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 more than 100 MLPs in the market 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:


 

 

 

 





March 24, 2014

Dear Fellow Stockholders,

The first fiscal quarter ending Feb. 28, 2014 was generally positive for midstream MLPs, which continued to benefit from the energy infrastructure build-out underway to support robust North American oil and natural gas production. The quarter did provide a few headwinds, however, in the form of mixed earnings across the sector and some market volatility.

From a broader perspective, the equity market was uneven, with stocks recording strong gains in December following the Federal Reserve’s decision to begin tapering its asset purchases, but then falling sharply in January on concern of a slowdown in emerging markets. However, February saw equities back in positive territory as those concerns abated and U.S. companies delivered generally upbeat earnings reports.

Master Limited Partnership Sector Review and Outlook

The Tortoise MLP Index® posted a 3.0 percent total return for the first fiscal quarter. In a reversal from most of their 2013 performance, upstream MLPs outperformed midstream MLPs during the fiscal quarter, as reflected by the Tortoise Upstream MLP Index’s 5.2 percent return relative to the Tortoise Midstream MLP Index’s 2.9 percent gain. The bulk of that outperformance was delivered in December and January due to higher commodity prices, somewhat offset by weather-related disruptions affecting upstream earnings in February.

Domestic natural gas production slightly increased and averaged 66.5 billion cubic feet per day in 2013,¹ with the sources of supply shifting as low natural gas prices have stalled drilling in some areas. Production out of the vast Marcellus shale in Pennsylvania in 2013 was up approximately 50 percent over 2012, with the Marcellus now providing more than 15 percent of U.S. natural gas supply, an amount that is expected to grow to 18 percent in 2014.² These production volumes are driving the need for more and enhanced infrastructure, which continues to support midstream natural gas MLPs. However, within natural gas pipeline MLPs, location of assets is increasingly important, as is careful portfolio selection. We believe the best opportunities among natural gas pipeline MLPs are those with strategically located assets that are benefiting from demand needs — i.e. pipelines that are transporting natural gas away from those areas where production growth is accelerating to areas of demand.

Although the pace of funding slowed in the first fiscal quarter of 2014 relative to the same quarter of 2013, capital markets continued to support sector strength, with MLPs raising more than $5 billion in equity and $6.6 billion in debt offerings during the fiscal quarter, including two MLP IPOs. MLP mergers and acquisitions totaling approximately $3.3 billion were announced during the quarter. The largest of these was a dropdown of multiple assets valued at $700 million by Phillips 66 to its MLP, Phillips 66 Partners.

Fund Performance Review

The fund’s assets increased to approximately $2.0 billion on Feb. 28, 2014, up approximately $32 million from Nov. 30, 2013, primarily due to net realized and unrealized gains on investments and approximately $9 million in new leverage. The fund’s leverage (including bank debt, senior notes and preferred stock) remained fairly consistent during the quarter, ending the period at 19.2 percent of total assets.

On Feb. 28, 2014, the fund paid a distribution of $0.42125 per common share ($1.685 annualized) to stockholders, an increase of 0.3 percent quarter over quarter and 1.2 percent year over year. This distribution represented an annualized distribution rate of 6.1 percent based on the fund’s fiscal quarter closing price of $27.63. In managing the fund, Tortoise places particular emphasis on distribution coverage: distributable cash flow (DCF) earned by the fund divided by distributions paid to stockholders. The goal is to declare what we believe to be sustainable quarterly distributions with increases safely covered by earned distributable cash flow. The distribution payout coverage was 95.8 percent for the fiscal quarter and 101.9 percent for the last four quarters.

For the fiscal quarter, the fund’s market-based total return was 3.1 percent and its NAV-based total return was 1.0 percent (both including the reinvestment of distributions). The difference between the market value return and the NAV total return reflected a narrowing of the market’s discount of the fund’s stock price relative to its NAV during the quarter. This was not the case for many closed-end funds in recent months, as they came under pressure as the market continued to factor in concern over rising interest rates, with the average discount nearly doubling from last May through February.

(Unaudited)

2014 1st Quarter Report       1





Key Performance Drivers

Additional information about the fund’s financial performance, distributions and leverage is available in the Key Financial Data and Management’s Discussion sections of this report.

Concluding Thoughts

We continue to believe that now is a great time to invest in North American energy. Domestic natural gas production potential remains abundant and is driving the critical need for supporting natural gas infrastructure. Although challenges exist, we believe that the transformation underway in North America bodes well for the fund’s long-term investment strategy, U.S. security, our economy and our energy future.

Sincerely,
The Managing Directors
Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C.
The adviser to Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.

1 Energy Information Administration
2 ITG

The Tortoise MLP Index® is a float-adjusted, capitalization-weighted index of energy master limited partnerships (MLPs). The Tortoise Midstream MLP Index, a sub-index of the Tortoise MLP Index®, is comprised of all constituents included in the following sub sectors: Crude Oil Pipelines, Gathering & Processing, Natural Gas Pipelines and Refined Products Pipelines. The Tortoise Upstream MLP Index is comprised of all constituents included in the Tortoise MLP Index’s Coal and Oil & Gas Production sub sector indices. The S&P 500 Index® is a unmanaged market-value-weighted index of stocks, which is widely regarded as the standard for measuring large-cap U.S. stock market performance.

(Unaudited)

2      Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.





Key Financial Data (Supplemental Unaudited Information)
(dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated)

The information presented below regarding Distributable Cash Flow and Selected Financial Information is supplemental non-GAAP financial information, which we believe is meaningful to understanding our operating performance. The Distributable Cash Flow Ratios include 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. This information is supplemental, is not inclusive of required financial disclosures (e.g. Total Expense Ratio), and should be read in conjunction with our full financial statements.

2013 2014
      Q1(1)       Q2(1)       Q3(1)       Q4(1)       Q1(1)
Total Income from Investments
     Distributions from master limited partnerships       $ 24,787       $ 26,111       $ 26,099       $ 27,397       $ 25,350
     Dividends paid in stock 1,936 1,187 1,224 1,270 1,302
     Other income 359
          Total from investments 26,723 27,298 27,323 29,026 26,652
Operating Expenses Before Leverage Costs and Current Taxes
     Advisory fees, net of fees waived 3,236 3,753 3,860 3,807 3,978
     Other operating expenses 327 324 321 315 348
  3,563 4,077 4,181 4,122 4,326
     Distributable cash flow before leverage costs and current taxes 23,160 23,221 23,142 24,904 22,326
     Leverage costs(2) 3,352 3,343 3,316 3,322 3,356
     Current income tax expense(3)
          Distributable Cash Flow(4) $ 19,808 $ 19,878 $ 19,826 $ 21,582 $ 18,970
As a percent of average total assets(5)
     Total from investments 6.39 % 5.83 % 5.66 % 6.02 % 5.48 %
     Operating expenses before leverage costs and current taxes 0.85 % 0.87 % 0.87 % 0.86 % 0.89 %
     Distributable cash flow before leverage costs and current taxes 5.54 % 4.96 % 4.79 % 5.16 % 4.59 %
As a percent of average net assets(5)
     Total from investments 9.19 % 8.39 % 8.21 % 8.91 % 8.30 %
     Operating expenses before leverage costs and current taxes 1.23 % 1.25 % 1.26 % 1.27 % 1.35 %
     Leverage costs and current taxes 1.15 % 1.03 % 1.00 % 1.02 % 1.05 %
     Distributable cash flow 6.81 % 6.11 % 5.95 % 6.62 % 5.90 %
 
Selected Financial Information
Distributions paid on common stock $ 19,404 $ 19,549 $ 19,653 $ 19,740 $ 19,799
Distributions paid on common stock per share 0.41625 0.41750 0.41875 0.42000 0.42125
Distribution coverage percentage for period(6) 102.1 % 101.7 % 100.9 % 109.3 % 95.8 %
Net realized gain (loss), net of income taxes, for the period 15,101 9,232 5,325 8,154 (3,159 )
Total assets, end of period 1,785,448     1,853,489   1,891,133 1,956,493   1,988,207
Average total assets during period(7)   1,697,239 1,858,008 1,914,383   1,933,455 1,973,730
Leverage(8) 345,000 345,000   345,000 372,200   381,000
Leverage as a percent of total assets 19.3 % 18.6 % 18.2 % 19.0 % 19.2 %
Net unrealized appreciation, end of period   288,835 340,955 374,919 416,628 436,486
Net assets, end of period 1,229,367 1,270,264 1,287,655   1,315,866 1,308,440
Average net assets during period(9) 1,178,669 1,290,683 1,320,738 1,306,726 1,302,016
Net asset value per common share 26.37 27.11 27.44 28.00 27.84
Market value per common share 27.59 28.35 28.65 27.22 27.63
Shares outstanding (000’s) 46,617 46,861 46,932 47,000 47,000

(1) Q1 is the period from December through February. Q2 is the period from March through May. Q3 is the period from June through August. Q4 is the period from September through November.
(2) Leverage costs include interest expense, distributions to preferred stockholders and other recurring leverage expenses.
(3) Includes taxes paid on net investment income and foreign taxes, if any. Taxes related to realized gains are excluded from the calculation of Distributable Cash Flow (“DCF”).
(4) “Net investment loss, before income taxes” on the Statement of Operations is adjusted as follows to reconcile to DCF: increased by the return of capital on distributions, the value of paid-in-kind distributions and amortization of debt issuance costs; and decreased by current taxes paid on net investment income.
(5) Annualized for periods less than one full year.
(6) Distributable Cash Flow divided by distributions paid.
(7) Computed by averaging month-end values within each period.
(8) Leverage consists of long-term debt obligations, preferred stock and short-term borrowings.
(9) Computed by averaging daily net assets within each period.

2014 1st Quarter Report       3





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.

Company Update

Total assets increased approximately $32 million during the 1st quarter, primarily as a result of higher market values of our MLP investments and increased leverage utilization. While distribution increases from our MLP investments were generally in-line with our expectations, overall distributions received declined from the prior quarter due to the sale of one portfolio company that announced a reduced distribution rate during the quarter. Asset-based expenses increased from the previous quarter along with average managed assets. Total leverage as a percent of total assets increased slightly and we increased our quarterly distribution to $0.42125 per share. Additional information on these events and results of our operations are discussed in more detail 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. Our Board of Directors has adopted a policy of declaring what it believes to be sustainable distributions. In determining distributions, our Board of Directors considers a number of current and anticipated factors, including, among others, distributable cash flow (“DCF”), realized and unrealized gains, leverage amounts and rates, current and deferred taxes payable, and potential volatility in returns from our investments and the overall market. While the Board considers many factors in determining distributions to stockholders, particular emphasis is given to DCF and distribution coverage. Distribution coverage is DCF divided by distributions paid to stockholders and is discussed in more detail below. Over the long-term, we expect to distribute substantially all of our DCF to holders of common stock. Our Board of Directors reviews the distribution rate quarterly and may adjust the quarterly distribution throughout the year.

Determining DCF

DCF is 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. Current income taxes include taxes paid on our net investment income in addition to foreign taxes, if any. Taxes incurred from realized gains on the sale of investments, expected tax benefits and deferred taxes are not included in 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 may reflect 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 fee waiver, as disclosed in the Statement of Operations, the DCF calculation reflects interest expense, distributions to preferred stockholders, other recurring leverage expenses, as well as taxes paid on net investment income. A reconciliation of Net Investment Loss, before Income Taxes to DCF is included below.

4       Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.





Management’s Discussion (Unaudited)
(Continued)

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.

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 crude/refined products and natural gas liquids pipeline 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 1st quarter 2014 were approximately $26.7 million, representing a decrease of 0.3 percent as compared to 1st quarter 2013 and a decrease of 8.2 percent as compared to 4th quarter 2013. On an annualized basis, total distributions for the quarter equate to 5.48 percent of our average total assets for the quarter. These changes reflect increases in per share distribution rates on our MLP investments, the distributions received from additional investments funded from leverage proceeds, the impact of various portfolio trading activity and non-recurring income received in 4th quarter 2013. In addition, distributions received in the 1st quarter 2014 were negatively impacted as only a portion of the proceeds from our sale of Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP prior to its ex-date were reinvested to earn distributions during 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 0.89 percent of average total assets for the 1st quarter 2014, an increase of 0.03 percent as compared to the 4th quarter 2013 and an increase of 0.04 percent as compared to 1st quarter 2013. While the contractual advisory fee is 0.95 percent of average monthly managed assets, the Adviser waived an amount equal to 0.15 percent of average monthly managed assets from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013 and has agreed to waive an amount equal to 0.10 percent of average monthly managed assets during calendar year 2014 and an amount equal to 0.05 percent of average monthly managed assets during calendar year 2015.

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 were approximately $3.4 million for the 1st quarter 2014, a slight increase as compared to the 4th quarter 2013 due to increased leverage utilization.

The weighted average annual rate of our leverage at February 28, 2014 was 3.49 percent including balances on our bank credit facility which accrue interest at a variable rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus 1.125 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 1st quarter 2014, our DCF was approximately $19.0 million, a decrease of 4.2 percent as compared to 1st quarter 2013 and a decrease of 12.1 percent as compared to 4th quarter 2013. The changes are the net result of changes in distributions and expenses as outlined above. We paid a distribution of $19.8 million, or $0.42125 per share, during the quarter. This represents an increase of $0.005 per share as compared to 1st quarter 2013 and an increase of $0.00125 per share from 4th quarter 2013.

Our distribution coverage ratio was 95.8 percent for 1st quarter 2014, a decrease in the coverage ratio of 6.3 percent as compared to 1st quarter 2013 and a decrease of 7.4 percent as compared to 4th quarter 2013 excluding non-recurring income received during 4th quarter 2013. Our goal is to pay what we believe to be sustainable distributions with any increases safely covered by earned DCF. A distribution coverage ratio of greater than 100 percent provides flexibility for on-going management of the portfolio, changes in leverage costs, the impact of taxes from realized gains and other expenses. An on-going distribution coverage ratio of less than 100 percent will, over time, erode the earning power of a portfolio and may lead to lower distributions. We expect to allocate a portion of the projected future growth in DCF to increase distributions to stockholders while also continuing to build critical distribution coverage to help preserve the sustainability of distributions to stockholders for the years ahead.

Net investment loss before income taxes on the Statement of Operations is adjusted as follows to reconcile to DCF for 1st quarter 2014 (in thousands):

      1st Qtr 2014
Net Investment Loss, before Income Taxes      $ (6,266 )
Adjustments to reconcile to DCF:
     Dividends paid in stock 1,302  
     Distributions characterized as return of capital 23,844
     Amortization of debt issuance costs 90
          DCF $ 18,970

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We had total assets of $1.988 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 1st quarter 2014, total assets increased by approximately $32 million. This change was primarily the result of a $2.5 million increase 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), an increase in receivables for investments sold of approximately $5.0 million and net purchases during the quarter of approximately $24.4 million.

2014 1st Quarter Report        5





Management’s Discussion (Unaudited)
(Continued)

Total leverage outstanding at February 28, 2014 was $381 million, an increase of $8.8 million as compared to November 30, 2013. On an adjusted basis to reflect borrowings for pending portfolio transactions at quarter-end, total leverage increased approximately $28.8 million. Outstanding leverage is comprised of $243 million in senior notes, $90 million in preferred shares and $48 million outstanding under the credit facility, with 76.9 percent of leverage with fixed rates and a weighted average maturity of 3.7 years. Total leverage represented 19.2 percent of total assets at February 28, 2014, as compared to 19.0 percent as of November 30, 2013 and 19.3 percent as of February 28, 2013. During the quarter, we utilized our credit facility to fund the maturity of the $12.0 million Series A Notes. Our leverage as a percent of total assets remains below our long-term target level of 25 percent, allowing the opportunity to add leverage when compelling investment opportunities arise. 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 investment values, issuance of equity and/or the sale of securities where proceeds are used to reduce leverage.

Our longer-term leverage (excluding our bank credit facility) of $333 million is comprised of 73 percent private placement debt and 27 percent private placement preferred equity with a weighted average rate of 3.78 percent and remaining weighted average laddered maturity of approximately 4.2 years.

During the quarter, we entered into amendments to our credit facility, increasing the borrowing capacity under the facility from $60 million to $107 million to allow us to increase leverage closer to our long-term target. Other terms of the credit facility were unchanged.

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 Notes 8, 9 and 10 in the Notes to Financial Statements. Our coverage ratios are updated each week on our Web site at www.tortoiseadvisors.com.

Subsequent to quarter-end, we entered into an agreement to issue $85,000,000 of privately placed debt. Tranches of debt include $45,000,000 of Series H Notes which carry a floating interest rate based on 3-month LIBOR plus 1.35 percent and mature on April 17, 2019, $10,000,000 of Series I Notes which carry a fixed interest rate of 2.77 percent and mature on April 17, 2018, and $30,000,000 of Series J Notes which carry a fixed interest rate of 3.72 percent and mature on April 17, 2021. We issued $30,000,000 of the Series H Notes on April 17, 2014 and expect to issue the remaining $15,000,000 on or about May 8, 2014. The Series I Notes and Series J Notes were issued in full on April 17, 2014. The proceeds will be used to fund the maturity of the $15,000,000 Series F Notes on June 15, 2014, with the remainder of the proceeds used to purchase additional portfolio investments consistent with our investment philosophy and to reduce the balance of our short-term credit facility.

Taxation of our Distributions and Income Taxes

We invest in partnerships that generally have cash distributions in excess of their income for accounting and tax purposes. 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 (“E&P”). E&P is primarily comprised of the taxable income from MLPs with certain specified adjustments as reported on annual K-1s, fund operating expenses and net realized gains. If we have E&P, it is first allocated to the preferred shares and then to the common shares.

In the event we have E&P allocated to our common shares, all or a portion of our distribution will be taxable at the Qualified Dividend Income (“QDI”) rate, assuming various holding requirements are met by the stockholder. The QDI rate is variable based on the taxpayer’s taxable income. 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.

For tax purposes, distributions to common stockholders for the year ended 2013 were approximately 5 percent qualified dividend income and 95 percent return of capital. A holder of our common stock would reduce their cost basis for income tax purposes by the amount designated as return of capital. 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 distributions to common stockholders for the year ended 2013 was 100 percent return of capital.

As of November 30, 2013, we had approximately $188 million in net operating losses. To the extent we have taxable income in the future that is not offset by net operating losses, we will owe federal and state income taxes. Tax payments can be funded from investment earnings, fund assets or borrowings. Details of our taxes are disclosed in Note 5 in our Notes to Financial Statements.

The unrealized gain or loss we have in the portfolio is reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. At February 28, 2014, our investments are valued at approximately $1.981 billion, with an adjusted cost of $1.293 billion. The $688 million difference reflects unrealized gain that would be realized for financial statement purposes if those investments were sold at those values. The Statement of Assets and Liabilities also reflects a net deferred tax liability primarily due to unrealized gains (losses) on investments. At February 28, 2014, the balance sheet reflects a net deferred tax liability of approximately $267.7 million or $5.70 per share. Accordingly, our net asset value per share represents the amount which would be available for distribution to stockholders after payment of taxes.

6       Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.





Schedule of Investments
February 28, 2014
(Unaudited)

      Shares       Fair Value
Master Limited Partnerships and
     Related Companies — 151.4%(1)
 
Natural Gas/Natural Gas Liquids Pipelines — 78.6%(1)
United States — 78.6%(1)
Crestwood Midstream Partners LP 2,396,515 $ 53,657,971
El Paso Pipeline Partners, L.P. 1,119,851 33,651,523
Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. 2,973,900 165,140,667
Enterprise Products Partners L.P. 2,324,000 155,963,640
EQT Midstream Partners, L.P. 627,000 41,325,570
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. 607,600 45,126,452
Kinder Morgan Management, LLC(2) 840,400 58,659,935  
ONEOK Partners, L.P. 2,162,700 114,860,997
Regency Energy Partners LP 3,426,420 89,943,525
Spectra Energy Partners, LP 3,863,800   184,380,536
Williams Partners L.P. 1,732,600 85,954,286
1,028,665,102
 
Natural Gas Gathering/Processing — 34.3%(1)
United States — 34.3%(1)
Access Midstream Partners, L.P. 1,707,500 96,388,375
Crosstex Energy, L.P. 1,312,800 40,552,392
DCP Midstream Partners, LP 1,742,400 85,029,120
MarkWest Energy Partners, L.P.   1,028,600 65,676,110
Summit Midstream Partners, LP 330,500   13,411,690
Targa Resources Partners LP 1,224,600 65,748,774
Western Gas Partners LP 1,304,294 82,548,767
  449,355,228
 
Crude/Refined Products Pipelines — 38.5%(1)
United States — 38.5%(1)
Buckeye Partners, L.P. 1,262,300 92,438,229
Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. 1,438,700 39,593,024
Holly Energy Partners, L.P. 1,144,672 38,460,979
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. 938,300 63,494,761
MPLX LP 496,382 24,228,405
NuStar Energy L.P. 712,300 35,558,016
Phillips 66 Partners LP 301,600 13,819,312
Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. 1,923,500 104,195,995
Rose Rock Midstream Partners, L.P. 137,031 5,333,247
Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. 579,000 47,906,460
Tesoro Logistics LP 498,200 29,991,640
Valero Energy Partners LP 220,382 8,151,930
503,171,998
Total Master Limited Partnerships
     and Related Companies (Cost $1,293,083,485) 1,981,192,328
  
Short-Term Investment — 0.0%(1)
  
United States Investment Company — 0.0%(1)
Fidelity Institutional Money Market Portfolio —
     Class I, 0.04%(3) (Cost $65,678) 65,678 65,678
Total Investments — 151.4%(1)
     (Cost $1,293,149,163) 1,981,258,006
Other Assets and Liabilities — (25.9%)(1) (339,818,104 )
Long-Term Debt Obligations — (18.6%)(1) (243,000,000 )
Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Stock
     at Liquidation Value — (6.9%)(1) (90,000,000 )
Total Net Assets Applicable to
     Common Stockholders — 100.0%(1) $ 1,308,439,902

(1) Calculated as a percentage of net assets applicable to common stockholders.
(2) Security distributions are paid-in-kind.
(3) Rate indicated is the current yield as of February 28, 2014.

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

2014 1st Quarter Report       7





Statement of Assets & Liabilities
February 28, 2014
(Unaudited)

Assets      
     Investments at fair value (cost $1,293,149,163) $ 1,981,258,006
     Receivable for Adviser fee waiver 316,835
     Receivable for investments sold 4,991,678  
     Prepaid expenses and other assets 1,640,764
               Total assets 1,988,207,283
Liabilities
     Payable to Adviser 3,009,927
     Payable for investments purchased 25,080,606
     Accrued expenses and other liabilities 2,929,435
     Deferred tax liability 267,747,413
     Short-term borrowings   48,000,000
     Long-term debt obligations   243,000,000
     Mandatory redeemable preferred stock ($25.00 liquidation
          value per share; 3,600,000 shares outstanding) 90,000,000
               Total liabilities 679,767,381
               Net assets applicable to common stockholders $ 1,308,439,902
Net Assets Applicable to Common Stockholders Consist of:
     Capital stock, $0.001 par value; 47,000,211 shares issued
          and outstanding (100,000,000 shares authorized) $ 47,000
     Additional paid-in capital 857,057,646
     Accumulated net investment loss, net of income taxes (59,857,118 )
     Undistributed realized gain, net of income taxes 74,706,719
     Net unrealized appreciation of investments, net of income taxes 436,485,655
               Net assets applicable to common stockholders $ 1,308,439,902
     Net Asset Value per common share outstanding
          (net assets applicable to common stock,
          divided by common shares outstanding) $ 27.84

Statement of Operations
Period from December 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014
(Unaudited)

Investment Income      
     Distributions from master limited partnerships $ 25,349,734
     Less return of capital on distributions (23,844,150 )
     Net distributions from master limited partnerships 1,505,584  
     Dividends from money market mutual funds   14
          Total Investment Income   1,505,598
Operating Expenses
     Advisory fees 4,536,178
     Administrator fees 116,340
     Professional fees 50,650
     Directors’ fees 48,377
     Stockholder communication expenses 44,643
     Fund accounting fees 21,649
     Custodian fees and expenses 20,283
     Registration fees 10,332
     Franchise fees 7,087
     Stock transfer agent fees 3,098
     Other operating expenses 24,830
          Total Operating Expenses 4,883,467
Leverage Expenses
     Interest expense 2,386,203
     Distributions to mandatory redeemable preferred stockholders 934,250
     Amortization of debt issuance costs 89,795
     Other leverage expenses 35,615
          Total Leverage Expenses 3,445,863
          Total Expenses 8,329,330
     Less fees waived by Adviser (557,821 )
          Net Expenses 7,771,509
Net Investment Loss, before Income Taxes (6,265,911 )
     Deferred tax benefit 1,940,473
Net Investment Loss (4,325,438 )
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments
     Net realized loss on investments, before income taxes (4,989,471 )
     Deferred tax benefit 1,830,637
          Net realized loss on investments (3,158,834 )
     Net unrealized appreciation of investments, before income taxes 31,365,185
     Deferred tax expense (11,507,886 )
          Net unrealized appreciation of investments 19,857,299
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments 16,698,465
Net Increase in Net Assets Applicable to
     Common Stockholders Resulting from Operations $ 12,373,027

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

8       Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.





Statement of Changes in Net Assets

Period from
December 1, 2013
through Year Ended
      February 28, 2014       November 30, 2013
(Unaudited)
Operations
     Net investment loss $ (4,325,438 )  $ (19,490,034 )
     Net realized gain (loss) on investments (3,158,834 )   37,812,183
     Net unrealized appreciation of investments   19,857,299 223,153,248  
          Net increase in net assets applicable to common
               stockholders resulting from operations 12,373,027 241,475,397
Distributions to Common Stockholders  
     Return of capital (19,798,839 )   (78,345,962 )
Capital Stock Transactions
     Proceeds from shelf offerings of 223,888 common shares 6,364,992
     Underwriting discounts and offering expenses associated with the
          issuance of common stock (103,845 )
     Issuance of 216,490 common shares from reinvestment of
          distributions to stockholders 5,839,742
          Net increase in net assets applicable to common stockholders
               from capital stock transactions 12,100,889
     Total increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common stockholders (7,425,812 ) 175,230,324
Net Assets
     Beginning of period 1,315,865,714 1,140,635,390
     End of period $ 1,308,439,902 $ 1,315,865,714
     Accumulated net investment loss, net of income taxes, end of period $ (59,857,118 ) $ (55,531,680 )

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

2014 1st Quarter Report       9





Statement of Cash Flows
Period from December 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014
(Unaudited)

Cash Flows From Operating Activities      
     Distributions received from master limited partnerships $ 25,349,734
     Dividend income received 15
     Purchases of long-term investments (146,009,510 )
     Proceeds from sales of long-term investments 141,118,078
     Proceeds from sales of short-term investments, net 13,232
     Interest expense paid (2,389,805 )
     Distributions to mandatory redeemable preferred stockholders (934,250 )
     Other leverage expenses paid (36,963 )
     Operating expenses paid (4,344,296 )
          Net cash provided by operating activities 12,766,235
Cash Flows From Financing Activities  
     Advances from revolving line of credit 110,900,000
     Repayments on revolving line of credit   (90,100,000 )
     Maturity of long-term debt obligations (12,000,000 )
     Distributions paid to common stockholders (21,566,235 )
          Net cash used in financing activities (12,766,235 )
     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 $ 12,373,027
     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 (170,469,041 )
               Proceeds from sales of long-term investments 146,109,756
               Proceeds from sales of short-term investments, net 13,232
               Return of capital on distributions received 23,844,150
               Deferred tax expense 7,736,776
               Net unrealized appreciation of investments (31,365,185 )
               Net realized loss on investments 4,989,471
               Amortization of debt issuance costs 89,795
               Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                    Increase in receivable for investments sold (4,991,678 )
                    Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets (107,734 )
                    Increase in payable for investments purchased 24,459,531
                    Increase in payable to Adviser, net of fee waiver 119,775
                    Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities (35,640 )
                         Total adjustments 393,208
     Net cash provided by operating activities $ 12,766,235

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

10       Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.





Financial Highlights

Period from Period from
December 1, 2013 Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended July 30, 2010(1)
through November 30, November 30, November 30, through
    February 28, 2014     2013     2012     2011     November 30, 2010
(Unaudited)
Per Common Share Data(2)
     Net Asset Value, beginning of period $ 28.00 $ 24.50 $ 24.54 $ 24.91 $
     Public offering price 25.00
     Income from Investment Operations
          Net investment loss(3) (0.09 ) (0.42 ) (0.40 ) (0.34 ) (0.04 )
          Net realized and unrealized gain on investments(3) 0.35 5.59 2.02 1.61 1.49
               Total income from investment operations 0.26 5.17 1.62 1.27 1.45
     Distributions to Common Stockholders  
          Return of capital (0.42 ) (1.67 ) (1.66 ) (1.64 ) (0.36 )
     Capital stock transactions
          Underwriting discounts and offering costs on issuance of common stock(4) (1.18 )
          Premiums less underwriting discounts and offering costs on issuance
               of common stock(5)
0.00 0.00
               Total capital stock transactions 0.00 0.00 (1.18 )
     Net Asset Value, end of period $ 27.84 $ 28.00 $ 24.50 $ 24.54 $ 24.91
     Per common share market value, end of period $ 27.63 $ 27.22 $ 24.91 $ 24.84 $ 24.14
     Total Investment Return Based on Market Value(6)(7) 3.08 % 16.27 % 7.14 % 9.88 % (2.02 )%
 
Supplemental Data and Ratios
     Net assets applicable to common stockholders, end of period (000’s)     $ 1,308,440 $ 1,315,866 $ 1,140,635 $ 1,127,592     $ 1,131,120
     Average net assets (000’s) $ 1,302,016 $ 1,274,638 $ 1,157,421 $ 1,140,951 $ 1,087,459
     Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets(8)  
          Advisory fees 1.41 %   1.38 %   1.34 % 1.30 % 1.07 %
          Other operating expenses   0.11 0.10     0.10   0.13 0.12
               Total operating expenses, before fee waiver 1.52 1.48 1.44   1.43 1.19
          Fee waiver (0.17 ) (0.23 ) (0.28 ) (0.32 ) (0.28 )
               Total operating expenses 1.35   1.25 1.16   1.11   0.91
          Leverage expenses 1.07   1.08 1.20 1.22 0.48
          Income tax expense(9) 2.41 11.09 3.86 3.11 10.44
               Total expenses 4.83 % 13.42 % 6.22 % 5.44 % 11.83 %

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

2014 1st Quarter Report       11





Financial Highlights
(Continued)
Period from Period from
December 1, 2013 Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended July 30, 2010(1)
through November 30, November 30, November 30, through
    February 28, 2014     2013     2012     2011     November 30, 2010
(Unaudited)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets before fee waiver(8) (1.52 )% (1.76 )% (1.88 )% (1.69 )% (0.79 )%
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets after fee waiver(8) (1.35 )% (1.53 )% (1.60 )% (1.37 )% (0.51 )%
Portfolio turnover rate(6) 7.40 % 13.42 % 15.14 % 19.57 % 1.24 %
Short-term borrowings, end of period (000’s)      $ 48,000   $ 27,200 $ 23,900   $ 10,100       $ 30,700
Long-term debt obligations, end of period (000’s) $ 243,000   $ 255,000   $ 255,000 $ 255,000   $ 230,000
Preferred stock, end of period (000’s) $ 90,000 $ 90,000 $ 90,000 $ 90,000   $ 90,000
Per common share amount of long-term debt obligations outstanding,      
     end of period $ 5.17 $ 5.43 $ 5.48 $ 5.55 $ 5.07
Per common share amount of net assets, excluding long-term debt obligations,  
     end of period $ 33.01 $ 33.43 $ 29.98 $ 30.09 $ 29.98
Asset coverage, per $1,000 of principal amount of long-term debt obligations  
     and short-term borrowings(10) $ 5,806 $ 5,982 $ 5,412 $ 5,593 $ 5,684
Asset coverage ratio of long-term debt obligations and short-term borrowings(10) 581 % 598 % 541 % 559 % 568 %
Asset coverage, per $25 liquidation value per share of mandatory redeemable
     preferred stock(11) $ 111 $ 113 $ 102 $ 104 $ 106
Asset coverage ratio of preferred stock(11) 443 % 454 % 409 % 418 % 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 years ended November 30, 2012 and 2011 and 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) Represents the premiums on the shelf offerings of less than $0.01 per share, less the underwriter discount and offering costs of less than $0.01 per share for the years ended November 30, 2013 and 2012. Amount is less than $0.01 for the years ended November 30, 2013 and 2012.
(6) Not annualized for periods less than one full year.
(7) 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.
(8) Annualized for periods less than one full year.
(9) For the period from December 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014, the Company accrued $7,736,776 for net deferred income tax expense. For the year ended November 30, 2013, the Company accrued $141,332,523 for net deferred income tax expense. For the year ended November 30, 2012, the Company accrued $44,677,351 for net deferred income tax expense. For the year ended November 30, 2011, the Company accrued $20,589 for current income tax benefit and $35,466,770 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.
(10) 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.
(11) 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.

12       Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.





Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
February 28, 2014

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. The Company did not hold any restricted securities at February 28, 2014.

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 income and distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received from investments generally are comprised of ordinary income and return of capital. 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 portfolio company and other industry sources. These estimates may subsequently be revised based on actual allocations received from the portfolio companies 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 December 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014, the Company estimated the allocation of investment income and return of capital for distributions received from investments within the Statement of Operations. For this period, the Company has estimated approximately 6 percent as investment income and approximately 94 percent as return of capital.

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 or 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 ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. For book purposes, the source of the Company’s distributions to common stockholders for the year ended November 30, 2013 and the period ended February 28, 2014 was 100 percent return of capital. For tax purposes, the Company’s distributions to common stockholders for the year ended November 30, 2013 were 5 percent qualified dividend income and 95 percent return of capital. The tax character of distributions paid to common stockholders in the current year will be determined subsequent to November 30, 2014.

Distributions to mandatory redeemable preferred (“MRP”) stockholders are accrued daily and paid quarterly based on fixed annual rates. The Company may not declare or pay distributions to its 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 MRP stockholders made during the year may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. For book purposes, the source of the Company’s distributions to MRP stockholders for the year ended November 30, 2013 and the period ended February 28, 2014 was 100 percent return of capital. For tax purposes, the Company’s distributions to MRP stockholders for the year ended November 30, 2013 were 100 percent qualified dividend income. The tax character of distributions paid to MRP stockholders in the current year will be determined subsequent to November 30, 2014.

2014 1st Quarter Report       13





Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(Continued)

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 (“AMT”) on its federal alternative minimum taxable income to the extent that its AMT 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 MRP Stock are capitalized and amortized over the period the debt and MRP Stock is outstanding.

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. The fair value of derivative financial instruments in a loss position are offset against the fair value of derivative financial instruments in a gain position, with the net fair value appropriately reflected as an asset or liability within the accompanying Statement of Assets & Liabilities. 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 February 28, 2014.

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.

3. Concentration Risk

Under normal circumstances, the Company intends to invest at least 80 percent of its total assets in equity securities of MLPs in the energy infrastructure sector 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 waived an amount equal to 0.15 percent of average monthly Managed Assets for the period from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013, and has agreed to waive an amount equal to 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. In addition, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all fees due under the Investment Advisory Agreement related to the net proceeds received from the issuance of additional common stock under the at-the-market equity program for a six month period following the date of issuance. The waived fees are not subject to recapture by the Adviser.

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.

14      Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.





Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(Continued)

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 February 28, 2014, are as follows:

Deferred tax assets:      
     Net operating loss carryforwards $ 94,583,011
     Capital loss carryforwards 14,758,709
   109,341,720
Deferred tax liabilities:
     Basis reduction of investment in MLPs     124,621,998
     Net unrealized gains on investment securities 252,467,135
   377,089,133
Total net deferred tax liability $ 267,747,413

At February 28, 2014, 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 the Company’s estimates of future taxable income will be made in the period such determination is made. The Company recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only when the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities based on the technical merits of the tax position. The Company’s policy is to record interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as part of tax expense. As of February 28, 2014, 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, net realized losses and net unrealized gains on investments for the period ended February 28, 2014, as follows:

Application of statutory income tax rate       $ 7,038,431
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit   339,855
Permanent differences   358,490
Total income tax expense $ 7,736,776

Total income taxes are computed by applying the federal statutory rate plus a blended state income tax rate.

For the period from December 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014, the components of income tax expense include deferred federal and state income tax expense (net of federal tax benefit) of $7,380,408 and $356,368, respectively.

As of November 30, 2013, the Company had net operating losses for federal income tax purposes of approximately $188,367,000. The net operating losses may be carried forward for 20 years. If not utilized, these net operating losses will expire in the years ending November 30, 2030 through November 30, 2033. The amount of deferred tax asset for net operating losses and capital loss carryforwards at February 28, 2014 includes amounts for the period from December 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014. For corporations, capital losses can only be used to offset capital gains and cannot be used to offset ordinary income.

As of February 28, 2014, the aggregate cost of securities for federal income tax purposes was $953,487,134. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of fair value over tax cost was $1,027,770,872, the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of tax cost over fair value was $0 and the net unrealized appreciation was $1,027,770,872.

6. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments. 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 February 28, 2014. These assets are measured on a recurring basis.

Fair Value at
Description       February 28, 2014       Level 1       Level 2       Level 3
Assets            
Equity Securities:    
     Master Limited Partnerships      
          and Related Companies(a)       $ 1,981,192,328   $ 1,981,192,328 $ $      –
Other Securities:      
     Short-Term Investment(b)   65,678 65,678
Total Assets $ 1,981,258,006 $ 1,981,258,006 $ $

(a) All other industry classifications are identified in the Schedule of Investments.
(b) Short-term investment is a sweep investment for cash balances in the Company at February 28, 2014.

The Company did not hold any Level 3 securities during the period from December 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014. The Company utilizes the beginning of reporting period method for determining transfers between levels. There were no transfers between levels for the period ended February 28, 2014.

2014 1st Quarter Report      15





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.

7. Investment Transactions

For the period from December 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014, the Company purchased (at cost) and sold securities (proceeds received) in the amount of $170,469,041 and $146,109,756 (excluding short-term debt securities), respectively.

8. Long-Term Debt Obligations

The Company has $243,000,000 aggregate principal amount of private senior notes (collectively, the “Notes”) outstanding at February 28, 2014. The Company’s Series A Notes with a notional amount of $12,000,000 and fixed interest rate of 2.48 percent were paid in full upon maturity on December 15, 2013. 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 periodic cash interest payments until maturity. 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 February 28, 2014, 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 estimated fair values in the table below are Level 2 valuations within the fair value hierarchy. The following table shows the maturity date, interest rate, payment frequency, notional/carrying amount and estimated fair value for each series of Notes outstanding at February 28, 2014.

Notional/
Maturity Interest Payment Carrying Estimated
Series       Date       Rate       Frequency       Amount       Fair Value
Series B December 15, 2015 3.14% Quarterly $ 24,000,000 $ 24,737,484
Series C December 15, 2017 3.73% Quarterly   57,000,000   60,057,522
Series D December 15, 2020   4.29%   Quarterly   112,000,000   118,857,916
Series E December 15, 2015 1.94% (1) Quarterly 25,000,000 25,000,000
Series F   May 12, 2014 1.58% (2) Quarterly 15,000,000 15,000,000
Series G May 12, 2018 4.35% Quarterly 10,000,000 10,711,432
$ 243,000,000 $ 254,364,354

(1) Floating rate resets each quarter based on 3-month LIBOR plus 1.70 percent. The current rate is effective for the period from December 15, 2013 through March 15, 2014. The weighted-average rate for the period from December 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014 was 1.94 percent.
(2) Floating rate resets each quarter based on 3-month LIBOR plus 1.35 percent. The current rate is effective for the period from February 12, 2014 through May 12, 2014. The weighted-average rate for the period from December 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014 was 1.59 percent.

9. 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 February 28, 2014. 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.

16       Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.





Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(Continued)

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 estimated fair values in the table below are Level 2 valuations within the fair value hierarchy. 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 February 28, 2014.

Mandatory Aggregate
Redemption Fixed Liquidation Shares Estimated
Series       Date       Rate       Preference       Outstanding       Fair Value
Series A   December 15, 2015   3.69% $ 25,000,000 1,000,000 $ 25,683,074
Series B December 15, 2017 4.33%     65,000,000   2,600,000     68,071,141
$ 90,000,000 3,600,000 $ 93,754,215

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 February 28, 2014, the Company was in compliance with asset coverage covenants and basic maintenance covenants for its MRP Stock.

10. Credit Facility

As of February 28, 2014, the Company has a $107,000,000 unsecured, revolving credit facility that matures on June 16, 2014. Bank of America, N.A. serves as a lender and the lending syndicate agent on behalf of other lenders participating in the facility. The capacity of the credit facility was increased from $60,000,000 to $73,000,000 on December 20, 2013, and further increased to $107,000,000 on January 15, 2014. Outstanding balances generally accrue interest at a variable annual rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus 1.125 percent and unused portions of the credit facility accrue a non-usage fee equal to an annual rate of 0.15 percent.

The average principal balance and interest rate for the period during which the credit facility was utilized during the period ended February 28, 2014 was approximately $45,800,000 and 1.29 percent, respectively. At February 28, 2014, the principal balance outstanding was $48,000,000 at an interest rate of 1.28 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 February 28, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the terms of the credit facility.

11. Common Stock

The Company has 100,000,000 shares of capital stock authorized and 47,000,211 shares outstanding at February 28, 2014 and November 30, 2013.

12. Subsequent Events

On April 17, 2014, the Company entered into an agreement to issue $85,000,000 privately placed debt. Tranches of debt include $45,000,000 of Series H Notes which carry a floating interest rate based on 3-month LIBOR plus 1.35 percent and mature on April 17, 2019, $10,000,000 of Series I Notes which carry a fixed interest rate of 2.77 percent and mature on April 17, 2018, and $30,000,000 of Series J Notes which carry a fixed interest rate of 3.72 percent and mature on April 17, 2021. The Company issued $30,000,000 of the Series H Notes on April 17, 2014 and expects to issue the remaining $15,000,000 on May 8, 2014. The Series I Notes and Series J Notes were issued in full on April 17, 2014.

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.

2014 1st Quarter Report       17





Additional Information (Unaudited)

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 February 28, 2014, the aggregate compensation paid by the Company to the independent directors was $42,250. 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 and information regarding how the Company voted proxies relating to the portfolio of securities during the 12-month period ended June 30, 2013 are available to stockholders (i) without charge, upon request by calling the Company at (913) 981-1020 or toll-free at (866) 362-9331 and on the Company’s Web site at www.tortoiseadvisors.com; and (ii) 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 submitted to the New York Stock Exchange the annual CEO certification 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.

18       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

Board of Directors of
Tortoise MLP Fund, Inc.

H. Kevin Birzer, Chairman
Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C.

Terry Matlack
Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C.

Rand C. Berney
Independent

Conrad S. Ciccotello
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 30170
College Station, Tex. 77842-3170
(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’ Closed-end Funds

Pureplay MLP Funds    Broader Funds
Name Ticker    Focus Total Assets(1)
($ in millions)
Name Ticker    Focus Total Assets(1)
($ in millions)
Tortoise Energy
Infrastructure Corp.
Midstream Equity $2,368 Tortoise Pipeline &
Energy Fund, Inc.
Pipeline Equity $423
                 
                 
Tortoise Energy
Capital Corp.
Midstream Equity $1,215 Tortoise Energy
Independence
Fund, Inc.
North American Upstream Equity $465
                 
                 
Tortoise MLP
Fund, Inc.
Natural Gas Infrastructure Equity      $2,045 Tortoise Power and
Energy Infrastructure
Fund, Inc.
Power & Energy Infrastructure
Debt & Dividend Paying Equity
$238
                 
                 
Tortoise North
American Energy Corp.
Midstream/Upstream Equity $296
                   

(1) As of 3/31/14