9%
  10,922     Atlas Freighter Leasing (air cargo carrier)                    Term           05/29/04       10,922,074
   3,094     Evergreen International Aviation, Inc. (air cargo carrier)     Term A         05/07/03        3,094,266
   1,569      Evergreen International Aviation, Inc.                        Term B         05/31/02        1,569,128
   8,800     Gemini Air Cargo, Inc. (air cargo carrier)                     Term A         12/12/02        8,800,000
   9,955     Omnitrax, Inc. (rail operator)                                 Term           05/12/05        9,954,545
                                                                                                        -------------
                                                                                                          34,340,013
                                                                                                        -------------
</TABLE>

                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

                                       12
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal
Amount                                                                         Loan        Stated
(000's)                           Industry/Borrower                            Type       Maturity        Value
- -------                           -----------------                            ----       --------        -----
<S>          <C>                                                             <C>          <C>          <C>
             CHEMICALS, PLASTICS AND RUBBER: 7.5%
  $9,891     Acadia Elastomers Corp. (specialty chemicals)                   Term         03/31/04     $ 9,890,510
  11,227     Cedar Chemical Corp. (specialty chemicals)                      Term B       10/30/03      11,226,596
  15,000     Euro United Corp. (plastic products)                            Term B       05/31/01      15,000,000
   3,545     Foamex, L.P. (polyurethane foam)                                Term B       06/30/05       3,544,874
   3,223      Foamex, L.P.                                                   Term C       06/30/06       3,222,613
   1,640     Huntsman Corp. (industrial chemicals)                           Revolver     12/31/02       1,639,526
     476      Huntsman Corp.                                                 Term A       12/31/02         475,560
   3,442      Huntsman Corp.                                                 Term B       06/30/04       3,442,437
   1,880     Huntsman Specialty Chemicals Corp. (specialty chemicals)        Term B       03/15/04       1,880,484
   1,880      Huntsman Specialty Chemicals Corp.                             Term C       12/31/05       1,880,484
  14,804     Lyondell Petrochemical Company (petrochemicals)                 Term A       07/23/03      14,803,889
  11,379      Lyondell Petrochemical Company                                 Term B       06/30/05      11,378,677
   5,102     NEN Life Science Products (biochemicals)                        Term B       12/31/04       5,102,041
   1,131     Paint Sundry Brands, LLC (paint supply manufacturer)            Term B       08/06/05       1,130,500
   1,108      Paint Sundry Brands, LLC                                       Term C       08/06/06       1,107,778
   4,722     Texas Petrochemical Corp. (industrial chemicals)                Term B       06/30/04       4,722,222
                                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                                        90,448,191
                                                                                                       ------------
             CONTAINERS, PACKAGING AND GLASS: 7.9%
   9,796     Crown Paper Co. (paper and pulp manufacturer)                   Term B       08/22/03       9,796,250
  18,125     Eastern Pulp & Paper Co. (specialty paper)                      Term         08/31/04      18,124,995
  19,897     Gaylord Container Corporation (corrugated containers)           Term         07/30/04      19,896,552
     728      Gaylord Container Corporation                                  Revolver     07/30/03         728,276
  24,000     Jefferson Smurfit (paperboard and packaging producer)           Term B       03/31/06      24,000,000
   9,950     Pretium Packaging, LLC (plastic packaging)                      Term B       07/29/06       9,950,020
  12,056     Stone Container (pulp and paper products)                       Term D       10/01/03      12,055,910
                                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                                        94,552,003
                                                                                                       ------------
             DIVERSIFIED/CONGLOMERATE MANUFACTURING: 2.8%
   4,986     Allied Digital Technologies Corp. (multimedia manufacturer)     Term B       12/31/05       4,986,250
   4,000     Holmes Products Corp. (consumer products manufacturer)          Term B       02/28/07       4,000,000
   9,977     Private Business, Inc. (banking services & software)            Term B       08/19/06       9,977,273
   9,975     SPX Corporation (industrial components)                         Term B       09/30/06       9,975,000
   4,500     Superior Telecom Inc. (copper cable manufacturing)              Term B       11/27/05       4,500,000
                                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                                        33,438,523
                                                                                                       ------------
             DIVERSIFIED/CONGLOMERATE SERVICES: 3.4%
  25,442     MAFCO Finance Corp. (diversified services and
             entertainment)                                                  Term A       04/16/00      25,442,308
     315      MAFCO Finance Corp.                                            Revolver     04/16/00         315,000
   8,719     Outsourcing Solutions, Inc. (accounts receivable
             management)                                                     Term B       11/06/03       8,718,530
   6,895      Outsourcing Solutions, Inc.                                    Term C       10/15/04       6,894,999
                                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                                        41,370,837
                                                                                                       ------------
             ECOLOGICAL: 0.6%
   2,361     Clean Harbors, Inc. (environmental services)                    Term         05/08/00       2,360,698
   4,688     Rumpke (waste management)                                       Term A       09/25/02       4,687,500
                                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                                         7,048,198
                                                                                                       ------------
</TABLE>

                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

                                       13
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal
Amount                                                                        Loan        Stated
(000's)                          Industry/Borrower                            Type       Maturity        Value
- -------                          -----------------                            ----       --------        -----
<S>          <C>                                                            <C>          <C>          <C>
             ELECTRONICS: 5.2%
  $4,500     Dynamic Details, Inc. (circuit board manufacturer)             Term B       04/22/05     $ 4,500,000
  10,085     Fairchild Semiconductor Corp. (electronic equipment)           Term C       03/11/03      10,085,123
   5,348     Intri-Plex Technologies, Inc. (disk drive component
             manufacturer)                                                  Term         09/30/02       5,347,826
   9,492     Mitel Corporation (semiconductor manufacturing)                Term B       06/02/04       9,492,030
   8,714     OK Industries, Inc. (circuit board manufacturing systems)      Term         10/31/02       8,714,286
   9,603     Sarcom, Inc. (systems integration)                             Term         11/20/02       9,603,175
  10,000     Stonebridge Technologies, Inc. (enterprise computing)          Term         07/27/05      10,000,000
   5,000     Stratus Computer, Inc. (continuous availability computing)     Term B       02/26/06       5,000,000
                                                                                                      ------------
                                                                                                       62,742,440
                                                                                                      ------------
             FINANCE: 3.4%
  18,000     Bridge Information Systems (news services)                     Term B       05/29/05      18,000,000
   5,852     National Partnership Investments Corp. (asset management)      Term         06/30/01       5,852,078
   5,325     Rent -A-Center, Inc. (home appliances rental company)          Term B       01/31/06       5,325,191
   7,129      Rent -A-Center, Inc.                                          Term C       01/31/07       7,129,434
   5,000     Value Asset Management, Inc. (money management)                Term B       04/28/03       5,000,000
                                                                                                      ------------
                                                                                                       41,306,703
                                                                                                      ------------
             GROCERY: 3.5%
     846     Pathmark Stores, Inc. (mid atlantic supermarkets)              Revolver     06/15/01         846,281
   1,501      Pathmark Stores, Inc.                                         Term A       06/15/01       1,500,682
   9,043      Pathmark Stores, Inc.                                         Term B       12/15/01       9,042,707
  17,767     Schwegmann Giant Supermarket (Louisiana supermarkets)(2)       Term B       07/30/06      17,766,610
     273      Schwegmann Giant Supermarket(2)                               Revolver     01/31/04         273,133
   9,287     Star Markets Co., Inc. (Boston area supermarkets)              Term B       12/31/02       9,286,651
   2,880      Star Markets Co., Inc.                                        Term C       12/31/03       2,880,472
                                                                                                      ------------
                                                                                                       41,596,536
                                                                                                      ------------
             HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE: 17.3%
   3,934     Alaris Medical Systems, Inc. (infusion pumps)                  Term B       11/30/03       3,933,963
   3,934      Alaris Medical Systems, Inc.                                  Term C       11/30/04       3,933,963
   3,693      Alaris Medical Systems, Inc.                                  Term D       05/31/05       3,692,879
   1,110     Alliance Imaging, Inc. (diagnostic services)                   Term A       12/18/03       1,110,435
   5,275      Alliance Imaging, Inc.                                        Term B       08/09/04       5,274,565
   9,305     Children's Discovery Centers (daycare and education)           Term         08/10/04       9,304,688
   8,870     Community Health Systems, Inc. (hospitals)                     Term B       12/31/03       8,869,863
   8,870      Community Health Systems, Inc.                                Term C       12/31/04       8,869,863
   6,644      Community Health Systems, Inc.                                Term D       12/31/05       6,643,836
   6,000     Covenant Care California, Inc. (long-term healthcare
             facilities)                                                    Term         06/30/99       6,000,000
</TABLE>

                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

                                       14
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal
Amount                                                                            Loan         Stated
(000's)                            Industry/Borrower                              Type        Maturity        Value
- -------                            -----------------                              ----        --------        -----
<S>          <C>                                                               <C>            <C>          <C>
             Healthcare, Education and Childcare (continued)
  $4,938     Doshi Diagnostics Imaging Service (radiology and medical
             testing)                                                          Term           05/15/05     $  4,937,500
  15,000     Fountain View, Inc. (long-term healthcare facilities)             Term B         03/31/04       15,000,000
   4,416     Genesis Eldercare Acquisition (long-term healthcare
             facilities)                                                       Term           09/30/04        4,415,726
   3,788     Healthcare Direct, Inc. (medical device retailer)                 Term A         08/01/04        3,787,500
   4,080      Healthcare Direct, Inc.                                          Term B         08/01/06        4,079,500
   6,250     Magellan Health Services (managed behavioral care)                Term B         02/12/05        6,250,000
   6,250      Magellan Health Services                                         Term C         02/12/06        6,250,000
  10,570     Mariner Health Group, Inc. (long-term care)                       Term B         03/31/05       10,570,417
   9,310      Mariner Health Group, Inc.                                       Term C         03/31/06        9,309,583
   9,379     Med Partners Inc. (physician practice management)                 Term A         06/30/99        9,379,361
   4,193      Med Partners Inc.                                                Term B         06/30/01        4,193,365
   5,280     Paracelsus Healthcare Corporation (for profit hospital chain)     Term A         05/15/03        5,280,000
   8,000      Paracelsus Healthcare Corporation                                Term B         06/15/04        8,000,000
   4,975     Roberts Pharmaceutical Corp. (pharmaceutical)                     Term A         06/30/03        4,975,000
   9,875     SMT Health (mobile MRI systems)                                   Term           08/31/03        9,875,000
   1,085     Stryker Corporation (orthopedic supplies manufacturing)           Term B         12/04/05        1,084,507
   4,415      Stryker Corporation                                              Term C         12/04/06        4,415,493
  12,500     The Brown Schools (healthcare America)                            Term B         06/30/04       12,500,000
   5,000      The Brown Schools                                                Term C         06/30/05        5,000,000
  15,405     Vencor, Inc. (long term care facility operator)                   Term B         05/05/05       15,405,376
   5,000     Vision Twenty-One, Inc. (eye care PPM)                            Term C         06/30/05        5,000,000
                                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                                            207,342,383
                                                                                                           -------------
             HOME AND OFFICE FURNISHINGS, HOUSEWARES AND DURABLE
              CONSUMER PRODUCTS: 3.0%
   4,500     All Clad (pots and pans)                                          Term A         03/18/04        4,500,000
   3,000      All Clad                                                         Term C         03/18/05        3,000,000
     804     American Blind and Wallpaper (furniture and
             home furnishings)                                                 Term           12/29/05          804,171
   8,825     Desa International (heaters and fireplaces)                       Term           11/26/04        8,825,000
  15,614     ICON Health & Fitness, Inc. (exercise equipment)                  Term B         11/14/01       15,614,374
   3,625     Panolam (design and manufacture wood paneling)                    Term B         01/31/03        3,625,000
                                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                                             36,368,545
                                                                                                           -------------
             HOTELS, MOTELS, INNS AND GAMING: 2.5%
   4,706     Patriot American Hospitality (hotels & resorts)                   Bridge II      03/31/99        4,705,882
   5,294      Patriot American Hospitality                                     Bridge III     03/31/00        5,294,118
  19,988      Patriot American Hospitality                                     Term B         03/31/03       19,987,500
                                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                                             29,987,500
                                                                                                           -------------
             INSURANCE: 0.7%
   4,935     TRG Holdings Corp. (insurance run-off)                            Term           01/07/03        4,935,000
   1,591     Willis Carroon Corporation (insurance brokerage)                  Term B         11/30/07        1,590,909
     955      Willis Carroon Corporation                                       Term C         11/30/08          954,545
     955      Willis Carroon Corporation                                       Term D         05/30/09          954,545
                                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                                              8,434,999
                                                                                                           -------------
</TABLE>

                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

                                       15
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal
Amount                                                                       Loan          Stated
(000's)                         Industry/Borrower                            Type         Maturity        Value
- -------                         -----------------                            ----         --------        -----
<S>          <C>                                                         <C>              <C>          <C>
             LEISURE, AMUSEMENT, MOTION PICTURES AND
              ENTERTAINMENT: 6.1%
  $3,713     AMFAC Parks and Resorts (park services operator)            Term B           09/04/04     $ 3,712,500
   3,713      AMFAC Parks and Resorts                                    Term C           09/30/04       3,712,500
  20,000     Florida Panthers Holdings, Inc. (investment holding)        Bridge           03/30/05      20,000,000
   9,900     Four Media Co. (film services)                              Term B           09/10/04       9,900,000
  10,000     Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (media and broadcast)                   Term A           03/31/05      10,000,000
   4,000      Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer                                        Term B           03/31/06       4,000,000
  15,000     Panavision, Inc. (movie cameras)                            Term B           03/31/05      15,000,000
   7,157     Worldwide Sports & Recreation Corp. (optics, sports
             products)                                                   Term B           03/31/01       6,977,665
                                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                                        73,302,665
                                                                                                       ------------
             MACHINERY (NONAGRICULTURE, NONCONSTRUCTION,
              NONELECTRONIC): 0.6%
   7,920     Clearing -- Niagara (metal stamping press manufacturer)     Term             10/18/04       7,524,208
                                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                                         7,524,208
                                                                                                       ------------
             MINING, STEEL, IRON AND NONPRECIOUS METALS: 3.6%
   5,880     Cable Systems International (cable wire manufacturer)       Term B           10/04/02       5,880,000
   3,269     Centennial Resources (coal mining)(2)(3)                    Term A           03/31/02       1,536,539
   8,510      Centennial Resources(2)(3)                                 Term B           03/31/04       3,999,519
   1,722      Centennial Resources(3)                                    DIP Loan (B)     06/30/99       1,721,676
   9,825     Ispat Sidbec, Inc. (steel producer)                         Term B           07/16/04       9,825,345
   9,825      Ispat Sidbec, Inc.                                         Term C           01/16/05       9,825,345
   3,270     National Refractories Co. (kiln lining materials)           Term C           09/30/99       3,269,726
   7,385     P & L Coal Holdings (coal producer)                         Term B           06/30/06       7,384,615
                                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                                        43,442,765
                                                                                                       ------------
             OIL AND GAS: 2.6%
  11,426     Cardinal Services, Inc. (marine liftboats and
             wireline services)                                          Term B           03/10/05      11,426,283
   5,000     Key Energy Group, Inc. (oil field services)                 Term B           10/26/04       5,000,000
   6,397     Kinder Morgan, Inc. (pipeline operator)                     Term             05/31/00       6,397,059
   1,485     Perf-O-Log (oil field services)                             Term             08/11/03       1,485,000
   3,950      Perf-O-Log                                                 Term B           08/11/03       3,950,000
   2,481      Perf-O-Log                                                 Term C           08/11/04       2,481,250
                                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                                        30,739,592
                                                                                                       ------------
             PERSONAL, FOOD AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES: 6.9%
  14,605     Boston Chicken, Inc. (quick service restaurant)(3)          Term C           12/09/01      13,874,590
   4,831     Brickman Group, Ltd. (landscaping)                          Term B           12/31/05       4,830,933
   8,870     Coinmach Laundry Corp. (laundry)                            Term B           06/30/05       8,870,063
   5,000     Otis Spunkmeyer (food, beverage, tobacco)                   Term B           12/31/05       5,000,000
   5,098     Papa Gino's, Inc. (quick service restaurants)               Term A           02/19/02       5,097,714
  14,765      Papa Gino's, Inc.                                          Term B           02/19/04      14,765,231
   9,937     SC International Services (airline catering)                Term             06/01/05       9,937,303
   6,500     24-Hour Fitness, Inc. (health club operator)                Term A           12/31/02       6,500,000
  13,500      24-Hour Fitness, Inc.                                      Term B           12/31/04      13,500,000
                                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                                        82,375,834
                                                                                                       ------------
</TABLE>

                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

                                       16
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal
Amount                                                                          Loan        Stated
(000's)                           Industry/Borrower                             Type       Maturity        Value
- -------                           -----------------                             ----       --------        -----
<S>          <C>                                                              <C>          <C>          <C>
             PERSONAL AND NONDURABLE CONSUMER PRODUCTS
              (MANUFACTURING ONLY): 1.3%
  $1,186     AM Cosmetics (cosmetics and skin care products)(2)               Term A       06/30/03     $   830,128
   8,687      AM Cosmetics(2)                                                 Term B       12/31/04       6,081,239
   9,154     Medtech Products, Inc. (non-prescription consumer
             medications)                                                     Term B       10/15/02       9,153,661
                                                                                                        ------------
                                                                                                         16,065,028
                                                                                                        ------------
             PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION: 0.8%
   9,949     Neoplan USA Corporation (personal transportation)                Term B       05/29/05       9,948,561
                                                                                                        ------------
                                                                                                          9,948,561
                                                                                                        ------------
             PRINTING AND PUBLISHING: 4.6%
   6,650     Bankers Systems, Inc. (banking industry compliance services)     Term B       11/01/02       6,650,000
   8,978     Norwood Promotional Productions (licensed products)              Term B       08/31/04       8,977,500
   8,000     Reiman Publications                                              Term B       12/01/05       8,000,000
   3,318     Von Hoffman Press, Inc. (textbook manufacturer)                  Term B       05/29/04       3,317,857
  10,773      Von Hoffman Press, Inc.                                         Term C       05/29/05      10,773,214
   9,950     Weider Publications, Inc. (magazine publications)                Term         09/18/05       9,950,000
   3,989     20th Century Plastics, Inc. (album manufacturing)                Term B       09/30/05       3,988,889
   3,491      20th Century Plastics, Inc.                                     Term C       09/30/06       3,491,250
                                                                                                        ------------
                                                                                                         55,148,710
                                                                                                        ------------
             RETAIL STORES: 3.8%
   9,950     Amscan Holdings, Inc. (party goods)                              Axel (A)     12/31/04       9,949,749
  13,840     Murray's Discount Auto Parts (auto parts retailer)               Term         06/30/03      13,147,756
     468      Murray's Discount Auto Parts                                    Revolver     01/26/06         467,500
   4,942     Nebraska Book Co. (wholesale and retail textbooks)               Term B       04/30/04       4,942,308
   4,546     Peebles, Inc. (department store chain)                           Term A       04/30/01       4,545,554
  12,904      Peebles, Inc.                                                   Term B       04/30/02      12,904,486
                                                                                                        ------------
                                                                                                         45,957,353
                                                                                                        ------------
             TELECOMMUNICATIONS: 12.9%
  10,000     American Wireless Corporation (rural cellular phone
             operator)                                                        Term B       06/04/07      10,000,000
  10,000      American Wireless Corporation                                   Term C       12/04/07      10,000,000
   8,803     Claricom Holdings, Inc. (communication systems)                  Term B       07/01/03       8,362,585
  10,620     Commnet (PCS services)                                           Term A       09/30/05      10,620,000
   1,481      Commnet                                                         Term B       09/18/06       1,480,830
   1,433      Commnet                                                         Term C       03/18/07       1,432,676
   4,586      Commnet                                                         Term D       09/18/07       4,586,494
   8,000     Dobson Communications Corp. (cellular communications)            Term C       12/23/07       8,000,000
  10,000     Nextel Finance Co. (cellular phones)                             Lease        03/15/06      10,000,000
   7,000      Nextel Finance Co.                                              Term A       03/10/06       7,000,000
  11,500      Nextel Finance Co.                                              Term B       09/10/06      11,500,000
</TABLE>

                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

                                       17
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal
Amount                                                                        Loan            Stated
(000's)                         Industry/Borrower                             Type           Maturity         Value
- -------                         -----------------                             ----           --------         -----
<S>          <C>                                                         <C>                 <C>          <C>
             TELECOMMUNICATIONS (CONTINUED)
 $11,967     Omnipoint Corp. (PCS services)                              Term A              02/17/06     $   11,966,749
   3,415      Omnipoint Corp.                                            Term B              02/17/06          3,415,172
   7,997      Omnipoint Corp.                                            Term C              02/17/06          7,997,050
   2,496     Pacific Coin (private pay phone operator)                   Term A              12/31/02          2,495,902
   6,666      Pacific Coin                                               Term B              12/31/04          6,665,625
   8,069     Prodelin Holding Corporation (satellite antenna
              manufacturer)                                              Term B              05/28/06          8,068,693
  10,000     Teletouch Communications (rural paging services)            Term B              11/30/04         10,000,000
  12,000     TSR Wireless, LLC (paging)                                  Term                06/30/05         12,000,000
  10,000     Western PCS Corporation (cellular phones)                   Term B              07/09/05         10,000,000
                                                                                                          ---------------
                                                                                                             155,591,776
                                                                                                          ---------------
             TEXTILES AND LEATHER: 4.7%
   9,466     Accessory Network Group (personal clothing accessories)     Term B              08/13/05          9,465,909
   5,435     Harriet & Henderson (yarn manufacturer)                     Term A              06/12/00          5,434,825
     527      Harriet & Henderson                                        Term C              01/20/04            526,673
   6,650     Humphrey's, Inc. (belts and personal leather goods)         Term B              11/15/03          6,650,000
   9,920     Polymer Group (manufacturer of woven/unwoven
             polyolefin products)                                        Term B              01/31/06          9,920,000
   4,821     Scovill Fasteners, Inc. (metal/plastic fasteners)           Term A              11/26/03          4,821,429
   8,492     Targus Group International, Inc. (computer luggage)         Term B              01/05/05          8,492,397
   1,427      Targus Group International, Inc.                           Term C              01/05/05          1,427,294
   9,950     Tartan Textile Services (commercial linen supply)           Term B              05/13/05          9,950,000
                                                                                                          ---------------
                                                                                                              56,688,527
                                                                                                          ---------------
             Total Senior Loans -- 141.4%                                                                  1,700,208,675
                                                                                                          ---------------
             (Cost $1,711,502,974)
                                             OTHER CORPORATE DEBT
             FINANCE: 0.8%
  10,000     Value Asset Management, Inc. (money management)             Sr. Sub. Bridge     04/28/99         10,000,000
                                                                                                          ---------------
                                                                                                              10,000,000
                                                                                                          ---------------
             CHEMICALS, PLASTICS AND RUBBER: 0.2%
   2,875     Paint Sundry Brands, LLC (paint brushes & accessories)      Sub. Credit         08/11/08          2,875,000
                                                                                                          ---------------
                                                                                                               2,875,000
                                                                                                          ---------------
             DIVERSIFIED/CONGLOMERATE MANUFACTURING: 0.5%
   6,000     Capital Tool & Design, Ltd. (brake backing plates)          Sub. Note           07/26/03          6,000,000
                                                                                                          ---------------
                                                                                                               6,000,000
                                                                                                          ---------------
               Total Other Corporate Debt -- 1.5%                                                             18,875,000
                                                                                                          ---------------
               (Cost $18,875,000)
</TABLE>

                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

                                       18
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  COMMON STOCK

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Shares                                                                                       Value
- ---------                                                                                 ---------------
<S>       <C> <C>                                                                         <C>
              APPAREL PRODUCTS: 0.0%
 13,294    @  Butterick Company, Inc. (sewing aids) (R)                                   $      17,645
                                                                                          --------------
              DIVERSIFIED/CONGLOMERATE SERVICES: 0.0%
 60,056    @  Staff Leasing, Inc. (employee leasing)                                            675,630
                                                                                          --------------
              HOME AND OFFICE FURNISHINGS: 0.1%
 714,000   @  American Blind and Wallpaper (R)                                                  714,000
                                                                                          --------------
              RESTAURANTS: 0.3%
 413,980   @  America's Favorite Chicken Co. (quick service
              restaurant chain) (R)                                                           3,645,508
                                                                                          --------------
              TEXTILES AND LEATHER: 0.1%
 127,306   @  Dan River, Inc. (diversified textiles)                                            835,446
                                                                                          --------------
                Total Common Stock -- 0.5%                                                    5,888,229
                                                                                          --------------
                (Cost $1,251,586)

                  STOCK PURCHASE WARRANTS AND OTHER SECURITIES

 48,930
          @   Autotote Systems, Inc., Warrants representing 48,930 common
               shares (designer and manufacturer of wagering equipment),
             Expires 10/30/03 (R)                                                                      6,042
       1  @    Autotote Systems, Inc., Option representing 0.248% common
             shares issued and outstanding (R)                                                           --
 80,634   @    Capital Tool & Design, Warrants representing 80,634 common
             shares (brake backing plates) (R)                                                       256,658
 10,000   @  Casden Properties Operation, 10,000 shares of Junior Cumulative
             Preferred Partnership Units (Asset Management) (R)                                      250,000
 19,000   @     Covenant Care, Inc., Warrants representing 19,000 common
             shares (long-term healthcare facilities) (R)                                            177,270
       1  @  CT Recovery Liquidating Trust, Inc. (home improvement retailer)
             (R)(3)                                                                                   79,102
     449  @  Murray's Discount, Warrants representing 5% equity stakes on a
             fully diluted basis (retail stores) (R)                                                       5
                                                                                             ---------------
                Total Stock Purchase Warrants and Other Securities -- 0.1%                           769,077
                                                                                             ---------------
               (Cost $79,102)
               TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $1,731,708,662)(4)                       143.5%       $ 1,725,740,981
               LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF CASH AND OTHER ASSETS-NET               (43.5)          (523,175,638)
                                                                                ------       ---------------
                 NET ASSETS                                                     100.0%       $ 1,202,565,343
                                                                                ======       ===============
</TABLE>

- ----------------

  @  Non-income producing security
(A)  Axel  describes  an  amortizing   extended  term  loan  with  limited  call
     protection
(B)  DIP loan describes debtor in possession loan.
(R)  Restricted security
  *  Senior loans,  while exempt from  registration  under the Securities Act of
     1933,  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  Prime  Rate  of a U.S.  bank
     specified in the credit agreement,  LIBOR, the certificate of deposit rate,
     or in some cases another base lending rate.
(1)  The borrower has entered into a forebearance  agreement pending sale of the
     company or refinance of this debt.
(2)  Loan is on non-accrual status.
(3)  The borrower  filed for  protection  under  Chapter 11 of the U.S.  Federal
     bankruptcy   code  and  is  in  the  process  of   developing   a  plan  of
     reorganization.
(4)  For Federal income tax purposes,  the cost of investments is $1,732,047,599
     and net unrealized depreciation consists of the following:


         Gross Unrealized Appreciation      $   5,489,693
         Gross Unrealized Depreciation        (11,796,311)
                                            -------------
Net Unrealized Depreciation                 $  (6,306,618)
                                            =============

                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

                                       19
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES as of February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASSETS:
Investments in securities at value (Cost $1,731,708,662)        $ 1,725,740,981
Receivables:
 Interest                                                            16,308,355
 Investment securities sold                                             977,084
 Other                                                                  100,347
Prepaid expenses                                                        816,660
Prepaid arrangement fees on notes payable                               341,252
                                                                ---------------
   Total assets                                                   1,744,284,679
                                                                ---------------
LIABILITIES:
Notes payable                                                       534,000,000
Overdraft payable to custodian                                          887,065
Deferred arrangement fees on senior loans                             3,081,010
Accrued interest payable                                              2,524,874
Accrued expenses                                                      1,226,387
                                                                ---------------
   Total liabilities                                                541,719,336
                                                                ---------------
NET ASSETS (equivalent to $9.24 per share, based on
  130,206,151 shares of beneficial interest authorized
  and outstanding, no par value)                                $ 1,202,565,343
                                                                ===============
Net Assets Consist of:
 Paid in capital                                                $ 1,235,061,394
 Undistributed net investment income                                  9,887,931
 Accumulated net realized loss on investments                       (36,416,301)
 Net unrealized depreciation of investments                          (5,967,681)
                                                                ---------------
   Net assets                                                   $ 1,202,565,343
                                                                ===============

                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

                                       20
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS for the Year Ended February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INVESTMENT INCOME:
Interest                                                          $ 136,459,573
Arrangement fees earned                                               4,778,633
Other                                                                 2,289,858
                                                                  -------------
 Total investment income                                            143,528,064
                                                                  -------------
EXPENSES:
Interest                                                             28,753,583
Investment management fees                                           11,973,819
Administration fees                                                   2,022,051
Shareholder communications                                            1,112,498
Revolving credit facility fees                                          634,761
Custodian fees                                                          495,623
Miscellaneous expense                                                   494,991
Transfer agent and registrar fees                                       424,819
Recordkeeping and pricing fees                                          200,515
Professional fees                                                       169,893
Insurance expense                                                        75,954
Trustees' fees                                                           60,000
                                                                  -------------
 Total expenses                                                      46,418,507
 Less: Earnings credits                                                (271,716)
                                                                  -------------
 Net expenses                                                        46,146,791
                                                                  -------------
   Net investment income                                             97,381,273
                                                                  -------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS:
Net realized loss on investments                                     (6,313,758)
Change in unrealized depreciation of investments                     (7,547,808)
                                                                  -------------
 Net loss on investments                                            (13,861,566)
                                                                  -------------
   Net increase in net assets resulting from operations           $  83,519,707
                                                                  =============

                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


                                       21
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Year              Year
                                                            Ended             Ended
                                                         February 28,      February 28,
                                                             1999              1998
                                                       ----------------  ---------------
<S>                                                    <C>               <C>
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income                                  $    97,381,273   $    95,217,224
Net realized loss on investments                            (6,313,758)      (18,935,269)
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)
 on investments                                             (7,547,808)        5,319,483
                                                       ---------------   ---------------
 Net increase in net assets resulting from operations       83,519,707        81,601,438

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
Distributions from net investment income                   (99,153,106)      (93,879,672)

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Issuance from dividend reinvestment                         14,460,902        15,591,705
Net increase in net assets derived from the sale of
  shares in connection with share offerings                169,335,030                --
                                                       ---------------   ---------------
 Net increase from capital share transactions              183,795,932        15,591,705
                                                       ---------------   ---------------
 Total increase in net assets                              168,162,533         3,313,471

NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year                                        1,034,402,810     1,031,089,339
                                                       ---------------   ---------------
End of year (including undistributed net investment
  income of $9,887,931 and $11,926,714 respectively)   $ 1,202,565,343   $ 1,034,402,810
                                                       ===============   ===============
SUMMARY OF CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Shares issued from dividend reinvestment                     1,537,475         1,624,659
Shares sold in connection with share offerings              17,904,188                --
                                                       ---------------   ---------------
 Net increase in shares outstanding                         19,441,663         1,624,659
                                                       ===============   ===============
</TABLE>

                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

                                       22
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the Year Ended February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 Interest received                                              $   133,166,698
 Arrangement fees received                                            4,189,856
 Commitment fees received                                               200,615
 Other income received                                                2,397,452
 Interest paid                                                      (27,742,538)
 Facility fees paid                                                    (564,667)
 Other operating expenses paid                                      (16,728,159)
 Purchases of portfolio securities                               (1,473,315,732)
 Proceeds from disposition of portfolio securities                1,106,883,957
                                                                ---------------
   Net cash used for operating activities                          (271,512,518)
                                                                ---------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 Dividends paid                                                     (84,692,204)
 Overdraft financing                                                 (5,130,308)
 Proceeds from share offerings                                      169,335,030
 Loan advance                                                       192,000,000
                                                                ---------------
   Net cash provided by financing activities                        271,512,518
                                                                ---------------
 Net change in cash                                                          --
 Cash at beginning of year                                                   --
                                                                ---------------
 Cash at end of year                                            $            --
                                                                ===============
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
 OPERATIONS TO NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations            $    83,519,707
                                                                ---------------
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting
 from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
 Increase in investments in securities                             (352,570,209)
 Increase in dividends and interest receivable                       (3,292,875)
 Decrease in other assets                                                28,142
 Decrease in prepaid arrangement fees on notes payable                   70,094
 Increase in prepaid expenses                                          (403,233)
 Decrease in deferred arrangement fees on senior loans                 (308,710)
 Increase in accrued interest payable                                 1,011,045
 Increase in accrued expenses                                           433,521
                                                                ---------------
 Total adjustments                                                 (355,032,225)
                                                                ---------------
   Net cash used for operating activities                       $  (271,512,518)
                                                                ===============

                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

                                       23
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Years Ended February 28 or February 29,
                                    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       1999 (7)        1998 (7)       1997(7)        1996(6)        1995          1994
                                    -----------      -----------    -----------     ---------    ---------      ---------
<S>                                 <C>                <C>              <C>         <C>           <C>             <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Net asset value, beginning of
 period                             $      9.34      $      9.45    $      9.61     $    9.66    $   10.02      $   10.05
Net investment income                      0.79             0.87           0.82          0.89         0.74           0.60
Net realized and unrealized gain
 (loss) on investments                    (0.10)           (0.13)         (0.02)        (0.08)        0.07          (0.05)
                                    -----------      -----------    -----------     ---------    ---------      ---------
Increase in net asset value from
 investment operations                     0.69             0.74           0.80          0.81         0.81           0.55
Distributions from net investment
 income                                   (0.82)           (0.85)         (0.82)        (0.86)       (0.73)         (0.60)
Increase in net asset value from
 share offerings                           0.03               --             --            --           --             --
Reduction in net asset value from
 rights offering                             --               --          (0.14)           --        (0.44)            --
Increase in net asset value from
 repurchase of capital stock                 --               --             --            --           --           0.02
                                    -----------      -----------    -----------     ---------    ---------      ---------
Net asset value, end of period      $      9.24      $      9.34    $      9.45     $    9.61    $    9.66      $   10.02
                                    ===========      ===========    ===========     =========    =========      =========
Closing market price at end of
 period                             $      9.56      $     10.31    $     10.00     $    9.50    $    8.75      $    9.25
TOTAL RETURN
Total investment return at closing
 market price(3)                           1.11%           12.70%         15.04%(5)     19.19%        3.27%(5)       8.06%
Total investment return at net
 asset value(4)                            7.86%            8.01%          8.06%(5)      9.21%        5.24%(5)       6.28%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000's)   $ 1,202,565      $ 1,034,403    $ 1,031,089     $ 862,938    $ 867,083      $ 719,979
Average borrowings (000's)          $   490,978      $   346,110    $   131,773     $      --    $      --      $      --
Ratios to average net assets plus
 borrowings:
 Expenses (before interest and
  other fees related to revolving
  credit facility)                         1.05%(8)         1.04%          1.13%           --           --             --
 Expenses                                  2.86%(8)         2.65%          1.92%           --           --             --
 Net investment income                     6.00%            6.91%          7.59%           --           --             --
Ratios to average net assets:
 Expenses (before interest and
  other fees related to revolving
  credit facility)                         1.50%(8)         1.39%          1.29%           --           --             --
 Expenses                                  4.10%(8)         3.54%          2.20%         1.23%        1.30%          1.31%
 Net investment income                     8.60%            9.23%          8.67%         9.23%        7.59%          6.04%
Portfolio turnover rate                      68%              90%            82%           88%         108%            87%
Shares outstanding at end of
 period (000's)                         130,206          110,764        109,140        89,794       89,794         71,835
</TABLE>

- ------------
(1) Annualized.
(2) Prior  to  the  waiver  of  expenses,  the ratios of expenses to average net
    assets  were  1.95%  (annualized),  1.48%  and 1.44% for the period from May
    12,  1988  to February 28, 1989, and for the fiscal years ended February 28,
    1990  and  February 29, 1992, respectively, and the ratios of net investment
    income  to  average net assets were 8.91% (annualized), 10.30% and 7.60% for
    the  period  from  May  12,  1988  to  February 28, 1989, and for the fiscal
    years ended February 28, 1990 and February 29, 1992, respectively.
(3) 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 dividend
    reinvestment  plan.  On  March  9,  1992,  the  shares  of  the  Trust  were
    initially  listed  for  trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Accordingly,
    the  total  investment  return  for the year ended February 28, 1993, covers
    only  the  period from March 9, 1992, to February 28, 1993. Total investment
    return  for  periods  prior  to  the  year  ended February 28, 1993, are not
    presented  since  market  values  for the Trust's shares were not available.
    Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

                                       24
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


               Years Ended February 28 or February 29,
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1993          1992             1991          1990             1989
- -----------   -----------      -----------   -----------      -----------

$      9.96   $      9.97      $     10.00   $     10.00      $     10.00
       0.60          0.76             0.98          1.06             0.72

       0.01         (0.02)           (0.05)           --               --
- -----------   -----------      -----------   -----------      -----------

       0.61          0.74             0.93          1.06             0.72

      (0.57)        (0.75)           (0.96)        (1.06)           (0.72)
         --            --               --            --               --

         --            --               --            --               --

       0.05            --               --            --               --
- -----------   -----------      -----------   -----------      -----------
$     10.05   $      9.96      $      9.97   $     10.00      $     10.00
===========   ===========      ===========   ===========      ===========

$      9.13            --               --            --               --


      10.89%           --               --            --               --

       7.29%         7.71%           9.74%        11.13%             7.35%

$   738,810   $   874,104      $ 1,158,224   $ 1,036,470      $   252,998
$        --   $        --      $        --   $        --      $        --




         --            --               --            --               --
         --            --               --            --               --
         --            --               --            --               --



         --            --               --            --               --
       1.42%         1.42%(2)        1.38%          1.46%(2)         1.18%(1)(2)
       5.88%         7.62%(2)        9.71%         10.32%(2)         9.68%(1)(2)
         81%           53%             55%           100%              49%(1)

     73,544        87,782         116,022        103,660           25,294

- ------------
(4) 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. Total returns for less than one year are not
    annualized.
(5) Calculation  of  total return excludes the effects of the per share dilution
    resulting  from  the  rights  offering as the total account value of a fully
    subscribed shareholder was minimally impacted.
(6) Pilgrim  Investments, Inc., the Trust's investment manager, acquired certain
    assets  of  Pilgrim  Management  Corporation,  the Trust's former investment
    manager, in a transaction that closed on April 7, 1995.
(7) The  Manager  has  agreed to reduce its fee for a period of three years from
    the  Expiration  Date  of  the November 12, 1996 Rights Offering to 0.60% of
    the  average  daily  net  assets,  plus  the  proceeds  of  any  outstanding
    borrowings, over $1.15 billion.
(8) Calculated on total expenses before impact of earnings credits.

                See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

                                       25
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 1 -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES


Pilgrim  Prime  Rate  Trust  (the  "Trust",  prior  to November 16, 1998 Pilgrim
America  Prime  Rate  Trust)  is  registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940,  as  amended, as a diversified, closed-end, investment management company.
The  Trust  invests in senior loans which are exempt from registration under the
Securities  Act  of  1933  (the  "`33  Act") but 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 generally accepted accounting
principles.

A. SENIOR LOAN AND OTHER  SECURITY  VALUATION.  Senior  loans are valued at fair
   value in the absence of readily  ascertainable  market values.  Fair value is
   determined by Pilgrim  Investments,  Inc. (the  "Manager")  under  procedures
   established  and  monitored by the Trust's  Board of  Trustees.  In valuing a
   loan,   the   Manager   will   consider,   among  other   factors:   (i)  the
   creditworthiness of the corporate issuer and any  interpositioned  bank; (ii)
   the current interest rate, period until next interest rate reset and maturity
   date of the senior  corporate  loan;  (iii) recent  market prices for similar
   loans,  if any;  and (iv) recent  prices in the market for  instruments  with
   similar quality, rate, period until next interest rate reset, maturity, terms
   and conditions.  The Manager may also consider prices or quotations,  if any,
   provided by banks, dealers or pricing services which may represent the prices
   at which secondary market transactions in the loans held by the Trust have or
   could have occurred.  However,  because the secondary  market in senior loans
   has not yet fully developed,  the Manager will not rely solely on such prices
   or  quotations.  Securities  for  which  the  primary  market  is a  national
   securities  exchange or the NASDAQ  National  Market System are stated at the
   last reported sale price on the day of valuation.  Debt and equity securities
   traded in the over-the-counter market and listed securities for which no sale
   was  reported on that date are valued at the mean  between the last  reported
   bid and asked price.  Securities  other than senior loans for which  reliable
   quotations  are not readily  available and all other assets will be valued at
   their  respective  fair  values  as  determined  in good  faith  by, or under
   procedures established by, the Board of Trustees of the Trust. Investments in
   securities maturing in less than 60 days are valued at amortized cost, which,
   when combined with accrued interest, approximates market value.

B. FEDERAL  INCOME  TAXES.   It  is  the  Trust's  policy  to  comply  with  the
   requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated  investment
   companies and to distribute  substantially  all of its taxable  income to its
   shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.

   At  February  28,  1999, the Trust had capital loss carryforwards for federal
   income  tax  purposes  of  approximately  $30,223,359  which are scheduled to
   expire through February 28, 2007.

   The  Board  of  Trustees  intends to offset any future net capital gains with
   the  capital  loss  carryforwards  until  each  carryforward  has  been fully
   utilized or expires.

C. SECURITY  TRANSACTIONS  AND REVENUE  RECOGNITION.  Security  transactions 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 delivered.  Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis at the
   then  current  loan rate.  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 and the borrower has  demonstrated  sustained
   performance. Arrangement fees, which represent non-refundable fees associated
   with the acquisition of loans,  are deferred and recognized  ratably over the
   shorter of 2.5 years or the actual term of the loan.

                                       26
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

D. DISTRIBUTIONS  TO  SHAREHOLDERS.  The  Trust  records  distributions  to  its
   shareholders  on the ex-date.  Distributions  from income are declared by the
   Trust on a monthly  basis.  Distributions  from  capital  gains,  if any, are
   declared on at least an annual basis.  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 generally accepted
   accounting  principles.  These "book/tax"  differences are either  considered
   temporary  or  permanent  in nature.  Key  differences  are the  treatment of
   short-term capital gains and other temporary differences.  To the extent that
   these  differences  are  permanent in nature,  such amounts are  reclassified
   within the  capital  accounts  based on their  federal  tax-basis  treatment;
   temporary differences do not require  reclassifications.  Distributions which
   exceed net  investment  income and net realized  capital  gains for financial
   reporting  purposes but not for tax purposes are reported as distributions in
   excess of net investment  income and/or realized capital gains. To the extent
   they exceed net  investment  income and net  realized  capital  gains for tax
   purposes, they are reported as a tax return of capital.

E. DIVIDEND  REINVESTMENTS.  Pursuant  to  the  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  only when the  closing  sale or bid price  plus
   commission  is less  than the net  asset  value per share of the stock on the
   valuation  date. If the market price plus  commissions is equal to or exceeds
   the net asset  value,  new shares are 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%.

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.  Actual results
   could differ from these estimates.

G. SHARE  OFFERINGS.  During 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 2 -- INVESTMENTS

For  the  year  ended  February 28, 1999, the cost of purchases and the proceeds
from  principal  repayment and sales of investments, excluding short-term notes,
totaled  $1,473,315,732  and $1,100,978,465, respectively. At February 28, 1999,
the  Trust  held senior loans valued at $1,700,208,675 representing 98.5% of its
total  investments. The market value of these securities can only be established
by  negotiation  between  parties in a sales transaction. Due to the uncertainty
inherent  in the valuation process, the fair values as determined may materially
differ  from  the market values that would have been used had a ready market for
these securities existed.

The  senior loans acquired by the Trust may take the form of a direct co-lending
relationship  with the corporate issuer, an assignment of a co-lender's interest
in  a loan, or a participation interest in a co-lender's interest in a loan. The
lead  lender  in  a  typical  corporate  loan syndicate administers the loan and
monitors  collateral.  In  the  event  that  the  lead lender becomes insolvent,
enters  FDIC  receivership  or, if not FDIC insured, enters into bankruptcy, the
Trust  may  incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment, or may suffer a
loss  of  principal  and/or interest. Additionally, certain situations may arise
where  the  Trust  acquires  a participation in a co-lender's interest in a loan
and  the  Trust  does  not  have  privity  with  or  direct recourse against the
corporate  issuer.  Accordingly, the Trust may incur additional credit risk as a
participant  because  it must assume the risk of insolvency or bankruptcy of the
co-lender  from  which  the  participation  was  acquired.  Common and preferred
stocks,  and  stock  purchase  warrants  held  in the portfolio were acquired in
conjunction  with  senior  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

                                       27
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

period  of  time  after  issuance  of  the  stock  or  warrant. These restricted
securities  are  valued  at fair value as determined by the Board of Trustees by
considering   quality,  dividend  rate,  and  marketability  of  the  securities
compared  to  similar  issues.  In  order to assist in the determination of fair
value, the Trust will
obtain  quotes from dealers who periodically trade in such securities where such
quotes  are  available.  Dates  of  acquisition  and  cost  or assigned basis of
restricted securities are as follows:

                                                    Date of          Cost or
                                                  Acquisition     Assigned Basis
                                                  -------------   --------------
American Blind and Wallpaper -- Common              01/12/99               --
America's Favorite Chicken Co. -- Common            11/05/92          $     1
Autotote Systems, Inc. -- Option                    11/11/92               --
Autotote Systems, Inc. -- Warrant                   11/11/92               --
Butterick Company, Inc. -- Common                   05/01/97               --
Capital Tool & Design -- Warrants                   07/26/96               --
Casden Properties Operation -- Preferred
 Partnership Units                                  12/31/98               --
Covenant Care, Inc. -- Warrants                     12/22/95               --
CT Recovery Liquidating Trust                       01/12/99            79,102
Murray's Discount -- Warrants                       02/16/99               --
                                                                      --------
Total restricted securities excluding senior
 loans (market value of $5,146,230 was 0.43%
 of net assets at February 28, 1999)                                  $ 79,103
                                                                      ========

NOTE 3 -- MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT

The  Trust  has  entered  into  an  Investment Management Agreement with Pilgrim
Investments,  Inc.  (the  "Manager") a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pilgrim Group,
Inc.  ("PG"),  to  provide  advisory  and  management  services.  The Investment
Management  Agreement  compensates  the  Manager  with a fee, computed daily and
payable  monthly,  at  an  annual rate of 0.80% of the Trust's average daily net
assets  plus  borrowings.  Prior  to  August  6, 1998, the Investment Management
Agreement  compensated  the  Manager  at  an annual rate of 0.85% of the Trust's
average  daily  net  assets  plus  borrowings  up  to $700 million; 0.75% of the
average  daily  net  assets plus borrowings of $700 million to $800 million; and
0.65% of average daily net assets plus borrowings in excess of $800 million.

The  Manager has reduced its fee for a period of three years from the Expiration
Date  of  the  November  12,  1996  Rights Offering (See Note 5) to 0.60% of the
average  daily net assets, plus the proceeds of any outstanding borrowings, over
$1.15 billion.

The  Trust  has also entered into an Administration Agreement with PG to provide
administrative  services  and  also  to  furnish  facilities. The Administration
Agreement  compensates  the Administrator with a fee, computed daily and payable
monthly,  at  an  annual  rate  of 0.15% of the Trust's average daily net assets
plus  borrowings  up  to $800 million; and 0.10% of the average daily net assets
plus borrowings in excess of $800 million.

NOTE 4 -- COMMITMENTS

The  Trust  has  entered  into  both  a 364 day and a five year revolving credit
agreement,  collateralized  by assets of the Trust, to borrow up to $650 million
from  a  syndicate  of  major  financial  institutions  maturing  July 15, 2003.
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  any unborrowed amounts are amortized over the term of the agreements.
The  amount of borrowings outstanding at February 28, 1999, was $534 million, at
a  weighted average interest rate of 5.3%, which represented 30.7% of net assets
plus  borrowings.  Average  borrowings for the year ended February 28, 1999 were
$490,978,082 and the average annualized interest rate was 5.9%.

                                       28
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As  of  February  28,  1999, the Trust had unfunded loan commitments pursuant to
the terms of the following loan agreements:

<TABLE>
<S>                           <C>              <C>                           <C>
Capstar Radio Broadcasting    $ 2,305,263      Huntsman Corporation          $ 2,243,453
Centennial Resources Inc.         612,646      Liberman Broadcasting, Inc.       272,000
Clarity Telecom, Inc.             244,367      Mafco Finance Co.               5,451,923
Edwards Baking Co.                674,090      Murray's Discount Auto Stores   1,532,500
Gaylord Container Corp.         8,375,172      Pathmark Stores Inc.            4,442,975
Genesis Eldercare Acquisition      84,274                                    -----------
                                                                             $26,238,663
                                                                             ===========
</TABLE>

NOTE 5 -- RIGHTS AND OTHER OFFERINGS

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.

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.

As  of  February  28, 1999, share offerings pursuant to shelf registrations were
drawn down as follows:

          Registration            Shares              Shares
              Date              Registered           Remaining
          ------------          ----------          ----------
            6/11/98             15,000,000                  --
            6/19/98             10,000,000           9,730,800
            9/15/98             25,000,000          22,365,012

During  the  year ended February 28, 1999, expenses related to the offerings, in
the  amount  of  $800,373,  were  charged  against  the  proceeds  received upon
issuance of the shares.

NOTE 6 -- CUSTODIAL EARNINGS CREDITS

Investors  Fiduciary  Trust Company ("IFTC") serves as the Trust's custodian and
recordkeeper.  Custody  fees  paid to IFTC are reduced by earnings credits based
on  the  cash  balances  held by IFTC for the Trust. For the year ended February
28, 1999, the Trust received $271,716 in earnings credits from IFTC.

NOTE 7 -- AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

During  the  year  ended February 28, 1999, the Trust purchased and sold certain
holdings  in  senior  loans from/to an affiliated fund managed by the Manager at
prices  determined  by  the  Manager  to  represent  market  prices. The cost of
purchased  loans  was  $53,365,698  and the proceeds and cost of sold loans were
$40,001,830  and  $40,000,000,  respectively, excluding any benefit to the Trust
from the recognition of deferred arrangement fees.

                                       29
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 8 -- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The  Trust  has filed a shelf registration statement for an additional 5,000,000
shares,  effective  March 4, 1999. In addition, subsequent to February 28, 1999,
the Trust paid the following dividends from net investment income:

Per Share Amount     Declaration Date     Record Date     Payable Date
- ----------------     ----------------     -----------     ------------
     $0.0590             02/26/99          03/10/99         03/22/99
     $0.0660             03/31/99          04/12/99         04/22/99



                 MANAGEMENT'S ADDITIONAL OPERATING INFORMATION

APPROVAL OF CHANGES IN INVESTMENT POLICIES

At  a  Special  Meeting of Trust Shareholders, held August 6, 1998, Shareholders
approved  changes  in  the  Trust's  fundamental  investment policies which make
available  certain  additional  investment opportunities to the Trust, including
(i)  investing  in  loans  in  any form of business entity, as long as the loans
otherwise  meet the Trust's requirements regarding the quality of loans in which
it  may invest; (ii) the treatment of lease participations as Senior Loans which
would  constitute  part  of  the  80% of the Trust's assets normally invested in
Senior  Loans;  (iii)  investing  in  all types of hybrid loans that meet credit
standards  established by the Investment Manager constituting part of the 20% of
the  Trust's  assets that may be invested in Other Investments; (iv) the ability
to  invest up to 5% of its total assets in both subordinated and unsecured loans
which  would  constitute  part  of  the  20%  of  the Trust's assets that may be
invested in Other Investments.

Additionally,  another  policy  change  approved by the Board of Trustees of the
Trust,  which does not require shareholder approval, permits the Trust to accept
guarantees  and  expanded  forms  of  intangible assets as collateral, including
copyrights,  patent  rights,  franchise  value,  and  trademarks. Another policy
change  approved  by  the  Board,  that  does  not require shareholder approval,
provides  that  80%  of  the  Trust's gross assets, as opposed to 80% of its net
assets, may normally be invested in Senior Loans.

The  Trust's  Manager  considered  the  evolving  nature  of the syndicated loan
market  and the potential benefits to the Trust and its shareholders of revising
the  restriction  to permit the Trust to invest in loans other than Senior Loans
and  the increase in the number of attractive investment opportunities available
to the Trust due to the change.

REPURCHASE OF SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END COMPANIES

In  accordance  with  Section  23(c)  of the Investment Company Act of 1940, and
Rule  23c-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, 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.

SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT PROGRAM

The  Trust offers a Shareholder Investment Program (the "Program") which enables
investors  to  conveniently  add  to their holdings at reduced costs. Should you
desire   further   information  concerning  this  Program,  please  contact  the
Shareholder Servicing Agent at (800) 992-0180.

                                       30
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees

Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust:

We  have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the  portfolio  of  investments,  of  Pilgrim  Prime  Rate  Trust  (the "Trust")
(formerly  Pilgrim  America  Prime  Rate Trust) as of February 28, 1999, and the
related  statements  of  operations  and cash flows for the year then ended, and
the  statements  of  changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year
period  ended  February  28,  1999  and the financial highlights for each of the
years  in  the  four-year  period  ended  February  28,  1999.  These  financial
statements  and  financial  highlights  are  the  responsibility  of the Trust's
management.  Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an opinion on these financial
statements  and financial highlights based on our audits. For all periods ending
prior  to March 1, 1995, the financial highlights were audited by other auditors
whose  report  thereon dated March 16, 1995, expressed an unqualified opinion on
those financial highlights.

We   conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing
standards.  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.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant  estimates  made  by  management,  as well as evaluating the overall
financial  statement  presentation.  Our  procedures  included  confirmation  of
securities  owned  as  of February 28, 1999, by examination and other procedures
we  considered  necessary. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.

In  our  opinion,  the  1999  through  1996  financial  statements and financial
highlights  referred  to  above  present  fairly,  in all material respects, the
financial  position of Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust as of February 28, 1999, and the
results  of  its  operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, and the
changes  in  its  net  assets for each of the years in the two-year period ended
February  28,  1999  and  the  financial highlights for each of the years in the
four-year  period ended February 28, 1999, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.



                                        KPMG LLP



Los Angeles, California
April 10, 1999

                                       31
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TAX INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The  Trust  is required by Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended,  to  advise within 60 days of the Trust's fiscal year end (February 28,
1999)  as  to  the  federal  tax status of distributions received by the Trust's
shareholders.  Accordingly,  the Trust is hereby advising you that the following
dividends were paid during the fiscal year ended February 28, 1999:

                             Per Share
      Type of Dividend         Amount      Ex-Dividend Date     Payable Date
      ----------------       ---------     ----------------     ------------
       Ordinary Income        $ 0.0620         03/06/98           03/23/98
                              $ 0.0700         04/08/98           04/22/98
                              $ 0.0680         05/07/98           05/22/98
                              $ 0.0710         06/08/98           06/22/98
                              $ 0.0680         07/08/98           07/22/98
                              $ 0.0700         08/06/98           08/24/98
                              $ 0.0690         09/08/98           09/22/98
                              $ 0.0680         10/08/98           10/22/98
                              $ 0.0670         11/06/98           11/23/98
                              $ 0.0670         12/08/98           12/22/98
                              $ 0.0690         12/29/98           01/13/99
                              $ 0.0670         02/08/99           02/23/99
                              --------
                   Total      $ 0.8160
                              ========

Corporate  shareholders  are  generally  entitled  to take the dividend received
deduction  on  the  portion  of  the Trust's dividend distributions that qualify
under  tax  law.  The  percentage of the Trust's fiscal year 1999 net investment
income  dividends  that  qualify for the corporate dividends received deductions
is 0%.

Shareholders  are  strongly  advised  to  consult  their  own  tax advisers with
respect  to  the  tax  consequences of their investment in the Trust. In January
1999,  you  should  have received an IRS Form 1099 DIV regarding the federal tax
status  of  the  dividends  and  distributions  received by you in calendar year
1998.

                                       32
<PAGE>
                           Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FUND ADVISORS AND AGENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INVESTMENT MANAGER                    INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS AND ANALYSTS
Pilgrim Investments, Inc.             Call Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust
Two Renaissance Square                1-800-336-3436, Extension 8256
40 North Central Avenue
Suite 1200
Phoenix, Arizona 85004-4424


SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT           TRANSFER AGENT
Pilgrim Group, Inc.                   DST Systems, Inc.
Two Renaissance Square                P.O. Box 419368
40 North Central Avenue               Kansas City, Missouri 64141
Suite 1200
Phoenix, Arizona 85004-4424
1-800-992-0180


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS                  CUSTODIAN
KPMG LLP                              Investors Fiduciary Trust Company
725 South Figueroa Street             801 Pennsylvania
Los Angeles, California 90017         Kansas City, Missouri 64105


WRITTEN REQUESTS

Please mail all account inquiries and other comments to:

Pilgrim Prime Rate Trust Account Services
c/o Pilgrim Group, Inc.
Two Renaissance Square
40 North Central Avenue, Suite 1200
Phoenix, Arizona 85004-4424


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.


                                       33
<PAGE>

                                    Pilgrim(sm)
                                    -------
                             THE VALUE OF INVESTING(R)

                               U.S. EQUITY FUNDS
                               -----------------
                             Pilgrim MagnaCap Fund
                         Pilgrim LargeCap Leaders Fund
                         Pilgrim Large Cap Growth Fund
                           Pilgrim MidCap Value Fund
                          Pilgrim Mid Cap Growth Fund
                         Pilgrim Small Cap Growth Fund
                          Pilgrim Bank and Thrift Fund

                           INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS
                           --------------------------
                         Pilgrim Worldwide Growth Fund
                     Pilgrim International Core Growth Fund
                  Pilgrim International Small Cap Growth Fund
                        Pilgrim Emerging Countries Fund
                        Pilgrim Asia-Pacific Equity Fund

                                  INCOME FUNDS
                                  ------------
                   Pilgrim Government Securities Income Fund
                         Pilgrim High Quality Bond Fund
                            Pilgrim High Yield Fund
                           Pilgrim High Yield II Fund

                                  OTHER FUNDS
                                  -----------
                             Pilgrim Balanced Fund
                            Pilgrim Convertible Fund


Prospectuses containing more complete information regarding the funds, including
charges  and  expenses,  may be obtained by calling  Pilgrim  Securities,  Inc.,
Distributor at 1-800-334-3444. Please read the prospectuses carefully before you
invest or send money.
PRANN0299-042999


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