ntg_ncsrs.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM N-CSR
 
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
 
Investment Company Act file number 811-22409
 
Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
 
11550 Ash Street, Suite 300, Leawood, KS 66211
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
 
David J. Schulte
11550 Ash Street, Suite 300, Leawood, KS 66211
(Name and address of agent for service)
 
913-981-1020
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
 
Date of fiscal year end: November 30
 
Date of reporting period: May 31, 2011
 

 

Item 1. Report to Stockholders.

 

 





Company at a Glance

Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc. (NYSE: NTG) offers a closed-end fund strategy of investing in energy infrastructure MLPs and their affiliates, with an emphasis on natural gas infrastructure MLPs.
 
Investment Focus
 
NTG seeks to provide stockholders with a high level of total return with an emphasis on current distributions. The fund focuses primarily on “midstream” energy infrastructure MLPs that engage in the business of transporting, gathering and processing and storing natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs).
 
Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80 percent of NTG’s total assets in MLP equity securities with at least 70 percent of total assets in natural gas infrastructure MLP equity securities. Of the total assets in the fund, we may invest as much as 50 percent in restricted securities, primarily through direct investments in securities of listed companies. We do not invest in privately held companies and limit our investment in any one security to 10 percent.
 
About Energy Infrastructure Master Limited Partnerships
 
MLPs are limited partnerships whose units trade on public exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the NYSE Alternext US and NASDAQ. Buying MLP units makes an investor a limited partner in the MLP. There are currently approximately 70 MLPs in the market, mostly in industries related to energy and natural resources.
 
We primarily invest in MLPs and their affiliates in the energy infrastructure sector, with an emphasis on natural gas infrastructure MLPs. Energy infrastructure MLPs are engaged in the transportation, storage and processing of crude oil, natural gas and refined products from production points to the end users. Natural gas infrastructure MLPs are companies in which over 50 percent of their revenue, cash flow or assets are related to the operation of natural gas or NGL infrastructure assets. Our investments are primarily in midstream (mostly pipeline) operations, which typically produce steady cash flows with less exposure to commodity prices than many alternative investments in the broader energy industry. With the growth potential of this sector along with our disciplined investment approach, we endeavor to generate a predictable and increasing distribution stream for our investors.
 
An NTG Investment Versus a Direct Investment in MLPs
 
We provide our stockholders an alternative to investing directly in MLPs and their affiliates. A direct MLP investment potentially offers an attractive distribution with a significant portion treated as return of capital, and a historically low correlation to returns on stocks and bonds. However, the tax characteristics of a direct MLP investment are generally undesirable for tax-exempt investors such as retirement plans. We are structured as a C Corporation — accruing federal and state income taxes based on taxable earnings and profits. Because of this innovative structure, pioneered by Tortoise Capital Advisors, institutions and retirement accounts are able to join individual stockholders as investors in MLPs.
 
Additional features include:

 
A portfolio with an emphasis on natural gas infrastructure MLPs offers favorable fundamentals
 
DOMESTIC
ABUNDANT
CLEAN & RELIABLE
(1)   Energy Information Administration (2009)
(2) NaturalGas.org (2010)
(3) Environmental Protection Agency
(4) IFC International (2009)
 

 
 



June 16, 2011
 
Dear Fellow Stockholders,

Recently one of our investment committee members referred to pipelines as “boring” and we were questioned as to how the assets that help fuel our nation’s economy could possibly be boring? Rightly put, if you are using Merriam-Webster’s definition of boring as “dull” or “drab.” However, if you think about it, boring in investing can be anything but boring — it can mean stability, predictability and longevity. In the words of Paul Samuelson, the Nobel Prize winning economist, “Investing should be more like watching paint dry or watching grass grow. If you want excitement, take $800 and go to Las Vegas.”
 
In our philosophy of focusing on yield, growth and quality over the long-term, pipelines are boring — not because of what they do — but because they provide such an essential and predictable service to our daily lives. It is with this mindset that we continue to focus our investments on natural gas infrastructure MLPs that offer stable and growing distribution potential with a modest risk profile.
 
Master Limited Partnership Sector Review and Outlook
 
NTG was created with a special focus on natural gas infrastructure MLPs. Domestic natural gas production continues to increase in shale formations and natural gas pipeline companies continue to identify transportation investment projects to facilitate this growth. Demand remains strong as power generation companies switch to cheaper, cleaner burning natural gas and petrochemical plants expand their reliance on natural gas liquids.
 
The strongest relative performers within the broader MLP sector during the fiscal quarter continued to be the more commodity-sensitive companies. While the Tortoise Upstream MLP Index™ lost some of its momentum recently, against a backdrop of commodity price volatility, it posted a total return of 0.5 percent and 15.1 percent for the three months and six months ended May 31, 2011, respectively. In comparison, the Tortoise Long Haul Pipelines MLP Index™ had a total return of (3.4) percent and 4.2 percent for the same three and six month periods, respectively.
 
While the MLP sector as a whole showed strength in March and April, as the fiscal quarter came to a close in May, the sector reversed its year-to-date gains. We believe this decline was impacted by economic recovery concerns as the sector traded down along with the broader equity market in the short-term, despite long-term fundamentals remaining strong.
 
The acquisition market continued to be active with more than $14 billion of activity in 2011 fiscal year-to-date as large integrated and independent oil and gas companies continued to divest midstream assets to MLPs. Likewise, equity capital markets remain open, with nearly $13 billion raised by MLPs during the same period, including $1 billion in direct placements. In addition, five MLP IPOs have closed in 2011 with three others in registration with the SEC.
 
Fund Performance Review and Outlook
 
Our total return based on market value (including the reinvestment of distributions) for the 2011 second fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2011, was 3.9 percent as compared to the Tortoise MLP Total Return Index™ of (2.2) percent during the same period. For the six months ended May 31, 2011, our market-based total return was 9.9 percent as compared to the Tortoise MLP Total Return Index of 6.9 percent. The relative return differences are partly attributable to market recognition of NTG reaching its fully invested distribution in February 2011.
 
We paid a distribution of $0.4075 per common share ($1.63 annualized) to our stockholders, unchanged from the prior quarter. This represents an annualized yield of 6.3 percent based on the second fiscal quarter closing price of $25.70. Our payout ratio of distributions to distributable cash flow (DCF) for the fiscal quarter was 97.5 percent. For tax purposes, we currently expect at least 90 percent of NTG’s 2011 distributions to be characterized as return of capital, with the remainder characterized as qualified dividend income. A final determination of the characterization will be made in January 2012.
 
NTG helped finance natural gas infrastructure sector growth with the completion of two direct placements totaling $41 million during the fiscal quarter. Through these investments, we acquired common units in Regency Energy Partners LP and Crestwood Midstream Partners, LP which used the proceeds to help finance acquisitions in natural gas liquids pipeline/storage and natural gas gathering assets, respectively.
 
Additional information about our financial performance is available in the Management’s Discussion of this report.
 
Conclusion
 
We believe NTG offers a “user friendly” and efficient alternative for investing in natural gas infrastructure MLPs, supporting our goals of Yield, Growth, and very importantly in these times, Quality.
 
Thank you for your investment.
 
Sincerely,
 
The Managing Directors
Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C.
The adviser to Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.
 
 
H. Kevin Birzer Zachary A. Hamel Kenneth P. Malvey
     
   
Terry Matlack David J. Schulte  

           2011 2nd Quarter Report       1
 

 



Key Financial Data (Supplemental Unaudited Information)
(dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated)
 
 
The information presented below regarding Distributable Cash Flow and Selected Operating Ratios is supplemental non-GAAP financial information, which we believe is meaningful to understanding our operating performance. The Selected Operating Ratios are the functional equivalent of EBITDA for non-investment companies, and we believe they are an important supplemental measure of performance and promote comparisons from period-to-period. Supplemental non-GAAP measures should be read in conjunction with our full financial statements.
 
        Period from July 30,                        
    2010(1) through   2011
    November 30, 2010   Q1(2)   Q2(2)
Total Income from Investments                        
     Distributions received from master limited partnerships   $ 20,896     $ 24,415     $ 24,035  
     Dividends paid in stock     1,075       1,042       1,538  
     Interest and dividend income     182              
     Other income           200       80  
          Total from investments     22,153       25,657       25,653  
Operating Expenses Before Leverage Costs and Current Taxes                        
     Advisory fees, net of expense reimbursement     2,910       2,736       2,885  
     Other operating expenses     441       349       381  
      3,351       3,085       3,266  
     Distributable cash flow before leverage costs and current taxes     18,802       22,572       22,387  
     Leverage costs(3)     1,708       3,330       3,412  
     Current income tax expense           12       7  
          Distributable Cash Flow(4)   $   17,094     $   19,230     $   18,968  
Distributions paid on common stock   $ 16,346     $ 18,502     $ 18,502  
Distributions paid on common stock per share     0.3600       0.4075       0.4075  
Payout percentage for period(5)     95.6 %     96.2 %     97.5 %
Net realized gain, net of income taxes, for the period     208       9,458       6,453  
Total assets, end of period   1,524,903     1,678,362     1,580,414  
Average total assets during period(6)   1,238,974     1,603,721     1,656,212  
Leverage(7)   350,700       348,200     347,300  
Leverage as a percent of total assets   23.0 %   20.7 %   22.0 %
Net unrealized appreciation, end of period   67,396     156,883     106,542  
Net assets, end of period   1,131,120     1,208,832     1,140,822  
Average net assets during period(8)   1,087,459     1,164,610     1,177,775  
Net asset value per common share   24.91     26.62     25.13  
Market value per common share   24.14     25.14     25.70  
Shares outstanding   45,404,188     45,404,188     45,404,188  
 
Selected Operating Ratios(9)                        
As a Percent of Average Total Assets                        
     Total distributions received from investments     N/M       6.49 %     6.15 %
     Operating expenses before leverage costs and current taxes     0.80 %     0.78 %     0.78 %
     Distributable cash flow before leverage costs and current taxes     N/M       5.71 %     5.37 %
As a Percent of Average Net Assets                        
     Distributable cash flow(4)     N/M       6.70 %     6.39 %

(1) Commencement of operations.
(2)  Q1 is the period from December through February, Q2 is the period from March through May.
(3) Leverage costs include interest expense, distributions to preferred stockholders and other recurring leverage expenses.
(4) “Net investment loss, before income taxes” on the Statement of Operations is adjusted as follows to reconcile to Distributable Cash Flow (DCF): increased by the return of capital on MLP distributions, the value of paid-in-kind distributions, implied distributions included in direct placement discounts, and amortization of debt issuance costs; and decreased by current taxes paid.
(5) Distributions paid as a percentage of Distributable Cash Flow.
(6) Computed by averaging month-end values within each period.
(7) Leverage consists of long-term debt obligations, preferred stock and short-term borrowings.
(8) Computed by averaging daily values for the period.
(9) Annualized for periods less than one full year. Certain of the ratios for the period from July 30, 2010 through November 30, 2010 are not meaningful due to partial investment of initial offering and leverage proceeds.
 
2      Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.
 

 



Management’s Discussion (Unaudited)
 
 
The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with our Financial Statements and the Notes thereto. In addition, this report contains certain forward-looking statements. These statements include the plans and objectives of management for future operations and financial objectives and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” or “continue” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Certain factors that could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements are set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of our public filings with the SEC.
 
Overview
 
Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.’s (“NTG”) primary investment objective is to provide a high level of total return with an emphasis on current distributions paid to stockholders. We seek to provide our stockholders with an efficient vehicle to invest in a portfolio consisting primarily of energy infrastructure master limited partnerships (“MLPs”) and their affiliates, with an emphasis on natural gas infrastructure. Energy infrastructure MLPs own and operate a network of pipeline and energy-related logistical assets that transport, store, gather and process natural gas, natural gas liquids (“NGLs”), crude oil, refined petroleum products, and other resources or distribute, market, explore, develop or produce such commodities. Natural gas infrastructure MLPs are defined as companies engaged in such activities with over 50 percent of their revenue, cash flow or assets related to natural gas or NGL infrastructure assets.
 
While we are a registered investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), we are not a “regulated investment company” for federal tax purposes. Our distributions do not generate unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) and our stock may therefore be suitable for holding by pension funds, IRAs and mutual funds, as well as taxable accounts. We invest primarily in MLPs through private and public market purchases. MLPs are publicly traded partnerships whose equity interests are traded in the form of units on public exchanges, such as the NYSE or NASDAQ. Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C. serves as our investment adviser.
 
NTG completed its initial public offering and commenced operations on July 30, 2010. We issued 45,400,000 shares at $25.00 per share for net proceeds after expenses of approximately $1.081 billion. We completed investment of these proceeds in late September. We issued $320 million in senior notes and mandatorily redeemable preferred stock in October, investing these proceeds by mid-November. The portfolio holdings and weightings are consistent with our target portfolio of at least 70 percent of our assets invested in natural gas infrastructure MLPs, with a focus on the midstream sector.
 
Company Update
 
Market values of our MLP investments declined in May from year-to-date highs earlier in the quarter resulting in an overall decrease in total assets of $98 million from February 28, 2011 to May 31, 2011. Although quarter-end total assets decreased, average total assets for the quarter increased as compared to the 1st quarter, resulting in increased asset based expenses. Distribution increases from our MLP investments were in-line with our expectations. Total leverage as a percent of total assets increased during the quarter as a result of a decline in investment values. Our distributable cash flow (“DCF”) remained strong and we declared our 2nd quarter 2011 distribution of $0.4075 on May 9, 2011. Additional information on these events and results of our operations are discussed below.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
The financial statements are based on the selection and application of critical accounting policies, which require management to make significant estimates and assumptions. Critical accounting policies are those that are both important to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, complex, or subjective judgments. Our critical accounting policies are those applicable to the valuation of investments and certain revenue recognition matters as discussed in Note 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.
 
Determining Distributions to Stockholders
 
Our portfolio generates cash flow from which we pay distributions to stockholders. We intend to pay out substantially all of our DCF to holders of common stock through quarterly distributions. Our Board of Directors reviews the distribution rate quarterly, and may adjust the quarterly distributions throughout the year. Our goal is to declare what we believe to be sustainable increases in our regular quarterly distributions with increases safely covered by earned DCF. We have targeted to pay at least 95 percent of DCF on an annualized basis.
 
Determining DCF
 
DCF is simply distributions received from investments less expenses. The total distributions received from our investments include the amount we receive as cash distributions from MLPs, paid-in-kind distributions, and dividend and interest payments. The total expenses include current or anticipated operating expenses, leverage costs and current income taxes (excluding taxes generated from realized gains), if any. Realized gains, expected tax benefits and deferred taxes are not included in our DCF.
 
The Key Financial Data table discloses the calculation of DCF and should be read in conjunction with this discussion. The difference between distributions received from investments in the DCF calculation and total investment income as reported in the Statement of Operations, is reconciled as follows: the Statement of Operations, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), recognizes distribution income from MLPs and common stock on their ex-dates, whereas the DCF calculation reflects distribution income on their pay dates; GAAP recognizes that a significant portion of the cash distributions received from MLPs are characterized as a return of capital and therefore excluded from investment income, whereas the DCF calculation includes the return of capital; and distributions received from investments in the DCF calculation include the value of dividends paid-in-kind (additional stock or MLP units), whereas such amounts are not included as income for GAAP purposes, and includes distributions related to direct investments when the purchase price is reduced in lieu of receiving cash distributions. The treatment of expenses in the DCF calculation also differs from what is reported in the Statement of Operations. In addition to the total operating expenses, including expense reimbursement, as disclosed in the Statement of Operations, the DCF calculation reflects interest expense, distributions to preferred stockholders, other recurring leverage expenses, as well as current taxes paid on net investment income. A reconciliation of Net Investment Loss, before Income Taxes to DCF is included below.
 
Distributions Received from Investments
 
Our ability to generate cash is dependent on the ability of our portfolio of investments to generate cash flow from their operations. In order to maintain and grow distributions to our stockholders, we evaluate each holding based upon its contribution to our investment income, our expectation for its growth rate, and its risk relative to other potential investments.
 
           2011 2nd Quarter Report       3
 

 



Management’s Discussion (Unaudited)
(Continued)
 
We concentrate on MLPs we believe can expect an increasing demand for services from economic and population growth. We seek well-managed businesses with hard assets and stable recurring revenue streams. Our focus remains primarily on investing in fee-based service providers that operate long-haul, interstate pipelines. We further diversify among issuers, geographies and energy commodities to seek a distribution payment which approximates an investment directly in energy infrastructure MLPs. In addition, many energy infrastructure companies are regulated and currently benefit from a tariff inflation escalation index of PPI + 2.65 percent. Over the long-term, we believe MLPs’ distributions will outpace inflation and interest rate increases, and produce positive real returns.
 
Total distributions received from our investments for the 2nd quarter 2011 was approximately $25.7 million, unchanged as compared to 1st quarter 2011. While we received $116,000 in increased distributions from MLPs for the quarter, the reduction in one-time commitment fees for direct MLP investments of $120,000 as compared to last quarter offset the increased distributions. On an annualized basis, total distributions for the quarter equates to 6.15 percent of our average total assets for the quarter.
 
Expenses
 
We incur two types of expenses: (1) operating expenses, consisting primarily of the advisory fee, and (2) leverage costs. On a percentage basis, operating expenses before leverage costs were an annualized 0.78 percent of average total assets for the 2nd quarter 2011, unchanged as compared to the 1st quarter 2011. Advisory fees for the 2nd quarter 2011 increased 5.4 percent as compared to 1st quarter 2011 as a result of increased average managed assets for the quarter as discussed above. While the contractual advisory fee is 0.95 percent of average monthly managed assets, the Adviser has agreed to waive an amount equal to 0.25 percent of average monthly managed assets through July 27, 2011, 0.20 percent of average managed assets from July 28, 2011 through December 31, 2012, with further reductions in the fee waiver of 0.05 percent of average managed assets per calendar year through 2015. Other operating expenses increased approximately $32,000 as compared to 1st quarter 2011, primarily as a result of an increase in insurance and estimated franchise expenses.
 
Leverage costs consist of two major components: (1) the direct interest expense on our senior notes and short-term credit facility, and (2) distributions to preferred stockholders. Other leverage expenses include rating agency fees and commitment fees. Total leverage costs for DCF purposes increased approximately $82,000 as compared to the 1st quarter 2011. This change reflects increased utilization of our bank credit facility, the issuance of $25 million of notes in mid May and fees associated with servicing our bank credit facility.
 
The weighted average annual rate of our leverage at May 31, 2011 was 3.77 percent including balances on our bank credit facility which accrue interest at a variable rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus 1.25 percent. Our weighted average rate may vary in future periods as a result of changes in LIBOR, the utilization of our credit facility, and as our leverage matures or is redeemed. Additional information on our leverage is included in the Liquidity and Capital Resources discussion below.
 
Distributable Cash Flow
 
For 2nd quarter 2011, our DCF was approximately $19.0 million, a slight decrease as compared to 1st quarter 2011. This change is the net result of changes in distributions and expenses as outlined above. We declared a distribution of $18.5 million, or $0.4075 per share, during the quarter.
 
Our dividend payout ratio as a percentage of DCF increased from 96.2 percent for 1st quarter 2011 to 97.5 percent for 2nd quarter 2011 as a result of the slight decrease in DCF. A payout of less than 100 percent of DCF provides cushion for on-going management of the portfolio, changes in leverage costs and other expenses. An on-going payout ratio in excess of 100 percent will, over time, erode the earning power of a portfolio and may lead to lower distributions or portfolio managers taking on more risk than they otherwise would.
 
Net investment loss before income taxes on the Statement of Operations is adjusted as follows to reconcile to DCF for 2011 YTD and 2nd quarter 2011 (in thousands):
 
  2011 YTD       2nd Qtr 2011
Net Investment Loss, before Income Taxes $ (12,087 )   $ (8,335 )
Adjustments to reconcile to DCF:              
     Dividends paid in stock   2,580       1,538  
     Return of capital on distributions   47,218       25,677  
     Distribution included in direct placement discount   317        
     Amortization of debt issuance costs   189       95  
     Current income tax expenses   (19 )     (7 )
          DCF $ 38,198     $ 18,968  
               
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
We had total assets of $1.580 billion at quarter-end. Our total assets reflect the value of our investments, which are itemized in the Schedule of Investments. It also reflects cash, interest and dividends receivable and any expenses that may have been prepaid. During 2nd quarter 2011, total assets decreased $98 million. This change was primarily the result of a $95 million decrease in the value of our investments as reflected by the change in net realized and unrealized gains on investments (excluding return of capital on distributions), net purchases of approximately $6 million and a decrease in pending receivables for investments sold compared to the prior quarter of $8 million.
 
Total leverage outstanding at May 31, 2011 was $347.3 million, relatively unchanged as compared to February 28, 2011. During the quarter, we issued $15 million of floating rate notes with a 3 year term and $10 million of fixed rate notes with a 7 year term and rate of 4.35 percent. We used the proceeds from the notes issuance to reduce the outstanding balance on our bank credit facility. Outstanding leverage is comprised of approximately $255 million in senior notes, $90 million in preferred shares and $2.3 million outstanding under the credit facility, with 87.8 percent of leverage with fixed rates and a weighted average maturity of 6.8 years. Total leverage represented 22 percent of total assets at May 31, 2011, below our long-term target of 25 percent of total assets. Temporary increases to up to 30 percent of our total assets may be permitted, provided that such leverage is consistent with the limits set forth in the 1940 Act, and that such leverage is expected to be reduced over time in an orderly fashion to reach our long-term target. Our leverage ratio is impacted by increases or decreases in MLP values, issuance of equity and/or the sale of securities where proceeds are used to reduce leverage.
 
4      Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.
 

 



Management’s Discussion (Unaudited)
(Continued)
 
Our longer-term leverage (excluding our bank credit facility) of $345 million is comprised of 74 percent private placement debt and 26 percent private placement preferred equity with a weighted average rate of 3.74 percent and remaining weighted average laddered maturity of approximately 6.8 years.
 
We use leverage to acquire MLPs consistent with our investment philosophy. The terms of our leverage are governed by regulatory and contractual asset coverage requirements that arise from the use of leverage. Additional information on our leverage and asset coverage requirements is discussed in Note 9 and Note 10 in the Notes to Financial Statements. Our coverage ratios are updated each week on our Web site at www.tortoiseadvisors.com.
 
During the quarter, we increased the amount available under our revolving credit facility to $80 million to allow more flexibility in carrying-out our investment goals and objectives.
 
Taxation of our Distributions and Deferred Taxes
 
We invest in partnerships which generally have larger distributions of cash than the accounting income which they generate. Accordingly, the distributions include a return of capital component for accounting and tax purposes. Distributions declared and paid by us in a year generally differ from taxable income for that year, as such distributions may include the distribution of current year taxable income or return of capital.
 
The taxability of the distribution you receive depends on whether we have annual earnings and profits. If so, those earnings and profits are first allocated to the preferred shares and then to the common shares.
 
In the event we have earnings and profits allocated to our common shares, all or a portion of our distribution will be taxable at the 15 percent Qualified Dividend Income (“QDI”) rate, assuming various holding requirements are met by the stockholder. The portion of our distribution that is taxable may vary for either of two reasons: first, the characterization of the distributions we receive from MLPs could change annually based upon the K-1 allocations and result in less return of capital and more in the form of income. Second, we could sell an MLP investment and realize a gain or loss at any time. It is for these reasons that we inform you of the tax treatment after the close of each year as the ultimate characterization of our distributions is undeterminable until the year is over.
 
The portion of our distribution that is not income is treated as a return of capital. A holder of our common stock will reduce their cost basis for income tax purposes by the amount designated as return of capital. For tax purposes, the distribution to common stockholders for the fiscal year ended 2010 was 100 percent return of capital. A holder of our common stock would reduce their cost basis for income tax purposes by an amount equal to the total distributions they received in 2010. This information is reported to stockholders on Form 1099-DIV and is available on our Web site at www.tortoiseadvisors.com. For book purposes, the source of the distribution to common stockholders for the fiscal year ended 2010 was 100 percent return of capital. We currently estimate that 0 to 10 percent of 2011 distributions will be characterized as qualified dividend income for tax purposes with the remaining percentage characterized as return of capital. Final determination will be made after the completion of our fiscal year.
 
The unrealized gain or loss we have in the portfolio is reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. At May 31, 2011, our investments are valued at approximately $1.576 billion, with an adjusted cost of $1.407 billion. The $169 million difference reflects unrealized appreciation that would be realized for financial statement purposes if those investments were sold at those values. The Statement of Assets and Liabilities also reflects either a net deferred tax liability or net deferred tax asset depending upon unrealized gains (losses) on investments, realized gains (losses) on investments, capital loss carryforwards and net operating losses. At May 31, 2011, the balance sheet reflects a net deferred tax liability of approximately $67 million or $1.47 per share. Accordingly, our net asset value per share represents the amount which would be available for distribution to stockholders after payment of taxes. Details of our deferred taxes are disclosed in Note 5 in our Notes to Financial Statements.
 
           2011 2nd Quarter Report       5
 

 



Schedule of Investments
May 31, 2011
 
(Unaudited)
 
        Shares       Fair Value
Master Limited Partnerships            
     and Related Companies — 138.1%(1)        
   
Natural Gas/Natural Gas Liquids Pipelines — 68.7%(1)    
United States — 68.7%(1)            
Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP   3,571,160   $ 103,920,756  
El Paso Pipeline Partners, L.P.   3,229,150     110,985,886  
Energy Transfer Partners, L.P.   2,735,500     129,963,605  
Enterprise Products Partners L.P.   2,682,900     111,715,956  
Niska Gas Storage Partners LLC   1,630,500     31,648,005  
ONEOK Partners, L.P.   868,400     72,372,456  
PAA Natural Gas Storage, L.P.(2)   934,361     20,210,228  
Spectra Energy Partners, LP   1,409,395     45,100,640  
TC PipeLines, LP   659,565     30,445,520  
Williams Partners L.P.   2,419,500     128,039,940  
          784,402,992  
   
Natural Gas Gathering/Processing — 35.8%(1)        
United States — 35.8%(1)            
Chesapeake Midstream Partners, L.P.   568,854     14,926,729  
Copano Energy, L.L.C.   1,690,800     56,743,248  
Crestwood Midstream Partners LP(2)(3)   1,366,192     33,321,423  
DCP Midstream Partners, LP   1,404,900     56,940,597  
MarkWest Energy Partners, L.P.   1,286,316     61,125,736  
Regency Energy Partners LP   4,146,600     104,452,854  
Regency Energy Partners LP(2)   333,333     8,013,325  
Targa Resources Partners LP   1,707,400     59,007,744  
Western Gas Partners LP   389,535     13,610,353  
          408,142,009  
   
Crude/Refined Products Pipelines — 26.0%(1)        
United States — 26.0%(1)            
Buckeye Partners, L.P.   781,070     49,558,892  
Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.   1,622,100     49,814,691  
Holly Energy Partners, L.P.   735,300     40,463,559  
Kinder Morgan Management, LLC(3)   767,441     50,090,874  
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.   479,200     28,301,552  
NuStar Energy L.P.   682,113     43,280,070  
Plains All American Pipeline, L.P.   336,400     20,937,536  
Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P.   134,600     11,387,160  
Tesoro Logistics LP   105,930     2,631,301  
          296,465,635  
 
Propane Distribution — 7.6%(1)            
United States — 7.6%(1)            
Inergy, L.P.   2,337,600     86,701,584  
Total Master Limited Partnerships and            
     Related Companies (Cost $1,407,186,709)         1,575,712,220  
Short-Term Investments — 0.0%(1)            
United States Investment Company — 0.0%(1)            
Fidelity Institutional Money Market Portfolio,            
     0.16%(4) (Cost $42,138)   42,138     42,138  
Total Investments — 138.1%(1)            
     (Cost $1,407,228,847)         1,575,754,358  
Other Assets and Liabilities — (7.9%)(1)         (89,932,519 )
Long-Term Debt Obligations — (22.3%)(1)         (255,000,000 )
Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Stock            
     at Liquidation Value — (7.9%)(1)         (90,000,000 )
Total Net Assets Applicable to            
     Common Stockholders — 100.0%(1)       $ 1,140,821,839  
             
(1) Calculated as a percentage of net assets applicable to common stockholders.
(2)  Restricted securities have been fair valued in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Directors and have a total fair value of $61,544,976, which represents 5.4% of net assets. See Note 7 to the financial statements for further disclosure.
(3) Security distributions are paid-in-kind.
(4) Rate indicated is the current yield as of May 31, 2011.
 
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
6      Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.
 

 



Statement of Assets & Liabilities
May 31, 2011
 
(Unaudited)
 
Assets      
     Investments at fair value (cost $1,407,228,847) $ 1,575,754,358  
     Dividends receivable   50  
     Receivable for Adviser expense reimbursement   687,342  
     Receivable for investments sold   1,352,485  
     Prepaid expenses and other assets   2,619,941  
               Total assets   1,580,414,176  
Liabilities      
     Payable to Adviser   2,611,900  
     Payable for investments purchased   1,092,864  
     Distribution payable to common stockholders   18,502,207  
     Accrued expenses and other liabilities   3,220,362  
     Current tax liability   20,869  
     Deferred tax liability   66,844,135  
     Short-term borrowings   2,300,000  
     Long-term debt obligations   255,000,000  
     Mandatory redeemable preferred stock ($25.00 liquidation      
          value per share; 3,600,000 shares outstanding)   90,000,000  
               Total liabilities   439,592,337  
               Net assets applicable to common stockholders $ 1,140,821,839  
Net Assets Applicable to Common Stockholders Consist of:    
     Capital stock, $0.001 par value; 45,404,188 shares issued      
          and outstanding (100,000,000 shares authorized) $ 45,404  
     Additional paid-in capital   1,028,359,674  
     Accumulated net investment loss, net of income taxes   (10,244,068 )
     Undistributed realized gain, net of income taxes   16,119,002  
     Net unrealized appreciation of investments,      
          net of income taxes   106,541,827  
               Net assets applicable to common stockholders $ 1,140,821,839  
     Net Asset Value per common share outstanding      
          (net assets applicable to common stock,      
          divided by common shares outstanding) $ 25.13  
       
Statement of Operations
Period from December 1, 2010 through May 31, 2011
 
(Unaudited)
 
Investment Income      
     Distributions from master limited partnerships $ 48,133,134  
     Less return of capital on distributions   (47,218,001 )
     Net distributions from master limited partnerships   915,133  
     Dividends from money market mutual funds   171  
     Other income   280,000  
          Total Investment Income   1,195,304  
Operating Expenses      
     Advisory fees   7,628,895  
     Administrator fees   227,194  
     Professional fees   110,537  
     Franchise fees   101,010  
     Stockholder communication expenses   81,910  
     Directors’ fees   64,373  
     Fund accounting fees   42,150  
     Custodian fees and expenses   35,957  
     Registration fees   20,933  
     Stock transfer agent fees   5,833  
     Other operating expenses   39,710  
          Total Operating Expenses   8,358,502  
 
Leverage Expenses      
     Interest expense   4,675,621  
     Distributions to mandatory redeemable preferred stockholders   1,868,501  
     Amortization of debt issuance costs   189,483  
     Other leverage expenses   197,919  
          Total Leverage Expenses   6,931,524  
          Total Expenses   15,290,026  
     Less expense reimbursement by Adviser   (2,007,604 )
          Net Expenses   13,282,422  
Net Investment Loss, before Income Taxes   (12,087,118 )
     Current tax benefit   16,300  
     Deferred tax benefit   3,720,559  
          Income tax benefit, net   3,736,859  
Net Investment Loss   (8,350,259 )
Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments      
     Net realized gain on investments, before income taxes   25,167,034  
     Deferred tax expense   (9,256,435 )
          Net realized gain on investments   15,910,599  
     Net unrealized appreciation of investments, before income taxes   61,920,243  
     Deferred tax expense   (22,774,266 )
          Net unrealized appreciation of investments   39,145,977  
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments   55,056,576  
Net Increase in Net Assets Applicable to Common      
     Stockholders Resulting from Operations $ 46,706,317  
       
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
           2011 2nd Quarter Report       7
 

 



Statement of Changes in Net Assets
 
  Period from       Period from
  December 1, 2010   July 30, 2010(1)
  through   through
  May 31, 2011   November 30, 2010
  (Unaudited)        
Operations              
     Net investment loss $ (8,350,259 )   $ (1,893,809 )
     Net realized gain on investments   15,910,599       208,403  
     Net unrealized appreciation of investments   39,145,977       67,395,850  
          Net increase in net assets applicable to common
               stockholders resulting from operations
  46,706,317       65,710,444  
Distributions to Common Stockholders              
     Net investment income          
     Return of capital   (37,004,414 )     (16,345,508 )
          Total distributions to common stockholders   (37,004,414 )     (16,345,508 )
Capital Stock Transactions              
     Proceeds from initial public offering of 45,400,000 common shares         1,135,000,000  
     Underwriting discounts and offering expenses associated with
          the issuance of common stock
        (53,345,000 )
          Net increase in net assets applicable to common stockholders
               from capital stock transactions
        1,081,655,000  
     Total increase in net assets applicable to common stockholders   9,701,903       1,131,019,936  
Net Assets              
     Beginning of period   1,131,119,936       100,000  
     End of period $ 1,140,821,839     $ 1,131,119,936  
     Accumulated net investment loss, net of income taxes, end of period           $ (10,244,068 )         $ (1,893,809 )
               
(1)  Commencement of Operations.
 
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
8      Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.
 

 



Statement of Cash Flows
Period from December 1, 2010 through May 31, 2011
 
(Unaudited)

  

Cash Flows From Operating Activities            
     Distributions received from master limited partnerships   $ 48,133,134  
     Dividend income received     3,706  
     Other income received     280,000  
     Purchases of long-term investments     (177,777,253 )
     Proceeds from sales of long-term investments     162,792,618  
     Proceeds from sales of short-term investments, net     59,003  
     Interest expense paid     (3,863,943 )
     Distributions to mandatory redeemable preferred stockholders     (1,577,847 )
     Income taxes paid     (12,830 )
     Other leverage expenses paid     (146,548 )
     Operating expenses paid     (5,964,926 )
          Net cash provided by operating activities     21,925,114  
Cash Flows From Financing Activities        
     Advances from revolving line of credit     141,750,000  
     Repayments on revolving line of credit     (170,150,000 )
     Issuance of long-term debt obligations     25,000,000  
     Debt issuance costs     (22,907 )
     Distributions paid to common stockholders     (18,502,207 )
          Net cash used in financing activities     (21,925,114 )
     Net change in cash      
     Cash — beginning of period      
     Cash — end of period   $  
Reconciliation of net increase in net assets applicable to        
     common stockholders resulting from operations to        
     net cash provided by operating activities        
     Net increase in net assets applicable to common        
          stockholders resulting from operations   $ 46,706,317  
     Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets        
          applicable to common stockholders resulting from        
          operations to net cash provided by operating activities:        
               Purchases of long-term investments     (178,544,770 )
               Return of capital on distributions received     47,218,001  
               Proceeds from sales of long-term investments     163,612,769  
               Proceeds from sales of short-term investments, net     59,003  
               Deferred tax expense     28,310,142  
               Net unrealized appreciation of investments     (61,920,243 )
               Net realized gain on investments     (25,167,034 )
               Amortization of debt issuance costs     189,483  
               Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
                    Decrease in interest and dividend receivable     3,535  
                    Increase in receivable for investments sold     (820,151 )
                    Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets     (26,002 )
                    Increase in payable for investments purchased     767,517  
                    Increase in payable to Adviser, net of        
                         expense reimbursement     270,535  
                    Decrease in current tax liability     (29,131 )
                    Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities     1,295,143  
                         Total adjustments     (24,781,203 )
     Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 21,925,114  
         
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
2011 2nd Quarter Report       9


 



Financial Highlights
 
    Period from   Period from
    December 1, 2010   July 30, 2010(1)
    through   through
        May 31, 2011       November 30, 2010
    (Unaudited)              
Per Common Share Data(2)                        
     Net Asset Value, beginning of period     $ 24.91         $    
     Public offering price                 25.00    
     Income from Investment Operations                        
          Net investment loss(3)       (0.18 )         (0.04 )  
          Net realized and unrealized gain on investments(3)       1.22           1.49    
               Total income from investment operations       1.04           1.45    
     Distributions to Common Stockholders                        
          Net investment income                    
          Return of capital       (0.82 )         (0.36 )  
               Total distributions to common stockholders       (0.82 )         (0.36 )  
          Underwriting discounts and offering costs on issuance of
               common stock(4)
                (1.18 )  
          Net Asset Value, end of period     $ 25.13         $ 24.91    
          Per common share market value, end of period     $ 25.70         $ 24.14    
          Total Investment Return Based on Market Value(5)       9.93 %         (2.02 )%  
Supplemental Data and Ratios                        
     Net assets applicable to common stockholders, end of period (000’s)     $ 1,140,822         $ 1,131,120    
     Average net assets (000’s)     $ 1,171,264         $ 1,087,459    
     Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets(6)                        
          Advisory fees       1.31 %         1.07 %  
          Other operating expenses       0.12           0.12    
          Expense reimbursement       (0.34 )         (0.28 )  
               Subtotal       1.09           0.91    
          Leverage expenses       1.19           0.48    
          Income tax expense(7)       4.84           10.44    
               Total expenses       7.12 %         11.83 %  
     Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets before expense
          reimbursement(6)
      (1.77 )%         (0.79 )%  
     Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets after expense
          reimbursement(6)
      (1.43 )%         (0.51 )%  
     Portfolio turnover rate(6)       20.32 %         3.65 %  
     Short-term borrowings, end of period (000’s)     $ 2,300         $ 30,700    
     Long-term debt obligations, end of period (000’s)     $ 255,000         $ 230,000    
     Preferred stock, end of period (000’s)     $ 90,000         $ 90,000    
     Per common share amount of long-term debt obligations outstanding,
          end of period
    $ 5.62         $ 5.07    
     Per common share amount of net assets, excluding long-term debt
          obligations, end of period
    $ 30.75         $ 29.98    
     Asset coverage, per $1,000 of principal amount of long-term debt
          obligations and short-term borrowings(8)
    $ 5,784         $ 5,684    
     Asset coverage ratio of long-term debt obligations and short-term borrowings(8)       578 %         568 %  
     Asset coverage, per $25 liquidation value per share of mandatory
          redeemable preferred stock(9)
    $ 107         $ 106    
     Asset coverage ratio of preferred stock(9)       428 %         423 %  

(1)   Commencement of Operations.
(2)   Information presented relates to a share of common stock outstanding for the entire period.
(3)   The per common share data for the period from July 30, 2010 through November 30, 2010 do not reflect the change in estimate of investment income and return of capital. See Note 2C to the financial statements for further disclosure.
(4)   Represents the dilution per common share from underwriting and other offering costs for the period from July 30, 2010 through November 30, 2010.
(5)   Not annualized for periods less than one full year. Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock at the beginning of the period (or initial public offering price) and a sale at the closing price on the last day of the period reported (excluding brokerage commissions). This calculation also assumes reinvestment of distributions at actual prices pursuant to the company’s dividend reinvestment plan.
(6)   Annualized for periods less than one full year.
(7)   For the period from December 1, 2010 through May 31, 2011, the Company accrued $16,300 for current income tax benefit and $28,310,142 for net deferred income tax expense. For the period from July 30, 2010 to November 30, 2010, the Company accrued $50,000 for current income tax expense and $38,533,993 for net deferred income tax expense.
(8)   Represents value of total assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by long-term debt obligations, short-term borrowings and preferred stock at the end of the period divided by long-term debt obligations and short-term borrowings outstanding at the end of the period.
(9)   Represents value of total assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by long-term debt obligations, short-term borrowings and preferred stock at the end of the period divided by the sum of long-term debt obligations, short-term borrowings and preferred stock outstanding at the end of the period.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
10       Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.


 



Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
May 31, 2011
 
1. Organization
 
Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) was organized as a Maryland corporation on April 23, 2010, and is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Company’s investment objective is to seek a high level of total return with an emphasis on current distributions paid to stockholders. The Company seeks to provide its stockholders with an efficient vehicle to invest in the energy infrastructure sector, with an emphasis on natural gas infrastructure. The Company commenced operations on July 30, 2010. The Company’s stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NTG.”
 
2. Significant Accounting Policies
 
A. Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, recognition of distribution income and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
B. Investment Valuation
 
The Company primarily owns securities that are listed on a securities exchange or over-the-counter market. The Company values those securities at their last sale price on that exchange or over-the-counter market on the valuation date. If the security is listed on more than one exchange, the Company uses the price from the exchange that it considers to be the principal exchange on which the security is traded. Securities listed on the NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price. If there has been no sale on such exchange or over-the-counter market on such day, the security will be valued at the mean between the last bid price and last ask price on such day.
 
The Company may invest up to 50 percent of its total assets in restricted securities. Restricted securities are subject to statutory or contractual restrictions on their public resale, which may make it more difficult to obtain a valuation and may limit the Company’s ability to dispose of them. Investments in restricted securities and other securities for which market quotations are not readily available will be valued in good faith by using fair value procedures approved by the Board of Directors. Such fair value procedures consider factors such as discounts to publicly traded issues, time until conversion date, securities with similar yields, quality, type of issue, coupon, duration and rating. If events occur that affect the value of the Company’s portfolio securities before the net asset value has been calculated (a “significant event”), the portfolio securities so affected will generally be priced using fair value procedures.
 
An equity security of a publicly traded company acquired in a direct placement transaction may be subject to restrictions on resale that can affect the security’s liquidity and fair value. Such securities that are convertible or otherwise will become freely tradable will be valued based on the market value of the freely tradable security less an applicable discount. Generally, the discount will initially be equal to the discount at which the Company purchased the securities. To the extent that such securities are convertible or otherwise become freely tradable within a time frame that may be reasonably determined, an amortization schedule may be used to determine the discount.
 
The Company generally values debt securities at prices based on market quotations for such securities, except those securities purchased with 60 days or less to maturity are valued on the basis of amortized cost, which approximates market value.
 
C. Security Transactions and Investment Income
 
Security transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold (trade date). Realized gains and losses are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Dividend and distribution income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received from the Company’s investments in master limited partnerships (“MLPs”) generally are comprised of ordinary income, capital gains and return of capital from the MLPs. The Company allocates distributions between investment income and return of capital based on estimates made at the time such distributions are received. Such estimates are based on information provided by each MLP and other industry sources. These estimates may subsequently be revised based on actual allocations received from MLPs after their tax reporting periods are concluded, as the actual character of these distributions is not known until after the fiscal year end of the Company.
 
For the period from July 30, 2010 through November 30, 2010, the Company estimated the allocation of investment income and return of capital for the distributions received from MLPs within the Statement of Operations. For this period, the Company had estimated approximately 11 percent of total distributions as investment income and approximately 89 percent as return of capital.
 
Subsequent to November 30, 2010, the Company reallocated the amount of investment income and return of capital it recognized for the period from December 1, 2009 through November 30, 2010 based on the 2010 tax reporting information received from the individual MLPs. This reclassification amounted to a decrease in pre-tax net investment income of approximately $2,184,000 or $0.048 per share ($1,381,000 or $0.030 per share, net of deferred tax benefit) and an increase in unrealized appreciation of investments of approximately $2,184,000 or $0.048 per share ($1,381,000 or $0.030 per share, net of deferred tax expense) for the period from December 1, 2010 through May 31, 2011.
 
Subsequent to the period ended February 28, 2011, the Company reallocated the amount of investment income and return of capital recognized in the current fiscal year based on its revised 2011 estimates, after considering the final allocations for 2010. This reclassification amounted to a decrease in pre-tax net investment income of approximately $2,048,000 or $0.045 per share ($1,295,000 or $0.029 per share, net of deferred tax benefit); an increase in unrealized appreciation of investments of approximately $1,690,000 or $0.037 per share ($1,069,000 or $0.024 per share, net of deferred tax expense) and an increase in realized gains of approximately $358,000 or $0.008 per share ($226,000 or $0.005 per share, net of deferred tax expense).
 
D. Distributions to Stockholders
 
Distributions to common stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The Company may not declare or pay distributions to its common stockholders if it does not meet asset coverage ratios required under the 1940 Act of the rating agency guidelines for its debt and preferred stock following such distribution. The character of distributions to common stockholders made during the year may differ from their
 
2011 2nd Quarter Report       11
 

 



Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(Continued)
 
ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. For book purposes, the source of the Company’s distribution to common stockholders for the year ended November 30, 2010 and the period ended May 31, 2011 was 100 percent return of capital. For tax purposes, the Company’s distribution to common stockholders for the year ended November 30, 2010 was 100 percent return of capital. The tax character of distributions paid to common stockholders in the current year will be determined subsequent to November 30, 2011.
 
Distributions to mandatory redeemable preferred stockholders are accrued daily and paid quarterly based on fixed annual rates. The Company may not declare or pay distributions to its mandatory redeemable preferred stockholders if it does not meet a 200 percent asset coverage ratio for its debt or the rating agency basic maintenance amount for the debt following such distribution. The character of distributions to preferred stockholders made during the year may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.
 
E. Federal Income Taxation
 
The Company, as a corporation, is obligated to pay federal and state income tax on its taxable income. Currently, the highest regular marginal federal income tax rate for a corporation is 35 percent. The Company may be subject to a 20 percent federal alternative minimum tax on its federal alternative minimum taxable income to the extent that its alternative minimum tax exceeds its regular federal income tax.
 
The Company invests its assets primarily in MLPs, which generally are treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes. As a limited partner in the MLPs, the Company reports its allocable share of the MLP’s taxable income in computing its own taxable income. The Company’s tax expense or benefit is included in the Statement of Operations based on the component of income or gains (losses) to which such expense or benefit relates. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. A valuation allowance is recognized if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax asset will not be realized.
 
F. Offering and Debt Issuance Costs
 
Offering costs related to the issuance of common stock are charged to additional paid-in capital when the stock is issued. Debt issuance costs related to long-term debt obligations and Mandatory Redeemable Preferred (“MRP”) Stock are capitalized and amortized over the period the debt and MRP Stock is outstanding. The amounts of such capitalized costs for the Series F and Series G Notes issued in May 2011 were $11,580 and $7,720, respectively.
 
G. Derivative Financial Instruments
 
The Company may use derivative financial instruments (principally interest rate swap contracts) in an attempt to manage interest rate risk. The Company has established policies and procedures for risk assessment and the approval, reporting and monitoring of derivative financial instrument activities. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. All derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value during the reporting period, and amounts accrued under the agreements, included as unrealized gains or losses in the accompanying Statement of Operations. Monthly cash settlements under the terms of the derivative instruments and the termination of such contracts are recorded as realized gains or losses in the accompanying Statement of Operations. The Company did not hold any derivative financial instruments during the period ended May 31, 2011.
 
H. Indemnifications
 
Under the Company’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Company. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Company may enter into contracts that provide general indemnification to other parties. The Company’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Company that have not yet occurred, and may not occur. However, the Company has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.
 
I. Recent Accounting Pronouncement
 
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04 “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements” in GAAP and the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”). ASU No. 2011-04 amends FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, to establish common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with GAAP and IFRSs. ASU No. 2011-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is currently evaluating these amendments and does not believe they will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
 
3. Concentration of Risk
 
Under normal circumstances, the Company intends to invest at least 80 percent of its total assets in securities of energy infrastructure companies and to invest at least 70 percent of its total assets in equity securities of natural gas infrastructure MLPs. The Company will not invest more than 10 percent of its total assets in any single issuer as of the time of purchase. The Company may invest up to 50 percent of its total assets in restricted securities. The Company will not invest in privately held companies. In determining application of these policies, the term “total assets” includes assets obtained through leverage. Companies that primarily invest in a particular sector may experience greater volatility than companies investing in a broad range of industry sectors. The Company may, for defensive purposes, temporarily invest all or a significant portion of its assets in investment grade securities, short-term debt securities and cash or cash equivalents. To the extent the Company uses this strategy, it may not achieve its investment objective.
 
4. Agreements
 
The Company has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C. (the “Adviser”). Under the terms of the agreement, the Company pays the Adviser a fee equal to an annual rate of 0.95 percent of the Company’s average monthly total assets (including any assets attributable to leverage) minus accrued liabilities (other than debt entered into for purposes of leverage and the aggregate liquidation preference of outstanding preferred stock) (“Managed Assets”), in exchange for the investment advisory services provided. The Adviser has agreed to a fee waiver of 0.25 percent of average monthly Managed Assets for the period from July 30, 2010 through July 27, 2011, 0.20 percent of average monthly Managed
 
12       Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.


 



Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(Continued)
 
Assets for the period from July 28, 2011 through December 31, 2012, 0.15 percent of average monthly Managed Assets for the period from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013, 0.10 percent of average monthly Managed Assets for the period from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, and 0.05 percent of average monthly Managed Assets for the period from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015.
 
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC serves as the Company’s administrator. The Company pays the administrator a monthly fee computed at an annual rate of 0.04 percent of the first $1,000,000,000 of the Company’s Managed Assets, 0.01 percent on the next $500,000,000 of Managed Assets and 0.005 percent on the balance of the Company’s Managed Assets.
 
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. serves as the Company’s transfer agent and registrar and Computershare Inc. serves as the Company’s dividend paying agent and agent for the automatic dividend reinvestment plan.
 
U.S. Bank, N.A. serves as the Company’s custodian. The Company pays the custodian a monthly fee computed at an annual rate of 0.004 percent of the Company’s portfolio assets, plus portfolio transaction fees.
 
5. Income Taxes
 
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes. Components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of May 31, 2011, are as follows:
 
Deferred tax assets:         
     Net operating loss carryforwards   $ 3,065,548
       
Deferred tax liabilities:      
     Basis reduction of investment in MLPs     7,926,000
     Net unrealized gains on investment securities     61,983,683
      69,909,683
Total net deferred tax liability   $ 66,844,135
       
At May 31, 2011, a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was not deemed necessary because the Company believes it is more likely than not that there is an ability to realize its deferred tax assets through future taxable income of the appropriate character. Any adjustments to such estimates will be made in the period such determination is made. The Company’s policy is to record interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as part of tax expense. As of May 31, 2011, the Company had no uncertain tax positions and no penalties and interest were accrued. All tax years since inception remain open to examination by federal and state tax authorities.
 
Total income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate of 35 percent to net investment loss and net realized and unrealized gains on investments for the period ended May 31, 2011, as follows:
 
Application of statutory income tax rate       $ 26,250,056  
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit     1,335,003  
Foreign tax benefit, net of federal tax effect     (10,305 )
Nondeductible payments on preferred stock     719,088  
Total income tax expense   $ 28,293,842  
         
Total income taxes are computed by applying the federal statutory rate plus a blended state income tax rate.
 
For the period from December 1, 2010 through May 31, 2011, the components of income tax expense include current foreign tax benefit (for which the federal tax effect is reflected in deferred tax expense) of $16,300 and deferred federal and state income tax expense (net of federal tax benefit) of $26,940,048 and $1,370,094, respectively.
 
As of November 30, 2010, the Company had a net operating loss for federal income tax purposes of approximately $3,343,000. The net operating loss may be carried forward for 20 years. If not utilized, this net operating loss will expire in the year ending November 30, 2030.
 
As of May 31, 2011, the aggregate cost of securities for federal income tax purposes was $1,385,679,092. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of fair value over tax cost was $195,798,943, the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of tax cost over fair value was $5,723,677 and the net unrealized appreciation was $190,075,266.
 
6. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Company’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
 
     Level 1 —   quoted prices in active markets for identical investments
       
  Level 2 —   other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, market corroborated inputs, etc.)
       
  Level 3 —   significant unobservable inputs (including the Company’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)
 
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
 
The following table provides the fair value measurements of applicable Company assets by level within the fair value hierarchy as of May 31, 2011. These assets are measured on a recurring basis.
 
    Fair Value at                  
Description        May 31, 2011        Level 1        Level 2        Level 3
Equity Securities:                        
       Master Limited Partnerships                        
              and Related Companies(a)   $ 1,575,712,220   $ 1,514,167,244   $ 61,544,976   $
Total Equity Securities     1,575,712,220     1,514,167,244     61,544,976    
Other:                        
       Short-Term Investments(b)     42,138     42,138        
Total Other     42,138     42,138        
Total   $ 1,575,754,358   $ 1,514,209,382   $ 61,544,976   $
                         
(a)   All other industry classifications are identified in the Schedule of Investments.
(b)   Short-term investments are sweep investments for cash balances in the Company at May 31, 2011.
2011 2nd Quarter Report       13
 

 



Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(Continued)
 
Valuation Techniques
 
In general, and where applicable, the Company uses readily available market quotations based upon the last updated sales price from the principal market to determine fair value. This pricing methodology applies to the Company’s Level 1 investments.
 
An equity security of a publicly traded company acquired in a private placement transaction without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), is subject to restrictions on resale that can affect the security’s fair value. If such a security is convertible into publicly-traded common shares, the security generally will be valued at the common share market price adjusted by a percentage discount due to the restrictions and categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. If the security has characteristics that are dissimilar to the class of security that trades on the open market, the security will generally be valued and categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
 
The Company utilizes the beginning of reporting period method for determining transfers between levels. There were no transfers between levels for the period from December 1, 2010 through May 31, 2011.
 
7. Restricted Securities
 
Certain of the Company’s investments are restricted and are valued as determined in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors, as more fully described in Note 2. The table below shows the number of units held, acquisition date, acquisition cost, fair value, fair value per share and percent of net assets which the securities comprise at May 31, 2011.
 
                        Fair   Fair
                        Value   Value as
    Number of   Acquisition   Acquisition   Fair   Per   Percent of
Investment Security        Shares        Date        Cost        Value        Share        Net Assets
Crestwood Midstream Partners LP                                    
       Unregistered Class C Units   1,366,192   4/1/11   $ 33,000,030   $ 33,321,423   $ 24.39     2.9 %  
PAA Natural Gas Storage, L.P.                                    
       Unregistered Common Units   934,361   2/8/11     20,000,000     20,210,228     21.63     1.8 %  
Regency Energy Partners LP                                    
       Unregistered Common Units   333,333   5/2/11     8,080,000     8,013,325     24.04     0.7 %  
            $ 61,080,030   $ 61,544,976           5.4 %  
                                     
The carrying value per unit of unrestricted common units of Crestwood Midstream Partners LP was $30.37 on February 18, 2011, the date of the purchase agreement and the date an enforceable right to acquire the restricted Crestwood Midstream Partners LP units was obtained by the Company.
 
The carrying value per unit of unrestricted common units of PAA Natural Gas Storage, L.P. was $24.38 on December 23, 2010, the date of the purchase agreement and the date an enforceable right to acquire the restricted PAA Natural Gas Storage, L.P. units was obtained by the Company.
 
The carrying value per unit of unrestricted common units of Regency Energy Partners LP was $26.24 on March 23, 2011, the date of the purchase agreement and the date an enforceable right to acquire the restricted Regency Energy Partners LP units was obtained by the Company.
 
8. Investment Transactions
 
For the period from December 1, 2010 through May 31, 2011, the Company purchased (at cost) and sold securities (proceeds received) in the amount of $178,544,770 and $163,612,769 (excluding short-term debt securities), respectively.
 
9. Long-Term Debt Obligations
 
The Company has $255,000,000 aggregate principal amount of private senior notes, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D, Series E, Series F, and Series G (collectively, the “Notes”), outstanding. The Notes are unsecured obligations of the Company and, upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, will rank: (1) senior to all of the Company’s outstanding preferred shares; (2) senior to all of the Company’s outstanding common stock; (3) on parity with any unsecured creditors of the Company and any unsecured senior securities representing indebtedness of the Company and (4) junior to any secured creditors of the Company. Holders of the Notes are entitled to receive cash interest payments each quarter until maturity. The Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D, and Series G Notes accrue interest at fixed rates and the Series E and Series F Notes accrue interest at an annual rate that resets each quarter based on the 3-month LIBOR plus 1.70 and 1.35 percent, respectively. The Notes are not listed on any exchange or automated quotation system.
 
The Notes are redeemable in certain circumstances at the option of the Company. The Notes are also subject to a mandatory redemption if the Company fails to meet asset coverage ratios required under the 1940 Act or the rating agency guidelines if such failure is not waived or cured. At May 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with asset coverage covenants and basic maintenance covenants for its senior notes.
 
The estimated fair value of each series of fixed-rate Notes was calculated, for disclosure purposes, by discounting future cash flows by a rate equal to the current U.S. Treasury rate with an equivalent maturity date, plus either 1) the spread between the interest rate on recently issued debt and the U.S. Treasury rate with a similar maturity date or 2) if there has not been a recent debt issuance, the spread between the AAA corporate finance debt rate and the U.S. Treasury rate with an equivalent maturity date plus the spread between the fixed rates of the Notes and the AAA corporate finance debt rate. The estimated fair value of the Series E and Series F Notes approximates the carrying amount because the interest rates fluctuate with changes in interest rates available in the current market. The following table shows the maturity date, interest rate, notional/carrying amount and estimated fair value for each series of Notes outstanding at May 31, 2011.
 
        Interest   Notional/Carrying   Estimated
Series        Maturity Date        Rate        Amount        Fair Value
Series A   December 15, 2013        2.48 %        $ 12,000,000   $ 12,033,419
Series B   December 15, 2015     3.14 %       24,000,000     23,808,485
Series C   December 15, 2017     3.73 %       57,000,000     55,913,927
Series D   December 15, 2020     4.29 %       112,000,000     107,983,168
Series E   December 15, 2015     2.01 %(1)       25,000,000     25,000,000
Series F   May 12, 2014     1.62 %(2)       15,000,000     15,000,000
Series G   May 12, 2018     4.35 %       10,000,000     9,709,539
                  $ 255,000,000   $ 249,448,538
                           
(1)   Floating rate; weighted-average rate for period from December 1, 2010 through May 31, 2011 was 2.00 percent.
(2)   Floating rate; rate effective for period from initial issuance on May 12, 2011 through August 12, 2011.

14       Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.


 



Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(Continued)
 
10. Preferred Stock
 
The Company has 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized. Of that amount, the Company has 3,600,000 shares of private Mandatory Redeemable Preferred (“MRP”) Stock authorized and outstanding at May 31, 2011. The MRP Stock has a liquidation value of $25.00 per share plus any accumulated but unpaid distributions, whether or not declared. Holders of the MRP Stock are entitled to receive cash interest payments each quarter at a fixed rate until maturity. The MRP Stock is not listed on any exchange or automated quotation system.
 
The MRP Stock has rights determined by the Board of Directors. Except as otherwise indicated in the Company’s Charter or Bylaws, or as otherwise required by law, the holders of MRP Stock have voting rights equal to the holders of common stock (one vote per MRP share) and will vote together with the holders of shares of common stock as a single class except on matters affecting only the holders of preferred stock or the holders of common stock. The 1940 Act requires that the holders of any preferred stock (including MRP Stock), voting separately as a single class, have the right to elect at least two directors at all times.
 
The estimated fair value of each series of MRP Stock was calculated, for disclosure purposes, by discounting future cash flows by a rate equal to the current U.S. Treasury rate with an equivalent maturity date, plus either 1) the spread between the interest rate on recently issued preferred stock and the U.S. Treasury rate with a similar maturity date or 2) if there has not been a recent preferred stock issuance, the spread between the AA corporate finance debt rate and the U.S. Treasury rate with an equivalent maturity date plus the spread between the fixed rates of the MRP Stock and the AA corporate finance debt rate. The following table shows the mandatory redemption date, fixed rate, aggregate liquidation preference, number of shares outstanding and estimated fair value of each series of MRP Stock outstanding as of May 31, 2011.
 
            Aggregate       Estimated
    Mandatory   Fixed   Liquidation   Shares   Fair
Series        Redemption Date        Rate        Preference        Outstanding        Value
Series A   December 15, 2015   3.69%   $ 25,000,000   1,000,000   $ 24,680,553
Series B   December 15, 2017   4.33%     65,000,000   2,600,000     63,519,280
            $ 90,000,000   3,600,000   $ 88,199,833
                         
The MRP Stock is redeemable in certain circumstances at the option of the Company. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Company may not declare dividends or make other distributions on shares of common stock or purchases of such shares if, at the time of the declaration, distribution or purchase, asset coverage with respect to the outstanding MRP Stock would be less than 200 percent. The MRP Stock is also subject to a mandatory redemption if the Company fails to meet an asset coverage ratio of at least 225 percent as determined in accordance with the 1940 Act or a rating agency basic maintenance amount if such failure is not waived or cured. At May 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with asset coverage covenants and basic maintenance covenants for its MRP Stock.
 
11. Credit Facility
 
On September 24, 2010, the Company entered into a $60,000,000 committed credit facility maturing September 23, 2011. Under the terms of the credit facility, Bank of America, N.A. serves as a lender and the lending syndicate agent on behalf of other lenders participating in the facility. The credit facility has a variable annual interest rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus 1.25 percent and unused portions of the credit facility will accrue a non-usage fee equal to an annual rate of 0.20 percent.
 
On January 13, 2011, the Company entered into an amendment to its credit facility. Under the terms of the amendment, the amount available under the credit facility was increased to $95,000,000 for a maximum of 120 days. On March 11, 2011, the Company entered into an amendment to its credit facility that reduced the amount available under the facility to $80,000,000.
 
The average principal balance and interest rate for the period during which the credit facility was utilized during the period ended May 31, 2011 was approximately $48,000,000 and 1.49 percent, respectively. At May 31, 2011, the principal balance outstanding was $2,300,000 at an interest rate of 1.44 percent.
 
Under the terms of the credit facility, the Company must maintain asset coverage required under the 1940 Act. If the Company fails to maintain the required coverage, it may be required to repay a portion of an outstanding balance until the coverage requirement has been met. At May 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with the terms of the credit facility.
 
12. Common Stock
 
The Company has 100,000,000 shares of capital stock authorized and 45,404,188 shares outstanding at May 31, 2011 and November 30, 2010.
 
13. Subsequent Events
 
On June 1, 2011, the Company paid a distribution in the amount of $0.4075 per common share, for a total of $18,502,207. Of this total, the dividend reinvestment amounted to $4,753,088.
 
The Company has performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that no additional items require recognition or disclosure.
 
2011 2nd Quarter Report       15


 



Additional Information (Unaudited)
 
Stockholder Proxy Voting Results
 
The annual meeting of stockholders was held on May 20, 2011. The matters considered at the meeting, together with the actual vote tabulations relating to such matters are as follows:
 
1.      To elect one director of the Company, to hold office for a term of three years and until his successor is duly elected and qualified.
 
        No. of Shares
Conrad S. Ciccotello    
          Affirmative   42,010,215
          Withheld   3,766,200
          TOTAL   45,776,415

        Charles E. Heath continued as a director and his term expires on the date of the 2012 annual meeting of stockholders. Each of H. Kevin Birzer and John Graham continued as a director with a term expiring on the date of the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders.
 
2.      To approve a proposal to authorize flexibility to the Company to sell its common shares for less than net asset value, subject to certain conditions.
 
Vote of Common Stockholders   No. of
     of Record (4 Stockholders of   Recordholders
     Record as of Record Date)       Voting
          Affirmative   3
          Against   0
          Abstain   0
          Broker Non-votes   0
          TOTAL   3
     
Vote of Stockholders   No. of Shares
          Affirmative   11,283,983
          Against   1,090,287
          Abstain   275,478
          Broker Non-votes   33,126,667
          TOTAL   45,776,415
 
3.      To ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for its fiscal year ending November 30, 2011.
  
        No. of Shares
          Affirmative   45,158,855
          Against   352,089
          Abstain   265,471
          TOTAL   45,776,415

Based upon votes required for approval, each of these matters passed.
 
Director and Officer Compensation
 
The Company does not compensate any of its directors who are “interested persons,” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, nor any of its officers. For the period ended May 31, 2011, the aggregate compensation paid by the Company to the independent directors was $68,000. The Company did not pay any special compensation to any of its directors or officers.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
This report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Several factors that could materially affect the Company’s actual results are the performance of the portfolio of investments held by it, the conditions in the U.S. and international financial, petroleum and other markets, the price at which shares of the Company will trade in the public markets and other factors discussed in filings with the SEC.
 
Proxy Voting Policies
 
A description of the policies and procedures that the Company uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities owned by the Company is available to stockholders (i) without charge, upon request by calling the Company at (913) 981-1020 or toll-free at (866) 362-9331.
 
The Company has not yet been required to file a Form N-PX disclosing its proxy voting record. Once the Company has made that initial filing for the period ending June 30, 2011, it will be required to make such filings on an annual basis and information regarding how the Company voted proxies will be available without charge by calling us at (913) 981-1020 or toll-free at (866) 362-9331 and on the Company’s Web site at www.tortoiseadvisors.com. You will also be able to access this information on the SEC’s Web site at www.sec.gov.
 
Form N-Q
 
The Company files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year with the SEC on Form N-Q. The Company’s Form N-Q is available without charge upon request by calling the Company at (866) 362-9331 or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, you may review and copy the Company’s Form N-Q at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington D.C. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling (800) SEC-0330.
 
The Company’s Form N-Qs are also available on the Company’s Web site at www.tortoiseadvisors.com.
 
Statement of Additional Information
 
The Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Company’s directors and is available upon request without charge by calling the Company at (866) 362-9331 or by visiting the SEC’s Web site at www.sec.gov.
 
Certifications
 
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer has submitted to the New York Stock Exchange an initial CEO certification in connection with its initial public offering and will submit the first annual certification in 2011 as required by Section 303A.12(a) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual.
 
The Company has filed with the SEC, as an exhibit to its most recently filed Form N-CSR, the certification of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
 
Privacy Policy
 
In order to conduct its business, the Company collects and maintains certain nonpublic personal information about its stockholders of record with respect to their transactions in shares of the Company’s securities. This information includes the stockholder’s address, tax identification or Social Security number, share balances, and distribution elections. We do not collect or maintain personal information about stockholders whose share balances of our securities are held in “street name” by a financial institution such as a bank or broker.
 
We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about you, the Company’s other stockholders or the Company’s former stockholders to third parties unless necessary to process a transaction, service an account, or as otherwise permitted by law.
 
To protect your personal information internally, we restrict access to nonpublic personal information about the Company’s stockholders to those employees who need to know that information to provide services to our stockholders. We also maintain certain other safeguards to protect your nonpublic personal information.
 
16       Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.


 




Office of the Company
and of the Investment Adviser
Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C.
11550 Ash Street, Suite 300
Leawood, Kan. 66211
(913) 981-1020
(913) 981-1021 (fax)
www.tortoiseadvisors.com
 
Managing Directors of
Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C.
H. Kevin Birzer
Zachary A. Hamel
Kenneth P. Malvey
Terry Matlack
David J. Schulte
 
Board of Directors of
Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.
 
H. Kevin Birzer, Chairman
Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C.
 
Conrad S. Ciccotello
Independent
 
John R. Graham
Independent
 
Charles E. Heath
Independent
 
ADMINISTRATOR
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan St.
Milwaukee, Wis. 53202
 
CUSTODIAN
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, Wis. 53212
 
TRANSFER, DIVIDEND DISBURSING
AND REINVESTMENT AGENT
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. / Computershare Inc.
P.O. Box 43078
Providence, R.I. 02940-3078
(800) 426-5523
www.computershare.com
 
LEGAL COUNSEL
Husch Blackwell LLP
4801 Main St.
Kansas City, Mo. 64112
 
INVESTOR RELATIONS
(866) 362-9331
info@tortoiseadvisors.com
 
STOCK SYMBOL
Listed NYSE Symbol: NTG
 
This report is for stockholder information. This is not a prospectus intended for use in the purchase or sale of fund shares. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and your investment may be worth more or less at the time you sell.
 



Tortoise Capital Advisors’ Public Investment Companies
        Total Assets
  Ticker/ Primary Target Investor as of 6/30/11
Name Inception Date Investments Suitability ($ in millions)
Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc. NTG U.S. Energy Infrastructure Retirement Accounts $1,599
  July 2010 Natural Gas Energy Pension Plans  
    Infrastructure Emphasis Taxable Accounts  
         
Tortoise Energy TYG U.S. Energy Infrastructure Retirement Accounts $1,554
Infrastructure Corp. Feb. 2004   Pension Plans  
      Taxable Accounts  
         
Tortoise Energy TYY U.S. Energy Infrastructure Retirement Accounts $805
Capital Corp. May 2005   Pension Plans  
      Taxable Accounts  
         
Tortoise North American TYN U.S. Energy Infrastructure Retirement Accounts $209
Energy Corp. Oct. 2005   Pension Plans  
      Taxable Accounts  
         
Tortoise Power and Energy TPZ U.S. Power and Energy Investment Retirement Accounts $209
Infrastructure Fund, Inc. July 2009 Grade Debt and Dividend-Paying Pension Plans  
    Equity Securities Taxable Accounts  
         
Tortoise Capital TTO U.S. Energy Infrastructure Retirement Accounts $100
Resources Corp. Dec. 2005 Private and Micro Cap Pension Plans (as of 5/31/11)
  (Feb. 2007 – IPO) Public Companies Taxable Accounts  
         


 

 

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.
 
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
 
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
 
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
 
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
 
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
 
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
 
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
 
Item 6. Schedule of Investments.
 
Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1.
 
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
 
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
 
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
 
There have been no changes in the portfolio managers identified in response to this Item in the Registrant’s most recent annual report on Form N-CSR.
 
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
 
        (d)
      (c) Maximum Number (or
      Total Number of Approximate Dollar
  (a)   Shares (or Units) Value) of Shares (or
  Total Number of (b) Purchased as Part of Units) that May Yet
  Shares (or Units) Average Price Paid Publicly Announced Be Purchased Under
Period Purchased per Share (or Unit) Plans or Programs the Plans or Programs
Month #1 0 0 0 0
12/1/10-12/31/10        
Month #2 0 0 0 0
1/1/11-1/31/11        
Month #3 0 0 0 0
2/1/11-2/28/11        
Month #4 0 0 0 0
3/1/11-3/31/11        
Month #5 0 0 0 0
4/1/11-4/30/11        
Month #6 0 0 0 0
5/1/11-5/31/11        
Total 0 0 0 0


 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
 
None.
 
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
 
(a) The Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”)) are effective as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
(b) There were no changes in the Registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under 1940 Act) that occurred during the Registrant’s second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Item 12. Exhibits.
 
(a)(1) Any code of ethics or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the Registrant intends to satisfy Item 2 requirements through filing of an exhibit. Not applicable.
 
(2) Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
 
(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the Registrant to 10 or more persons. None.
 
(b) Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith.
 

 

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
(Registrant)       Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.
     
By (Signature and Title)   /s/ Terry Matlack
    Terry Matlack, Chief Executive Officer
 
Date     July 20, 2011
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
By (Signature and Title)       /s/ Terry Matlack
    Terry Matlack, Chief Executive Officer
 
Date     July 20, 2011
 
By (Signature and Title)       /s/ P. Bradley Adams
    P. Bradley Adams, Chief Financial Officer
 
Date     July 20, 2011