Nuveen Preferred and Income Opportunities Fund

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  

  

811-21293

Nuveen Preferred and Income Opportunities Fund

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

Nuveen Investments

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

 

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Gifford R. Zimmerman

Nuveen Investments

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

 

(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:    (312) 917-7700                        

Date of fiscal year end:    July 31                                

Date of reporting period:    July 31, 2018                   

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. ss. 3507.


ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


LOGO

 

Closed-End Funds

 

31 July 2018

 

Nuveen Closed-End Funds

 

JPC    Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund
JPI    Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund
JPS    Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund
JPT    Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund

 

Annual Report


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LOGO


Table of Contents

 

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders

     4  

Portfolio Managers’ Comments

     5  

Fund Leverage

     15  

Common Share Information

     17  

Risk Considerations

     19  

Performance Overview and Holding Summaries

     22  

Shareholder Meeting Report

     30  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     31  

Portfolios of Investments

     32  

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     55  

Statement of Operations

     56  

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

     57  

Statement of Cash Flows

     59  

Financial Highlights

     60  

Notes to Financial Statements

     64  

Additional Fund Information

     79  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     80  

Reinvest Automatically, Easily and Conveniently

     82  

Annual Investment Management Agreement Approval Process

     83  

Board Members & Officers

     91  

 

3


Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders

 

LOGO

Dear Shareholders,

I am honored to serve as the new independent chairman of the Nuveen Fund Board, effective July 1, 2018. I’d like to gratefully acknowledge the stewardship of my predecessor William J. Schneider and, on behalf of my fellow Board members, reinforce our commitment to the legacy of strong, independent oversight of your Funds.

The increase in market turbulence this year reflects greater uncertainty among investors. The global economic outlook is less clear cut than it was in 2017. U.S. growth is again decoupling from that of the rest of the world, and the U.S. dollar and interest rates have risen in response. Trade war rhetoric and the imposition of tariffs between the U.S. and its major trading partners has recently dampened business sentiment and could pose a risk to growth expectations going forward. Downside risks for some emerging markets have increased. A host of other geopolitical concerns, including the ongoing Brexit and North American Free Trade Agreement negotiations, North Korea relations and rising populism around the world, remain on the horizon.

Despite these risks, global growth remains intact, albeit at a slower pace, providing support to corporate earnings. Fiscal stimulus, an easing regulatory environment and robust consumer spending recently helped boost the U.S. economy’s momentum. Growth estimates for Europe, the U.K. and Japan pointed to a rebound in their economies during the second quarter. Subdued inflation pressures have kept central bank policy accommodative, even as Europe moves closer to winding down its monetary stimulus and the Federal Reserve remains on a moderate tightening course.

Headlines and political noise will continue to obscure underlying fundamentals at times and cause temporary bouts of volatility. We encourage you to work with your financial advisor to evaluate your goals, timeline and risk tolerance if short-term market fluctuations are a concern. On behalf of the other members of the Nuveen Fund Board, we look forward to continuing to earn your trust in the months and years ahead.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Terence J. Toth

Chairman of the Board

September 24, 2018

 

 

4


Portfolio Managers’ Comments

 

Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund (JPC)

Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (JPI)

Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund (JPS)

Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund (JPT)

Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (NAM) and NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC (NWQ), both affiliates of Nuveen LLC, are sub-advisers for the Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund (JPC). NAM and NWQ each manage approximately half of the Fund’s investment portfolio. Douglas Baker, CFA and Brenda Langenfeld, CFA, are the portfolio managers for the NAM team. The NWQ income-oriented investment team is led by Thomas J. Ray, CFA and Susi Budiman, CFA. The Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (JPI) features management by NAM. Douglas Baker, CFA, and Brenda Langenfeld, CFA, have served as the Fund’s portfolio managers since its inception. The Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund (JPS) is sub-advised by a team of specialists at Spectrum Asset Management (Spectrum), a wholly owned subsidiary of Principal Global Investors, LLC. Mark Lieb and Phil Jacoby lead the team. The Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund (JPT) features management by NAM. Douglas Baker, CFA, and Brenda Langenfeld, CFA, have served as the Fund’s portfolio managers since its inception.

Effective September 29, 2017 as approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, the Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund’s name was changed to the Nuveen Preferred and Income Opportunities Fund. Also effective September 29, 2017, the Fund will invest at least 80% of the sum of its net assets and the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes in preferred and other income producing securities, including hybrid securities such as contingent capital securities and up to 20% opportunistically in other income-oriented securities such as corporate and taxable municipal debt and dividend paying common equity.

Effective September 29, 2017 as approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, the Nuveen Preferred Securities Income Fund’s name was changed to the Nuveen Preferred and Income Securities Fund. Also effective September 29, 2017, the Fund will invest at least 80% of the sum of its net assets and the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes in preferred and other income producing securities, including hybrid securities such as contingent capital securities.

 

 

This material is not intended to be a recommendation or investment advice, does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell securities, and is not provided in a fiduciary capacity. The information provided does not take into account the specific objectives or circumstances of any particular investor, or suggest any specific course of action. Investment decisions should be made based on an investor’s objectives and circumstances and in consultation with his or her advisors.

Certain statements in this report are forward-looking statements. Discussions of specific investments are for illustration only and are not intended as recommendations of individual investments. The forward-looking statements and other views expressed herein are those of the portfolio managers as of the date of this report. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements and the views expressed herein are subject to change at any time, due to numerous market and other factors. The Funds disclaim any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or views expressed herein.

For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest rating given by one of the following national rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s (S&P), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) or Fitch, Inc. (Fitch). This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Credit ratings are subject to change. AAA, AA, A and BBB are investment grade ratings, while BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are below investment grade ratings. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by these national rating agencies.

Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for further definition of the terms used within this section.

 

5


Portfolio Managers’ Comments (continued)

 

What factors affected the U.S. economy and financial markets during the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2018?

After maintaining a moderate pace of growth for most of the twelve-month reporting period, the U.S. economy accelerated in the second quarter of 2018. In the April to June period, economic stimulus from tax cuts and deregulation helped lift the economy to its fastest pace since 2014. The “second” estimate by the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualized rate of 4.2% in the second quarter, up from 2.2% in the first quarter, 2.3% in the fourth quarter of 2017 and 2.8% in the third quarter of 2017. GDP is the value of goods and services produced by the nation’s economy less the value of the goods and services used up in production, adjusted for price changes. The boost in economic activity during the second quarter of 2018 was attributed to robust spending by consumers, businesses and the government, as well as a temporary increase in exports, as farmers rushed soybean shipments ahead of China’s retaliatory tariffs.

Consumer spending, the largest driver of the economy, remained well supported by low unemployment, wage gains and, in the second quarter, tax cuts. As reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate fell to 3.9% in July 2018 from 4.3% in July 2017 and job gains averaged around 200,000 per month for the past twelve months. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 2.9% over the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2018 on a seasonally adjusted basis, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Low mortgage rates and low inventory continued to drive home prices higher. Although mortgage rates have started to nudge higher, they remained relatively low by historical standards. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index, which covers all nine U.S. census divisions, rose 6.2% in June 2018 (most recent data available at the time this report was prepared). The 10-City and 20-City Composites reported year-over-year increases of 6.0% and 6.3%, respectively.

With the U.S. economy delivering a sustainable growth rate and employment strengthening, the Fed’s policy making committee continued to incrementally raise its main benchmark interest rate. The most recent increase, in June 2018, was the seventh rate hike since December 2015. Fed Chair Janet Yellen’s term expired in February 2018, and incoming Chairman Jerome Powell indicated he would likely maintain the Fed’s gradual pace of interest rate hikes. At the June meeting, the Fed increased its projection to four interest rate increases in 2018, from three increases projected at the March meeting, indicating its confidence in the economy’s health. In line with expectations, the Fed left rates unchanged at its July meeting and continued to signal another increase in September. Additionally, the Fed continued reducing its balance sheet by allowing a small amount of maturing Treasury and mortgage securities to roll off without reinvestment. The market expects the pace to remain moderate and predictable, with minimal market disruption.

Geopolitical news remained a prominent market driver. Protectionist rhetoric had been garnering attention across Europe, as anti-European Union (EU) sentiment featured prominently (although did not win a majority) in the Dutch, French and German elections in 2017. Italy’s 2018 elections resulted in a hung parliament, and several months of negotiations resulted in a populist, euro-skeptic coalition government. The U.S. moved forward with tariffs on imported goods from China, as well as on steel and aluminum from Canada, Mexico and Europe. These countries announced retaliatory measures in kind, intensifying concerns about a trade war, although the U.S. and the Europe Union announced in July they would refrain from further tariffs while they negotiate trade terms. Meanwhile, in March the U.K. and EU agreed in principle to the Brexit transition terms, but political instability in the U.K. in July has clouded the outlook. The U.S. Treasury issued additional sanctions on Russia in April, and re-imposed sanctions on Iran after President Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement. The threat of a nuclear North Korea eased somewhat as the leaders of South Korea and North Korea met during April and jointly announced a commitment toward peace, while the U.S.-North Korea summit yielded an agreement with few additional details.

Credit spreads tightened during the first half of the reporting period as equity prices continued to rise and volatility in equity markets continued to hit new lows. At the end of January, credit spreads abruptly widened as fears of four interest

 

6


 

rate increases by the Fed began to get priced into the bond market. Equities corrected and the sell-off into February and March impelled spreads in capital securities to widen as volatility normalized to more historic averages. The combination of widening spreads and rising U.S. Treasury bond yields negatively impacted prices, in particular, for contingent capital securities or CoCos which peaked in January 2018.

For the twelve-month reporting period, the Blended Benchmark Index, which represents the combined preferred securities and CoCos universe, returned 1.81%. While all broad sub-categories within the Blended Benchmark Index posted positive returns during the reporting period, investment performance was not dispersed evenly across each segment. For example, $25 par securities, securities with fixed rate coupons, and CoCo securities all posted returns in excess of the average return for the Blended Benchmark Index. However, securities with coupons that have reset features, $1,000 par securities, and non-CoCo securities while indeed posting positive returns, all produced returns below the average for the Blended Benchmark Index. Non-U.S.-domiciled issuers outperformed U.S.-domiciled issuers over the twelve month reporting period ended July 31, 2018.

What key strategies were used to manage the Funds during this twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2018 and how did these strategies influence performance?

Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund (JPC)

The table in the Performance Overview and Holding Summaries section of this report provides total return performance for the Fund for the one-year, five-year and ten-year periods ended July 31, 2018. For the twelve month reporting period ended July 31, 2018, the Fund’s common shares at net asset value (NAV) underperformed the ICE BofAML U.S. All Capital Securities Index and the JPC Blended Benchmark.

JPC has a policy requiring it to invest at least 80% of its managed assets in preferred securities and contingent capital securities (sometimes referred to as “CoCos”), and permitting it to invest up to 20% opportunistically over the market cycle in other types of securities, primarily income oriented securities such as corporate and taxable municipal debt and common equity. JPC is managed by two experienced portfolio teams with distinctive, complementary approaches to the preferred market, each managing its own “sleeve” of the portfolio. NAM employs a debt-oriented approach that combines top down relative value analysis of industry sectors with fundamental credit analysis. NWQ’s investment process identifies undervalued securities within a company’s capital structure that offer the most attractive risk/reward potential. This multi-team approach gives investors access to a broader investment universe with greater diversification potential.

Nuveen Asset Management

For the portion of the Fund managed by NAM, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective of providing a high level of current income and total return by investing in preferred securities and other income producing securities, including but not limited to contingent capital securities (CoCos). The Fund’s portfolio is actively managed, seeking to capitalize on the strong credit fundamentals across the largest sectors within the issuer base, the category’s healthy yield level, and inefficiencies that often arise between the $25 par retail and the $1,000 par institutional sides of the market. The Fund’s strategy has a bias toward the highly regulated industries, like banks, insurance companies and utilities, in hopes of benefitting from the added scrutiny of regulatory oversight.

NAM employs a credit-based investment approach, using a top-down process to position the portfolio in a manner that reflects the investment team’s overall macro-economic outlook, while also incorporating a bottom-up approach that includes fundamental credit research, security structure selection, and option adjusted spread (OAS) analysis. The process begins with identifying the investable universe of $1,000 par and $25 par securities. In an effort to capitalize on the inefficiencies between different investor bases within this universe, NAM tactically and strategically shifts capital between the $25 par market and the $1,000 par market. Periods of volatility may drive notable differences in valuations

 

7


Portfolio Managers’ Comments (continued)

 

between these two markets, as will periods where valuations trend in one direction for an extended period of time. Divergence in valuations is often related to differences in how retail and institutional investors measure and price risk, as well as differences in retail and institutional investors’ ability to source substitute investments. Technical factors such as new issue supply may also influence the relative valuations between the $25 par market and $1,000 par market. Technical factors played a significant factor in absolute and relative performance during the most recent reporting period.

For the twelve-month reporting period, the Blended Benchmark Index for the sleeve managed by NAM, which represents the combined preferred securities and CoCos markets, returned 1.81%. This figure fell between both comparable financial senior debt and financial equities. NAM typically expects the Blended Benchmark Index to perform between these two categories given the hybrid nature of its constituent securities. While all broad sub-categories within the Blended Benchmark Index posted positive returns during the reporting period, investment performance was not dispersed evenly across segments. For example, $25 par securities, securities with fixed rate coupons, and CoCo securities all posted returns in excess of the average return for the Blended Benchmark Index. However, securities with coupons that have reset features, $1,000 par securities, and non-CoCo securities while indeed posting positive returns, all produced returns below the average for the Blended Benchmark Index.

Taking a closer look at asset class level performance for the annual reporting period ended July 31, 2018, the positive absolute return was primarily the result of the generous yield from the combined preferred securities and CoCos markets. To the contrary, negative price return during the reporting period did detract from overall performance. On average, prices were lower across the investible universe due to a combination of wider OAS and higher interest rates. OAS for the Blended Benchmark Index pushed wider during the reporting period by slightly over 50 basis points, while the U.S. 10-year Treasury rate increased by 66 basis points. However, with respect to the Blended Benchmark Index, OAS moved disproportionately wider for the preferred securities segment or non-CoCos segment of our universe. We believe that the material move higher in domestic interest rates during the reporting period, the significant drop in the U.S. dollar during the first few months of 2018, and the increased cost of hedging from USD to local currency all weighed on foreign appetite for domestic fixed income paper, including preferred securities. This theme of wider credit spreads however, was more broad-based in nature across most of the U.S. fixed income market versus being specific to NAM’s investible universe. We at NAM were still surprised that OAS moved as wide as it did for the overall Blended Benchmark Index, and especially so for the preferred securities segment of the market where the U.S. bank sector is the largest sector. U.S. banks generally reported better than expected earnings during the entire twelve month reporting period. In addition, all U.S. banks subject to the annual exams passed the 2018 DFAST and CCAR stress tests, which incorporated arguably the toughest adverse scenario assumptions to date. Finally, during the reporting period, U.S. banks redeemed several billion dollars more in preferred securities paper than they issued. Given this combination of strong fundamentals and a supportive supply technical within the U.S. bank sector, NAM would have expected OAS for the preferred securities segment of our universe to have outperformed OAS for the CoCos segment of the market.

NAM incorporated several active themes relative to the Blended Benchmark Index during the reporting period, including an underweight to CoCos, an overweight to the $1,000 par side of the market and an overweight to securities that have coupons with reset features (floating rate, fixed-to-floating rate, fixed-to-fixed rate).

During the reporting period, the underweight to CoCos detracted modestly from performance relative to the Blended Benchmark Index, as CoCo securities outperformed on average during the reporting period. As of July 31, 2018, the Fund had an allocation of approximately 30% to CoCos, well below the 40% allocation within the Blended Benchmark Index. Admittedly, while still a meaningful underweight versus the index, NAM increased the Fund’s allocation to these securities during the reporting period. While the average OAS for the CoCos segment of the Blended Benchmark did indeed move wider, it only increased by 8 basis points during the reporting period, well below the 82 basis point move wider in the preferred securities segment of the same index. The relative performance was even more perplexing when

 

8


 

one considers the relatively supportive fundamental and technical backdrop of the preferred securities market as discussed earlier, coupled with previously mentioned geopolitical headlines relating to Brexit and the Italian geopolitical landscape, which should have weighed disproportionately on the CoCos segment of the market.

Within the investable universe, $25 par securities on average outperformed $1,000 par securities. Given the outperformance of the $25 par preferred retail side of the market during the reporting period, NAM’s underweight to those structures detracted from the Fund’s relative performance. As has been the case for several quarters, NAM maintained an overweight to $1,000 par securities for two primary reasons, relative value and interest rate risk management. First, with respect to relative value, the $1,000 par side of the market continues to be significantly cheaper than the $25 par side of the market on an OAS basis. OAS for $25 par preferred securities has been driven lower by retail investors’ disproportionate bias for income-generating investment solutions, exacerbated by a prolonged period of low interest rates. Within the preferred securities universe, the $25 par preferred side of the market aligns best with this retail demand given the small denomination, and retail investors’ ease of sourcing these securities as most are exchange-traded. Compounding the situation was heavy redemption activity of $25 par preferred securities, which resulted in scarcity of supply. NAM estimates that between the beginning of 2018 and the end of the reporting period, the amount of outstanding $25 par preferred securities decreased by nearly $12 billion, while during that same time period, net new issue flow on the $1,000 par preferred side of the market was slightly positive. This dearth of $25 par preferred supply created a supply technical that disproportionately supported valuations of $25 par preferred securities versus $1,000 par preferred securities. In our opinion, this was the primary factor driving relative outperformance of $25 par preferred securities versus $1,000 par preferred securities.

Second, with respect to managing interest rate risk, NAM’s underweight to the $25 par preferred securities was due to NAM’s desire for greater exposure to securities that have coupons with reset features, like floating rate coupons, fixed-to-floating rate coupons and fixed-to-fixed rate coupons. These structures are more common on the institutional $1,000 par preferred side of the market and help to mitigate duration and duration extension risk during a rising interest rate environment. Duration extension can be a significant risk for callable securities with fixed-rate coupons. As of July 31, 2018, the Fund had about 88% of its assets invested in securities that have coupons with reset features, compared to approximately 75% within the Blended Benchmark Index.

Fixed rate coupon structures outperformed securities that had coupons with reset features. In NAM’s opinion, outperformance of the fixed rate coupon structures was an ancillary effect from the outperformance of $25 par preferred securities, as a vast majority of that universe is indeed comprised of fixed rate coupon structures.

NWQ

For the portion of the Fund managed by NWQ, NWQ seeks to achieve high income and a measure of capital appreciation. While the Fund’s investments are primarily preferred securities, a portion of the Fund allows the flexibility to invest across the capital structure in any type of debt, preferred or equity securities offered by a particular company. The portfolio management team then evaluates all available investment choices within a selected company’s capital structure to determine the portfolio investment that may offer the most favorable risk-adjusted return potential. The Fund’s portfolio is constructed with an emphasis on seeking a sustainable level of income and an overall analysis for downside risk management.

During the reporting period, NWQ’s preferred, equity, investment grade corporate bonds and high yield bond holdings contributed to performance. Several sectors contributed to the Fund’s performance, in particular NWQ’s holdings in the industrial conglomerates, diversified financial services and utilities, while banking and insurance were the largest detractor.

Several of NWQ’s holdings performed well during the reporting period. NextEra Energy Inc. convertible preferred stock, buoyed by a confluence of increasingly positive fundamental market forces including 1) capital discipline among

 

9


Portfolio Managers’ Comments (continued)

 

producers, 2) declining inventories, 3) strong demand, and 4) an agreement for a modest supply increase by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) required to perhaps offset renewed Iran sanctions and prevent a further spike in oil prices. Also contributing to performance was Ladenburg Thalmann preferred stock. The company reported first quarter 2018 results which exhibited robust growth in revenues, profitability and client assets. Favorable market conditions and an increasing interest rate environment, coupled with solid execution by their management team, contributed strong performance. Lastly, a CVR Partners, LP high yield bond contributed to performance. CVR is a Master Limited Partnership (MLP) that formed to own, operate and grow its nitrogen fertilizer business.

Several positions detracted from performance including the preferred stock of Maiden Holdings Limited. The company reported 2017 annual results that were worse than expected. The results were not well received and the holdings sold off. Also detracting from performance was TravelCenters of America high yield bond position. TravelCenters of America is the largest operator of truck stops and travel centers in the United States. The company reported missed earnings due to soft gas demand from consumers, and lower fuel gross margins due to competitive pricing activity. NWQ has sold its holdings of TravelCenters of America. Lastly, Dish DBS Corporation 7.750% 7/01/2026 senior note was also a bottom performer during the reporting period. The company reported weaker earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) versus expectations for their fourth quarter ending December 31, 2017 and continues to be challenged in its broadcast subscription satellite TV services. Additionally, the company will have to start to spend on a build out of a wireless network in order to retain its wireless spectrum licenses. Both of these factors weighed on the credit during the first quarter of 2018. NWQ remains constructive on the credit going forward largely as a result of the unrealized value of its wireless spectrum. NWQ anticipates they will do a value accretive transaction within the medium-term. Currently, NWQ believes the wireless spectrum’s value is well in excess of the amount of debt outstanding.

Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (JPI)

The table in the Performance Overview and Holding Summaries section of this report provides total return performance for the Fund for the one-year, five-year and since inception periods ended July 31, 2018. For the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2018, the Fund’s common shares at net asset value (NAV) underperformed the ICE BofAML U.S. All Capital Securities Index and the JPI Blended Benchmark Index.

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective of providing a high level of current income and total return by investing in preferred securities and other income producing securities, including but not limited to contingent capital securities (CoCos). The Fund’s portfolio is actively managed, seeking to capitalize on strong and continuously improving credit fundamentals across the issuer base, the category’s healthy yield level and inefficiencies that often evolve between the $25 par retail and the $1,000 par institutional sides of the market. The Fund’s strategy focuses opportunistically on highly regulated industries, like utilities, banks and insurance companies, with a current emphasis broadly on financial services companies.

NAM employs a credit-based investment approach, using a top-down process to position the portfolio in a manner that reflects the investment team’s overall macro-economic outlook, while also incorporating a bottom-up approach that includes fundamental credit research, security structure selection, and option adjusted spread (OAS) analysis. The process begins with identifying the investable universe of $1,000 par and $25 par securities. In an effort to capitalize on the inefficiencies between different investor bases within this universe, NAM tactically and strategically shifts capital between the $25 par exchange listed market and the $1,000 par over-the-counter market. Periods of volatility may drive notably different valuations between these two markets, as will periods where valuations trend in one direction for an extended period of time. This dynamic is often related to differences in how retail and institutional markets perceive and price risk, as well as differences in retail and institutional investors’ ability to source substitute investments. Technical factors such as new issue supply may also influence the relative valuations between $25 par exchange listed structures and $1,000 par over-the-counter structures.

 

 

10


 

For the twelve-month reporting period, the Blended Benchmark Index, which represents the combined preferred securities and CoCos markets, returned 1.81%. This figure fell between both comparable financial senior debt and financial equities. NAM typically expects the Blended Benchmark Index to perform between these two categories given the hybrid nature of its constituent securities. While all broad sub-categories within the Blended Benchmark Index posted positive returns during the reporting period, investment performance was not dispersed evenly across each segment. For example, $25 par securities, securities with fixed rate coupons, and CoCo securities all posted returns in excess of the average return for the Blended Benchmark Index. However, securities with coupons that have reset features, $1,000 par securities, and non-CoCo securities while indeed posting positive returns, all produced returns below the average for the Blended Benchmark Index.

Taking a closer look at asset class level performance for the twelve month reporting period ended July 31, 2018, the positive return primarily was due to the generous yield of the combined preferred securities and CoCos markets, while negative price return during the reporting period detracted from overall performance. On average, prices were lower across the investible universe due to a combination of wider OAS and higher interest rates. OAS for the Blended Benchmark Index pushed wider during the reporting period by slightly over 50 basis points, while the U.S. 10-year Treasury rate increased by approximately 66 basis points. However, with respect to the Blended Benchmark Index, OAS moved disproportionately wider on average for preferred security structures versus CoCo securities. NAM believes that the material move higher in domestic interest rates during the reporting period, the significant drop in the U.S. dollar during the first few months of 2018, and the increased cost of hedging from USD to local currency all weighed on foreign appetite for domestic fixed income paper. This theme of wider credit spreads; however, was more broad-based across most of the U.S. fixed income market versus being specific to NAM’s investible universe. We at NAM were still surprised that OAS moved as wide as it did for the overall Blended Benchmark Index, and especially so for the preferred securities segment of the market where the U.S. bank sector is the largest sector. U.S. banks generally reported better than expected earnings during the entire reporting period. In addition, all U.S. banks subject to the annual exams passed the 2018 DFAST and CCAR stress tests, which incorporated arguably the toughest adverse scenario assumptions to date. Finally, U.S. banks redeemed several billion dollars more preferred securities paper than they issued. Given this combination of strong fundamentals and a supportive supply technical within the U.S. bank sector, NAM would have expected OAS for the preferred securities segment to have outperformed OAS for the CoCos segment.

NAM incorporated several active themes relative to the Blended Benchmark Index during the reporting period, including an overweight to CoCos, an overweight to the $1,000 par side of the market and an overweight to securities that have coupons with reset features (floating rate, fixed-to-floating rate, fixed-to-fixed rate).

During the reporting period, the underweight to CoCos detracted modestly from performance relative to the Blended Benchmark Index, as CoCos outperformed on average over the twelve month reporting period. As of July 31, 2018, the Fund had an allocation of approximately 30% to CoCos, well below the 40% allocation within the Blended Benchmark Index. Admittedly, while still a meaningful underweight versus the index, NAM increased the Fund’s allocation to these securities during the reporting period. While the average OAS for the CoCos segment of the Blended Benchmark Index did indeed move wider, it increased by only 8 basis points between the beginning and the end of the reporting period, well below the 82 basis point move wider within the preferred securities segment of the same index. The relative performance was even more perplexing when one considers the relatively supportive fundamental and technical backdrop of the domestic preferred securities market as discussed earlier, coupled with previously mentioned geopolitical headlines relating to Brexit and the Italian political landscape, which should have disproportionately weighed on the CoCos segment of the market.

Within the investable universe, $25 par securities on average outperformed $1,000 par securities. Given the outperformance of the $25 par preferred retail side of the market during the reporting period, NAM’s underweight to that segment detracted to the Fund’s relative performance. As has been the case for several quarters, NAM maintained an

 

11


Portfolio Managers’ Comments (continued)

 

overweight to $1,000 par securities for two primary reasons, relative value and interest rate risk management. First, with respect to relative value, the $1,000 par side of the market continues to be significantly cheaper than the $25 par side of the market on an OAS basis. OAS for $25 par preferred securities has been driven lower by retail investors’ disproportionate bias for income-generating investment solutions, exacerbated by a prolonged period of low interest rates. Within the preferred securities universe, the $25 par preferred side of the market is best positioned to align with retail demand given the small denomination, and the ease of sourcing these securities as most are exchange-traded. Compounding the situation during the reporting period was heavy net redemption activity of $25 par preferred securities. NAM estimates that between the beginning to 2018 and the end of the reporting period, the amount of outstanding $25 par preferred securities decreased by nearly $12 billion, while during that same time period, net new issue flow on the $1,000 par preferred side of the market was slightly positive. This dearth of $25 par preferred supply created a supply technical that disproportionately supported valuations of $25 par preferred securities versus $1,000 par preferred securities and was the primary factor for the relative outperformance of the $25 par preferred securities versus the $1,000 par preferred securities.

Second, with respect to interest rate risk, the underweight to the $25 par preferred securities also was due to our desire for greater exposure to securities that have coupons with reset features, like floating rate coupons, fixed-to-floating rate coupons and fixed-to-fixed rate coupons. These structures are more common on the institutional $1,000 par preferred side of the market and help to mitigate duration and duration extension risk during a rising interest rate environment. Duration extension can be a significant risk for callable securities with fixed-rate coupons. As of July 31, 2018, the Fund had about 88% of its assets invested in securities that have coupons with reset features, compared to approximately 75% within the Blended Benchmark Index.

Contrary to expectations given rising interest rates during the reporting period, fixed rate coupon structures outperformed securities that had coupons with reset features. In our opinion, this really was an ancillary effect from the outperformance of $25 par preferred securities, of which a vast majority of that universe is comprised of fixed rate coupon structures.

Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund (JPS)

The table in the Performance Overview and Holding Summaries section of this report provide total return performance for the Fund for the one-year, five-year and ten-year periods ended July 31, 2018. For the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2018, the Fund’s common shares at net asset value (NAV) underperformed the ICE BofAML U.S. All Capital Securities Index and the JPS Blended Benchmark.

The investment objective of the Fund is to seek high current income consistent with capital preservation with a secondary objective to enhance portfolio value relative to the broad market for preferred securities. Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to invest at least 80% of its net assets in preferred securities and up to 20% of its net assets in debt securities, including convertible debt and convertible preferred securities.

Spectrum’s tactical overweight exposure to both institutional sectors of the junior subordinated capital securities, which includes both preferred and CoCos, benefited performance. A preferred security represents a capital security issued either through charter amendment (as a stock) or through indenture (as a bond). For preferred securities, any reorganization would be processed through a bankruptcy court. Preferred security payments are in priority to common stock dividends, yet can be deferred, which means payments are cumulative or they can be eliminated which means payments are non-cumulative without causing an immediate event of default. Any principal loss absorption on a preferred security would be forced through a statutory resolution in a bankruptcy proceeding. A CoCo represents a capital security issued through indenture. For CoCos, a reorganization would be processed through the contracts of its capital before falling into an actual bankruptcy. CoCos payments are non-cumulative, subject to payment limitations and may not be paid in priority to common stock dividends (i.e. they are pari passu to common stock dividends); and can be

 

12


 

reduced or eliminated without causing an event of default. Principal loss absorption on a CoCo could be forced through a regulatory action in advance of any bankruptcy proceeding.

The Fund owns a blend of junior subordinated capital securities in the two segments, the preferred securities segment, represented by the ICE BofAML All Capital Securities Index, comprises approximately 70.1% of the Fund (including some cash) and the CoCos segment, represented by the ICE BofAML Contingent Capital Index comprises 29.1% of the Fund.

During the reporting period, Spectrum’s strategy included an orientation away from fixed-for-life coupon structures in favor of adjustable type coupons that can grow income and protect capital if interest rates rise. The fixed-for-life concentration was reduced by 2% during the reporting period to 13.7% of the Fund. Adjustable type coupons comprised 84% of the Fund and are split between fixed-to-floating, fixed-to-variable and floating rate coupons.

Spectrum increased the Fund’s concentration to the institutional preferred stock sector, which pays a fixed-to-floating type coupon. This sector contributed to performance. Spectrum also increased the Fund’s concentration to contingent convertible capital securities, which pay a fixed-to-variable rate coupon. This also contributed to performance. Individual holdings that contributed to performance included Wells Fargo floating rate preferred stock and JP Morgan floating rate preferred stock.

Individual holdings that detracted from performance included General Electric Capital Corporation 5% preferred stock, SocGen 8% contingent capital security and MetLife Capital Trust IV 9.25% hybrid preferred securities.

The modified duration of the Fund’s portfolio maintained a narrow and predictable range of 4.84 years at the beginning of the reporting period to 4.80 years by the end of the reporting period as the U.S. Treasury five-year yield rose by 105 basis points.

Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund (JPT)

The table in the Performance Overview and Holding Summaries section of this report provides total return performance for the Fund for the one-year and since inception periods ended July 31, 2018. For the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2018, the Fund’s common shares at net asset value (NAV) underperformed the ICE BofAML U.S. All Capital Securities Index.

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective of providing a high level of current income and total return by investing in preferred securities and other income producing securities. The Fund’s portfolio is actively managed, seeking to capitalize on strong and continuously improving credit fundamentals across the issuer base, the category’s healthy yield level, and inefficiencies that often evolve between the $25 par retail and the $1,000 par institutional sides of the market. The Fund’s strategy has a bias toward the highly regulated industries, like utilities, banks and insurance companies, with a current emphasis broadly on financial services companies. The Fund does not invest in contingent capital securities (otherwise known as CoCos).

NAM employs a credit-based investment approach, using a top-down process to position the portfolio in a manner that reflects the investment team’s overall macro-economic outlook, while also incorporating a bottom-up approach that includes fundamental credit research, security structure selection, and option adjusted spread (OAS) analysis. The process begins with identifying the investable universe of $1,000 par and $25 par securities. In an effort to capitalize on the inefficiencies between different investor bases within this universe, NAM tactically and strategically shifts capital between the $25 par exchange listed market and the $1,000 par over-the-counter market. Periods of volatility may drive notably different valuations between these two markets, as will periods where valuations trend in one direction for an extended period of time. This dynamic is often related to differences in how retail and institutional markets perceive and price risk, as well as differences in retail and institutional investors’ ability to source substitute investments. Technical factors such as new issue supply may also influence the relative valuations between $25 par exchange listed structures and $1,000 par over-the-counter structures.

 

 

13


Portfolio Managers’ Comments (continued)

 

Within JPT, NAM incorporated several prominent active themes within the Fund relative to its benchmark during the reporting period, of particular note an overweight to the $1,000 par side of the market, and an overweight to securities that have coupons with reset features (floating rate, fixed-to-floating rate, fixed-to-fixed rate).

Given the outperformance of the $25 par preferred side of the market during the reporting period, NAM’s overweight to $1,000 par preferred structures detracted from the Fund’s relative results. As has been the case for several quarters, NAM maintained an overweight to $1,000 par securities for two primary reasons, relative value and interest rate risk management. First, from a relative value perspective, the $1,000 par side of the market continues to be significantly cheaper than the $25 par side of the market on an OAS basis. OAS for $25 par preferred securities has been driven lower by retail investors’ disproportionate bias for income-generating investment solutions, exacerbated by a prolonged period of low interest rates. Within the preferred securities universe, the $25 par preferred side of the market is best positioned to meet this retail demand given the small denomination, and the ease of sourcing these securities as most are exchange-traded. In addition, recent heavy redemption of $25 par preferred securities has created a supply technical that disproportionately supports valuations of $25 par preferred securities versus $1,000 par preferred securities. From the beginning of 2018 through the end of the reporting period, NAM estimates that the amount of $25 par preferred securities outstanding decreased by nearly $12 billion, while net new issue flow on the $1,000 par side of the market was slightly positive during that same seven month window.

Second, with respect to interest rate risk, NAM’s overweight to $1,000 par securities allows us to gain greater exposure to securities that have coupons with reset features, like floating rate coupons, fixed-to-floating rate coupons and fixed-to-fixed rate coupons. These structures are more common on the institutional $1,000 par side of the market and help to mitigate duration and duration extension risk during a rising interest rate environment. Duration extension can be a significant risk for callable securities with fixed-rate coupons.

As of July 31, 2018, the Fund had about 84% of its assets invested in securities that have coupons with reset features, compared to approximately 61% within the Blended Benchmark Index. Contrary to expectations given rising interest rates during the reporting period, fixed rate coupon structures outperformed securities that had coupons with reset features. In NAM’s opinion, this was an ancillary effect from the outperformance of $25 par preferred securities, as a vast majority of that universe is comprised of fixed rate coupon structures.

JPT maintained short interest rate futures during the reporting period to manage the Fund’s overall interest rate sensitivity. These interest rate futures had a positive effect to overall Fund performance during the reporting period.

 

14


Fund Leverage

 

IMPACT OF THE FUNDS’ LEVERAGE STRATEGIES ON PERFORMANCE

One important factor impacting the returns of the Funds’ common shares relative to their comparative benchmarks was the Funds’ use of leverage through bank borrowings as well as the use of reverse repurchase agreements for JPC and JPS. The Funds use leverage because our research has shown that, over time, leveraging provides opportunities for additional income and total return, particularly in the recent market environment where short-term market rates are at or near historical lows, meaning that the short-term rates the Fund has been paying on its leveraging instruments in recent years have been much lower than the interest the Fund has been earning on its portfolio securities that it has bought with the proceeds of that leverage.

However, use of leverage can expose Fund common shares to additional price volatility. When a Fund uses leverage, the Fund common shares will experience a greater increase in their net asset value if the securities acquired through the use of leverage increase in value, but will also experience a correspondingly larger decline in their net asset value if the securities acquired through leverage decline in value, which will make the shares’ net asset value more volatile, and total return performance more variable, over time.

In addition, common share income in levered funds will typically decrease in comparison to unlevered funds when short-term interest rates increase and increase when short-term interest rates decrease. Over the last few quarters, short-term interest rates have indeed increased from their extended lows after the 2007-09 financial crisis. This increase has reduced common share net income, and also reduced potential for long-term total returns. Nevertheless, the ability to effectively borrow at current short-term rates is still resulting in enhanced common share income, and management believes that the advantages of continuation of leverage outweigh the associated increase in risk and volatility described above.

The Funds’ use of leverage had a positive impact on performance during this reporting period.

JPC, JPI, JPS and JPT continued to utilize forward starting interest rate swap contracts to partially hedge the interest cost of leverage, which as mentioned previously, is through the use of bank borrowings. During this reporting period, these swap contracts had a negligible impact to overall Fund performance.

As of July 31, 2018, the Funds’ percentages of leverage are shown in the accompanying table.

 

     JPC        JPI        JPS        JPT  

Effective Leverage*

    34.87        28.84        34.52        20.66

Regulatory Leverage*

    29.39        28.84        29.89        20.66
*

Effective leverage is a Fund’s effective economic leverage, and includes both regulatory leverage and the leverage effects of certain derivative and other investments in a Fund’s portfolio that increase the Fund’s investment exposure. Regulatory leverage consists of preferred shares issued or borrowings of a Fund. Both of these are part of the Fund’s capital structure. A Fund, however, may from time to time borrow on a typically transient basis in connection with its day-to-day operations, primarily in connection with the need to settle portfolio trades. Such incidental borrowings are excluded from the calculation of a Fund’s effective leverage ratio. Regulatory leverage is subject to asset coverage limits set forth in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

15


Fund Leverage (continued)

 

THE FUNDS’ LEVERAGE

Bank Borrowings

As noted above, the Funds employ regulatory leverage through the use of bank borrowings. The Funds’ bank borrowing activities are as shown in the accompanying table.

 

    Current Reporting Period           Subsequent to the Close of
the Reporting Period
 
Fund   August 1, 2017     Draws     Paydowns     July 31, 2018     Average Balance
Outstanding
           Draws     Paydowns     September 27, 2018  

JPC

  $ 540,000,000     $     —     $ (103,000,000   $ 437,000,000   $ 439,257,534             $     —     $     —     $ 437,000,000  

JPI

  $ 225,000,000     $     $     $ 225,000,000   $ 225,000,000             $     $     $ 225,000,000  

JPS

  $ 845,300,000     $     $     $ 845,300,000     $ 845,300,000             $     $     $ 845,300,000  

JPT

  $ 42,500,000     $     $     $ 42,500,000     $ 42,500,000             $     $     $ 42,500,000  

Refer to Notes to Financial Statements, Note 8 – Fund Leverage for further details.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

As noted above, JPC and JPS utilized reverse repurchase agreements. The Fund’s transactions in reverse repurchase agreements are as shown in the accompanying table.

 

 

  Current Reporting Period           Subsequent to the Close of
the Reporting Period
 
Fund   August 1, 2017     Purchases     Sales     July 31, 2018     Average Balance
Outstanding
           Purchases     Sales     September 27, 2018  
JPC   $     —     $ 125,000,000     $     —     $ 125,000,000     $ 125,000,000 **              $    —     $     —     $ 125,000,000  
JPS   $ 200,000,000     $     —     $     —     $ 200,000,000     $ 200,000,000               $    —     $     —     $ 200,000,000  
**

For the period August 9, 2017 (initial purchase of reverse repurchase agreements) through July 31, 2018.

 

16


Common Share Information

 

COMMON SHARE DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION

The following information regarding the Funds’ distributions is current as of July 31, 2018. Each Fund’s distribution levels may vary over time based on each Fund’s investment activity and portfolio investment value changes.

During the current reporting period, each Fund’s distributions to common shareholders were as shown in the accompanying table.

 

    Per Common Share Amounts  
Monthly Distributions (Ex-Dividend Date)   JPC        JPI        JPS        JPT  

August 2017

  $ 0.0650        $ 0.1415        $ 0.0620        $ 0.1275  

September

    0.0650          0.1415          0.0620          0.1275  

October

    0.0650          0.1415          0.0620          0.1275  

November

    0.0650          0.1415          0.0620          0.1275  

December

    0.0650          0.1415          0.0620          0.1275  

January

    0.0650          0.1415          0.0620          0.1275  

February

    0.0650          0.1415          0.0620          0.1275  

March

    0.0650          0.1415          0.0620          0.1275  

April

    0.0650          0.1415          0.0620          0.1275  

May

    0.0650          0.1415          0.0620          0.1275  

June

    0.0610          0.1355          0.0560          0.1185  

July 2018

    0.0610          0.1355          0.0560          0.1185  

Total Distributions

  $ 0.7720        $ 1.6860        $ 0.7320        $ 1.5120  
                                          

Current Distribution Rate*

    7.75        7.03        7.52        6.14
*

Current distribution rate is based on the Fund’s current annualized monthly distribution divided by the Fund’s current market price. The Fund’s monthly distributions to its shareholders may be comprised of ordinary income, net realized capital gains and, if at the end of the fiscal year the Fund’s cumulative net ordinary income and net realized gains are less than the amount of the Fund’s distributions, a return of capital for tax purposes.

Each Fund in this report seeks to pay regular monthly dividends out of their net investment income at a rate that reflects its past and projected net income performance. To permit each Fund to maintain a more stable monthly dividend, the Fund may pay dividends at a rate that may be more or less than the amount of net income actually earned by the Fund during the period. If a Fund has cumulatively earned more than it has paid in dividends, it will hold the excess in reserve as undistributed net investment income (UNII) as part of the Fund’s net asset value. Conversely, if a Fund has cumulatively paid in dividends more than it has earned, the excess will constitute a negative UNII that will likewise be reflected in the Fund’s net asset value. Each Fund will, over time, pay all its net investment income as dividends to shareholders.

As of July 31, 2018, JPS and JPT had positive UNII balances while JPC and JPI had zero UNII balances for tax purposes. JPC, JPI and JPS had negative UNII balances while JPT had a positive UNII balance for financial reporting purposes.

All monthly dividends paid by JPS and JPT Funds during the current reporting period, were paid from net investment income. If a portion of the Funds’ monthly distributions are sourced from or comprised of elements other than net investment income, including capital gains and/or a return of capital, shareholders will be notified of those sources. For financial reporting purposes, the composition and per share amounts of each Fund’s dividends for the reporting period are presented in this report’s Statement of Changes in Net Assets and Financial Highlights, respectively. For income tax purposes, distribution information for each Fund as of its most recent tax year end is presented in Note 6 – Income Tax Information within the Notes to Financial Statements of this report.

 

17


Common Share Information (continued)

 

JPC and JPI seek to pay regular monthly distributions at a level rate that reflect past and projected net income of the Funds. The Funds may own certain investments which recognize income for financial reporting in a matter that is different than the tax recognition. During the current fiscal year, the Funds owned certain investments which accrued income for financial reporting purposes but was not recognized as current income for tax purposes. Although the Funds reduced distributions during the year, each Fund’s distribution amount over the entire fiscal year exceeded the actual amount of net income for tax purposes. As a result, a portion of each Fund’s fiscal year distributions have been deemed to be a return of capital, which are identified in the table below.

 

Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2018   JPC        JPI  

Regular monthly distribution per share

      

From net investment income

  $ 0.7668        $ 1.6205  

From net realized capital gains

              

Return of capital

    0.0052          0.0655  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total per share distribution

  $ 0.7720        $ 1.6860  

COMMON SHARE REPURCHASES

During August 2018 (subsequent to the close of this reporting period), the Funds’ Board of Trustees reauthorized an open-market share repurchase program, allowing each Fund to repurchase an aggregate of up to approximately 10% of its outstanding shares.

As of July 31, 2018, and since the inception of the Funds’ repurchase programs, the Funds have cumulatively repurchased and retired their outstanding common shares as shown in the accompanying table.

 

     JPC        JPI        JPS        JPT  

Common shares cumulatively repurchased and retired

    2,826,100          0          0          0  

Common shares authorized for repurchase

    10,335,000          2,275,000          20,380,000          680,000  

During the current reporting period, the Funds did not repurchase any of their outstanding common shares.

OTHER COMMON SHARE INFORMATION

As of July 31, 2018, and during the current reporting period, the Funds’ common share prices were trading at a premium/(discount) to their common share NAVs as shown in the accompanying table.

 

     JPC        JPI        JPS        JPT  

Common share NAV

  $ 10.16        $ 24.39        $ 9.73        $ 23.89  

Common share price

  $ 9.44        $ 23.13        $ 8.94        $ 23.17  

Premium/(Discount) to NAV

    (7.09 )%         (5.17 )%         (8.12 )%         (3.01 )% 

12-month average premium/(discount) to NAV

    (4.40 )%         (4.20 )%         (3.59 )%         (0.57 )% 

 

18


Risk Considerations

 

Fund shares are not guaranteed or endorsed by any bank or other insured depository institution, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund (JPC)

Investing in closed-end funds involves risk; principal loss is possible. There is no guarantee the Fund’s investment objectives will be achieved. Closed-end fund shares may frequently trade at a discount or premium to their net asset value. Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure, and therefore are subject to greater credit risk. Debt or fixed income securities such as those held by the Fund, are subject to market risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, derivatives risk, liquidity risk, and income risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall. Lower credit debt securities may be more likely to fail to make timely interest or principal payments. Leverage increases return volatility and magnifies the Fund’s potential return and its risks; there is no guarantee a fund’s leverage strategy will be successful. Certain types of preferred or debt securities with special loss absorption provisions, such as contingent capital securities (CoCos), may be or become so subordinated that they present risks equivalent to, or in some cases even greater than, the same company’s common stock. These loss absorption features work to the benefit of the security issuer, not the investor. These and other risk considerations such as concentration and foreign securities risk are described in more detail on the Fund’s web page at www.nuveen.com/JPC.

Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (JPI)

Investing in closed-end funds involves risk; principal loss is possible. There is no guarantee the Fund’s investment objectives will be achieved. Closed-end fund shares may frequently trade at a discount or premium to their net asset value. Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure, and therefore are subject to greater credit risk. Debt or fixed income securities such as those held by the Fund, are subject to market risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, derivatives risk, liquidity risk, and income risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall. Lower credit debt securities may be more likely to fail to make timely interest or principal payments. Leverage increases return volatility and magnifies the Fund’s potential return and its risks; there is no guarantee a fund’s leverage strategy will be successful. Certain types of preferred or debt securities with special loss absorption provisions, such as contingent capital securities (CoCos), may be or become so subordinated that they present risks equivalent to, or in some cases even greater than, the same company’s common stock. These loss absorption features work to the benefit of the security issuer, not the investor. For these and other risks, including the Fund’s limited term and concentration risk, see the Fund’s web page at www.nuveen.com/JPI.

Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund (JPS)

Investing in closed-end funds involves risk; principal loss is possible. There is no guarantee the Fund’s investment objectives will be achieved. Closed-end fund shares may frequently trade at a discount or premium to their net asset value. Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure, and therefore are subject to greater credit risk. Debt or fixed income securities such as those held by the Fund, are subject to market risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, derivatives risk, liquidity risk, and income risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall. Leverage increases return volatility and magnifies the Fund’s potential return and its risks; there is no guarantee a fund’s leverage strategy will be successful. Certain types of preferred or debt securities with special loss absorption provisions, such as contingent capital securities (CoCos), may be or become so subordinated that they present risks equivalent to, or in some cases even greater than, the same company’s common stock. These loss absorption features work to the benefit of the security issuer, not the investor. These and other risks such as concentration and foreign securities risk are described in more detail on the Fund’s web page at www.nuveen.com/JPS.

 

19


Risk Considerations (continued)

 

Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund (JPT)

Investing in closed-end funds involves risk; principal loss is possible. There is no guarantee the Fund’s investment objectives will be achieved. Closed-end fund shares may frequently trade at a discount or premium to their net asset value. Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure, and therefore are subject to greater credit risk. Debt or fixed income securities such as those held by the Fund, are subject to market risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, derivatives risk, liquidity risk, and income risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall. Lower credit debt securities may be more likely to fail to make timely interest or principal payments. Leverage increases return volatility and magnifies the Fund’s potential return and its risks; there is no guarantee a fund’s leverage strategy will be successful. For these and other risks, including the Fund’s limited term and concentration risk, see the Fund’s web page at www.nuveen.com/JPT.

 

20


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21


JPC     

Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund

Performance Overview and Holding Summaries as of July 31, 2018

 

Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for further definition of the terms used within this section.

Average Annual Total Returns as of July 31, 2018

 

       Average Annual  
        1-Year        5-Year        10-Year  
JPC at Common Share NAV        0.57%          7.53%          7.93%  
JPC at Common Share Price        (3.76)%          8.59%          9.87%  
ICE BofAML U.S. All Capital Securities Index        1.00%          6.44%          6.16%  
JPC Blended Benchmark        1.66%          6.46%          6.17%  

Past performance is not predictive of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the data shown. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that shareholders may have to pay on Fund distributions or upon the sale of Fund shares. Returns at NAV are net of Fund expenses, and assume reinvestment of distributions. Comparative index return information is provided for the Fund’s shares at NAV only. Indexes are not available for direct investment. Performance for indexes that were created after the Fund’s inception are linked to the Fund’s previous benchmark.

Common Share Price Performance — Weekly Closing Price

LOGO

 

22


 

This data relates to the securities held in the Fund’s portfolio of investments as of the end of the reporting period. It should not be construed as a measure of performance for the Fund itself. Holdings are subject to change.

For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest rating given by one of the following national rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s Group, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch, Inc. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Credit ratings are subject to change. AAA, AA, A and BBB are investment grade ratings; BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are below investment grade ratings. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by these national rating agencies.

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred     72.4%  
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred     43.1%  
Contingent Capital Securities     24.8%  
Corporate Bonds     6.9%  
Convertible Preferred Securities     1.7%  
Common Stocks     0.3%  
Repurchase Agreements     2.1%  
Other Assets Less Liabilities     2.2%  

Net Assets Plus Borrowings and Reverse Repurchase Agreements

    153.5%  
Borrowings     (41.6)%  
Reverse Repurchase Agreements     (11.9)%  

Net Assets

    100%  

Portfolio Composition

(% of total investments)

 

Banks     41.8%  
Insurance     13.6%  
Capital Markets     10.1%  
Food Products     6.0%  
Consumer Finance     4.5%  
Industrial Conglomerates     2.8%  
Diversified Financial Services     2.7%  
Other     17.1%  
Repurchase Agreements     1.4%  

Total

    100%  

Country Allocation1

(% of total investments)

 

United States     71.8%  
United Kingdom     9.3%  
France     4.7%  
Switzerland     2.4%  
Italy     2.4%  
Canada     1.9%  
Spain     1.8%  
Australia     1.8%  
Bermuda     1.4%  
Netherlands     1.2%  
Other     1.3%  

Total

    100%  
 

 

Top Five Issuers

(% of total long-term
investments)

 

JPMorgan Chase & Company     3.9%  

Citigroup Inc.

    3.6%  
Bank of America Corporation     3.3%  
Wells Fargo & Company     3.2%  
Morgan Stanley     2.9%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

(% of total long-term fixed-income investments)

 

A     1.5%  
BBB     51.8%  
BB or Lower     40.5%  
N/R (not rated)     6.2%  

Total

    100%  
 

 

1

Includes 1.7% (as a percentage of total investments) in emerging market countries.

 

23


JPI     

Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund

Performance Overview and Holding Summaries as of July 31, 2018

 

Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for further definition of the terms used within this section.

Average Annual Total Returns as of July 31, 2018

 

       Average Annual  
        1-Year        5-Year        Since
Inception
 
JPI at Common Share NAV        0.37%          7.81%          8.71%  
JPI at Common Share Price        (1.40)%          8.43%          7.39%  
ICE BofAML U.S. All Capital Securities Index        1.00%          6.44%          6.94%  
JPI Blended Benchmark        1.81%          6.36%          5.83%  

Since inception returns are from 7/26/12. Past performance is not predictive of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the data shown. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that shareholders may have to pay on Fund distributions or upon the sale of Fund shares. Returns at NAV are net of Fund expenses, and assume reinvestment of distributions. Comparative index return information is provided for the Fund’s shares at NAV only. Indexes are not available for direct investment.

Common Share Price Performance — Weekly Closing Price

LOGO

 

24


 

This data relates to the securities held in the Fund’s portfolio of investments as of the end of the reporting period. It should not be construed as a measure of performance for the Fund itself. Holdings are subject to change.

For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest rating given by one of the following national rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s Group, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch, Inc. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Credit ratings are subject to change. AAA, AA, A and BBB are investment grade ratings; BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are below investment grade ratings. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by these national rating agencies.

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred     65.3%  
Contingent Capital Securities     40.4%  
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred     33.1%  
Other Assets Less Liabilities     1.7%  

Net Assets Plus Borrowings

    140.5%  
Borrowings     (40.5)%  

Net Assets

    100%  

 

Portfolio Composition

(% of total investments)

 

Banks     47.8%  
Insurance     14.3%  
Capital Markets     9.9%  
Diversified Financial Services     5.1%  
Food Products     4.8%  
Other     18.1%  

Total

    100%  

Country Allocation1

(% of total investments)

 

United States     56.7%  
United Kingdom     12.8%  
France     8.3%  
Switzerland     4.3%  
Italy     4.3%  
Spain     3.6%  
Australia     3.2%  
Netherlands     1.8%  
Bermuda     1.7%  
Canada     1.3%  
Other     2.0%  

Total

    100%  
 

 

Top Five Issuers

(% of total long-term
investments)

 

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    3.6%  
Lloyds Banking Group PLC     3.5%  
Farm Credit Bank of Texas     3.4%  
General Electric Corporation     3.2%  
Barclays Bank PLC     3.1%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

(% of total long-term fixed-income
investments)

 

A     1.4%  
BBB     54.9%  
BB or Lower     40.6%  
N/R (not rated)     3.1%  

Total

    100%  
 

 

1

Includes 1.8% (as a percentage of total investments) in emerging market countries.

 

25


JPS     

Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund

Performance Overview and Holding Summaries as of July 31, 2018

 

Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for further definition of the terms used within this section.

Average Annual Total Returns as of July 31, 2018

 

       Average Annual  
        1-Year        5-Year        10-Year  
JPS at Common Share NAV        0.66%          8.18%          8.34%  
JPS at Common Share Price        (6.43)%          9.20%          8.44%  
ICE BofAML U.S. All Capital Securities Index        1.00%          6.44%          6.87%  
JPS Blended Benchmark        1.81%          6.36%          6.64%  

Past performance is not predictive of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the data shown. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that shareholders may have to pay on Fund distributions or upon the sale of Fund shares. Returns at NAV are net of Fund expenses, and assume reinvestment of distributions. Comparative index return information is provided for the Fund’s shares at NAV only. Indexes are not available for direct investment. Performance for indexes that were created after the Fund’s inception are linked to the Fund’s previous benchmark.

Common Share Price Performance — Weekly Closing Price

LOGO

 

26


 

This data relates to the securities held in the Fund’s portfolio of investments as of the end of the reporting period. It should not be construed as a measure of performance for the Fund itself. Holdings are subject to change.

For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest rating given by one of the following national rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s Group, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch, Inc. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Credit ratings are subject to change. AAA, AA, A and BBB are investment grade ratings; BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are below investment grade ratings. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by these national rating agencies.

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred     67.4%  
Contingent Capital Securities     61.4%  
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred     15.5%  
Investment Companies     1.2%  
Corporate Bonds     0.8%  
Convertible Preferred Securities     0.8%  
Repurchase Agreements     3.4%  
Other Assets Less Liabilities     2.2%  

Net Assets Plus Borrowings and Reverse Repurchase Agreements

    152.7%  
Borrowings     (42.6)%  
Reverse Repurchase Agreements     (10.1)%  

Net Assets

    100%  

Portfolio Composition

(% of total investments)

 

Banks     52.8%  
Insurance     18.0%  
Capital Markets     10.2%  
Other     16.0%  
Investment Companies     0.8%  
Repurchase Agreements     2.2%  

Total

    100%  

Country Allocation1

(% of total investments)

 

United States     44.8%  
United Kingdom     18.5%  
France     11.2%  
Switzerland     7.7%  
Sweden     3.2%  
Bermuda     2.4%  
Australia     2.3%  
Spain     2.3%  
Canada     2.2%  
Netherlands     2.0%  
Other     3.4%  

Total

    100%  
 

 

Top Five Issuers

(% of total long-term
investments)

 

Lloyds Banking Group PLC     4.5%  
Societe Generale SA     4.2%  

UBS Group AG

    4.2%  

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    4.0%  

BNP Paribas

    3.9%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

(% of total long-term fixed-income investments)

 

A     3.2%  
BBB     70.8%  
BB or Lower     26.0%  

Total

    100%  
 

 

1

Includes 2.4% (as a percentage of total investments) in emerging market countries.

 

27


JPT     

Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund

Performance Overview and Holding Summaries as of July 31, 2018

 

Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for further definition of the terms used within this section.

Average Annual Total Returns as of July 31, 2018

 

     Average Annual  
      1-Year               Since
Inception
 
JPI at Common Share NAV      (0.84)%                  3.80%  
JPI at Common Share Price      (2.36)%                  0.72%  
ICE BofAML U.S. All Capital Securities Index      1.00%                  5.32%  

Since inception returns are from 1/26/17. Past performance is not predictive of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the data shown. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that shareholders may have to pay on Fund distributions or upon the sale of Fund shares. Returns at NAV are net of Fund expenses, and assume reinvestment of distributions. Comparative index return information is provided for the Fund’s shares at NAV only. Indexes are not available for direct investment.

Common Share Price Performance — Weekly Closing Price

LOGO

 

28


 

This data relates to the securities held in the Fund’s portfolio of investments as of the end of the reporting period. It should not be construed as a measure of performance for the Fund itself. Holdings are subject to change.

For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest rating given by one of the following national rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s Group, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch, Inc. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Credit ratings are subject to change. AAA, AA, A and BBB are investment grade ratings; BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are below investment grade ratings. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by these national rating agencies.

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred     96.6%  
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred     28.9%  
Repurchase Agreements     1.2%  
Other Assets Less Liabilities     (0.7)%  

Net Assets Plus Borrowings

    126.0%  
Borrowings     (26.0)%  

Net Assets

    100%  

Portfolio Composition

(% of total investments)

 

Banks     33.2%  
Insurance     20.3%  
Capital Markets     10.5%  
Food Products     7.2%  
Diversified Financial Services     5.1%  
U.S. Agency     3.8%  
Other     19.0%  
Repurchase Agreements     0.9%  

Total

    100%  

Country Allocation1

(% of total investments)

 

United States     73.8%  
United Kingdom     6.4%  
Australia     5.2%  
France     3.6%  
Canada     2.6%  

Bermuda

    2.2%  
Netherlands     2.1%  
Germany     1.6%  
Ireland     1.5%  
Japan     1.0%  

Total

    100%  
 

 

Top Five Issuers

(% of total long-term investments)

 

Morgan Stanley

    4.4%  

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    4.2%  

Bank of America Corporation

    4.0%  

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

    3.9%  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

    3.9%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

(% of total long-term
fixed-income investments)

 

A     6.1%  
BBB     59.5%  
BB or Lower     30.3%  
N/R (not rated)     4.1%  

Total

    100%  
 

 

1

Includes 2.2% (as a percentage of total investments) in emerging market countries.

 

29


Shareholder Meeting Report

 

The annual meeting of shareholders was held in the offices of Nuveen on April 11, 2018 for JPC, JPI, JPS and JPT; at this meeting the shareholders were asked to elect Board Members.

 

      JPC      JPI      JPS      JPT  
      Common
Shares
     Common
Shares
     Common
Shares
     Common
Shares
 

Approval of the Board Members was reached as follows:

           

Margo L. Cook

           

For

     90,026,156        19,576,328        175,414,531        6,060,565  

Withhold

     2,146,517        429,356        4,421,024        75,388  

Total

     92,172,673        20,005,684        179,835,555        6,135,953  

Jack B. Evans

           

For

     89,406,475        19,546,808        174,740,478        6,060,765  

Withhold

     2,766,198        458,876        5,095,077        75,188  

Total

     92,172,673        20,005,684        179,835,555        6,135,953  

Albin F. Moschner

           

For

     89,895,232        19,590,271        175,410,480        6,054,840  

Withhold

     2,277,441        415,413        4,425,075        81,113  

Total

     92,172,673        20,005,684        179,835,555        6,135,953  

William J. Schneider

           

For

     89,394,685        19,541,143        174,703,829        6,061,565  

Withhold

     2,777,988        464,541        5,131,726        74,388  

Total

     92,172,673        20,005,684        179,835,555        6,135,953  

 

30


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of

Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund

Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund

Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund

Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund:

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the portfolios of investments, of Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund, Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund, Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund and Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund (the “Funds”) as of July 31, 2018, the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended (year ended July 31, 2018 and period from January 26, 2017 (commencement of operations) to July 31, 2017 for Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund), and the related notes (collectively, the “financial statements”) and the financial highlights for each of the years in the four-year period then ended (year ended July 31, 2018 and period from January 26, 2017 to July 31, 2017 for Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund). In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of July 31, 2018, the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended (year ended July 31, 2018 and period from January 26, 2017 to July 31, 2017 for Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund), and the financial highlights for each of the years in the four-year period then ended (year ended July 31, 2018 and period from January 26, 2017 to July 31, 2017 for Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund), in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The financial highlights for the year ended July 31, 2014 were audited by other independent registered public accountants whose report, dated September 25, 2014, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial highlights.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Such procedures also included confirmation of securities owned as of July 31, 2018, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or other appropriate auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ KPMG LLP

We have served as the auditor of one or more Nuveen investment companies since 2014.

Chicago, Illinois

September 27, 2018

 

31


JPC   

Nuveen Preferred & Income
Opportunities Fund

 

Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2018

 

Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 149.2% (98.6% of Total Investments)

 

        
 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 72.4% (47.9% of Total Investments)

 

  
      Air Freight & Logistics – 0.5%                           
$ 5,153    

XPO Logistics Inc., 144A, (3)

    6.500%        6/15/22        BB–      $ 5,294,708  
      Automobiles – 1.7%                           
  18,255    

General Motors Financial Company Inc., (4)

    5.750%        N/A (5)        BB+        17,935,538  
      Banks – 33.1%                           
  37,275    

Bank of America Corporation, (3)

    6.500%        N/A (5)        BBB–        39,977,437  
  8,780    

Bank of America Corporation, (4)

    6.300%        N/A (5)        BBB–        9,350,700  
  2,740    

Bank of America Corporation, (4)

    5.875%        N/A (5)        BBB–        2,718,080  
  3,575    

Barclays Bank PLC, 144A, (4)

    10.180%        6/12/21        A–        4,114,971  
  10,675    

CIT Group Inc., Series A

    5.800%        N/A (5)        B+        10,488,187  
  16,975    

Citigroup Inc.

    6.250%        N/A (5)        BB+        17,579,480  
  8,885    

Citigroup Inc.

    6.125%        N/A (5)        BB+        9,240,400  
  13,260    

Citigroup Inc., (4)

    5.875%        N/A (5)        BB+        13,604,627  
  2,925    

Citigroup Inc.

    5.800%        N/A (5)        BB+        2,998,124  
  8,264    

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    5.500%        N/A (5)        BB+        8,464,237  
  4,690    

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (3)

    6.250%        N/A (5)        BBB+        4,994,850  
  3,560    

Commerzbank AG, 144A, (4)

    8.125%        9/19/23        BBB        4,075,817  
  4,204    

HSBC Capital Funding LP, Debt, 144A

    10.176%        N/A (5)        BBB+        6,327,019  
  3,675    

Huntington Bancshares Inc.

    5.700%        N/A (5)        Baa3        3,629,063  
  34,420    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    6.750%        N/A (5)        BBB        37,603,850  
  125    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    6.100%        N/A (5)        BBB        128,729  
  9,710    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    5.300%        N/A (5)        BBB        9,879,924  
  12,765    

JPMorgan Chase & Company, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.470% spread), (6)

    5.809%        N/A (5)        BBB–        12,821,166  
  4,090    

KeyCorp Convertible Preferred Stock

    5.000%        N/A (5)        Baa3        3,957,075  
  23,425    

Lloyds Bank PLC, 144A, (3)

    12.000%        N/A (5)        Baa3        28,522,374  
  6,520    

M&T Bank Corporation, (3)

    6.450%        N/A (5)        Baa2        7,033,449  
  4,990    

M&T Bank Corporation, (4)

    5.125%        N/A (5)        Baa2        4,965,050  
  5,656    

PNC Financial Services Inc.

    5.000%        N/A (5)        Baa2        5,613,580  
  22,358    

PNC Financial Services Inc., (3)

    6.750%        N/A (5)        Baa2        24,118,692  
  4,633    

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, (4)

    7.648%        N/A (5)        Ba1        5,768,085  
  5,325    

SunTrust Bank Inc.

    5.625%        N/A (5)        Baa3        5,460,788  
  3,250    

SunTrust Bank Inc.

    5.050%        N/A (5)        Baa3        3,191,094  
  3,750    

Wachovia Capital Trust III

    5.570%        N/A (5)        Baa2        3,730,312  
  3,145    

Wells Fargo & Company

    5.900%        N/A (5)        Baa2        3,156,008  
  33,430    

Wells Fargo & Company, (3)

    5.875%        N/A (5)        Baa2        34,967,780  
  8,180    

Wells Fargo & Company, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.770% spread), (6)

    6.111%        N/A (5)        Baa2        8,247,076  
  9,666    

Zions Bancorporation, (4)

    7.200%        N/A (5)        BB        10,342,620  
 

Total Banks

                               347,070,644  
      Capital Markets – 2.5%                           
  2,220    

Bank of New York Mellon

    4.950%        N/A (5)        Baa1        2,275,611  
  4,160    

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A

    7.500%        N/A (5)        Ba2        4,288,960  
  9,240    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

    5.375%        N/A (5)        Ba1        9,424,800  
  5,195    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc., (4)

    5.300%        N/A (5)        Ba1        5,117,075  
  4,195    

Morgan Stanley

    5.550%        N/A (5)        BB+        4,299,875  
  1,525    

State Street Corporation, (4)

    5.250%        N/A (5)        Baa1        1,563,125  
 

Total Capital Markets

                               26,969,446  
      Chemicals – 0.4%                           
  3,475    

Blue Cube Spinco LLC, (3)

    9.750%        10/15/23        BB+        3,935,438  

 

32


Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.7%                           
$ 6,870    

AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 144A, (4)

    6.500%        6/15/45        Ba1      $ 7,084,688  
      Consumer Finance – 2.2%                           
  3,581    

American Express Company, (4)

    5.200%        N/A (5)        Baa2        3,630,239  
  2,010    

American Express Company, (4)

    4.900%        N/A (5)        Baa2        2,020,050  
  10,105    

Capital One Financial Corporation, (4)

    5.550%        N/A (5)        Baa3        10,357,625  
  7,770    

Discover Financial Services, (4)

    5.500%        N/A (5)        BB–        7,614,600  
 

Total Consumer Finance

                               23,622,514  
      Diversified Financial Services – 3.1%                           
  5,670    

BNP Paribas, 144A

    7.195%        N/A (5)        BBB        5,946,413  
  15    

Compeer Financial ACA, 144A

    6.750%        N/A (5)        BB+        15,836,000  
  5,823    

Cooperative Rabobank UA, 144A

    11.000%        N/A (5)        BBB        6,184,026  
  2,050    

Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, 144A

    4.875%        N/A (5)        A        2,085,875  
  1,955    

Voya Financial Inc., (4)

    5.650%        5/15/53        Baa3        1,971,539  
 

Total Diversified Financial Services

                               32,023,853  
      Electric Utilities – 2.8%                           
  3,620    

Electricite de France SA, 144A

    5.250%        N/A (5)        BBB        3,588,325  
  23,985    

Emera Inc., (3), (4)

    6.750%        6/15/76        BBB–        25,304,175  
 

Total Electric Utilities

                               28,892,500  
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.5%                           
  5,015    

Transcanada Trust, (3)

    5.875%        8/15/76        Baa2        5,040,075  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 1.3%                           
  12    

Sovereign Real Estate Investment Trust, 144A

    12.000%        N/A (5)        BB+        13,753,375  
      Food Products – 4.7%                           
  2,245    

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (4)

    7.125%        N/A (5)        Baa3        2,413,375  
  1,785    

Dean Foods Company, 144A

    6.500%        3/15/23        BB–        1,749,300  
  6,965    

Land O’ Lakes Incorporated, 144A

    7.250%        N/A (5)        BB        7,557,025  
  34,865    

Land O’ Lakes Incorporated, 144A, (3)

    8.000%        N/A (5)        BB        38,177,175  
 

Total Food Products

                               49,896,875  
      Industrial Conglomerates – 4.2%                           
  44,540    

General Electric Corporation, (4)

    5.000%        N/A (5)        BBB+        43,756,096  
      Insurance – 11.9%                           
  3,165    

Aegon NV, (4)

    5.500%        4/11/48        Baa1        3,087,629  
  5,485    

American International Group Inc., (4)

    5.750%        4/01/48        Baa2        5,416,438  
  7,290    

Assurant Inc., (4)

    7.000%        3/27/48        BB+        7,435,800  
  25,035    

Assured Guaranty Municipal Holdings Inc., 144A, (4)

    6.400%        12/15/66        BBB+        25,035,000  
  10,000    

Friends Life Holdings PLC, Reg S

    7.875%        N/A (5)        A–        10,083,700  
  2,108    

La Mondiale SAM, Reg S

    7.625%        N/A (5)        BBB        2,158,444  
  7,117    

Liberty Mutual Group, 144A, (3)

    7.800%        3/15/37        Baa3        8,398,060  
  9,335    

MetLife Capital Trust IV, 144A, (3)

    7.875%        12/15/37        BBB        11,587,816  
  4,715    

MetLife Inc., 144A, (3)

    9.250%        4/08/38        BBB        6,412,400  
  3,430    

MetLife Inc., (4)

    5.875%        N/A (5)        BBB        3,513,006  
  385    

MetLife Inc.

    5.250%        N/A (5)        BBB        392,700  
  575    

Nationwide Financial Services Capital Trust, (3)

    7.899%        3/01/37        Baa2        647,316  
  9,550    

Nationwide Financial Services Inc., (3)

    6.750%        5/15/37        Baa2        10,481,124  
  6,855    

Provident Financing Trust I, (4)

    7.405%        3/15/38        Baa3        7,540,500  
  3,315    

Prudential Financial Inc., (4)

    5.875%        9/15/42        BBB+        3,538,763  
  1,270    

Prudential Financial Inc., (4)

    5.625%        6/15/43        BBB+        1,321,435  
  2,540    

QBE Insurance Group Limited, Reg S

    6.750%        12/02/44        BBB        2,624,607  
  14,375    

QBE Insurance Group Limited, 144A, (4)

    7.500%        11/24/43        Baa1        15,652,363  
 

Total Insurance

                               125,327,101  
      Media – 1.0%                           
  10,000    

Liberty Interactive LLC, (3)

    8.500%        7/15/29        BB        10,700,000  

 

33


JPC    Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2018

 

Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Metals & Mining – 0.4%                           
$ 1,600    

BHP Billiton Finance USA Limited, 144A

    6.750%        10/19/75        A–      $ 1,748,000  
  2,630    

BHP Billiton Finance USA Limited, 144A

    6.250%        10/19/75        A–        2,766,760  
 

Total Metals & Mining

                               4,514,760  
      Multi-Utilities – 0.3%                           
  3,235    

NiSource Inc., 144A

    5.650%        N/A (5)        BBB–        3,218,825  
      U.S. Agency – 1.1%                           
  5    

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, (4)

    10.000%        N/A (5)        Baa1        5,322,750  
  5,835    

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, 144A

    6.200%        N/A (5)        Baa1        5,907,938  
 

Total U.S. Agency

                               11,230,688  
 

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $743,444,263)

 

                       760,267,124  
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
 

$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED – 43.1% (28.5% of Total Investments)

 

      Banks – 10.1%                           
  126,000    

AgriBank FCB, (7)

    6.875%           BBB+      $ 13,482,000  
  469,916    

Citigroup Inc., (4)

    7.125%           BB+        13,134,152  
  73,511    

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (4), (7)

    6.200%           BBB+        7,645,144  
  172,975    

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (7)

    6.250%           BBB+        17,989,400  
  38,725    

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (7)

    6.125%           BBB+        3,882,181  
  218,164    

Fifth Third Bancorp

    6.625%           Baa3        5,951,514  
  178,757    

FNB Corporation, (3)

    7.250%           Ba2        5,144,626  
  434,200    

Huntington Bancshares Inc., (4)

    6.250%           Baa3        11,467,222  
  153,075    

KeyCorp Preferred Stock, (4)

    6.125%           Baa3        4,143,740  
  82,000    

People’s United Financial Inc., (4)

    5.625%           BB+        2,126,260  
  397,116    

Regions Financial Corp, (4)

    6.375%           BB+        10,813,469  
  113,600    

US Bancorp

    6.500%           A3        3,162,624  
  27,800    

Wells Fargo & Company

    6.625%           Baa2        763,944  
  197,508    

Western Alliance Bancorp, (3)

    6.250%           N/R        5,028,554  
  39,465    

Zions Bancorporation, (4)

    6.300%                 BB        1,061,214  
 

Total Banks

                               105,796,044  
      Capital Markets – 8.5%                           
  173,436    

Apollo Investment Corporation, (3)

    6.875%           BBB–        4,365,384  
  142,980    

B. Riley Financial Inc.

    7.500%           N/R        3,567,351  
  212,350    

B. Riley Financial Inc.

    7.250%           N/R        5,257,786  
  134,939    

Charles Schwab Corporation, (4)

    6.000%           BBB        3,585,329  
  129,169    

Charles Schwab Corporation, (3), (4)

    5.950%           BBB        3,404,895  
  134,000    

Cowen Inc.

    7.350%           N/R        3,399,580  
  74,600    

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    5.500%           Ba1        1,917,220  
  52,802    

Hercules Technology Growth Capital Incorporated, (3)

    6.250%           BBB–        1,327,970  
  370,280    

Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc.

    8.000%           N/R        9,442,881  
  844,397    

Morgan Stanley, (3), (4)

    7.125%           BB+        23,702,224  
  280,300    

Morgan Stanley, (4)

    6.875%           BB+        7,666,205  
  165,800    

Morgan Stanley

    6.375%           BB+        4,453,388  
  221,100    

Morgan Stanley, (4)

    5.850%           BB+        5,733,123  
  54,813    

Northern Trust Corporation

    5.850%           BBB+        1,481,595  
  145,905    

Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation, (3)

    6.125%           BB+        3,580,509  
  51,445    

State Street Corporation, (4)

    5.350%           Baa1        1,341,686  
  138,364    

Stifel Financial Corporation, (4)

    6.250%           BB–        3,622,370  
  43,100    

Triangle Capital Corporation, (3)

    6.375%                 N/R        1,087,413  
 

Total Capital Markets

                               88,936,909  
      Consumer Finance – 3.5%                           
  169,911    

Capital One Financial Corporation, (4)

    6.700%           Baa3        4,470,358  
  1,219,645    

GMAC Capital Trust I, (3)

    7.198%                 B+        32,405,968  
 

Total Consumer Finance

                               36,876,326  

 

34


Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 1.2%                           
  334,132    

Qwest Corporation, (3)

    7.000%           BBB–      $ 7,771,910  
  197,715    

Qwest Corporation, (3)

    6.875%                 BBB–        4,466,382  
 

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

                               12,238,292  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 0.3%                           
  147,988    

Senior Housing Properties Trust, (3)

    5.625%                 BBB–        3,613,867  
      Food Products – 4.3%                           
  440,111    

CHS Inc., (3), (4)

    7.875%           N/R        12,639,988  
  517,590    

CHS Inc.

    7.100%           N/R        14,414,882  
  486,440    

CHS Inc., (4)

    6.750%           N/R        13,051,185  
  23,000    

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (7)

    7.875%           Baa3        2,328,750  
  24,500    

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (7)

    7.875%                 Baa3        2,829,750  
 

Total Food Products

                               45,264,555  
      Insurance – 8.7%                           
  27,535    

Allstate Corporation

    6.750%           BBB–        705,447  
  302,283    

Argo Group US Inc., (3)

    6.500%           BBB–        7,681,011  
  379,916    

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, (4)

    5.950%           BBB–        9,744,845  
  73,500    

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited

    5.625%           BBB–        1,808,100  
  125,700    

Axis Capital Holdings Limited

    5.500%           BBB        3,122,388  
  56,900    

Delphi Financial Group Inc., (4), (7)

    1.863%           BB+        1,251,800  
  409,500    

Enstar Group Ltd

    7.000%           BB+        10,511,865  
  171,411    

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc., (3)

    7.875%           Baa2        4,868,072  
  591,707    

Kemper Corporation, (3)

    7.375%           Ba1        15,408,050  
  179,883    

Maiden Holdings North America Limited, (4)

    7.750%           N/R        4,182,280  
  88,895    

National General Holding Company

    7.625%           N/R        2,287,268  
  76,400    

National General Holding Company

    7.500%           N/R        1,924,516  
  153,954    

National General Holding Company

    7.500%           N/R        3,851,929  
  132,233    

PartnerRe Limited, (3), (4)

    7.250%           Baa2        3,672,110  
  199,596    

Reinsurance Group of America Inc., (3), (4)

    6.200%           BBB+        5,351,169  
  347,400    

Reinsurance Group of America Inc., (3), (4)

    5.750%           BBB+        8,973,342  
  220,272    

Torchmark Corporation, (3), (4)

    6.125%                 BBB+        5,760,113  
 

Total Insurance

                               91,104,305  
      Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts – 0.5%                           
  96,986    

MFA Financial Inc.

    8.000%           N/R        2,491,570  
  107,000    

Wells Fargo REIT

    6.375%                 BBB        2,791,630  
 

Total Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts

                               5,283,200  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.8%                           
  80,400    

NuStar Energy LP, (4)

    8.500%           B1        1,932,816  
  50,000    

NuStar Energy LP, (4)

    7.625%           B1        1,116,000  
  240,017    

NuStar Logistics Limited Partnership, (4)

    9.082%                 B+        6,137,235  
 

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                               9,186,051  
      Thrifts & Mortgage Finance – 1.7%                           
  216,673    

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, (3)

    6.875%           N/R        5,642,165  
  143,124    

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation

    6.000%           N/R        3,699,755  
  310,066    

New York Community Bancorp Inc., (4)

    6.375%                 Ba1        8,325,272  
 

Total Thrifts & Mortgage Finance

                               17,667,192  
      U.S. Agency – 2.5%                           
  247    

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, 144A, (7)

    6.750%                 Baa1        26,418,300  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 1.0%                           
  415,473    

United States Cellular Corporation, (3)

    7.250%                 Ba1        10,652,728  
 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred (cost $439,595,298)

                               453,037,769  

 

35


JPC    Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2018

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

CONTINGENT CAPITAL SECURITIES – 24.8% (16.3% of Total Investments) (8)

 

        
      Banks – 20.2%                           
$ 2,820    

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Limited of the United Kingdom, 144A

    6.750%        N/A (5)        Baa2      $ 2,936,324  
  13,800    

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A, (4)

    6.125%        N/A (5)        Ba2        12,696,000  
  1,205    

Banco Mercantil del Norte, 144A

    7.625%        N/A (5)        BB        1,270,673  
  2,200    

Banco Santander SA, Reg S

    6.375%        N/A (5)        Ba1        2,205,544  
  22,090    

Barclays PLC, Reg S

    7.875%        N/A (5)        BB+        23,221,582  
  14,035    

Credit Agricole SA, 144A

    8.125%        N/A (5)        BBB–        15,403,412  
  9,585    

Credit Agricole SA, 144A

    7.875%        N/A (5)        BBB–        10,197,482  
  3,675    

HSBC Holdings PLC

    6.375%        N/A (5)        BBB        3,691,023  
  2,290    

HSBC Holdings PLC, (4)

    6.000%        N/A (5)        BBB        2,219,010  
  1,000    

ING Groep N.V, Reg S

    6.875%        N/A (5)        BBB–        1,027,500  
  5,055    

ING Groep N.V

    6.500%        N/A (5)        BBB–        5,005,967  
  19,820    

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 144A

    7.700%        N/A (5)        BB–        18,928,100  
  24,870    

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

    7.500%        N/A (5)        Baa3        25,678,274  
  5,000    

Nordea Bank AB, 144A

    6.125%        N/A (5)        BBB        4,906,250  
  8,605    

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

    8.625%        N/A (5)        Ba2        9,285,656  
  11,540    

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

    8.000%        N/A (5)        Ba2        12,256,865  
  1,720    

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

    7.500%        N/A (5)        Ba2        1,775,900  
  5,875    

Societe Generale SA, 144A, (4)

    6.750%        N/A (5)        BB+        5,625,312  
  4,190    

Societe Generale SA, 144A

    8.000%        N/A (5)        BB+        4,499,934  
  8,316    

Societe Generale SA, 144A

    7.875%        N/A (5)        BB+        8,783,775  
  6,535    

Societe Generale SA, 144A, (4)

    7.375%        N/A (5)        BB+        6,869,919  
  6,485    

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A

    7.750%        N/A (5)        Ba1        6,760,613  
  7,190    

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A

    7.500%        N/A (5)        Ba1        7,531,525  
  19,690    

UniCredit SpA, Reg S

    8.000%        N/A (5)        B+        19,000,299  
  207,591    

Total Banks

                               211,776,939  
      Capital Markets – 3.5%                           
  1,600    

Credit Suisse Group AG, Reg S

    7.125%        N/A (5)        Ba2        1,658,400  
  13,820    

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A

    7.500%        N/A (5)        BB        14,735,437  
  2,900    

Macquarie Bank Limited, 144A, (4)

    6.125%        N/A (5)        Ba1        2,646,250  
  860    

UBS Group AG, Reg S

    7.125%        N/A (5)        BBB–        892,250  
  15,925    

UBS Group AG, Reg S

    7.000%        N/A (5)        BBB–        16,784,345  
  35,105    

Total Capital Markets

                               36,716,682  
      Diversified Financial Services – 1.1%                           
  10,735    

BNP Paribas SA, 144A, (4)

    7.375%        N/A (5)        BBB–        11,405,938  
$ 253,431    

Total Contingent Capital Securities (cost $268,972,104)

                               259,899,559  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 6.9% (4.6% of Total Investments)

          
      Automobiles – 0.3%                           
$ 2,825    

Ford Motor Company, (3)

    7.450%        7/16/31        BBB      $ 3,278,271  
      Biotechnology – 0.3%                           
  3,500    

AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc., 144A, (3)

    7.875%        9/01/23        Ba3        3,705,625  
      Capital Markets – 0.4%                           
  3,960    

Donnelley Financial Solutions Inc., (3)

    8.250%        10/15/24        B        4,128,300  
      Chemicals – 0.5%                           
  4,675    

CVR Partners LP / CVR Nitrogen Finance Corp, 144A, (3)

    9.250%        6/15/23        B+        4,973,031  
      Consumer Finance – 1.0%                           
  9,950    

Navient Corporation, (3)

    8.000%        3/25/20        BB        10,497,250  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 0.7%                           
  8,175    

Uniti Group LP / Uniti Group Finance Inc. / CSL Capital LLC, (3)

    8.250%        10/15/23        BB–        7,643,625  

 

36


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      IT Services – 0.7%                           
$ 6,750    

First Data Corporation, 144A, (3)

    7.000%        12/01/23        B      $ 7,062,188  
      Media – 1.4%                           
  10,425    

DISH DBS Corporation, (3)

    7.750%        7/01/26        BB        9,108,844  
  4,725    

Viacom Inc., (3)

    6.875%        4/30/36        BBB        5,391,792  
  15,150    

Total Media

                               14,500,636  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.8%                           
  7,600    

Enviva Partners LP / Enviva Partners Finance Corp, (3)

    8.500%        11/01/21        BB–        7,885,000  
      Specialty Retail – 0.5%                           
  6,450    

L Brands Inc., (3)

    6.875%        11/01/35        BB+        5,563,125  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.3%                           
  3,375    

Altice Financing SA, 144A, (3)

    7.500%        5/15/26        B+        3,285,900  
$ 72,410    

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $76,136,726)

                               72,522,951  
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
 

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES – 1.7% (1.1% of Total Investments)

 

        
      Electric Utilities – 1.2%                           
  167,100    

NextEra Energy Inc., (3)

    6.371%                 BBB      $ 12,448,950  
      Multi-Utilities – 0.5%                           
  53    

Sempra Energy

    6.750%                 N/R        5,405,966  
 

Total Convertible Preferred Securities (cost $15,397,746)

                               17,854,916  
Shares     Description (1)                           Value  
 

COMMON STOCKS – 0.3% (0.2% of Total Investments)

          
      Capital Markets – 0.3%                           
  184,035    

Ares Capital Corporation

                             $ 3,100,990  
 

Total Common Stocks (cost $3,036,662)

                               3,100,990  
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $1,546,582,799)

                               1,566,683,309  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity              Value  
      SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 2.1% (1.4% of Total Investments)                           
      REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS – 2.1% (1.4% of Total Investments)                           
$ 21,727    

Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 7/31/18, repurchase price $21,727,205,
collateralized by $22,220,000 U.S. Treasury Notes,
2.875%, due 7/31/25, value $22,164,450

    0.900%        8/01/18               $ 21,726,662  
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $21,726,662)

                               21,726,662  
 

Total Investments (cost $1,568,309,461) – 151.3%

                               1,588,409,971  
 

Borrowings – (41.6)% (9), (10)

                               (437,000,000
 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements – (11.9)% (11)

                               (125,000,000
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – 2.2% (12)

                               23,483,562  
 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares – 100%

                             $ 1,049,893,533  

 

37


JPC    Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2018

 

Investments in Derivatives

Interest Rate Swaps – OTC Uncleared

 

Counterparty   Notional
Amount
  Fund
Pay/Receive
Floating Rate
    Floating Rate Index     Fixed Rate
(Annualized)
    Fixed Rate
Payment
Frequency
    Effective
Date (13)
    Optional
Termination
Date
    Maturity
Date
    Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, LLC

  $277,500,000     Receive       1-Month LIBOR       1.994     Monthly       6/01/18       7/01/25       7/01/27     $ 13,910,494     $ 13,910,494  

Total unrealized appreciation on interest rate swaps

 

                                                          $ 13,910,494  

For Fund portfolio compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine industry sub-classifications into sectors for reporting ease.

 

(1)

All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net assets applicable to common shares unless otherwise noted.

 

(2)

For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest of Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) rating. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Ratings below BBB by Standard & Poor’s, Baa by Moody’s or BBB by Fitch are considered to be below investment grade. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by any of these national rating agencies. Ratings are not covered by the report of independent registered public accounting firm.

 

(3)

Investment, or portion of investment, has been pledged to collateralize the net payment obligations for investments in reverse repurchase agreements. As of the end of the reporting period, investments with a value of $317,089,603 have been pledged as collateral for reverse repurchase agreements.

 

(4)

Investment, or portion of investment, is hypothecated as described in the Notes to Financial Statements, Note 8 – Fund Leverage, Rehypothecation. The total value of investments hypothecated as of the end of the reporting period was $365,628,780.

 

(5)

Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable.

 

(6)

Variable rate security. The rate shown is the coupon as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(7)

For fair value measurement disclosure purposes, investment classified as Level 2. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 2 – Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements for more information.

 

(8)

Contingent Capital Securities (“CoCos”) are hybrid securities with loss absorption characteristics built into the terms for the benefit of the issuer. For example the terms may specify an automatic write-down of principal or a mandatory conversion into the issuer’s common stock under certain adverse circumstances, such as the issuer’s capital ratio falling below a specified level.

 

(9)

The Fund may pledge up to 100% of its eligible investments (excluding any investments separately pledged as collateral for specific investments in derivatives, when applicable) in the Portfolio of Investments as collateral for borrowings. As of the end of the reporting period, investments with a value of $1,034,821,294 have been pledged as collateral for borrowings.

 

(10)

Borrowings as a percentage of Total Investments is 27.5%.

 

(11)

Reverse Repurchase Agreements as a percentage of Total Investments is 7.9%.

 

(12)

Other assets less liabilities includes the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of certain over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable. The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of OTC cleared and exchange-traded derivatives is recognized as part of the cash collateral at brokers and/or the receivable or payable for variation margin as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable.

 

(13)

Effective date represents the date on which both the Fund and counterparty commence interest payment accruals on each contract.

 

144A

Investment is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These investments may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration, which are normally those transactions with qualified institutional buyers.

 

Reg S

Regulation S allows U.S. companies to sell securities to persons or entities located outside of the United States without registering those securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Specifically, Regulation S provides a safe harbor from the registration requirements of the Securities Act for the offers and sales of securities by both foreign and domestic issuers that are made outside the United States.

 

LIBOR

London Inter-Bank Offered Rate

 

REIT

Real Estate Investment Trust

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

38


JPI   

Nuveen Preferred and Income
Term Fund

 

Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2018

 

Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 138.8% (100.0% Total Investments)

 

 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 65.3% (47.1% of Total Investments)

 

      Automobiles – 1.1%                           
$ 6,120    

General Motors Financial Company Inc.

    5.750%        N/A (3)        BB+      $ 6,012,900  
      Banks – 24.1%                           
  7,375    

Bank of America Corporation

    6.500%        N/A (3)        BBB–        7,909,688  
  5,510    

Bank of America Corporation, (4)

    6.300%        N/A (3)        BBB–        5,868,150  
  2,380    

Bank of America Corporation

    5.875%        N/A (3)        BBB–        2,360,960  
  4,000    

Barclays Bank PLC, 144A, (4)

    10.180%        6/12/21        A–        4,604,164  
  7,315    

Citigroup Inc.

    6.125%        N/A (3)        BB+        7,607,600  
  12,130    

Citigroup Inc., (4)

    5.875%        N/A (3)        BB+        12,445,258  
  4,390    

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    5.500%        N/A (3)        BB+        4,496,370  
  3,065    

Commerzbank AG, 144A

    8.125%        9/19/23        BBB        3,509,095  
  4,351    

HSBC Capital Funding LP, Debt, 144A

    10.176%        N/A (3)        BBB+        6,548,255  
  15,944    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    6.750%        N/A (3)        BBB        17,418,819  
  8,465    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    5.300%        N/A (3)        BBB        8,613,138  
  1,905    

JPMorgan Chase & Company, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.470% spread), (5)

    5.808%        N/A (3)        BBB–        1,913,382  
  3,320    

KeyCorp Convertible Preferred Stock

    5.000%        N/A (3)        Baa3        3,212,100  
  3,000    

Lloyds Bank PLC, 144A

    12.000%        N/A (3)        Baa3        3,652,812  
  1,340    

M&T Bank Corporation

    6.450%        N/A (3)        Baa2        1,445,525  
  4,015    

M&T Bank Corporation

    5.125%        N/A (3)        Baa2        3,994,925  
  4,995    

PNC Financial Services Inc.

    5.000%        N/A (3)        Baa2        4,957,538  
  2,150    

PNC Financial Services Inc.

    6.750%        N/A (3)        Baa2        2,319,313  
  4,201    

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, (4)

    7.648%        N/A (3)        Ba1        5,230,245  
  4,980    

SunTrust Banks Inc.

    5.050%        N/A (3)        Baa3        4,889,738  
  3,010    

Wachovia Capital Trust III

    5.570%        N/A (3)        Baa2        2,994,198  
  2,821    

Wells Fargo & Company

    5.900%        N/A (3)        Baa2        2,830,874  
  7,925    

Wells Fargo & Company

    5.875%        N/A (3)        Baa2        8,289,550  
  6,776    

Wells Fargo & Company, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.770% spread), (5)

    6.111%        N/A (3)        Baa2        6,831,562  
 

Total Banks

                               133,943,259  
      Capital Markets – 3.7%                           
  1,950    

Bank of New York Mellon

    4.950%        N/A (3)        Baa1        1,998,848  
  3,610    

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A

    7.500%        N/A (3)        Ba2        3,721,910  
  8,015    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

    5.375%        N/A (3)        Ba1        8,175,299  
  5,050    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

    5.300%        N/A (3)        Ba1        4,974,250  
  500    

Morgan Stanley

    5.550%        N/A (3)        BB+        512,500  
  1,155    

State Street Corporation, (4)

    5.250%        N/A (3)        Baa1        1,183,875  
 

Total Capital Markets

                               20,566,682  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 1.0%                           
  5,495    

AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 144A, (4)

    6.500%        6/15/45        Ba1        5,666,719  
      Consumer Finance – 2.5%                           
  3,110    

American Express Company, (4)

    5.200%        N/A (3)        Baa2        3,152,763  
  1,850    

American Express Company, (4)

    4.900%        N/A (3)        Baa2        1,859,250  
  5,450    

Capital One Financial Corporation, (4)

    5.550%        N/A (3)        Baa3        5,586,249  
  3,560    

Discover Financial Services

    5.500%        N/A (3)        BB–        3,488,800  
 

Total Consumer Finance

                               14,087,062  
      Diversified Financial Services – 5.5%                           
  5,875    

BNP Paribas SA, 144A

    7.195%        N/A (3)        BBB        6,161,406  
  14    

Compeer Financial ACA, 144A

    6.750%        N/A (3)        BB+        14,659,000  
  4,953    

Cooperative Rabobank UA, 144A

    11.000%        N/A (3)        BBB        5,259,554  

 

39


JPI    Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2018

 

Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Diversified Financial Services (continued)                           
$ 2,250    

Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, 144A

    4.875%        N/A (3)        A      $ 2,289,375  
  2,052    

Voya Financial Inc., (4)

    5.650%        5/15/53        Baa3        2,069,360  
 

Total Diversified Financial Services

                               30,438,695  
      Electric Utilities – 2.3%                           
  2,370    

Electricite de France SA, 144A

    5.250%        N/A (3)        BBB        2,349,263  
  9,525    

Emera Inc., (4)

    6.750%        6/15/76        BBB–        10,048,875  
 

Total Electric Utilities

                               12,398,138  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 2.6%                           
  12    

Sovereign Real Estate Investment Trust, 144A

    12.000%        N/A (3)        BB+        14,450,150  
      Food Products – 3.3%                           
  2,360    

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (4)

    7.125%        N/A (3)        Baa3        2,537,000  
  1,285    

Land O’ Lakes Capital Trust I, 144A, (4)

    7.450%        3/15/28        Ba1        1,419,925  
  3,120    

Land O’ Lakes Incorporated, 144A

    7.250%        N/A (3)        BB        3,385,200  
  10,170    

Land O’ Lakes Incorporated, 144A

    8.000%        N/A (3)        BB        11,136,150  
 

Total Food Products

                               18,478,275  
      Industrial Conglomerates – 4.4%                           
  24,962    

General Electric Corporation

    5.000%        N/A (3)        BBB+        24,522,669  
      Insurance – 13.2%                           
  2,745    

Aegon NV

    5.500%        4/11/48        Baa1        2,677,896  
  4,755    

American International Group Inc.

    5.750%        4/01/48        Baa2        4,695,563  
  6,270    

Assurant Inc.

    7.000%        3/27/48        BB+        6,395,400  
  21,710    

Assured Guaranty Municipal Holdings Inc., 144A, (4)

    6.400%        12/15/66        BBB+        21,710,000  
  1,824    

La Mondiale SAM, Reg S

    7.625%        N/A (3)        BBB        1,867,647  
  3,915    

MetLife Inc., 144A

    9.250%        4/08/38        BBB        5,324,400  
  2,960    

MetLife Inc.

    5.875%        N/A (3)        BBB        3,031,632  
  335    

MetLife Inc.

    5.250%        N/A (3)        BBB        341,700  
  7,254    

Provident Financing Trust I, (4)

    7.405%        3/15/38        Baa3        7,979,400  
  3,325    

Prudential Financial Inc., (4)

    5.875%        9/15/42        BBB+        3,549,438  
  12,260    

QBE Insurance Group Limited, 144A, (4)

    7.500%        11/24/43        Baa1        13,349,424  
  2,335    

QBE Insurance Group Limited

    6.750%        N/A (3)        BBB        2,412,779  
 

Total Insurance

                               73,335,279  
      Metals & Mining – 0.7%                           
  1,395    

BHP Billiton Finance USA Limited, 144A

    6.750%        10/19/75        A–        1,524,037  
  2,290    

BHP Billiton Finance USA Limited, 144A

    6.250%        10/19/75        A–        2,409,080  
 

Total Metals & Mining

                               3,933,117  
      Multi-Utilities – 0.5%                           
  2,815    

NiSource Inc., 144A

    5.650%        N/A (3)        BBB–        2,800,925  
      U.S. Agency – 0.4%                           
  1    

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, (4)

    10.000%        N/A (3)        Baa1        851,640  
  1,180    

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, 144A

    6.200%        N/A (3)        Baa1        1,194,750  
  1,403    

Total U.S. Agency

 

              2,046,390  
 

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $349,270,758)

 

                       362,680,260  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

CONTINGENT CAPITAL SECURITIES – 40.4% (29.1% of Total Investments) (7)

 

      Banks – 33.0%                           
$ 2,450    

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Limited of the United Kingdom, 144A

    6.750%        N/A (3)        Baa2      $ 2,551,063  
  11,800    

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A

    6.125%        N/A (3)        Ba2        10,856,000  
  1,110    

Banco Mercantil del Norte, 144A

    7.625%        N/A (3)        BB        1,170,495  

 

40


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Banks (continued)                           
$ 2,200    

Banco Santander SA, Reg S

    6.375%        N/A (3)        Ba1      $ 2,205,544  
  18,505    

Barclays PLC

    7.875%        N/A (3)        BB+        19,452,936  
  12,184    

Credit Agricole SA, 144A

    8.125%        N/A (3)        BBB–        13,371,940  
  8,175    

Credit Agricole SA, 144A

    7.875%        N/A (3)        BBB–        8,697,383  
  3,381    

HSBC Holdings PLC

    6.375%        N/A (3)        BBB        3,395,741  
  1,960    

HSBC Holdings PLC

    6.000%        N/A (3)        BBB        1,899,240  
  1,000    

ING Groep N.V

    6.875%        N/A (3)        BBB–        1,027,500  
  4,890    

ING Groep N.V, Reg S

    6.500%        N/A (3)        BBB–        4,842,567  
  17,125    

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 144A

    7.700%        N/A (3)        BB–        16,354,375  
  22,860    

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

    7.500%        N/A (3)        Baa3        23,602,950  
  4,390    

Nordea Bank AB, 144A

    6.125%        N/A (3)        BBB        4,307,688  
  5,560    

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

    8.625%        N/A (3)        Ba2        5,999,796  
  9,989    

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

    8.000%        N/A (3)        Ba2        10,609,516  
  1,476    

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

    7.500%        N/A (3)        Ba2        1,523,970  
  5,100    

Societe Generale SA, 144A

    6.750%        N/A (3)        BB+        4,883,250  
  3,540    

Societe Generale SA, 144A

    8.000%        N/A (3)        BB+        3,801,854  
  7,218    

Societe Generale SA, 144A

    7.875%        N/A (3)        BB+        7,624,013  
  5,675    

Societe Generale SA, 144A, (4)

    7.375%        N/A (3)        BB+        5,965,844  
  5,600    

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A

    7.750%        N/A (3)        Ba1        5,838,000  
  6,330    

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A

    7.500%        N/A (3)        Ba1        6,630,675  
  17,075    

UniCredit SpA

    8.000%        N/A (3)        B+        16,476,897  
  179,593    

Total Banks

                               183,089,237  
      Capital Markets – 5.7%                           
  12,007    

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A

    7.500%        N/A (3)        BB        12,802,343  
  1,400    

Credit Suisse Group AG

    7.125%        N/A (3)        Ba2        1,451,100  
  2,500    

Macquarie Bank Limited, 144A

    6.125%        N/A (3)        Ba1        2,281,250  
  687    

UBS Group AG

    7.125%        N/A (3)        BBB–        712,763  
  13,710    

UBS Group AG

    7.000%        N/A (3)        BBB–        14,449,819  
  30,304    

Total Capital Markets

                               31,697,275  
      Diversified Financial Services – 1.7%                           
  8,690    

BNP Paribas SA, 144A, (4)

    7.375%        N/A (3)        BBB–        9,233,125  
$ 218,587    

Total Contingent Capital Securities (cost $229,159,772)

                               224,019,637  
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
 

$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED – 33.1% (23.8% of Total Investments)

 

      Banks – 9.3%                           
  115,900    

AgriBank FCB, (6)

    6.875%           BBB+      $ 12,401,300  
  134,689    

Citigroup Inc., (4)

    7.125%           BB+        3,764,558  
  155,800    

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (6)

    6.250%           BBB+        16,203,200  
  40,797    

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (4), (6)

    6.200%           BBB+        4,242,888  
  107,726    

Fifth Third Bancorp

    6.625%           Baa3        2,938,765  
  154,612    

Huntington Bancshares Inc.

    6.250%           Baa3        4,083,303  
  38,100    

KeyCorp

    6.125%           Baa3        1,031,367  
  192,878    

Regions Financial Corporation, (4)

    6.375%           BB+        5,252,068  
  22,000    

Wells Fargo & Company, (4)

    6.625%           Baa2        604,560  
  41,069    

Zions Bancorporation, (4)

    6.300%                 BB        1,104,345  
 

Total Banks

                               51,626,354  
      Capital Markets – 4.4%                           
  54,600    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

    5.500%           Ba1        1,403,220  
  160,656    

Morgan Stanley, (4)

    7.125%           BB+        4,509,614  
  244,100    

Morgan Stanley

    6.875%           BB+        6,676,135  
  143,200    

Morgan Stanley

    6.375%           BB+        3,846,352  
  191,400    

Morgan Stanley

    5.850%           BB+        4,963,002  
  51,800    

Northern Trust Corporation, (4)

    5.850%           BBB+        1,400,154  
  54,750    

State Street Corporation, (4)

    5.350%                 Baa1        1,427,880  
 

Total Capital Markets

                               24,226,357  

 

41


JPI    Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2018

 

Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
      Consumer Finance – 0.9%                           
  185,926    

GMAC Capital Trust I

    7.198%                 B+      $ 4,940,054  
      Food Products – 3.3%                           
  185,400    

CHS Inc., (4)

    7.875%           N/R        5,324,688  
  161,100    

CHS Inc.

    7.100%           N/R        4,486,635  
  141,800    

CHS Inc., (4)

    6.750%           N/R        3,804,494  
  24,000    

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (6)

    7.875%           Baa3        2,430,000  
  20,500    

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (6)

    7.875%                 Baa3        2,367,750  
 

Total Food Products

                               18,413,567  
      Insurance – 6.6%                           
  324,957    

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, (4)

    5.950%           BBB–        8,335,147  
  62,000    

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, (4)

    5.625%           BBB–        1,525,200  
  108,900    

Axis Capital Holdings Limited

    5.500%           BBB        2,705,076  
  61,100    

Delphi Financial Group Inc., (4), (6)

    1.863%           BB+        1,344,200  
  119,500    

Enstar Group Limited

    7.000%           BB+        3,067,565  
  295,125    

Kemper Corporation

    7.375%           Ba1        7,685,055  
  163,333    

Maiden Holdings NA Limited

    7.750%           N/R        3,797,492  
  62,847    

Reinsurance Group of America Inc., (4)

    6.200%           BBB+        1,684,928  
  181,800    

Reinsurance Group of America Inc., (4)

    5.750%           BBB+        4,695,894  
  74,800    

Torchmark Corp, (4)

    6.125%                 BBB+        1,956,020  
 

Total Insurance

                               36,796,577  
      Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts – 0.5%                           
  114,600    

Wells Fargo REIT, (4)

    6.375%                 BBB        2,989,914  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 1.3%                           
  84,700    

NuStar Energy LP, (4)

    8.500%           B1        2,036,188  
  206,369    

NuStar Logistics Limited Partnership

    9.082%                 B+        5,276,855  
 

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                               7,313,043  
      Thrifts & Mortgage Finance – 2.5%                           
  103,274    

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation

    6.875%           N/R        2,689,255  
  145,808    

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation

    6.000%           N/R        3,769,137  
  270,100    

New York Community Bancorp Inc., (4)

    6.375%                 Ba1        7,252,185  
 

Total Thrifts & Mortgage Finance

                               13,710,577  
      U.S. Agency – 4.3%                           
  222    

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, 144A, (6)

    6.750%                 Baa1        23,764,700  
 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred (cost $176,517,492)

                               183,781,143  
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $754,948,022) – 138.8%

                               770,481,040  
 

Borrowings – (40.5)% (8), (9)

                               (225,000,000
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – 1.7% (10)

                               9,576,624  
 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares – 100%

                             $ 555,057,664  

Investments in Derivatives

Interest Rate Swaps – OTC Uncleared

 

Counterparty   Notional
Amount
    Fund
Pay/Receive
Floating Rate
    Floating Rate Index     Fixed Rate
(Annualized)
    Fixed Rate
Payment
Frequency
    Effective
Date (11)
    Optional
Termination
Date
    Maturity
Date
    Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, LLC

  $ 112,000,000       Receive       1-Month LIBOR       1.928     Monthly       6/01/18       3/01/23       3/01/24     $ 4,199,937     $ 4,199,937  

Total unrealized appreciation on interest rate swaps

 

                                                          $ 4,199,937  

 

42


For Fund portfolio compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine industry sub-classifications into sectors for reporting ease.

 

(1)

All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net assets applicable to common shares unless otherwise noted.

 

(2)

For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest of Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) rating. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Ratings below BBB by Standard & Poor’s, Baa by Moody’s or BBB by Fitch are considered to be below investment grade. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by any of these national rating agencies. Ratings are not covered by the report of independent registered public accounting firm.

 

(3)

Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable.

 

(4)

Investment, or portion of investment, is hypothecated as described in the Notes to Financial Statements, Note 8 – Fund Leverage, Rehypothecation. The total value of investments hypothecated as of the end of the reporting period was $177,661,024.

 

(5)

Variable rate security. The rate shown is the coupon as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(6)

For fair value measurement disclosure purposes, investment classified as Level 2. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 2 – Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements for more information.

 

(7)

Contingent Capital Securities (“CoCos”) are hybrid securities with loss absorption characteristics built into the terms of the security for the benefit of the issuer. For example, the terms may specify an automatic write-down of principal or a mandatory conversion into the issuer’s common stock under certain adverse circumstances, such as the issuer’s capital ratio falling below a specified level.

 

(8)

The Fund may pledge up to 100% of its eligible investments (excluding any investments separately pledged as collateral for specific investments in derivatives, when applicable) in the Portfolio of Investments as collateral for borrowings. As of the end of the reporting period, investments with a value of $553,141,090 have been pledged as collateral for borrowings.

 

(9)

Borrowings as a percentage of Total Investments is 29.2%.

 

(10)

Other assets less liabilities includes the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of certain over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable. The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of OTC-cleared and exchange-traded derivatives is recognized as part of cash collateral at brokers and/or the receivable or payable for variation margin as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable.

 

(11)

Effective date represents the date on which both the Fund and counterparty commence interest payment accruals on each contract.

 

144A

Investment is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These investments may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration, which are normally those transactions with qualified institutional buyers.

 

Reg S

Regulation S allows U.S. companies to sell securities to persons or entities located outside of the United States without registering those securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Specifically, Regulation S provides a safe harbor from the registration requirements of the Securities Act for the offers and sales of securities by both foreign and domestic issuers that are made outside the United States.

 

LIBOR

London Inter-Bank Offered Rate

 

REIT

Real Estate Investment Trust

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

43


JPS   

Nuveen Preferred & Income
Securities Fund

 

Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2018

 

Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 147.1% (97.8% of Total Investments)

 

 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 67.4% (44.9% of Total Investments)

 

      Automobiles – 0.0%                           
$ 1,000    

General Motors Financial Company Inc., (3)

    5.750%        N/A (4)        BB+      $ 982,500  
      Banks – 28.2%                           
  14,300    

Bank of America Corporation

    6.500%        N/A (4)        BBB–        15,336,750  
  16,000    

Bank of America Corporation, (3)

    6.300%        N/A (4)        BBB–        17,040,000  
  12,300    

Bank of America Corporation, (3)

    6.100%        N/A (4)        BBB–        12,819,675  
  1,000    

Bank of Nova Scotia

    4.650%        N/A (4)        BBB–        910,000  
  3,600    

Bank One Capital III, (5)

    8.750%        9/01/30        BBB+        4,909,705  
  7,000    

Citigroup Inc.

    6.250%        N/A (4)        BB+        7,249,270  
  43,000    

Citigroup Inc., (5)

    6.125%        N/A (4)        BB+        44,720,000  
  9,250    

Citigroup Inc.

    5.950%        N/A (4)        BB+        9,481,250  
  24,389    

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    5.500%        N/A (4)        BB+        24,979,945  
  18,000    

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank

    6.250%        N/A (4)        BBB+        19,170,000  
  1,250    

Den Norske Bank

    2.563%        N/A (4)        Baa2        867,500  
  1,250    

Den Norske Bank

    1.573%        N/A (4)        Baa2        858,700  
  4,500    

Dresdner Funding Trust I, 144A

    8.151%        6/30/31        BB+        5,568,750  
  28,500    

Dresdner Funding Trust I, Reg S

    8.151%        6/30/31        BB+        35,237,856  
  25,580    

First Union Capital II, (3), (5)

    7.950%        11/15/29        Baa1        31,626,522  
  30,000    

HSBC Capital Funding LP, Debt, 144A, (3)

    10.176%        N/A (4)        BBB+        45,150,000  
  11,000    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    6.000%        N/A (4)        BBB        11,366,630  
  54,000    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    6.750%        N/A (4)        BBB        58,995,000  
  10,000    

JPMorgan Chase & Company, (5)

    6.100%        N/A (4)        BBB        10,298,300  
  4,900    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    5.300%        N/A (4)        BBB        4,985,750  
  3,500    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    5.150%        N/A (4)        BBB        3,460,625  
  27,300    

JPMorgan Chase & Company, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.470% spread), (6)

    5.150%        N/A (4)        BBB–        27,420,120  
  8,000    

KeyCorp Capital III

    7.750%        7/15/29        Baa2        9,820,000  
  12,000    

Lloyds Bank PLC, 144A, (5)

    12.000%        N/A (4)        Baa3        14,611,248  
  20,900    

Lloyds Bank PLC, Reg S

    12.000%        N/A (4)        Baa3        25,447,506  
  4,800    

Lloyds Banking Group PLC, 144A

    6.413%        N/A (4)        Baa3        5,016,000  
  9,850    

Lloyds Banking Group PLC, 144A, (3)

    6.657%        N/A (4)        Baa3        10,416,375  
  9    

M&T Bank Corporation, (5)

    6.375%        N/A (4)        Baa1        9,100,000  
  29,100    

PNC Financial Services Inc.

    6.750%        N/A (4)        Baa2        31,391,625  
  25,000    

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A

    7.014%        N/A (4)        Ba1        26,250,000  
  3,000    

Wells Fargo & Company

    5.875%        N/A (4)        Baa2        3,138,000  
  31,278    

Wells Fargo & Company, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.770% spread), (6)

    6.111%        N/A (4)        Baa2        31,534,480  
 

Total Banks

                               559,177,582  
      Capital Markets – 2.2%                           
  12,100    

Bank of New York Mellon

    4.950%        N/A (4)        Baa1        12,403,105  
  18,700    

Charles Schwab Corporation

    7.000%        N/A (4)        BBB        20,523,250  
  3,500    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

    5.700%        N/A (4)        Ba1        3,543,750  
  6,150    

Morgan Stanley

    5.550%        N/A (4)        BB+        6,303,750  
 

Total Capital Markets

                               42,773,855  
      Consumer Finance – 0.4%                           
  8,000    

Capital One Financial Corporation, (3)

    5.550%        N/A (4)        Baa3        8,200,000  
      Diversified Financial Services – 2.6%                           
  10,000    

Cooperatieve Rabobank U.A. of Netherlands, Reg S

    11.000%        N/A (4)        BBB        10,620,000  
  17,557    

Cooperatieve Rabobank U.A. of Netherlands, 144A

    11.000%        N/A (4)        BBB        18,645,534  
  2,861    

Countrywide Capital III, (3)

    8.050%        6/15/27        BBB        3,541,599  
  17,705    

Voya Financial Inc., (3), (5)

    5.650%        5/15/53        Baa3        17,854,784  
 

Total Diversified Financial Services

                               50,661,917  

 

44


Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Electric Utilities – 3.3%                           
$ 27,955    

Emera Inc., (3), (5)

    6.750%        6/15/76        BBB–      $ 29,492,524  
  1,600    

NextEra Energy Capital Holdings Inc.

    4.800%        12/01/77        BBB        1,504,000  
  11,450    

NextEra Energy Capital Holdings Inc., (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.125% spread), (3), (6)

    4.466%        6/15/67        BBB        11,135,231  
  1,000    

NextEra Energy Capital Holdings Inc., (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.068% spread), (5), (6)

    4.404%        10/01/66        BBB        962,670  
  23,482    

PPL Capital Funding Inc., (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.665% spread), (5), (6)

    4.999%        3/30/67        BBB        23,034,668  
 

Total Electric Utilities

                               66,129,093  
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.7%                           
  14,530    

Transcanada Trust, (5)

    5.875%        8/15/76        Baa2        14,602,650  
      Food Products – 0.2%                           
  4,500    

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (5)

    7.125%        N/A (4)        Baa3        4,837,500  
      Insurance – 23.5%                           
  3,598    

ACE Capital Trust II

    9.700%        4/01/30        BBB+        4,965,240  
  9,800    

AIG Life Holdings Inc., (5)

    8.500%        7/01/30        Baa2        12,054,000  
  4,400    

Allstate Corporation, (5)

    5.750%        8/15/53        Baa1        4,532,000  
  1,200    

Allstate Corporation

    6.500%        5/15/57        Baa1        1,350,000  
  13,605    

American International Group Inc., (5)

    8.175%        5/15/58        Baa2        17,244,338  
  10,000    

American International Group Inc., (5)

    5.750%        4/01/48        Baa2        9,875,000  
  2,299    

AON Corporation, (5)

    8.205%        1/01/27        BBB        2,800,136  
  5,000    

Argentum Netherlands BV for Swiss Re Ltd, Reg S

    5.750%        N/A (4)        BBB+        5,064,000  
  900    

AXA SA, Reg S

    5.500%        N/A (4)        A3        858,789  
  16,550    

AXA SA, (3), (5)

    8.600%        12/15/30        A3        21,026,775  
  17,819    

AXA SA, 144A, (3)

    6.380%        N/A (4)        Baa1        19,066,330  
  32,854    

Catlin Insurance Company Limited, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.975% spread), (6)

    5.317%        N/A (4)        BBB+        32,525,460  
  1,200    

Everest Reinsurance Holdings Inc., (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.385% spread), (5), (6)

    6.600%        5/01/37        BBB        1,182,000  
  8,100    

Great West Life & Annuity Capital I, 144A, (3)

    6.625%        11/15/34        A–        9,464,840  
  16,150    

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc., 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.125% spread), (5), (6)

    3.538%        2/12/47        BBB–        15,181,000  
  6,000    

Legal & General Group PLC, Reg S

    5.250%        3/21/47        A3        5,770,800  
  20,369    

Liberty Mutual Group, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.905% spread), (3), (6)

    4.318%        3/15/37        Baa3        20,012,543  
  30,860    

Liberty Mutual Group, 144A, (3), (5)

    7.800%        3/15/37        Baa3        36,414,800  
  3,277    

Lincoln National Corporation, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.358% spread), (5), (6)

    7.000%        5/17/66        BBB        3,096,764  
  10,390    

Lincoln National Corporation, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.040% spread), (5), (6)

    6.050%        4/20/67        BBB        9,584,775  
  6,800    

Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company, 144A, (5)

    5.100%        4/26/48        A3        6,910,500  
  26,100    

MetLife Capital Trust IV, 144A, (3)

    7.875%        12/15/37        BBB        32,398,713  
  36,531    

MetLife Inc., 144A

    9.250%        4/08/38        BBB        49,682,160  
  3,000    

MetLife Inc., (5)

    10.750%        8/01/39        BBB        4,608,750  
  41,904    

Nationwide Financial Services Inc., (3)

    6.750%        5/15/37        Baa2        45,989,640  
  6,243    

Oil Insurance Limited, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.982% spread), (6)

    5.319%        N/A (4)        Baa1        5,979,442  
  15,997    

Provident Financing Trust I, (3), (5)

    7.405%        3/15/38        Baa3        17,596,700  
  6,225    

Prudential Financial Inc., (5)

    5.875%        9/15/42        BBB+        6,645,188  
  27,180    

Prudential Financial Inc., Reg S, (5)

    5.625%        6/15/43        BBB+        28,280,790  
  1,300    

Prudential PLC

    7.750%        N/A (4)        BBB+        1,323,537  
  29    

XLIT Limited

    3.687%        N/A (4)        Baa3        28,520,625  
  5,405    

XLIT Limited, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.458% spread), (6)

    4.795%        N/A (4)        BBB        5,323,925  
 

Total Insurance

                               465,329,560  
      Machinery – 0.3%                           
  6,000    

Stanley Black & Decker Inc., (5)

    5.750%        12/15/53        BBB+        6,030,000  
      Metals & Mining – 0.7%                           
  13,000    

BHP Billiton Finance USA Limited, 144A, (5)

    6.750%        10/19/75        A–        14,202,500  

 

45


JPS    Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2018

 

Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Multi-Utilities – 0.3%                           
$ 2,000    

NiSource Inc., 144A

    5.650%        N/A (4)        BBB–      $ 1,990,000  
  3,000    

WEC Energy Group, Inc., (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.113% spread), (5), (6)

    4.426%        5/15/67        BBB        2,925,000  
 

Total Multi-Utilities

                               4,915,000  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.1%                           
  3,000    

Enterprise Products Operating LLC, (5)

    5.250%        8/16/77        Baa2        2,825,610  
      Road & Rail – 1.4%                           
  25,485    

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Funding Trust I, (3)

    6.613%        12/15/55        A        28,543,200  
      U.S. Agency – 0.2%                           
  4,000    

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, 144A

    6.200%        N/A (4)        Baa1        4,050,000  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 3.3%                           
  59    

Centaur Funding Corporation, Series B, 144A, (5)

    9.080%        4/21/20        BBB–        65,199,180  
  844,169    

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $1,257,781,683)

 

              1,338,460,147  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

CONTINGENT CAPITAL SECURITIES – 61.4% (40.8% of Total Investments) (7)

 

     
      Banks – 43.8%                           
$ 46,739    

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Limited of the United Kingdom, 144A

    6.750%        N/A (4)        Baa2      $ 48,666,984  
  47,000    

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A, (3)

    6.125%        N/A (4)        Ba2        43,240,000  
  24,000    

Banco Santander SA, Reg S

    6.375%        N/A (4)        Ba1        24,060,480  
  7,000    

Barclays Bank PLC, (5)

    7.625%        11/21/22        BBB–        7,577,500  
  36,416    

Barclays PLC

    7.434%        N/A (4)        BB+        36,684,022  
  4,500    

Barclays PLC, Reg S

    7.875%        N/A (4)        BB+        4,730,517  
  45,290    

Barclays PLC, (3)

    8.250%        N/A (4)        BB+        46,120,981  
  1,000    

Credit Agricole SA, 144A

    6.625%        N/A (4)        BBB–        1,015,000  
  31,550    

Credit Agricole SA, 144A

    8.125%        N/A (4)        BBB–        34,626,125  
  19,653    

Credit Agricole SA, 144A

    7.875%        N/A (4)        BBB–        20,908,827  
  10,288    

Danske Bank A/S, Reg S

    6.125%        N/A (4)        BBB–        9,850,760  
  17,200    

DNB Bank ASA, Reg S

    6.500%        N/A (4)        BBB        17,801,897  
  11,000    

DNB Bank ASA, Reg S

    5.750%        N/A (4)        BBB        11,022,792  
  10,000    

HSBC Holdings PLC, (5)

    6.500%        N/A (4)        BBB        9,810,000  
  5,000    

HSBC Holdings PLC

    6.375%        N/A (4)        BBB        5,021,800  
  4,800    

HSBC Holdings PLC, (5)

    6.250%        N/A (4)        BBB        4,836,000  
  4,000    

HSBC Holdings PLC, (5)

    6.000%        N/A (4)        BBB        3,876,000  
  66,505    

HSBC Holdings PLC, (3)

    6.875%        N/A (4)        BBB        69,996,513  
  5,000    

ING Groep N.V, Reg S

    6.875%        N/A (4)        BBB–        5,137,500  
  16,000    

ING Groep N.V

    6.500%        N/A (4)        BBB–        15,844,800  
  2,000    

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 144A

    7.700%        N/A (4)        BB–        1,910,000  
  73,428    

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

    7.500%        N/A (4)        Baa3        75,814,409  
  35,090    

Nordea Bank AB, 144A, (3)

    6.125%        N/A (4)        BBB        34,432,063  
  12,330    

Nordea Bank AB, Reg S

    5.250%        N/A (4)        BBB        11,929,275  
  5,000    

Nordea Bank AB, Reg S

    6.125%        N/A (4)        BBB        4,906,250  
  2,000    

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

    8.625%        N/A (4)        Ba2        2,158,200  
  27,075    

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

    8.000%        N/A (4)        Ba2        28,756,899  
  69,886    

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

    7.500%        N/A (4)        Ba2        72,157,295  
  25,400    

Societe Generale SA, 144A, (3)

    6.750%        N/A (4)        BB+        24,320,500  
  1,700    

Societe Generale SA, Reg S

    6.750%        N/A (4)        BB+        1,627,750  
  9,000    

Societe Generale SA, Reg S

    8.250%        N/A (4)        BB+        9,133,308  
  73,300    

Societe Generale SA, 144A

    8.000%        N/A (4)        BB+        78,722,001  
  9,000    

Societe Generale SA, Reg S

    7.875%        N/A (4)        BB+        9,506,250  
  2,000    

Standard Chartered PLC, Reg S

    6.500%        N/A (4)        Ba1        2,000,000  
  13,000    

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A

    7.750%        N/A (4)        Ba1        13,552,500  
  15,000    

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A

    7.500%        N/A (4)        Ba1        15,712,500  
  4,700    

Standard Chartered PLC, Reg S

    7.500%        N/A (4)        Ba1        4,923,250  

 

46


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Banks (continued)                           
$ 32,786    

Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Reg S

    5.250%        N/A (4)        BBB+      $ 31,762,224  
  12,000    

Swedbank AB, Reg S

    6.000%        N/A (4)        BBB        12,000,000  
  13,300    

UniCredit SpA, Reg S

    8.000%        N/A (4)        B+        12,834,128  
  850,936    

Total Banks

                               868,987,300  
      Capital Markets – 11.8%                           
  11,000    

Credit Suisse Group AG, Reg S

    6.500%        N/A (4)        BBB        11,728,750  
  58,000    

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A, (3), (5)

    7.500%        N/A (4)        BB        61,841,919  
  22,000    

Credit Suisse Group AG, Reg S

    7.500%        N/A (4)        BB        23,471,448  
  8,200    

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A

    6.250%        N/A (4)        BB        8,230,750  
  1,700    

Credit Suisse Group AG, Reg S

    7.125%        N/A (4)        Ba2        1,762,050  
  5,075    

Macquarie Bank Limited, 144A

    6.125%        N/A (4)        Ba1        4,630,938  
  2,676    

UBS AG Stamford CT, (5)

    7.625%        8/17/22        A–        2,979,726  
  42,178    

UBS Group AG, Reg S

    7.125%        N/A (4)        BBB–        43,759,675  
  16,609    

UBS Group AG, Reg S

    7.000%        N/A (4)        BBB–        17,505,255  
  11,700    

UBS Group AG, Reg S

    6.875%        N/A (4)        BBB–        12,211,875  
  44,800    

UBS Group AG, Reg S

    6.875%        N/A (4)        BBB–        45,762,214  
  223,938    

Total Capital Markets

                               233,884,600  
      Diversified Financial Services – 5.8%                           
  58,750    

BNP Paribas, 144A

    7.625%        N/A (4)        BBB–        62,568,750  
  38,585    

BNP Paribas, 144A, (3)

    7.375%        N/A (4)        BBB–        40,996,562  
  10,000    

BNP Paribas, Reg S

    7.375%        N/A (4)        BBB–        10,625,000  
  107,335    

Total Diversified Financial Services

                               114,190,312  
$ 1,182,209    

Total Contingent Capital Securities (cost $1,195,085,707)

                               1,217,062,212  
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
 

$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED – 15.5% (10.2% of Total Investments)

 

      Banks – 6.7%                           
  105,300    

AgriBank FCB, (8)

    6.875%           BBB+      $ 11,267,100  
  645,113    

Citigroup Inc.

    6.875%           BB+        17,921,239  
  47,500    

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (8)

    6.250%           BBB+        4,940,000  
  53,000    

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (3), (8)

    6.200%           BBB+        5,512,000  
  86,000    

Fifth Third Bancorp, (3)

    6.625%           Baa3        2,346,080  
  724,000    

KeyCorp Preferred Stock, (3)

    6.125%           Baa3        19,598,680  
  2,164,700    

PNC Financial Services, (3)

    6.125%           Baa2        59,269,485  
  249,285    

Wells Fargo & Company, (3)

    5.850%           Baa2        6,478,917  
  182,000    

Wells Fargo & Company

    5.625%                 Baa2        4,579,120  
 

Total Banks

                               131,912,621  
      Capital Markets – 1.5%                           
  369,239    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

    5.500%           Ba1        9,489,442  
  38,534    

Morgan Stanley, (3)

    7.125%           BB+        1,081,649  
  640,000    

Morgan Stanley, (3)

    5.850%           BB+        16,595,200  
  74,642    

State Street Corporation, (3)

    5.900%                 Baa1        2,025,784  
 

Total Capital Markets

                               29,192,075  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 0.6%                           
  27,195    

Qwest Corporation, (5)

    7.500%           BBB–        686,946  
  272,448    

Qwest Corporation, (3)

    7.000%           BBB–        6,337,140  
  63,359    

Qwest Corporation, (3)

    7.000%           BBB–        1,473,097  
  80,001    

Qwest Corporation, (3)

    6.875%           BBB–        1,807,223  
  74,135    

Qwest Corporation, (3)

    6.125%                 BBB–        1,545,715  
 

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

                               11,850,121  
      Electric Utilities – 1.2%                           
  160,000    

Alabama Power Company, (3)

    5.000%           A3        4,072,000  
  299,756    

Integrys Energy Group Inc., (5), (8)

    6.000%           BBB        7,868,595  
  118,877    

Interstate Power & Light Company, (3)

    5.100%           BBB        2,981,435  

 

47


JPS    Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2018

 

Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
      Electric Utilities (continued)                           
  102,506    

SCE Trust VI

    5.000%           Baa1      $ 2,342,262  
  151,268    

SCE Trust V, (3)

    5.450%           Baa1        3,845,233  
  86,891    

Southern Company, (3)

    5.250%                 BBB        2,129,698  
 

Total Electric Utilities

                               23,239,223  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 0.6%                           
  2,000    

DDR Corporation

    6.500%           Ba1        49,720  
  76,450    

DDR Corporation, (5)

    6.250%           Ba1        1,853,912  
  152,294    

Digital Realty Trust Inc., (5)

    7.375%           Baa3        3,965,736  
  18,639    

Kimco Realty Corporation, (5)

    5.625%           Baa2        455,724  
  300    

Kimco Realty Corporation

    5.500%           Baa2        7,275  
  2,100    

Kimco Realty Corporation

    5.250%           Baa2        47,565  
  82,301    

Prologis Inc., (8)

    8.540%           BBB        5,279,609  
  3,488    

Public Storage, Inc.

    5.625%           A3        88,020  
  2,586    

Public Storage, Inc.

    5.200%           A3        64,185  
  2,705    

Public Storage, Inc.

    5.050%           A3        66,895  
  12,199    

Ventas Realty LP, (5)

    5.450%           BBB+        304,853  
  2,000    

Vornado Realty Trust

    5.250%                 BBB–        46,320  
 

Total Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts

                               12,229,814  
      Food Products – 0.7%                           
  91,900    

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (8)

    7.875%           Baa3        9,304,875  
  32,500    

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (8)

    7.875%                 Baa3        3,753,750  
 

Total Food Products

                               13,058,625  
      Insurance – 2.9%                           
  100,206    

Aegon NV, (3)

    6.375%           Baa1        2,601,348  
  608,741    

Allstate Corporation, (5)

    5.100%           Baa1        15,772,479  
  54,297    

American Financial Group, (5)

    6.250%           Baa2        1,397,062  
  33,829    

Arch Capital Group

    5.250%           BBB        803,439  
  131,293    

Axis Capital Holdings Limited, (3)

    5.500%           BBB        3,283,638  
  307,730    

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc., (3), (5)

    7.875%           Baa2        8,739,532  
  521,842    

Prudential PLC, (3)

    6.750%           BBB+        13,766,192  
  416,100    

Reinsurance Group of America Inc., (5)

    6.200%           BBB+        11,155,641  
  10,000    

W.R. Berkley Corporation, (5)

    5.625%                 Baa2        246,700  
 

Total Insurance

                               57,766,031  
      Multi-Utilities – 0.3%                           
  280,000    

DTE Energy Company, (3)

    5.250%                 Baa2        6,868,400  
      U.S. Agency – 0.7%                           
  133    

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, 144A, (5), (8)

    6.750%                 Baa1        14,204,250  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.3%                           
  90,850    

Telephone & Data Systems Inc., (5)

    7.000%           BB+        2,278,518  
  131,990    

Telephone & Data Systems Inc., (5)

    6.875%           BB+        3,332,748  
  11,826    

United States Cellular Corporation, (5)

    7.250%           Ba1        301,563  
  10,591    

United States Cellular Corporation, (5)

    6.950%                 Ba1        265,516  
 

Total Wireless Telecommunication Services

                               6,178,345  
 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred (cost $291,884,289)

                               306,499,505  
Shares     Description (1), (9)                           Value  
      INVESTMENT COMPANIES – 1.2% (0.8% of Total Investments)                           
  966,571    

BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust IV, (3)

           $ 11,753,503  
  646,421    

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III, (3)

                               11,913,539  
 

Total Investment Companies (cost $34,063,199)

                               23,667,042  

 

48


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 0.8% (0.6% of Total Investments)

          
      Insurance – 0.7%                           
$ 5,000    

AIG Life Holdings Inc., 144A, (3)

    8.125%        3/15/46        Baa2      $ 6,500,000  
  6,150    

Liberty Mutual Group Inc., 144A, (5)

    7.697%        10/15/97        BBB+        8,236,766  
  11,150    

Total Insurance

                               14,736,766  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.1%                           
  1,600    

Koninklijke KPN NV, 144A, (5)

    7.000%        3/28/73        BB+        1,664,320  
$ 30,750    

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $14,931,798)

                               16,401,086  
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
 

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES – 0.8% (0.5% of Total Investments)

 

     
      Banks – 0.8%                           
  12,700    

Wells Fargo & Company, (3)

    7.500%                 Baa2      $ 16,116,300  
 

Total Convertible Preferred Securities (cost $15,192,423)

                               16,116,300  
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $2,808,939,099)

                               2,918,206,292  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity              Value  
      SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 3.4% (2.2% of Total Investments)  
      REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS – 3.4% (2.2% of Total Investments)  
$ 66,781    

Repurchase Agreements with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 7/31/18, repurchase price $66,782,288,
collateralized by $68,290,000 U.S. Treasury Notes,
2.875%, due 7/31/25, value $68,119,275

    0.900%        8/01/18               $ 66,780,618  
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $66,780,618)

                               66,780,618  
 

Total Investments (cost $2,875,719,717) – 150.5%

                               2,984,986,910  
 

Borrowings – (42.6)% (10), (11)

                               (845,300,000
 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements – (10.1)% (12)

                               (200,000,000
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – 2.2% (13)

                               43,223,215  
 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares – 100%

                             $ 1,982,910,125  

Investments in Derivatives

Interest Rate Swaps – OTC Uncleared

 

Counterparty   Notional
Amount
    Fund
Pay/Receive
Floating Rate
    Floating Rate Index     Fixed Rate
(Annualized)
    Fixed Rate
Payment
Frequency
    Effective
Date (14)
    Optional
Termination
Date
    Maturity
Date
    Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, LLC

  $ 521,000,000       Receive       1-Month LIBOR       1.994     Monthly       6/01/18       7/01/25       7/01/27     $ 26,116,638     $ 26,116,638  

Total unrealized appreciation on interest rate swaps

 

                                                  $ 26,116,638  

 

 

49


JPS    Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2018

 

 

For Fund portfolio compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine industry sub-classifications into sectors for reporting ease.

 

(1)

All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net assets applicable to common shares unless otherwise noted.

 

(2)

For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest of Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) rating. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Ratings below BBB by Standard & Poor’s, Baa by Moody’s or BBB by Fitch are considered to be below investment grade. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by any of these national rating agencies. Ratings are not covered by the report of independent registered public accounting firm.

 

(3)

Investment, or portion of investment, is hypothecated as described in the Notes to Financial Statements, Note 8 – Fund Leverage, Rehypothecation. The total value of investments hypothecated as of the end of the reporting period was $790,806,565.

 

(4)

Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable.

 

(5)

Investment, or portion of investment, has been pledged to collateralize the net payment obligations for investments in reverse repurchase agreements. As of the end of the reporting period, investments with a value of $466,560,231 have been pledged as collateral for reverse repurchase agreements.

 

(6)

Variable rate security. The rate shown is the coupon as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(7)

Contingent Capital Securities (“CoCos”) are hybrid securities with loss absorption characteristics built into the terms of the security for the benefit of the issuer. For example, the terms may specify an automatic write-down of principal or a mandatory conversion into the issuer’s common stock under certain adverse circumstances, such as the issuer’s capital ratio falling below a specified level.

 

(8)

For fair value measurement disclosure purposes, investment classified as Level 2. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 2 – Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements for more information.

 

(9)

A copy of the most recent financial statements for these investment companies can be obtained directly from the Securities and Exchange Commission on its website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

(10)

The Fund may pledge up to 100% of its eligible investments (excluding any investments separately pledged as collateral for specific investments in derivatives, when applicable) in the Portfolio of Investments as collateral for borrowings. As of the end of the reporting period, investments with a value of $1,971,947,072 have been pledged as collateral for borrowings.

 

(11)

Borrowings as a percentage of Total Investments are 28.3%.

 

(12)

Reverse Repurchase Agreements as a percentage of Total Investments is 6.7%.

 

(13)

Other assets less liabilities includes the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of certain over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives as presented the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable. The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of OTC-cleared and exchange-traded derivatives is recognized as part of cash collateral at brokers and/or the receivable or payable for variation margin as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable.

 

(14)

Effective date represents the date on which both the Fund and counterparty commence interest payment accruals on each contract.

 

144A

Investment is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These investments may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration, which are normally those transactions with qualified institutional buyers.

 

Reg S

Regulation S allows U.S. companies to sell securities to persons or entities located outside of the United States without registering those securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Specifically, Regulation S provides a safe harbor from the registration requirements of the Securities Act for the offers and sales of securities by both foreign and domestic issuers that are made outside the United States.

 

LIBOR

London Inter-Bank Offered Rate

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

50


JPT   

Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022
Term Fund

 

Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2018

 

Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 125.5% (99.1% of Total Investments)

 

 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 96.6% (76.2% of Total Investments)

 

      Automobiles – 2.6%                           
$ 4,385    

General Motors Financial Company Inc.

    5.750%        N/A (3)        BB+      $ 4,308,263  
      Banks – 35.1%                           
  4,545    

Bank of America Corporation

    6.500%        N/A (3)        BBB–        4,874,512  
  2,415    

Bank of America Corporation

    6.300%        N/A (3)        BBB–        2,571,975  
  740    

Bank of America Corporation

    5.875%        N/A (3)        BBB–        734,080  
  2,000    

Barclays Bank PLC, 144A

    10.180%        6/12/21        A–        2,302,082  
  2,480    

Citigroup Inc.

    6.125%        N/A (3)        BB+        2,579,200  
  3,355    

Citigroup Inc.

    5.875%        N/A (3)        BB+        3,442,196  
  1,500    

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    5.500%        N/A (3)        BB+        1,536,345  
  360    

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank

    6.250%        N/A (3)        BBB+        383,400  
  2,000    

Commerzbank AG, 144A

    8.125%        9/19/23        BBB        2,289,785  
  750    

Dresdner Funding Trust I, 144A

    8.151%        6/30/31        BB+        928,125  
  3,965    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    6.750%        N/A (3)        BBB        4,331,763  
  3,760    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    5.300%        N/A (3)        BBB        3,825,800  
  500    

JPMorgan Chase & Company, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.470% spread), (4)

    5.808%        N/A (3)        BBB–        502,200  
  1,320    

KeyCorp Convertible Preferred Stock

    5.000%        N/A (3)        Baa3        1,277,100  
  6,500    

Lloyds Bank PLC, 144A

    12.000%        N/A (3)        Baa3        7,914,426  
  680    

M&T Bank Corporation

    6.450%        N/A (3)        Baa2        733,550  
  1,500    

M&T Bank Corporation

    5.125%        N/A (3)        Baa2        1,492,500  
  1,500    

PNC Financial Services Inc.

    5.000%        N/A (3)        Baa2        1,488,750  
  500    

PNC Financial Services Inc.

    6.750%        N/A (3)        Baa2        539,375  
  2,500    

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

    7.648%        N/A (3)        Ba1        3,112,500  
  850    

SunTrust Bank Inc.

    5.625%        N/A (3)        Baa3        871,675  
  1,100    

SunTrust Bank Inc.

    5.050%        N/A (3)        Baa3        1,080,063  
  500    

US Bancorp, Convertible Bonds, Floating Rate

    5.125%        N/A (3)        A3        516,250  
  1,500    

Wachovia Capital Trust III

    5.570%        N/A (3)        Baa2        1,492,125  
  1,525    

Wells Fargo & Company

    5.900%        N/A (3)        Baa2        1,530,338  
  2,715    

Wells Fargo & Company

    5.875%        N/A (3)        Baa2        2,839,890  
  2,150    

Wells Fargo & Company, (3-Month reference rate + 3.770% spread), (4)

    6.111%        N/A (3)        Baa2        2,167,630  
 

Total Banks

                               57,357,635  
      Capital Markets – 7.3%                           
  1,670    

Bank of New York Mellon

    4.950%        N/A (3)        Baa1        1,711,833  
  4,040    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

    5.375%        N/A (3)        Ba1        4,120,800  
  3,920    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

    5.300%        N/A (3)        Ba1        3,861,200  
  440    

Morgan Stanley

    5.550%        N/A (3)        BB+        451,000  
  1,800    

State Street Corporation

    5.250%        N/A (3)        Baa1        1,845,000  
 

Total Capital Markets

                               11,989,833  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 1.9%                           
  3,000    

AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 144A

    6.500%        6/15/45        Ba1        3,093,750  
      Consumer Finance – 2.5%                           
  1,000    

American Express Company

    5.200%        N/A (3)        Baa2        1,013,749  
  600    

American Express Company

    4.900%        N/A (3)        Baa2        603,000  
  1,450    

Capital One Financial Corporation

    5.550%        N/A (3)        Baa3        1,486,250  
  1,075    

Discover Financial Services

    5.500%        N/A (3)        BB–        1,053,500  
 

Total Consumer Finance

                               4,156,499  
      Diversified Financial Services – 6.5%                           
  1,000    

BNP Paribas, 144A

    7.195%        N/A (3)        BBB        1,048,750  
  2    

Compeer Financial ACA, 144A

    6.750%        N/A (3)        BB+        2,140,000  

 

51


JPT    Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2018

 

Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Diversified Financial Services (continued)                           
$ 3,200    

Cooperatieve Rabobank UA, 144A

    11.000%        N/A (3)        BBB      $ 3,398,400  
  1,000    

Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, 144A

    4.875%        N/A (3)        A        1,017,500  
  3,000    

Voya Financial Inc.

    5.650%        5/15/53        Baa3        3,025,380  
 

Total Diversified Financial Services

                               10,630,030  
      Electric Utilities – 4.0%                           
  1,270    

Electricite de France, 144A

    5.250%        N/A (3)        BBB        1,258,887  
  5,000    

Emera Inc.

    6.750%        6/15/76        BBB–        5,275,000  
 

Total Electric Utilities

                               6,533,887  
      Food Products – 5.2%                           
  2,500    

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A

    7.125%        N/A (3)        Baa3        2,687,500  
  640    

Land O’ Lakes Capital Trust I, 144A

    7.450%        3/15/28        Ba1        707,200  
  3,080    

Land O’ Lakes Incorporated, 144A

    7.250%        N/A (3)        BB        3,341,800  
  1,550    

Land O’ Lakes Incorporated, 144A

    8.000%        N/A (3)        BB        1,697,250  
 

Total Food Products

                               8,433,750  
      Industrial Conglomerates – 4.7%                           
  7,742    

General Electric Capital Corporation

    5.000%        N/A (3)        BBB+        7,605,741  
      Insurance – 19.0%                           
  1,030    

Aegon NV

    5.500%        4/11/48        Baa1        1,004,820  
  1,530    

American International Group Inc.

    5.750%        4/01/48        Baa2        1,510,875  
  4,290    

Assurant Inc.

    7.000%        3/27/48        BB+        4,375,800  
  7,270    

Assured Guaranty Municipal Holdings Inc., 144A

    6.400%        12/15/66        BBB+        7,270,000  
  3,205    

AXA SA

    8.600%        12/15/30        A3        4,071,953  
  1,000    

La Mondiale SAM, Reg S

    7.625%        N/A (3)        BBB        1,023,930  
  1,000    

MetLife Inc., 144A

    9.250%        4/08/38        BBB        1,360,000  
  2,675    

MetLife Inc.

    5.875%        N/A (3)        BBB        2,739,735  
  325    

MetLife Inc.

    5.250%        N/A (3)        BBB        331,500  
  1,000    

Prudential Financial Inc.

    5.875%        9/15/42        BBB+        1,067,500  
  5,000    

QBE Insurance Group Limited, 144A

    7.500%        11/24/43        Baa1        5,444,300  
  818    

QBE Insurance Group Limited, Reg S

    6.750%        12/02/44        BBB        845,248  
 

Total Insurance

                               31,045,661  
      Metals & Mining – 2.8%                           
  1,250    

BHP Billiton Finance USA Limited, 144A

    6.750%        10/19/75        A–        1,365,624  
  3,000    

BHP Billiton Finance USA Limited, 144A

    6.250%        10/19/75        A–        3,156,000  
 

Total Metals & Mining

                               4,521,624  
      Multi-Utilities – 0.6%                           
  929    

NiSource Inc., 144A

    5.650%        N/A (3)        BBB–        924,355  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.5%                           
  865    

Enterprise Products Operating LLC

    5.250%        8/16/77        Baa2        814,718  
      U.S. Agency – 3.9%                           
  5    

Farm Credit Bank of Texas

    10.000%        N/A (3)        Baa1        5,662,500  
  615    

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, 144A

    6.200%        N/A (3)        Baa1        622,688  
  635    

Total US Agency

                               6,285,188  
 

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $160,367,468)

                               157,700,934  
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
 

$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED – 28.9% (22.9% of Total Investments)

 

      Banks – 6.9%                           
  6,500    

AgriBank FCB, (5)

    6.875%           BBB+      $ 695,500  
  35,422    

Citigroup Inc.

    7.125%           BB+        990,045  
  10,400    

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (5)

    6.250%           BBB+        1,081,600  
  19,008    

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (5)

    6.200%           BBB+        1,976,831  

 

52


Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
      Banks (continued)                           
  50,000    

Fifth Third Bancorp

    6.625%           Baa3      $ 1,364,000  
  75,000    

Huntington Bancshares Inc.

    6.250%           Baa3        1,980,750  
  10,200    

KeyCorp

    6.125%           Baa3        276,114  
  100,000    

Regions Financial Corporation

    6.375%           BB+        2,723,000  
  7,600    

Wells Fargo & Company

    6.625%                 Baa2        208,848  
 

Total Banks

                               11,296,688  
      Capital Markets – 6.0%                           
  43,200    

Morgan Stanley

    7.125%           BB+        1,212,624  
  181,800    

Morgan Stanley

    6.875%           BB+        4,972,230  
  23,100    

Morgan Stanley

    6.375%           BB+        620,466  
  69,700    

Morgan Stanley

    5.850%           BB+        1,807,321  
  42,821    

State Street Corporation

    5.350%                 Baa1        1,116,772  
 

Total Capital Markets

                               9,729,413  
      Food Products – 4.0%                           
  46,859    

CHS Inc.

    7.875%           N/R        1,345,790  
  81,867    

CHS Inc.

    7.500%           N/R        2,279,177  
  75,000    

CHS Inc.

    7.100%           N/R        2,088,750  
  31,132    

CHS Inc.

    6.750%                 N/R        835,272  
 

Total Food Products

                               6,548,989  
      Insurance – 6.7%                           
  73,215    

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited

    5.950%           BBB–        1,877,965  
  74,900    

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited

    5.625%           BBB–        1,842,540  
  95,736    

Delphi Financial Group Inc., (5)

    1.863%           BB+        2,106,192  
  31,900    

Enstar Group Ltd

    7.000%           BB+        818,873  
  19,895    

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc.

    7.875%           Baa2        565,018  
  60,000    

Maiden Holdings NA Limited

    7.750%           N/R        1,395,000  
  53,716    

Reinsurance Group of America Inc.

    6.200%           BBB+        1,440,126  
  35,002    

Reinsurance Group of America Inc.

    5.750%                 BBB+        904,102  
 

Total Insurance

                               10,949,816  
      Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts – 0.3%                           
  20,787    

Wells Fargo REIT

    6.375%                 BBB        542,333  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 2.0%                           
  80,000    

NuStar Energy LP

    8.500%           B1        1,923,200  
  50,000    

NuStar Energy LP

    7.625%           B1        1,116,000  
  9,796    

NuStar Logistics Limited Partnership

    9.082%                 B+        250,484  
 

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                               3,289,684  
      Thrifts & Mortgage Finance – 2.0%                           
  6,255    

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation

    6.875%           N/R        162,880  
  15,135    

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation

    6.000%           N/R        391,240  
  103,800    

New York Community Bancorp Inc.

    6.375%                 Ba1        2,787,030  
 

Total Thrifts & Mortgage Finance

                               3,341,150  
      U.S. Agency – 1.0%                           
  15    

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, 144A, (5)

    6.750%                 Baa1        1,605,000  
 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred (cost $48,191,165)

                               47,303,073  
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $208,558,633)

                               205,004,007  

 

53


JPT    Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2018

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity              Value  
 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 1.2% (0.9% of Total Investments)

          
 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS – 1.2% (0.9% of Total Investments)

          
$ 1,879    

Repurchase Agreement with fixed Income Clearing Corporation,
dated 7/31/18, repurchase price $1,879,337,
collateralized by $1,925,000 U.S. Treasury Notes,
2.875%, due 7/31/25, value $1,920,188

    0.900%        8/01/18               $ 1,879,290  
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $1,879,290)

                               1,879,290  
 

Total Investments (cost $210,437,923) – 126.7%

                               206,883,297  
 

Borrowings – (26.0)% (6), (7)

                               (42,500,000
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – (0.7)% (8)

                               (1,144,967
 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares – 100%

                             $ 163,238,330  

Investments in Derivatives

Futures Contracts

 

Description      Contract
Position
       Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
       Value        Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
       Variation
Margin
Receivable/
(Payable)
 

U.S. Treasury 5-Year Note

       Short          (48        9/18        $ (5,445,501      $ (5,430,000      $ 15,501        $ (375

Total payable for variation margin on futures contracts

 

     $ (375

For Fund portfolio compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine industry sub-classifications into sectors for reporting ease.

 

(1)

All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net assets applicable to common shares unless otherwise noted.

 

(2)

For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest of Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) rating. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Ratings below BBB by Standard & Poor’s, Baa by Moody’s or BBB by Fitch are considered to be below investment grade. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by any of these national rating agencies. Ratings are not covered by the report of independent registered public accounting firm.

 

(3)

Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable.

 

(4)

Variable rate security. The rate shown is the coupon as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(5)

For fair value measurement disclosure purposes, investment classified as Level 2. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 2 – Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements for more information.

 

(6)

Borrowings as a percentage of Total Investments are 20.5%.

 

(7)

The Fund may pledge up to 100% of its eligible investments (excluding any investments separately pledged as collateral for specific investments in derivatives, when applicable) in the Portfolio of Investments as collateral for borrowings.

 

(8)

Other assets less liabilities includes the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of certain over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives as presented the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable. The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of OTC-cleared and exchange-traded derivatives is recognized as part of cash collateral at brokers and/or the receivable or payable for variation margin as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable.

 

144A

Investment is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These investments may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration, which are normally those transactions with qualified institutional buyers.

 

Reg S

Regulation S allows U.S. companies to sell securities to persons or entities located outside of the United States without registering those securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Specifically, Regulation S provides a safe harbor from the registration requirements of the Securities Act for the offers and sales of securities by both foreign and domestic issuers that are made outside the United States.

 

LIBOR

London Inter-Bank Offered Rate

 

REIT

Real Estate Investment Trust.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

54


Statement of Assets and Liabilities

July 31, 2018

 

      JPC        JPI        JPS        JPT  

Assets

                 

Long-term investments, at value (cost $1,546,582,799, $754,948,022, $2,808,939,099 and $208,558,633, respectively)

   $ 1,566,683,309        $ 770,481,040        $ 2,918,206,292        $ 205,004,007  

Short-term investments, at value (cost approximates value)

     21,726,662                   66,780,618          1,879,290  

Cash

     1,316,975                   402,239           

Cash collateral at broker for investments in futures contracts(1)

                                32,619  

Unrealized appreciation on interest rate swaps

     13,910,494          4,199,937          26,116,638           

Receivable for:

                 

Dividends

     184,923          46,936          1,213,041          44,134  

Interest

     15,727,841          8,041,066          39,508,552          2,015,907  

Investments sold

              2,140,000          283,824           

Reclaims

     50,728                             

Other assets

     302,955          52,145          586,371          13,576  

Total assets

     1,619,903,887          784,961,124          3,053,097,575          208,989,533  

Liabilities

                 

Cash overdraft

              1,035,217                    

Borrowings

     437,000,000          225,000,000          845,300,000          42,500,000  

Reverse repurchase agreements

     125,000,000                   200,000,000           

Payable for:

                 

Dividends

     6,203,207          3,049,555          11,307,135          773,650  

Investments purchased

                       10,251,812          2,144,000  

Variation margin on futures contracts

                                375  

Accrued expenses:

                 

Interest

     91,253          36,794          165,200          98,897  

Management fees

     1,108,418          560,758          2,050,210          150,137  

Trustees fees

     297,549          52,754          577,716          1,781  

Other

     309,927          168,382          535,377          82,363  

Total liabilities

     570,010,354          229,903,460          1,070,187,450          45,751,203  

Net assets applicable to common shares

   $ 1,049,893,533        $ 555,057,664        $ 1,982,910,125        $ 163,238,330  

Common shares outstanding

     103,332,549          22,757,308          203,817,868          6,831,499  

Net asset value (“NAV”) per common share outstanding

   $ 10.16        $ 24.39        $ 9.73        $ 23.89  

Net assets applicable to common shares consist of:

                                         

Common shares, $0.01 par value per share

   $ 1,033,325        $ 227,573        $ 2,038,179        $ 68,315  

Paid-in surplus

     1,037,231,137          538,868,876          1,882,300,812          167,806,709  

Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income

     (7,492,186        (1,378,140        (7,510,114        270,200  

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

     (14,886,749        (2,393,600        (29,302,583        (1,367,769

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     34,008,006          19,732,955          135,383,831          (3,539,125

Net assets applicable to common shares

   $ 1,049,893,533        $ 555,057,664        $ 1,982,910,125        $ 163,238,330  

Authorized shares:

                 

Common

     Unlimited          Unlimited          Unlimited          Unlimited  

Preferred

     Unlimited          Unlimited          Unlimited          Unlimited  
(1)

Cash pledged to collateralize the net payment obligations for investments in derivatives.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

55


Statement of Operations

Year Ended July 31, 2018

 

      JPC        JPI        JPS        JPT  

Investment Income

                 

Dividends

   $ 38,062,213        $ 14,496,433        $ 30,119,238        $ 3,396,633  

Interest

     68,151,230          36,040,079          160,551,746          9,439,679  

Other

     252,381          95,667          358,857           

Total investment income

     106,465,824          50,632,179          191,029,841          12,836,312  

Expenses

                 

Management fees

     13,364,706          6,819,168          24,876,092          1,818,177  

Interest expense

     14,033,165          5,622,458          25,099,665          1,009,284  

Custodian fees

     190,949          102,674          350,959          39,698  

Trustees fees

     51,221          24,702          95,623          6,350  

Professional fees

     84,941          47,624          107,358          40,814  

Shareholder reporting expenses

     189,335          80,470          374,461          26,896  

Shareholder servicing agent fees

     2,110          112          5,147          76  

Stock exchange listing fees

     29,498          6,855          58,483          17,814  

Investor relations expenses

     112,141          51,872          196,007          16,610  

Other

     154,746          37,801          51,932          20,888  

Total expenses

     28,212,812          12,793,736          51,215,727          2,996,607  

Net investment income (loss)

     78,253,012          37,838,443          139,814,114          9,839,705  

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

                 

Net realized gain (loss) from:

                 

Investments and foreign currency

     848,433          3,247,091          11,261,782          (836,551

Futures contracts

                                88,495  

Swaps

     (1,273,548        (1,686,373        (2,860,856        42,678  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

                 

Investments and foreign currency

     (86,959,791        (43,814,872        (165,107,636        (10,595,893

Futures contracts

                                34,581  

Swaps

     16,047,360          6,823,891          30,340,940           

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     (71,337,546        (35,430,263        (126,365,770        (11,266,690

Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from operations

   $ 6,915,466        $ 2,408,180        $ 13,448,344        $ (1,426,985

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

56


Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

     JPC        JPI  
     

Year

Ended

7/31/18

       Year
Ended
7/31/17
      

Year

Ended

7/31/18

       Year
Ended
7/31/17
 

Operations

                 

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 78,253,012        $ 70,018,749        $ 37,838,443        $ 39,802,785  

Net realized gain (loss) from:

                 

Investments and foreign currency

     848,433          14,416,303          3,247,091          4,278,233  

Futures contracts

                                 

Options written

              (209,996                  

Swaps

     (1,273,548        (3,792,884        (1,686,373        (4,309,652

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

                 

Investments and foreign currency

     (86,959,791        19,055,702          (43,814,872        24,073,726  

Futures contracts

                                 

Options written

              (7,871                  

Swaps

     16,047,360          10,000,912          6,823,891          9,159,385  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from operations

     6,915,466          109,480,915          2,408,180          73,004,477  

Distributions to Common Shareholders

                 

From net investment income

     (79,235,042        (75,131,263        (36,877,950        (40,143,229

Return of capital

     (537,686        (1,478,980        (1,490,871        (1,638,466

Decrease in net assets applicable to common shares from distributions to common shareholders

     (79,772,728        (76,610,243        (38,368,821        (41,781,695

Capital Share Transactions

                 

Common shares:

                 

Issued in the reorganizations

              69,163,446                    

Proceeds from sale of shares, net of offering costs

                                 

Net proceeds from shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions

                                73,445  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from capital share transactions

              69,163,446                   73,445  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares

     (72,857,262        102,034,118          (35,960,641        31,296,227  

Net assets applicable to common shares at the beginning of period

     1,122,750,795          1,020,716,677          591,018,305          559,722,078  

Net assets applicable to common shares at the end of period

   $ 1,049,893,533        $ 1,122,750,795        $ 555,057,664        $ 591,018,305  

Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income at the end of period

   $ (7,492,186      $ (8,518,619      $ (1,378,140      $ (2,421,428

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

57


Statement of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

 

     JPS        JPT  
     

Year

Ended

7/31/18

       Year
Ended
7/31/17
      

Year
Ended

7/31/18

      

Year
Ended*

7/31/17

 

Operations

                 

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 139,814,114        $ 143,775,734        $ 9,839,705        $ 4,962,564  

Net realized gain (loss) from:

                 

Investments and foreign currency

     11,261,782          6,326,326          (836,551        (116,773

Futures contracts

                       88,495          (434,242

Options written

                                 

Swaps

     (2,860,856        (7,551,821        42,678           

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

                 

Investments and foreign currency

     (165,107,636        136,866,006          (10,595,893        7,041,267  

Futures contracts

                       34,581          (19,080

Options written

                                 

Swaps

     30,340,940          19,942,616                    

Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from operations

     13,448,344          299,358,861          (1,426,985        11,433,736  

Distributions to Common Shareholders

                 

From net investment income

     (149,193,360        (151,632,579        (10,322,661        (4,349,266

Return of capital

                                 

Decrease in net assets applicable to common shares from distributions to common shareholders

     (149,193,360        (151,632,579        (10,322,661        (4,349,266

Capital Share Transactions

                 

Common shares:

                 

Issued in the reorganizations

                                 

Proceeds from sale of shares, net of offering costs

                                167,508,239  

Net proceeds from shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions

     109,881                   196,923          98,071  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from capital share transactions

     109,881                   196,923          167,606,310  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares

     (135,635,135        147,726,282          (11,552,723        174,690,780  

Net assets applicable to common shares at the beginning of period

     2,118,545,260          1,970,818,978          174,791,053          100,273  

Net assets applicable to common shares at the end of period

   $ 1,982,910,125        $ 2,118,545,260        $ 163,238,330        $ 174,791,053  

Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income at the end of period

   $ (7,510,114      $ 1,363,332        $ 270,200        $ 531,299  
*

For the period ended January 26, 2017 (commencement of operations) through July 31, 2017.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

58


Statement of Cash Flows

Year Ended July 31, 2018

 

      JPC     JPI     JPS     JPT  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

        

Net Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares from Operations

   $ 6,915,466     $ 2,408,180     $ 13,448,344     $ (1,426,985

Adjustments to reconcile the net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

      

Purchases of investments

     (470,368,032     (210,504,640     (376,155,666     (61,574,187

Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments

     446,993,675       207,871,002       428,062,638       59,692,065  

Proceeds from (Purchases of) short-term investments, net

     16,854,924             (51,880,616     (603,733

Proceeds from litigation settlement

     105,578             346,921        

Taxes paid

                       (28,482

Amortization (Accretion) of premiums and discounts, net

     1,545,259       321,215       1,769,464       329,082  

(Increase) Decrease in:

        

Cash collateral at brokers for investments in futures contracts

           570,000             153,427  

Interest rate swap premiums paid

     1,605,108       1,646,888       3,195,850        

Receivable for dividends

     362,117       42,587       (112,409     (41,039

Receivable for interest

     (538,250     (269,412     (1,508,336     56,912  

Receivable for investments sold

     724,417       5,394,017       (147,943      

Receivable for reclaims

     30,362             1,920        

Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts

                       7,813  

Other assets

     (59,959     (9,909     (111,520     10,487  

Increase (Decrease) in:

        

Payable for investments purchased

     (21,318,896     (2,478,302     10,251,812       2,144,000  

Accrued interest

     (33,487     (15,109     (60,435     48,597  

Accrued management fees

     4,396       (26,633     (90,506     (8,157

Accrued Trustees fees

     55,100       8,625       106,849       (4,447

Accrued other expenses

     43,510       31,550       68,044       (13,525

Net realized (gain) loss from investments and foreign currency

     (848,433     (3,247,091     (11,261,782     836,551  

Change in net unrealized (appreciation) depreciation of:

        

Investments and foreign currency

     86,959,791       43,814,872       165,107,636       10,595,893  

Swaps

     (16,047,360     (6,823,891     (30,340,940      

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     52,985,286       38,733,949       150,689,325       10,174,272  

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

        

Increase (Decrease) in cash overdraft

           (226,087            

Net proceeds from reverse repurchase agreements

     125,000,000                    

Repayment of borrowings

     (103,000,000                  

Cash distributions paid to common shareholders

     (80,187,290     (38,507,862     (150,287,086     (10,174,272

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (58,187,290     (38,733,949     (150,287,086     (10,174,272

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash

     (5,202,004           402,239        

Cash at the beginning of period

     6,518,979                    

Cash at the end of period

   $ 1,316,975     $     $ 402,239     $  
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information                             

Cash paid for interest (excluding borrowing costs)

   $ 14,066,652     $ 5,637,567     $ 25,160,100     $ 935,197  

Non-cash financing activities not included herein consists of reinvestments of common share distributions

                 109,881       196,923  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

59


Financial Highlights

 

Selected data for a common share outstanding throughout each period:

 

              
    
    
Investment Operations
    Less Distributions to
Common Shareholders
    Common Share  
     Beginning
Common
Share
NAV
    Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)(a)
    Net
Realized/
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
    Total     From
Net
Investment
Income
    From
Accumulated
Net
Realized
Gains
    Return
of
Capital
    Total     Discount
per
Share
Repurchased
and Retired
    Ending
NAV
    Ending
Share
Price
 

JPC

 

                                               

Year Ended 7/31:

 

                 

2018

  $ 10.87     $ 0.76     $ (0.70   $ 0.06     $ (0.77   $     $   $ (0.77   $     $ 10.16     $ 9.44  

2017

    10.53       0.72       0.40       1.12       (0.77       —       (0.01     (0.78       —       10.87       10.59  

2016

    10.45       0.77       0.11       0.88       (0.80                 (0.80           10.53       10.43  

2015

    10.67       0.80       (0.25     0.55       (0.77                 (0.77         10.45       9.19  

2014

    10.26       0.79       0.38       1.17       (0.76                 (0.76         10.67       9.34  

JPI

 

Year Ended 7/31:

 

2018

    25.97       1.66       (1.55     0.11       (1.62           (0.07     (1.69           24.39       23.13  

2017

    24.60       1.75       1.46       3.21       (1.77           (0.07     (1.84           25.97       25.15  

2016

    24.88       1.86       (0.01     1.85       (1.95     (0.18           (2.13           24.60       24.59  

2015

    25.51       1.96       (0.65     1.31       (1.94                 (1.94           24.88       22.28  

2014

    25.06       1.98       0.93       2.91       (1.97     (0.49           (2.46           25.51       23.11  

 

    Borrowings at the End of Period  
     Aggregate
Amount
Outstanding
(000)
       Asset
Coverage
Per $1,000
 

JPC

                  

Year Ended 7/31:

 

2018

  $ 437,000        $ 3,403  

2017

    540,000          3,079  

2016

    404,100          3,526  

2015

    404,100          3,506  

2014

    402,500          3,572  

JPI

                  

Year Ended 7/31:

 

2018

    225,000          3,467  

2017

    225,000          3,627  

2016

    225,000          3,488  

2015

    225,000          3,516  

2014

    225,000          3,580  

 

(a)

Per share Net Investment Income (Loss) is calculated using the average daily shares method.

(b)

Total Return Based on Common Share NAV is the combination of changes in common share NAV, reinvested dividend income at NAV and reinvested capital gains distributions at NAV, if any. The last dividend declared in the period, which is typically paid on the first business day of the following month, is assumed to be reinvested at the ending NAV. The actual reinvest price for the last dividend declared in the period may often be based on the Fund’s market price (and not its NAV), and therefore may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized.

  

Total Return Based on Common Share Price is the combination of changes in the market price per share and the effect of reinvested dividend income and reinvested capital gains distributions, if any, at the average price paid per share at the time of reinvestment. The last dividend declared in the period, which is typically paid on the first business day of the following month, is assumed to be reinvested at the ending market price. The actual reinvestment for the last dividend declared in the period may take place over several days, and in some instances may not be based on the market price, so the actual reinvestment price may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized.

 

60


            Common Share Supplemental Data/
Ratios Applicable to Common Shares
 
Common Share
Total Returns
          Ratios to Average Net Asset(c)        
Based
on
NAV(b)
        
Based
on
Share
Price(b)
    Ending
Net Assets
(000)
    Expenses     Net
Investment
Income (Loss)
    Portfolio
Turnover
Rate(d)
 
                                             
         
  0.57     (3.76 )%    $ 1,049,894       2.59     7.19     29
  11.16       9.73       1,122,751       1.92       6.82       32  
  9.01       23.47       1,020,717       1.73       7.58       17  
  5.36       6.76       1,012,766       1.63       7.55       44  
  11.97       8.50       1,035,146       1.67       7.73       41  
                                             
         
  0.37       (1.40     555,058       2.22       6.56       26  
  13.62       10.29       591,018       1.93       7.04       19  
  7.96       20.97       559,722       1.77       7.73       23  
  5.30       4.83       566,137       1.66       7.80       26  
  12.34       8.71       580,516       1.73       7.96       37  

 

(c)     •

Net Investment Income (Loss) ratios reflect income earned and expenses incurred on assets attributable to borrowings and/or reverse repurchase agreements (as described in Note 8 – Fund Leverage), where applicable.

 

Each ratio includes the effect of all interest expense paid and other costs related to borrowings and/or reverse repurchase agreements, where applicable, as follows:

 

JPC   Ratios of Interest Expense
to Average Net Assets
Applicable to Common Shares
 

Year Ended 7/31:

 

2018

    1.29

2017

    0.70  

2016

    0.50  

2015

    0.41  

2014

    0.43  

JPI

       

Year Ended 7/31:

 

2018

    0.97  

2017

    0.67  

2016

    0.50  

2015

    0.41  

2014

    0.45  

 

(d)

Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales (as disclosed in Note 5 – Investment Transactions) divided by the average long-term market value during the period.

*

Rounds to less than $0.01 per share.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

61


Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Selected data for a common share outstanding throughout each period:

 

       Investment Operations     Less Distributions to
Common Shareholders
    Common Share  
     Beginning
Common
Share
NAV
     Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)(a)
     Net
Realized/
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
     Total     From
Net
Investment
Income
     From
Accumulated
Net Realized
Gains
     Return
of
Capital
     Total    

Discount

per Share
Repurchased
and Retired

     Offering
Costs
     Ending
NAV
     Ending
Share
Price
 

JPS

 

Year Ended 7/31:

 

2018

  $ 10.39      $ 0.69      $ (0.62    $ 0.07     $ (0.73    $      $      $ (0.73   $      $      $ 9.73      $ 8.94  

2017

    9.67        0.71        0.75        1.46       (0.74        —          —        (0.74       —               10.39        10.30  

2016

    9.75        0.69        (0.07      0.62       (0.70                    (0.70                   9.67        9.63  

2015

    9.95        0.68        (0.15      0.53       (0.73                    (0.73                   9.75        9.08  

2014

    9.45        0.69        0.47        1.16       (0.66                    (0.66                   9.95        8.92  

JPT

                                                                                                        

Year Ended 7/31:

 

2018

    25.62        1.44        (1.66      (0.22     (1.51                    (1.51                   23.89        23.17  

2017(e)

    24.63        0.74        0.94        1.68       (0.64                    (0.64            (0.05      25.62        25.24  

 

    Borrowings at End of Period  
     Aggregate
Amount
Outstanding
(000)
       Asset
Coverage
Per $1,000
 

JPS

                  

Year Ended 7/31:

      

2018

  $ 845,300        $ 3,346  

2017

    845,300          3,506  

2016

    945,000          3,086  

2015

    465,800          3,521  

2014

    464,000          3,581  

JPT

                  

Year Ended 7/31:

      

2018

    42,500          4,841  

2017(e)

    42,500          5,113  

 

(a)

Per share Net Investment Income (Loss) is calculated using the average daily shares method.

(b)

Total Return Based on Common Share NAV is the combination of changes in common share NAV, reinvested dividend income at NAV and reinvested capital gains distributions at NAV, if any. The last dividend declared in the period, which is typically paid on the first business day of the following month, is assumed to be reinvested at the ending NAV. The actual reinvest price for the last dividend declared in the period may often be based on the Fund’s market price (and not its NAV), and therefore may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized.

  

Total Return Based on Common Share Price is the combination of changes in the market price per share and the effect of reinvested dividend income and reinvested capital gains distributions, if any, at the average price paid per share at the time of reinvestment. The last dividend declared in the period, which is typically paid on the first business day of the following month, is assumed to be reinvested at the ending market price. The actual reinvestment for the last dividend declared in the period may take place over several days, and in some instances may not be based on the market price, so the actual reinvestment price may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized.

 

62


            Common Share Supplemental Data/
Ratios Applicable to Common Shares
 
Common Share
Total Returns
          Ratios to Average Net Assets
Before Reimbursement(c)
    Ratios to Average Net Assets
After Reimbursement(c)(d)
       
Based
on
NAV(b)
    Based
on
Share
Price(b)
    Ending
Net Assets
(000)
    Expenses     Net
Investment
Income (Loss)
    Expenses     Net
Investment
Income (Loss)
    Portfolio
Turnover
Rate(f)
 
                                                             
             
  0.66     (6.43 )%    $ 1,982,910       2.48     6.77     N/A       N/A       13
  15.83       15.50       2,118,545       2.03       7.18       N/A       N/A       13  
  6.77       14.48       1,970,819       1.84       7.31       N/A       N/A       36  
  5.47       10.35       1,174,259       1.64       6.92       1.64 (g)      6.92 (g)      8  
  12.83       13.76       1,197,726       1.69       7.32       N/A       N/A       16  
                                                             
             
  (0.84     (2.36     163,238       1.77       5.82       N/A       N/A       28  
  6.69       3.54       174,791       1.61     5.73     N/A       N/A       22  

 

(c)     •

Net Investment Income (Loss) ratios reflect income earned and expenses incurred on assets attributable to borrowings and/or reverse repurchase agreements (as described in Note 8 – Fund Leverage), where applicable.

 

Each ratio includes the effect of all interest expense paid and other costs related to borrowings and/or reverse repurchase agreements, where applicable, as follows:

 

JPS   Ratios of Interest Expense
to Average Net Assets
Applicable to Common Shares
 

Year Ended 7/31:

 

2018

    1.22

2017

    0.77  

2016

    0.50  

2015

    0.40  

2014

    0.43  

JPT

       

Year Ended 7/31:

 

2018

    0.60  

2017(e)

    0.42

 

(d)

After expense reimbursement from the Adviser, where applicable.

(e)

For the period January 26, 2017 (commencement of operations) through July 31, 2017.

(f)

Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales (as disclosed in Note 5 – Investment Transactions) divided by the average long-term market value during the period.

(g)

During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015, the Adviser voluntarily reimbursed the Fund for certain expenses incurred in connection with a common share equity shelf program. As a result, the Expenses and Net Investment Income (Loss) Ratios to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares reflect this voluntary expense reimbursement from Adviser.

*

Annualized.

N/A

The Fund does not have or no longer has a contractual reimbursement agreement with the Adviser.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

63


Notes to Financial Statements

 

1. General Information and Significant Accounting Policies

General Information

Fund Information

The funds covered in this report and their corresponding New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) symbols are as follows (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”):

 

   

Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund (JPC)

 

   

Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (JPI)

 

   

Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund (JPS)

 

   

Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund (JPT)

The Funds are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as diversified (non-diversified for JPT), closed-end management investment companies. JPC, JPI, JPS and JPT were each organized as Massachusetts business trusts on January 27, 2003, April 18, 2012, June 24, 2002 and July 6, 2016, respectively.

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is July 31, 2018, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended July 31, 2018 (the “current fiscal period”).

Effective September 29, 2017, JPC changed its name from Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund to the Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund and JPS changed its name from Nuveen Preferred Securities Income Fund to the Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund.

Investment Adviser

The Funds’ investment adviser is Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”), a subsidiary of Nuveen, LLC (“Nuveen”). Nuveen is the investment management arm of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA). The Adviser has overall responsibility for management of the Funds, oversees the management of the Funds’ portfolios, manages the Funds’ business affairs and provides certain clerical, bookkeeping and other administrative services, and, if necessary, asset allocation decisions. The Adviser has entered into sub-advisory agreements with NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC (“NWQ”), an affiliate of Nuveen, Spectrum Asset Management, Inc. (“Spectrum”), and/or Nuveen Asset Management LLC (“NAM”), a subsidiary of the Adviser, (each a “Sub-Adviser” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”). NWQ and NAM are each responsible for approximately half of JPC’s portfolio. NAM manages the investment portfolio of JPI and JPT, while Spectrum manages the investment portfolio of JPS. The Adviser is responsible for managing JPC’s, JPI’s and JPS’s investments in swap contracts.

Investment Objectives and Principal Investment Strategies

JPC’s investment objective is to provide high current income and total return. For the period August 1, 2017 through September 28, 2017, the Fund invested at least 80% of its managed assets (as defined in Note 7 – Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates) in preferred securities, and up to 20% opportunistically over the market cycle in other types of securities, primarily income-oriented securities such as corporate and taxable municipal debt and common equity. Effective September 29, 2017, the Fund invests at least 80% of the sum of its net assets and the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes in preferred and other income producing securities, including hybrid securities such as contingent capital securities and up to 20% opportunistically in other income-oriented securities such as corporate and taxable municipal debt and dividend paying common equity. At least 50% of its managed assets are rated investment grade (BBB/Baa or better by S&P, Moody’s, or Fitch) at the time of investment.

JPI’s investment objective is to provide a high level of current income and total return by investing at least 80% of its managed assets in preferred and other income producing securities. At least 50% of its managed assets are rated investment grade (BBB/Baa or better by one of the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations “NRSROs”) at the time of investment.

JPS’s investment objective is high current income consistent with capital preservation. The Fund’s secondary investment objective is to enhance portfolio value. For the period August 1, 2017 through September 28, 2017, the Fund invested at least 80% of its managed assets in preferred securities and up to 20% of its managed assets in debt securities, including convertible debt securities and convertible preferred securities. Effective September 29, 2017, the Fund invests at least 80% of the sum of its net assets and the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes in preferred and other income producing securities, including hybrid securities such as contingent capital securities. The Fund invests at least 50% of its managed assets are rated investment grade (BBB/Baa or better by S&P, Moody’s, or Fitch) at the time of investment.

 

64


 

JPT’s investment objective is to provide a high level of current income and total return by investing at least 80% of its managed assets in preferred and other income-producing securities. The Fund may invest without limit in investment grade securities (BB+/Ba1 or lower) but no more than 10% in securities rated below B-/B3 at the time of investment. Up to 40% of its managed assets may be in securities issued by companies located anywhere in the world, but no more than 10% in securities of issuers in emerging market countries, and 100% in U.S. dollar-denominated securities. The Fund does not invest in contingent capital securities.

Significant Accounting Policies

Each Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies.” The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

Investment Transactions

Investment transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are determined on the specific identification method, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Investments purchased on a when-issued/delayed delivery basis may have extended settlement periods. Any investments so purchased are subject to market fluctuation during this period. The Funds have earmarked securities in their portfolios with a current value at least equal to the amount of the when-issued/delayed delivery purchase commitments.

As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds did not have any outstanding when-issued/delayed delivery purchase commitments.

Investment Income

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for foreign securities, when information is available. Non-cash dividends received in the form of stock, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date and recorded at fair value. Interest income, which reflects the amortization of premiums and includes accretion of discounts for financial reporting purposes, is recorded on an accrual basis. Interest income also reflects payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest and paydown gains and losses, if any. PIK interest represents income received in the form of securities in lieu of cash. Other income is comprised of fees earned in connection with the rehypothecation of pledged collateral as further described in Note 8 – Fund Leverage, Rehypothecation.

Professional Fees

Professional fees presented on the Statement of Operations consist of legal fees incurred in the normal course of operations, audit fees, tax consulting fees and, in some cases, workout expenditures. Workout expenditures are incurred in an attempt to protect or enhance an investment or to pursue other claims or legal actions on behalf of Fund shareholders. If a refund is received for workout expenditures paid in a prior reporting period, such amounts will be recognized as “Legal fee refund” on the Statement of Operations.

Dividends and Distributions to Common Shareholders

Dividends to common shareholders, if any, are declared monthly. Net realized capital gains from investment transactions, if any, are declared and distributed to shareholders at least annually. Furthermore, capital gains are distributed only to the extent they exceed available capital loss carryforwards.

Distributions to common shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

Compensation

The Funds pay no compensation directly to those of its trustees who are affiliated with the Adviser or to its officers, all of whom receive remuneration for their services to the Funds from the Adviser or its affiliates. The Funds’ Board of Trustees (the ‘‘Board’’) has adopted a deferred compensation plan for independent trustees that enables trustees to elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of the annual compensation they are entitled to receive from certain Nuveen-advised funds. Under the plan, deferred amounts are treated as though equal dollar amounts had been invested in shares of select Nuveen advised funds.

Indemnifications

Under the Funds’ organizational documents, their officers and trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Funds. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications to other parties. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, the Funds have not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expect the risk of loss to be remote.

Netting Agreements

In the ordinary course of business, the Funds may enter into transactions subject to enforceable master repurchase agreements, International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA) master agreements or other similar arrangements (“netting agreements”). Generally, the right to offset in netting

 

65


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

agreements allows each Fund to offset certain securities and derivatives with a specific counterparty, when applicable, as well as any collateral received or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the agreements. Generally, each Fund manages its cash collateral and securities collateral on a counterparty basis.

The Funds’ investments subject to netting agreements as of the end of the reporting period, if any, are further described in Note 3 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets applicable to common shares from operations during the current fiscal period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

2. Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements

The fair valuation input levels as described below are for fair value measurement purposes.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon selling an investment or transferring a liability in an orderly transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market for the investment. A three-tier hierarchy is used to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs are based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are based on the best information available in the circumstances. The following is a summary of the three-tiered hierarchy of valuation input levels.

 

Level 1 –   Inputs are unadjusted and prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2 –   Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3 –   Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including management’s assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

Common stocks and other equity-type securities are valued at the last sales price on the securities exchange on which such securities are primarily traded and are generally classified as Level 1. Securities primarily traded on the Nasdaq National Market (“Nasdaq”) are valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price and are generally classified as Level 1. However, securities traded on a securities exchange or Nasdaq for which there were no transactions on a given day or securities not listed on a securities exchange or Nasdaq are valued at the quoted bid price and are generally classified as Level 2. Prices of certain American Depositary Receipts (“ADR”) held by the Funds that trade in the United States are valued based on the last traded price, official closing price or the most recent bid price of the underlying non- U.S.-traded stock, adjusted as appropriate for the underlying-to-ADR conversion ratio and foreign exchange rate, and from time-to-time may also be adjusted further to take into account material events that may take place after the close of the local non-U.S. market but before the close of the NYSE, which may represent a transfer from a Level 1 to a Level 2 security.

Prices of fixed-income securities are provided by an independent pricing service (“pricing service”) approved by the Board. The pricing service establishes a security’s fair value using methods that may include consideration of the following: yields or prices of investments of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating, market quotes or indications of value from security dealers, evaluations of anticipated cash flows or collateral, general market conditions and other information and analysis, including the obligor’s credit characteristics considered relevant. These securities are generally classified as Level 2. In pricing certain securities, particularly less liquid and lower quality securities, the pricing service may consider information about a security, its issuer or market activity, provided by the Adviser. These securities are generally classified as Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the observability of the significant inputs.

Prices of swap contracts are also provided by a pricing service approved by the Board using the same methods as described above, and are generally classified as Level 2.

Investments in investment companies are valued at their respective net asset value (“NAV”) on valuation date and are generally classified as Level 1.

Futures contracts are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the last traded price and are generally classified as Level 1.

Repurchase agreements are valued at contract amount plus accrued interest, which approximates market value. These securities are generally classified as Level 2.

Investments initially valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted to the U.S. dollar using exchange rates obtained from pricing services. As a result, the NAV of the Funds’ shares may be affected by changes in the value of currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. The value of securities traded in markets outside the United States or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar may be affected significantly on a day that the NYSE is closed

 

66


 

and an investor is not able to purchase, redeem or exchange shares. If significant market events occur between the time of determination of the closing price of a foreign security on an exchange and the time that the Funds’ NAV is determined, or if under the Funds’ procedures, the closing price of a foreign security is not deemed to be reliable, the security would be valued at fair value as determined in accordance with procedures established in good faith by the Board. These securities are generally classified as Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the observability of the significant inputs.

Certain securities may not be able to be priced by the pre-established pricing methods as described above. Such securities may be valued by the Board and/or its appointee at fair value. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) for which a pricing service is unable to provide a market price; securities whose trading has been formally suspended; debt securities that have gone into default and for which there is no current market quotation; a security whose market price is not available from a pre-established pricing source; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is likely to materially affect the value of the security after the market has closed but before the calculation of a Fund’s NAV (as may be the case in non-U.S. markets on which the security is primarily traded) or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, is not deemed to reflect the security’s fair value. As a general principle, the fair value of a security would appear to be the amount that the owner might reasonably expect to receive for it in a current sale. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities, which may include consideration of the following: yields or prices of investments of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating, market quotes or indications of value from security dealers, evaluations of anticipated cash flows or collateral, general market conditions and other information and analysis, including the obligor’s credit characteristics considered relevant. These securities are generally classified as Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the observability of the significant inputs. Regardless of the method employed to value a particular security, all valuations are subject to review by the Board and/or its appointee.

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities. The following is a summary of each Fund’s fair value measurements as of the end of the reporting period:

 

JPC    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Long-Term Investments*:

           

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

   $      $ 760,267,124      $     —      $ 760,267,124  

$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred

     377,210,444        75,827,325 **              453,037,769  

Contingent Capital Securities

            259,899,559               259,899,559  

Corporate Bonds

            72,522,951               72,522,951  

Convertible Preferred Securities

     17,854,916                      17,854,916  

Common Stocks

     3,100,990                      3,100,990  

Short-Term Investments:

           

Repurchase Agreements

            21,726,662               21,726,662  

Investments in Derivatives:

           

Interest Rate Swaps***

            13,910,494               13,910,494  

Total

   $ 398,166,350      $ 1,204,154,115      $      $ 1,602,320,465  
JPI                                

Long-Term Investments*:

           

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

   $      $ 362,680,260      $      $ 362,680,260  

Contingent Capital Securities

            224,019,637               224,019,637  

$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred

     121,027,105        62,754,038 **              183,781,143  

Investments in Derivatives:

           

Interest Rate Swaps***

            4,199,937               4,199,937  

Total

   $ 121,027,105      $ 653,653,872      $      $ 774,680,977  

 

67


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

JPS    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Long-Term Investments*:

           

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

   $      $ 1,338,460,147      $     —      $ 1,338,460,147  

Contingent Capital Securities

            1,217,062,212               1,217,062,212  

$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred

     244,369,326        62,130,179 **              306,499,505  

Investment Companies

     23,667,042                      23,667,042  

Corporate Bonds

            16,401,086               16,401,086  

Convertible Preferred Securities

     16,116,300                      16,116,300  

Short-Term Investments:

           

Repurchase Agreements

            66,780,618               66,780,618  

Investments in Derivatives:

           

Interest Rate Swaps***

            26,116,638               26,116,638  

Total

   $ 284,152,668      $ 2,726,950,880      $      $ 3,011,103,548  
JPT                                

Long-Term Investments*:

           

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

   $      $ 157,700,934      $      $ 157,700,934  

$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred

     39,837,950        7,465,123 **              47,303,073  

Short-Term Investments:

           

Repurchase Agreements

            1,879,290               1,879,290  

Investments in Derivatives:

           

Futures Contracts***

     15,501                      15,501  

Total

   $ 39,853,451      $ 167,045,347      $      $ 206,898,798  
*

Refer to the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for industry classifications, when applicable.

**

Refer to the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for securities classified as Level 2.

***

Represents net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.

The Board is responsible for the valuation process and has appointed the oversight of the daily valuation process to the Adviser’s Valuation Committee. The Valuation Committee, pursuant to the valuation policies and procedures adopted by the Board, is responsible for making fair value determinations, evaluating the effectiveness of the Funds’ pricing policies and reporting to the Board. The Valuation Committee is aided in its efforts by the Adviser’s dedicated Securities Valuation Team, which is responsible for administering the daily valuation process and applying fair value methodologies as approved by the Valuation Committee. When determining the reliability of independent pricing services for investments owned by the Funds, the Valuation Committee, among other things, conducts due diligence reviews of the pricing services and monitors the quality of security prices received through various testing reports conducted by the Securities Valuation Team.

The Valuation Committee will consider pricing methodologies it deems relevant and appropriate when making a fair value determination, based on the facts and circumstances specific to the portfolio instrument. Fair value determinations generally will be derived as follows, using public or private market information:

 

  (i)

If available, fair value determinations shall be derived by extrapolating from recent transactions or quoted prices for identical or comparable securities.

 

  (ii)

If such information is not available, an analytical valuation methodology may be used based on other available information including, but not limited to: analyst appraisals, research reports, corporate action information, issuer financial statements and shelf registration statements. Such analytical valuation methodologies may include, but are not limited to: multiple of earnings, discount from market value of a similar freely-traded security, discounted cash flow analysis, book value or a multiple thereof, risk premium/yield analysis, yield to maturity and/or fundamental investment analysis.

The purchase price of a portfolio instrument will be used to fair value the instrument only if no other valuation methodology is available or deemed appropriate, and it is determined that the purchase price fairly reflects the instrument’s current value.

For each portfolio security that has been fair valued pursuant to the policies adopted by the Board, the fair value price is compared against the last available and next available market quotations. The Valuation Committee reviews the results of such testing and fair valuation occurrences are reported to the Board.

3. Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives

Portfolio Securities

Foreign Currency Transactions

To the extent that a Fund may invest in securities and/or contracts that are denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars, the Fund will be subject to currency risk, which is the risk that an increase in the U.S. dollar relative to the foreign currency will reduce returns or portfolio value. Generally, when the

 

68


 

U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, the Fund’s investments denominated in that currency will lose value because its currency is worth fewer U.S. dollars; the opposite effect occurs if the U.S. dollar falls in relative value. Investments and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars on a spot (i.e. cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market at the time of valuation. Purchases and sales of investments and income denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars on the respective dates of such transactions.

As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds’ investments in non-U.S. securities were as follows:

 

JPC      Value      % of Total
Investments
 

Country:

       

United Kingdom

     $ 147,236,598        9.3

France

       74,478,954        4.7  

Switzerland

       38,359,392        2.4  

Italy

       37,928,399        2.4  

Canada

       30,344,250        1.9  

Spain

       28,654,919        1.8  

Australia

       28,374,305        1.8  

Bermuda

       22,064,810        1.4  

Netherlands

       18,977,232        1.2  

Other

       21,875,127        1.3  

Total non-U.S. securities

     $ 448,293,986        28.2
JPI                  

Country:

       

United Kingdom

     $ 98,988,302        12.8

France

       63,955,725        8.3  

Switzerland

       33,137,935        4.3  

Italy

       32,831,272        4.3  

Spain

       27,511,694        3.6  

Australia

       24,527,632        3.2  

Netherlands

       13,807,518        1.8  

Bermuda

       12,927,912        1.7  

Canada

       10,048,875        1.3  

Other

       15,998,196        2.0  

Total non-U.S. securities

     $ 333,735,061        43.3
JPS                  

Country:

       

United Kingdom

     $ 551,480,043        18.5

France

       335,001,967        11.2  

Switzerland

       229,253,663        7.7  

Sweden

       95,029,812        3.2  

Bermuda

       72,349,452        2.4  

Australia

       67,500,421        2.3  

Spain

       67,300,480        2.3  

Canada

       66,383,554        2.2  

Netherlands

       59,577,502        2.0  

Other

       102,862,883        3.4  

Total non-U.S. securities

     $ 1,646,739,777        55.2
JPT                  

Country:

       

United Kingdom

     $ 13,329,008        6.4

Australia

       10,811,173        5.2  

France

       7,403,520        3.6  

Canada

       5,275,000        2.6  

Bermuda

       4,539,378        2.2  

Netherlands

       4,403,221        2.1  

Germany

       3,217,910        1.6  

Ireland

       3,093,750        1.5  

Japan

       2,106,191        1.0  

Total non-U.S. securities

     $ 54,179,151        26.2

 

69


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Investment transactions, income and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized foreign currency gains and losses resulting from changes in exchange rates include foreign currency gains and losses between trade date and settlement date of the transactions, foreign currency transactions and the difference between the amounts of interest and dividends recorded on the books of a Fund and the amounts actually received.

The realized gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in foreign exchange rates associated with (i) foreign currency, (ii) investments, (iii) investments in derivatives and (iv) other assets and liabilities are recognized as a component of “Net realized gain (loss) from investments and foreign currency” on the Statement of Operations, when applicable.

The unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in foreign exchange rates associated with (i) investments and (ii) other assets and liabilities are recognized as a component of “Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments and foreign currency” on the Statement of Operations, when applicable. The unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates associated with investments in derivatives are recognized as a component of the respective derivative’s related “Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)” on the Statement of Operations, when applicable.

Repurchase Agreements

In connection with transactions in repurchase agreements, it is each Fund’s policy that its custodian take possession of the underlying collateral securities, the fair value of which exceeds the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest, at all times. If the counterparty defaults, and the fair value of the collateral declines, realization of the collateral may be delayed or limited.

The following table presents the repurchase agreements for the Funds that are subject to netting agreements as of the end of the reporting period, and the collateral delivered related to those repurchase agreements.

 

Fund    Counterparty    Short-Term
Investments, at Value
       Collateral
Pledged (From)
Counterparty*
       Net
Exposure
 
JPC   

Fixed Income Clearing Corporation

   $ 21,726,662        $ (21,726,662      $  
JPS   

Fixed Income Clearing Corporation

     66,780,618          (66,780,618         
JPT   

Fixed Income Clearing Corporation

     1,879,290          (1,879,290         
*

As of the end of the reporting period, the value of the collateral pledged from the counterparty exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements. Refer to the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for details on the repurchase agreements.

Zero Coupon Securities

A zero coupon security does not pay a regular interest coupon to its holders during the life of the security. Income to the holder of the security comes from accretion of the difference between the original purchase price of the security at issuance and the par value of the security at maturity and is effectively paid at maturity. The market prices of zero coupon securities generally are more volatile than the market prices of securities that pay interest periodically.

Investments in Derivatives

Each Fund is authorized to invest in certain derivative instruments, such as futures, options and swap contracts. Each Fund limits its investments in futures, options on futures and swap contracts to the extent necessary for the Adviser to claim the exclusion from registration by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as a commodity pool operator with respect to the Fund. The Funds record derivative instruments at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized on the Statement of Operations, when applicable. Even though the Funds’ investments in derivatives may represent economic hedges, they are not considered to be hedge transactions for financial reporting purposes.

Futures Contracts

Upon execution of a futures contract, a Fund is obligated to deposit cash or eligible securities, also known as ‘‘initial margin,’’ into an account at its clearing broker equal to a specified percentage of the contract amount. Cash held by the broker to cover initial margin requirements on open futures contracts, if any, is recognized as ‘‘Cash collateral at broker for investments in futures contracts’’ on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Investments in futures contracts obligate a Fund and the clearing broker to settle monies on a daily basis representing changes in the prior days ‘‘mark-to-market’’ of the open contracts. If a Fund has unrealized appreciation the clearing broker would credit the Fund’s account with an amount equal to appreciation and conversely if a Fund has unrealized depreciation the clearing broker would debit the Fund’s account with an amount equal to depreciation. These daily cash settlements are also known as ‘‘variation margin.’’ Variation margin is recognized as a receivable and/or payable for ‘‘Variation margin on futures contracts’’ on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

70


 

During the period the futures contract is open, changes in the value of the contract are recognized as an unrealized gain or loss by ‘‘marking-to-market’’ on a daily basis to reflect the changes in market value of the contract, which is recognized as a component of ‘‘Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts’’ on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or expired, a Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract on the closing date and value of the contract when originally entered into, which is recognized as a component of ‘‘Net realized gain (loss) from futures contracts’’ on the Statement of Operations.

Risks of investments in futures contracts include the possible adverse movement in the price of the securities or indices underlying the contracts, the possibility that there may not be a liquid secondary market for the contracts and/or that a change in the value of the contract may not correlate with a change in the value of the underlying securities or indices.

During the current fiscal period, JPT invested in short interest rate futures to manage the Fund’s exposure to various points along the yield curve, with a net effect of decreasing the Fund’s overall interest rate sensitivity.

The average notional amount of futures contracts outstanding during the current fiscal period was as follows:

 

Average notional amount of futures contracts outstanding*

    $8,492,462  
*

The average notional amount is calculated based on the absolute aggregate notional of contracts outstanding at the beginning of the current fiscal period and at the end of each quarter within the current fiscal period.

The following table presents the fair value of all futures contracts held by JPT as of the end of the reporting period, the location of these instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the primary underlying risk exposure.

 

        

Location on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 
Underlying
Risk Exposure
   Derivative
Instrument
 

Asset Derivatives

         

(Liability) Derivatives

 
  Location    Value            Location    Value  
Interest rate    Futures contracts  

                 Payable for variation margin on futures contracts*    $ 15,501  
*

Value represents unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported in the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments, and not the asset and/or liability derivative location as described in the table above.

The following table presents the amount of net realized gain (loss) and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) recognized on futures contracts on the Statement of Operations during the current fiscal period, and the primary underlying risk exposure.

 

Underlying Risk Exposure     

Derivative

Instrument

    

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

from Futures

Contracts

       Change in Net
Unrealized Appreciation
(Depreciation) of
Futures Contracts
 

Interest rate

    

Futures contracts

     $ 88,495        $ 34,581  

Interest Rate Swap Contracts

Interest rate swap contracts involve a Fund’s agreement with the counterparty to pay or receive a fixed rate payment in exchange for the counterparty receiving or paying a variable rate payment. Forward interest rate swap contracts involve a Fund’s agreement with a counterparty to pay, in the future, a fixed or variable rate payment in exchange for the counterparty paying the Fund a variable or fixed rate payment, the accruals for which begin at a specified date in the future (the “effective date”).

The amount of the payment obligation for an interest rate swap is based on the notional amount and the termination date of the contract. Interest rate swap contracts do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to the swap counterparty on such transactions is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is to receive.

Interest rate swap contracts are valued daily. Upon entering into an interest rate swap contract (and beginning on the effective date for a forward interest rate swap contract), the Fund accrues the fixed rate payment expected to be paid or received and the variable rate payment expected to be received or paid on the interest rate swap contracts on a daily basis, and recognizes the daily change in the fair value of the Fund’s contractual rights and obligations under the contracts. For an over-the-counter (“OTC”) swap, that is not cleared through a clearing house (“OTC Uncleared”), the amount recorded on these transactions is recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a component of “Unrealized appreciation or depreciation on interest rate swaps.”

Upon the execution of an OTC swap cleared through a clearing house (“OTC Cleared”), the Fund is obligated to deposit cash or eligible securities, also known as “initial margin,” into an account at its clearing broker equal to a specified percentage of the contract amount. Cash deposited by the Fund to cover initial margin requirements on open swap contracts, if any, is recognized as a component of “Cash collateral at brokers for investments in swaps” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Investments in OTC Cleared swaps obligate the Fund and the clearing broker to settle monies on a daily basis

 

71


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

representing changes in the prior day’s “mark-to-market” of the swap contract. If the Fund has unrealized appreciation, the clearing broker will credit the Fund’s account with an amount equal to the appreciation. Conversely, if the Fund has unrealized depreciation, the clearing broker will debit the Fund’s account with an amount equal to the depreciation. These daily cash settlements are also known as “variation margin.” Variation margin for OTC Cleared swaps is recognized as a receivable and/or payable for “Variation margin on swap contracts” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Upon the execution of an OTC Uncleared swap, neither the Fund nor the counterparty is required to deposit initial margin as the trades are recorded bilaterally between both parties to the swap contract, and the terms of the variation margin are subject to a predetermined threshold negotiated by the Fund and the counterparty. Variation margin for OTC Uncleared swaps is recognized as a component of “Unrealized appreciation or depreciation on interest rate swaps” as described in the preceding paragraph.

The net amount of periodic payments settled in cash are recognized as a component of “Net realized gain (loss) from swaps” on the Statement of Operations, in addition to the net realized gain or loss recorded upon the termination of the swap contract. For tax purposes, payments expected to be received or paid on the swap contracts are treated as ordinary income or expense, respectively. Changes in the value of the swap contracts during the fiscal period are recognized as a component of “Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of swaps” on the Statement of Operations. In certain instances, payments are made or received upon entering into the swap contract to compensate for differences between the stated terms of the swap agreements and prevailing market conditions (credit spreads, currency exchange rates, interest rates, and other relevant factors). Payments received or made at the beginning of the measurement period, if any, are recognized as “Interest rate swaps premiums received and/or paid” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

During the current fiscal period, JPC, JPI, JPS and JPT continued to utilize forward starting interest rate swap contracts to partially hedge the interest cost of leverage, which as mentioned previously, is through the use of bank borrowings.

The average notional amount of interest rate swap contracts outstanding during the current fiscal period was as follows:

 

        JPC      JPI      JPS      JPT  

Average notional amount of interest rate swap contracts outstanding*

     $ 326,218,400      $ 148,350,000      $ 612,027,600      $ 800,000  
*

The average notional amount is calculated based on the outstanding notional at the beginning of the current fiscal period and at the end of each fiscal quarter within the current fiscal period.

The following table presents the fair value of all swap contracts held by the Funds as of the end of the reporting period, the location of these instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the primary underlying risk exposure.

 

        

Location on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

Underlying

Risk Exposure

  

Derivative

Instrument

 

Asset Derivatives

         

(Liability) Derivatives

 
  Location    Value            Location   Value  
JPC

 

Interest rate    Swaps (OTC Uncleared)   Unrealized appreciation on interest rate swaps**    $ 13,910,494               $  
JPI

 

Interest rate    Swaps (OTC Uncleared)   Unrealized appreciation on interest rate swaps**    $ 4,199,937               $  
JPS

 

Interest rate    Swaps (OTC Uncleared)   Unrealized appreciation on interest rate swaps**    $ 26,116,638               $  
**

Some swap contracts require a counterparty to pay or receive a premium, which is disclosed in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable, and is not reflected in the cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) presented above.

The following table presents the swap contracts subject to netting agreements and the collateral delivered related to those swap contracts as of the end of the reporting period.

 

Fund    Counterparty    Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
on Interest
Rate Swaps***
     Gross
Unrealized
(Depreciation)
on Interest
Rate Swaps***
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
on Interest
Rate Swaps
     Collateral
Pledged
to (from)
Counterparty
     Net
Exposure
 
JPC    Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC    $ 13,910,494      $      $ 13,910,494      $ (12,573,320    $ 1,337,174  
JPI    Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC      4,199,937               4,199,937        (3,686,312      513,625  
JPS    Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC      26,116,638               26,116,638        (23,591,342      2,525,296  
***

Represents gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for the counterparty as reported in the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.

 

72


 

The following table presents the amount of net realized gain (loss) and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) recognized on swap contracts on the Statement of Operations during the current fiscal period, and the primary underlying risk exposure.

 

Fund      Underlying
Risk Exposure
     Derivative
Instrument
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
from Swaps
       Change in Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
of Swaps
 
JPC      Interest rate      Swaps      $ (1,273,548      $ 16,047,360  
JPI      Interest rate      Swaps        (1,686,373        6,823,891  
JPS      Interest rate      Swaps        (2,860,856        30,340,940  
JPT      Interest rate      Swaps        42,678           

Market and Counterparty Credit Risk

In the normal course of business each Fund may invest in financial instruments and enter into financial transactions where risk of potential loss exists due to changes in the market (market risk) or failure of the other party to the transaction to perform (counterparty credit risk). The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets recorded on the financial statements. Financial assets, which potentially expose each Fund to counterparty credit risk, consist principally of cash due from counterparties on forward, option and swap transactions, when applicable. The extent of each Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk in respect to these financial assets approximates their carrying value as recorded on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Each Fund helps manage counterparty credit risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties the Adviser believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by having the Adviser monitor the financial stability of the counterparties. Additionally, counterparties may be required to pledge collateral daily (based on the daily valuation of the financial asset) on behalf of each Fund with a value approximately equal to the amount of any unrealized gain above a pre-determined threshold. Reciprocally, when each Fund has an unrealized loss, the Funds have instructed the custodian to pledge assets of the Funds as collateral with a value approximately equal to the amount of the unrealized loss above a pre-determined threshold. Collateral pledges are monitored and subsequently adjusted if and when the valuations fluctuate, either up or down, by at least the pre-determined threshold amount.

4. Fund Shares

Common Share Transactions

Transactions in common shares during the Funds’ current and prior fiscal period were as follows:

 

    JPC           JPI  
     Year Ended
7/31/18
     Year Ended
7/31/17
           Year Ended
7/31/18
     Year Ended
7/31/17
 

Common shares:

           

Issued in the reorganizations

           6,435,292                 

Issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions

                                2,961  

 

    JPS           JPT*  
     Year Ended
7/31/18
    Year Ended
7/31/17
           Year Ended
7/31/18
    For the Period 1/26/17
(commencement
of operations)
through 7/31/17
 

Common shares:

         

Issued in the reorganizations

                         

Sold

                        6,815,563  

Issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions

    10,637                     7,947       3,917  
*

Prior to the commencement of operations, the Adviser purchased 4,072 shares, which are still held as of the end of the reporting period.

5. Investment Transactions

Long-term purchases and sales (including maturities but excluding derivative transactions, where applicable) during the current fiscal period, were as follows:

 

        JPC      JPI      JPS      JPT  

Purchases

     $ 470,368,032      $ 210,504,640      $ 376,155,666      $ 61,574,187  

Sales and maturities

       446,993,675        207,871,002        428,062,638        59,692,065  

 

73


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

6. Income Tax Information

Each Fund is a separate taxpayer for federal income tax purposes. Each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains to shareholders and to otherwise comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.

For all open tax years and all major taxing jurisdictions, management of the Funds has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. Open tax years are those that are open for examination by taxing authorities (i.e., generally the last four tax year ends and the interim tax period since then). Furthermore, management of the Funds is also not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

The following information is presented on an income tax basis. Differences between amounts for financial statement and federal income tax purposes are primarily due to recognition of premium amortization, timing differences in the recognition of income on real estate investment trust (“REIT”) investments and timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses on investment transactions. To the extent that differences arise that are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts as detailed below. Temporary differences do not require reclassification. Temporary and permanent differences do not impact the NAVs of the Funds.

The tables below present the cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of each Fund’s investment portfolio, as determined on a federal income tax basis, as of July 31, 2018.

For purposes of this disclosure, derivative tax cost is generally the sum of any upfront fees or premiums exchanged and any amounts unrealized for income statement reporting but realized in income and/or capital gains tax reporting. If a particular derivative category does not disclose any tax unrealized appreciation or depreciation, the change in value of those derivatives have generally been fully realized for tax purposes.

 

        JPC      JPI      JPS      JPT  

Tax cost of investments

     $ 1,569,258,899      $ 753,334,765      $ 2,892,744,984      $ 210,235,493  

Gross unrealized:

             

Appreciation

     $ 47,052,200      $ 27,035,582      $ 140,759,266      $ 2,074,919  

Depreciation

       (27,901,128      (9,889,307      (48,517,340      (5,427,115

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments

     $ 19,151,072      $ 17,146,275      $ 92,241,926      $ (3,352,196

 

Tax cost of futures contracts

       $                   —        $                —        $                   —        $         15,501  

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts

                             

 

Tax cost of swaps

       $                   —        $                —        $                   —        $                —  

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of swaps

       13,910,494        4,199,937        26,116,638         

Permanent differences, primarily due to bond premium amortization adjustments, treatment of notional principal contracts, complex securities character adjustments, federal taxes paid, investments in partnerships, expiration of capital loss carryforwards and nondeductible reorganization expenses resulted in reclassifications among the Funds’ components of common share net assets as of July 31, 2018, the Funds’ tax year end, as follows:

 

        JPC      JPI      JPS      JPT  

Paid-in-surplus

     $     (10,642,482    $ 79,005      $   (316,559,787    $         (28,482

Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income

       2,008,463        82,795        505,800        221,857  

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

       8,634,019        (161,800      316,053,987        (193,375

The tax components of undistributed net ordinary income and net long-term capital gains as of July 31, 2018, the Funds’ tax year end, were as follows:

 

        JPC      JPI      JPS      JPT  

Undistributed net ordinary income1

     $                    —      $                 —      $        2,394,311      $        870,571  

Undistributed net long-term capital gains

                             

1  Undistributed net ordinary income (on a tax basis) has not been reduced for the dividend declared on July 2, 2018 and paid on August 1, 2018. Net ordinary income consists of net taxable income derived from dividends, interest, and net short-term capital gains, if any.

   

 

74


 

The tax character of distributions paid during the Funds’ tax years ended July 31, 2018 and July 31, 2017 was designated for purposes of the dividends paid deduction as follows:

 

2018      JPC      JPI      JPS      JPT  

Distributions from net ordinary income2

     $ 79,648,373      $ 37,014,494      $ 150,415,607      $ 10,383,131  

Distributions from net long-term capital gains

                             

Return of capital

       537,686        1,490,871                
2017      JPC      JPI      JPS      JPT3  

Distributions from net ordinary income2

     $ 74,906,763      $ 40,620,651      $ 151,632,579      $ 3,479,263  

Distributions from net long-term capital gains

                             

Return of capital

       1,478,980        1,638,466                

 

2 

Net ordinary income consists of net taxable income derived from dividends, interest, and net short-term capital gains, if any.

3 

For the period January 26, 2017 (commencement of operations) through July 31, 2017.

As of July 31, 2018, the Funds' tax year end, the Funds had unused capital loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future capital gains, if any. If not applied, the carryforwards will expire as shown in the following table. The losses not subject to expiration will be utilized first by a Fund.

 

        JPC4      JPI      JPS4      JPT  

Expiration:

             

July 31, 2019

     $      $      $ 10,696,373      $  

Not subject to expiration:

             

Short-term

       14,801,190        1,574,082               949,119  

Long-term

              711,982               396,417  

Total

     $ 14,801,190      $ 2,286,064      $ 10,696,373      $ 1,345,536  

 

4 

A portion of JPC's and JPS's capital loss carryforwards is subject to an annual limiation under the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations.

As of July 31, 2018, the Funds’ tax year end, the following Funds’ capital loss carryforwards expired as follows:

 

      JPC      JPS  

Expired capital loss carryforwards

   $ 9,385,427      $ 316,559,787  

During the Funds' tax year ended July 31, 2018, the following Funds utilized capital loss carryforwards as follows:

 

      JPI      JPS  

Utilized capital loss carryforwards

   $ 1,618,510      $ 7,829,486  

7. Management Fees

Each Fund’s management fee compensates the Adviser for overall investment advisory and administrative services and general office facilities. The Sub-Advisers are compensated for their services to the Funds from the management fees paid to the Adviser. Spectrum also receives compensation on certain portfolio transactions for providing brokerage services to JPS. During the current fiscal period, JPS paid Spectrum commissions of $52,219.

Each Fund’s management fee consists of two components – a fund-level fee, based only on the amount of assets within each individual Fund, and a complex-level fee, based on the aggregate amount of all eligible fund assets managed by the Adviser. This pricing structure enables each Fund’s shareholders to benefit from growth in the assets within their respective Fund as well as from growth in the amount of complex-wide assets managed by the Adviser.

The annual fund-level fee, payable monthly, for each Fund is calculated according to the following schedule:

 

Average Daily Managed Assets*      JPC      JPI      JPS      JPT  

For the first $500 million

       0.6800      0.7000      0.7000      0.7000

For the next $500 million

       0.6550        0.6750        0.6750        0.6750  

For the next $500 million

       0.6300        0.6500        0.6500        0.6500  

For the next $500 million

       0.6050        0.6250        0.6250        0.6250  

For managed assets over $2 billion

       0.5800        0.6000        0.6000        0.6000  

 

75


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

The annual complex-level fee, payable monthly, for each Fund is calculated by multiplying the current complex-wide fee rate, determined according to the following schedule by the Funds’ daily managed assets:

 

Complex-Level Eligible Asset Breakpoint Level*      Effective Complex-Level Fee Rate at Breakpoint Level  

$55 billion

       0.2000

$56 billion

       0.1996  

$57 billion

       0.1989  

$60 billion

       0.1961  

$63 billion

       0.1931  

$66 billion

       0.1900  

$71 billion

       0.1851  

$76 billion

       0.1806  

$80 billion

       0.1773  

$91 billion

       0.1691  

$125 billion

       0.1599  

$200 billion

       0.1505  

$250 billion

       0.1469  

$300 billion

       0.1445  
*

For the complex-level fees, managed assets include closed-end fund assets managed by the Adviser that are attributable to certain types of leverage. For these purposes, leverage includes the funds’ use of preferred stock and borrowings and certain investments in the residual interest certificates (also called inverse floating rate securities) in tender option bond (TOB) trusts, including the portion of assets held by a TOB trust that has been effectively financed by the trust’s issuance of floating rate securities, subject to an agreement by the Adviser as to certain funds to limit the amount of such assets for determining managed assets in certain circumstances. The complex-level fee is calculated based upon the aggregate daily managed assets of all Nuveen open-end and closed-end Funds that constitute “eligible assets.” Eligible assets do not include assets attributable to investments in other Nuveen funds or assets in excess of a determined amount (originally $2 billion) added to the Nuveen fund complex in connection with the Adviser’s assumption of the management of the former First American Funds effective January 1, 2011. As of July 31, 2018, the complex-level fee rate for each Fund was 0.1588%.

8. Fund Leverage

Borrowings

JPC, JPI, JPS, and JPT have each entered into a borrowing arrangement (collectively, “Borrowings”) which permit the Funds to borrow on a secured basis as a means of leverage. As of the end of the reporting period, each Fund’s maximum commitment amount under these Borrowings is as follows:

 

        JPC      JPI      JPS      JPT  

Maximum commitment amount

     $ 450,000,000      $ 225,000,000      $ 850,000,000      $ 45,000,000  

As of the end of the reporting period, each Fund’s outstanding balance on its Borrowings was as follows:

 

        JPC      JPI      JPS      JPT  

Outstanding balance on Borrowings

     $ 437,000,000      $ 225,000,000      $ 845,300,000      $ 42,500,000  

For JPC, JPI and JPS interest is charged on these Borrowings at 1-Month LIBOR (London Inter-Bank Offered Rate) plus 0.70% per annum on the amounts borrowed (0.85% per annum for JPC and JPI and 0.75% per annum for JPS prior to July 18, 2018) and 0.50% per annum on the undrawn balance if the undrawn portion of the Borrowings on a particular day is more than 20% of the maximum commitment amount. JPT’s interest is charged on the Borrowings at a rate equal to the 1-month LIBOR plus 0.70% per annum on the amount borrowed. JPT is also charged a 0.125% commitment fee on the undrawn portion of the Borrowings.

During the current fiscal period, the average daily balance outstanding and average annual interest rate on each Fund’s Borrowings were as follows:

 

        JPC      JPI      JPS      JPT  

Average daily balance outstanding

     $ 439,257,534      $ 225,000,000      $ 845,300,000      $ 42,500,000  

Average annual interest rate

       2.46      2.46      2.37      2.28

In order to maintain these Borrowings, the Funds must meet certain collateral, asset coverage and other requirements. Borrowings outstanding are fully secured by eligible securities held in each Fund’s portfolio of investments.

Borrowings outstanding are recognized as “Borrowings” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Interest expense incurred on the borrowed amount and undrawn balance are recognized as a component of “Interest expense” on the Statement of Operations.

Rehypothecation

JPC, JPI and JPS have entered into a Rehypothecation Side Letter (“Side Letter”) with its prime brokerage lender, allowing it to re-register the Pledged Collateral in its own name or in a name other than the Funds’ to pledge, repledge, hypothecate, rehypothecate, sell, lend or otherwise transfer or use the Pledged Collateral (the “Hypothecated Securities”) with all rights of ownership as described in the Side Letter. Subject to certain conditions, the total

 

76


 

value of the outstanding Hypothecated Securities shall not exceed the lesser of (i) 98% of the outstanding balance on the Borrowings to which the Pledged Collateral relates and (ii) 33 13% of the Funds’ total assets. The Funds may designate any Pledged Collateral as ineligible for rehypothecation. The Funds may also recall Hypothecated Securities on demand.

The Funds also have the right to apply and set-off an amount equal to one-hundred percent (100%) of the then-current fair market value of such Pledged Collateral against the current Borrowings under the Side Letter in the event that the prime brokerage lender fails to timely return the Pledged Collateral and in certain other circumstances. In such circumstances, however, the Funds may not be able to obtain replacement financing required to purchase replacement securities and, consequently, the Funds’ income generating potential may decrease. Even if a Fund is able to obtain replacement financing, it might not be able to purchase replacement securities at favorable prices.

The Funds will receive a fee in connection with the Hypothecated Securities (“Rehypothecation Fees”) in addition to any principal, interest, dividends and other distributions paid on the Hypothecated Securities.

As of the end of the reporting period, JPC, JPI and JPS each had Hypothecated Securities as follows:

 

     JPC        JPI        JPS  

Hypothecated Securities

  $ 365,628,780        $ 177,661,024        $ 790,806,565  

JPC, JPI and JPS earn Rehypothecation Fees, which are recognized as “Other income” on the Statement of Operations. During the current fiscal period, the Rehypothecation Fees earned by each Fund were as follows:

 

     JPC        JPI        JPS  

Rehypothecation Fees

  $        252,381        $          95,667        $        358,857  

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

During the current fiscal period, JPC and JPS used reverse repurchase agreements as a means of leverage.

In a reverse repurchase agreement, the Funds sell to the counterparty a security that it holds with a contemporaneous agreement to repurchase the same security at an agreed-upon price and date, with the Funds retaining the risk of loss that is associated with that security. The Funds will pledge assets determined to be liquid by the Adviser to cover its obligations under reverse repurchase agreements. Securities sold under reverse repurchase agreements are recorded as a liability and recognized as “Reverse repurchase agreements” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Payments made on reverse repurchase agreements are recognized as a component of “Interest expense” on the Statement of Operations.

As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds’ outstanding balances on its reverse repurchase agreements were as follows:

 

Fund   Counterparty    Rate    Principal
Amount
       Maturity*        Value        Value and
Accrued Interest
 
JPC  

BNP Paribas

   1-Month LIBOR plus 0.70%    $ (125,000,000        N/A        $ (125,000,000      $ 125,019,791  
JPS  

BNP Paribas

   1-Month LIBOR plus 0.70%      (200,000,000        N/A          (200,000,000        200,031,666  
*

The Fund may repurchase the reverse repurchase agreement prior to the maturity date and/or counterparty may accelerate maturity upon pre-specified advance notice.

During the current fiscal period, the average daily balance outstanding and weighted average interest rate on the Funds’ reverse repurchase agreements were as follows:

 

     JPC        JPS  

Average daily balance outstanding

  $ 125,000,000 **       $ 200,000,000  

Weighted average interest rate

    2.47        2.37
**

For the period August 9, 2017 (initial purchase of reverse repurchase agreements) through July 31, 2018.

The following table presents the reverse repurchase agreements subject to netting agreements and the collateral delivered related to those reverse repurchase agreements.

 

Fund    Counterparty       

Reverse Repurchase

Agreements***

      

Collateral

Pledged to
counterparty****

      

Net

Exposure

 
JPC      BNP Paribas        $ (125,019,791      $ 125,019,791        $  
JPS      BNP Paribas          (200,031,666        200,031,666           
***

Represents gross value and accrued interest for the counterparty as reported in the preceding table.

****

As of the end of the reporting period, the value of the collateral pledged to the counterparty exceeded the value of the reverse repurchase agreements.

 

77


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

9. Inter-Fund Lending

Inter-Fund Borrowing and Lending

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has granted an exemptive order permitting registered open-end and closed-end Nuveen funds to participate in an inter-fund lending facility whereby the Nuveen funds may directly lend to and borrow money from each other for temporary purposes (e.g., to satisfy redemption requests or when a sale of securities “fails,” resulting in an unanticipated cash shortfall) (the “Inter-Fund Program”). The closed-end Nuveen funds, including the Funds covered by this shareholder report, will participate only as lenders, and not as borrowers, in the Inter-Fund Program because such closed-end funds rarely, if ever, need to borrow cash to meet redemptions. The Inter-Fund Program is subject to a number of conditions, including, among other things, the requirements that (1) no fund may borrow or lend money through the Inter-Fund Program unless it receives a more favorable interest rate than is typically available from a bank or other financial institution for a comparable transaction; (2) no fund may borrow on an unsecured basis through the Inter-Fund Program unless the fund’s outstanding borrowings from all sources immediately after the inter-fund borrowing total 10% or less of its total assets; provided that if the borrowing fund has a secured borrowing outstanding from any other lender, including but not limited to another fund, the inter-fund loan must be secured on at least an equal priority basis with at least an equivalent percentage of collateral to loan value; (3) if a fund’s total outstanding borrowings immediately after an inter-fund borrowing would be greater than 10% of its total assets, the fund may borrow through the inter-fund loan on a secured basis only; (4) no fund may lend money if the loan would cause its aggregate outstanding loans through the Inter-Fund Program to exceed 15% of its net assets at the time of the loan; (5) a fund’s inter-fund loans to any one fund shall not exceed 5% of the lending fund’s net assets; (6) the duration of inter-fund loans will be limited to the time required to receive payment for securities sold, but in no event more than seven days; and (7) each inter-fund loan may be called on one business day’s notice by a lending fund and may be repaid on any day by a borrowing fund. In addition, a Nuveen fund may participate in the Inter-Fund Program only if and to the extent that such participation is consistent with the fund’s investment objective and investment policies. The Board is responsible for overseeing the Inter-Fund Program.

The limitations detailed above and the other conditions of the SEC exemptive order permitting the Inter-Fund Program are designed to minimize the risks associated with Inter-Fund Program for both the lending fund and the borrowing fund. However, no borrowing or lending activity is without risk. When a fund borrows money from another fund, there is a risk that the loan could be called on one day’s notice or not renewed, in which case the fund may have to borrow from a bank at a higher rate or take other actions to payoff such loan if an inter-fund loan is not available from another fund. Any delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost investment opportunity or additional borrowing costs.

During the current reporting period, none of the Funds have entered into any inter-fund loan activity.

10. New Accounting Pronouncements

FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-08 (“ASU 2017-08”) Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities

The FASB has issued ASU 2017-08, which shortens the premium amortization period for purchased non-contingently callable debt securities. ASU 2017-08 specifies that the premium amortization period ends at the earliest call date, for purchased non-contingently callable debt securities. ASU 2017-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the implications of ASU 2017-08, if any.

FASB ASU 2016-18: Statement of Cash Flows – Restricted Cash (“ASU 2016-18”)

The FASB has issued ASU 2016-18, which will require entities to include the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the beginning and ending cash balances in the Statement of Cash Flows. The guidance will be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years. Management is currently evaluating the implications of ASU 2016-18, if any.

 

78


Additional Fund Information

(Unaudited)

 

Board of Trustees      
Margo Cook*   Jack B. Evans   William C. Hunter   Albin F. Moschner   John K. Nelson   William J. Schneider
Judith M. Stockdale   Carole E. Stone   Terence J. Toth   Margaret L. Wolff   Robert L. Young  

 

*

Interested Board Member.

 

         

Fund Manager

Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

 

Custodian

State Street Bank
& Trust Company
One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111

 

Legal Counsel

Chapman and Cutler LLP

Chicago, IL 60603

 

Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

KPMG LLP
200 East

Randolph Street

Chicago, IL 60601

 

Transfer Agent and
Shareholder Services

Computershare Trust

Company, N.A.

250 Royall Street

Canton, MA 02021

(800) 257-8787

 

 

 

Distribution Information

The Funds hereby designate their percentages of dividends paid from net ordinary income as dividends qualifying for the 70% dividends received deduction (“DRD”) for corporations and their percentages as qualified dividend income (“QDI”) for individuals under Section 1(h)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code as shown in the accompanying table. The actual qualified dividend income distributions will be reported to shareholders on Form 1099-DIV which will be sent to shareholders shortly after calendar year end.

 

     JPC        JPI        JPS        JPT  

% QDI

    61.6%          71.3%          64.1%          68.5%  

% DRD

    45.8%          41.7%          21.2%          55.3%  

The Funds hereby designate their percentages of dividends paid from net ordinary income as dividends qualifying as Interest-Related Dividends and/or short-term capital gain dividends as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 871(k) for the taxable year ended July 31, 2018:

 

     JPC        JPI        JPS        JPT  

% of Interest-Related Dividends

    24.5%          16.1%          19.3%          19.0%  

Quarterly Form N-Q Portfolio of Investments Information

Each Fund is required to file its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. You may obtain this information directly from the SEC. Visit the SEC on-line at http://www.sec.gov or in person at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call the SEC toll-free at (800) SEC-0330 for room hours and operation.

 

 

Nuveen Funds’ Proxy Voting Information

You may obtain (i) information regarding how each fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities held during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, without charge, upon request, by calling Nuveen toll-free at (800) 257-8787 or on Nuveen’s website at www.nuveen.com and (ii) a description of the policies and procedures that each fund used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities without charge, upon request, by calling Nuveen toll free at (800) 257-8787. You may also obtain this information directly from the SEC. Visit the SEC on-line at http://www.sec.gov.

 

 

CEO Certification Disclosure

Each Fund’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has submitted to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) the annual CEO certification as required by Section 303A.12(a) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. Each Fund has filed with the SEC the certification of its CEO and Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

 

Common Share Repurchases

Each Fund intends to repurchase, through its open market share repurchase program, shares of their own common stock at such times and in such amounts as is deemed advisable. During the period covered by this report, each Fund repurchased shares of its common stock, as shown in the accompanying table. Any future repurchases will be reported to shareholders in the next annual or semi-annual report.

 

     JPC        JPI        JPS        JPT  

Common shares repurchased

                                

FINRA BrokerCheck

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) provides information regarding the disciplinary history of FINRA member firms and associated investment professionals. This information as well as an investor brochure describing FINRA BrokerCheck is available to the public by calling the FINRA BrokerCheck Hotline number at (800) 289-9999 or by visiting www.FINRA.org.

 

79


Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

(Unaudited)

 

 

Average Annual Total Return: This is a commonly used method to express an investment’s performance over a particular, usually multi-year time period. It expresses the return that would have been necessary each year to equal the investment’s actual cumulative performance (including change in NAV or offer price and reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions, if any) over the time period being considered.

 

 

ICE BofAML Contingent Capital Index: An index that tracks the performance of all contingent capital debt publicly issued in the major domestic and Eurobond markets, including investment grade and sub-investment grade issues. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not include the effects of any applicable sales charges or management fees.

 

 

ICE BofAML Preferred Securities Fixed Rate Index: An index that tracks the performance of fixed rate U.S. dollar denominated preferred securities issued in the U.S. domestic market. Qualifying securities must be rated investment grade (based on an average of Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch) and must have an investment grade rated country of risk (based on an average of Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch foreign currency long-term sovereign debt ratings). In addition, qualifying securities must be issued as public securities or through a 144A filing, must be issued in $25, $50 or $100 par/liquidation preference increments, must have a fixed coupon or dividend schedule, and must have a minimum amount outstanding of $100 million. The index returns assume reinvestment of dividends, but do not include the effects of any sales charges or management fees.

 

 

ICE BofAML U.S. All Capital Securities Index: An index comprised of four sub-indexes that better represent the full breadth of the preferred and hybrid securities market, including investment grade and below investment grade exchange traded $25 par preferreds and investment grade and below investment grade rated $1,000 par capital securities. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charges or management fees.

 

 

Contingent Capital Securities (CoCos): CoCos are debt or capital securities of primarily non-U.S. issuers with loss absorption contingency mechanisms built into the terms of the security, for example a mandatory conversion into common stock of the issuer, or a principal write-down, which if triggered would likely cause the CoCo investment to lose value. Loss absorption mechanisms would become effective upon the occurrence of a specified contingency event, or at the discretion of a regulatory body. Specified contingency events, as identified in the CoCo’s governing documents, usually reference a decline in the issuer’s capital below a specified threshold level, and/or certain regulatory events. A loss absorption contingency event for CoCos would likely be the result of, or related to, the deterioration of the issuer’s financial condition and/or its status as a going concern. In such a case, with respect to CoCos that provide for conversion into common stock upon the occurrence of the contingency event, the market price of the issuer’s common stock received by the Acquiring Fund will have likely declined, perhaps substantially, and may continue to decline after conversion. CoCos rated below investment grade should be considered high yield securities, or “junk,” but often are issued by entities whose more senior securities are rated investment grade. CoCos are a relatively new type of security; and there is a risk that CoCo security issuers may suffer the sort of future financial distress that could materially increase the likelihood (or the market’s perception of the likelihood) that an automatic write-down or conversion event on those issuers’ CoCos will occur. Additionally, the trading behavior of a given issuer’s CoCo may be strongly impacted by the trading behavior of other issuers’ CoCos, such that negative information from an unrelated CoCo security may cause a decline in value of one or more CoCos held by the Fund. Accordingly, the trading behavior of CoCos may not follow the trading behavior of other types of debt and preferred securities. Despite these concerns, the prospective reward vs. risk characteristics of at least certain CoCos may be very attractive relative to other fixed-income alternatives.

 

 

Duration: Duration is a measure of the expected period over which a bond’s principal and interest will be paid, and consequently is a measure of the sensitivity of a bond’s or bond fund’s value to changes when market interest rates change. Generally, the longer a bond’s or fund’s duration, the more the price of the bond or fund will change as interest rates change.

 

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Effective Leverage: Effective leverage is a fund’s effective economic leverage, and includes both regulatory leverage (see below) and the leverage effects of certain derivative investments in the fund’s portfolio.

 

 

Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The total market value of all final goods and services produced in a country/region in a given year, equal to total consumer, investment and government spending, plus the value of exports, minus the value of imports.

 

 

JPC Blended Benchmark: A blended return consisting of: 1) 50% ICE BofAML Fixed Rate Preferred Securities Index, which tracks the performance of fixed rate U.S. dollar denominated preferred securities issued in the U.S. domestic market; 2) 30% ICE BofAML U.S. All Capital Securities Index (IOCS), a subset of the ICE BofAML U.S. Corporate Index including all fixed to- floating rate, perpetual callable and capital securities, which better represents the full breadth of the preferred and hybrid securities market, including investment grade and below investment grade exchange traded $25 par preferreds and investment grade and below investment grade rated $1,000 par capital securities; and 3) 20% ICE BofAML Contingent Capital Securities USD Hedged Index (CoCo), which tracks the performance of all contingent capital debt publicly issued in the major domestic and Eurobond markets, including investment grade and sub-investment grade issues. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not include the effects of any applicable sales charges or management fees.

 

 

JPI Blended Benchmark Index: The JPI Blended Benchmark is a blended return consisting of: 1) 60% ICE BofAML U.S. All Capital Securities Index (IOCS), a subset of the ICE BofAML U.S. Corporate Index including all fixed to- floating rate, perpetual callable and capital securities, which better represents the full breadth of the preferred and hybrid securities market, including investment grade and below investment grade exchange traded $25 par preferreds and investment grade and below investment grade rated $1,000 par capital securities; and 2) 40% ICE BofAML Contingent Capital Index, which tracks the performance of all contingent capital debt publicly issued in the major domestic and Eurobond markets, including investment grade and sub-investment grade issues. Benchmark returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not include the effects of any sales charges or management fees.

 

 

JPS Blended Benchmark: A blended return consisting of: 1) 40% of the ICE BofAML Contingent Capital Securities USD Hedged Index (CoCo), which tracks the performance of all contingent capital debt publicly issued in the major domestic and Eurobond markets, including investment grade and sub-investment-grade issues; and 2) 60% of the ICE BofAML U.S. All Capital Securities Index (IOCS), a subset of the ICE BofAML U.S. Corporate Index including all fixed-to-floating rate, perpetual callable and capital securities, which better represents the full breadth of the preferred and hybrid securities market, including investment grade and below investment grade exchange traded $25 par preferreds and investment grade and below investment grade rated $1,000 par capital securities. Index returns do not include the effects of any sales charges or management fees.

 

 

Leverage: Leverage is created whenever a fund has investment exposure (both reward and/or risk) equivalent to more than 100% of the investment capital.

 

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) Per Share: A fund’s Net Assets is equal to its total assets (securities, cash, accrued earnings and receivables) less its total liabilities. NAV per share is equal to the fund’s Net Assets divided by its number of shares outstanding.

 

 

Option-adjusted spread (OAS): The option-adjusted spread (OAS) for a fixed-income security is the amount of yield that would need to be added to each of the discount rates used to value each of the security’s cash flows (typically based on the yields of U.S. Treasury securities) so that the sum of the discounted value of all of the security’s cash flows matches its market price, using a dynamic pricing model that takes into account any embedded options, such as call features, applicable to the security.

 

 

Regulatory Leverage: Regulatory leverage consists of preferred shares issued by or borrowings of a fund. Both of these are part of a fund’s capital structure. Regulatory leverage is subject to asset coverage limits set forth in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

 

Yield-to-Worst (YTW): Represents the lowest potential yield that an investor would receive on a bond if the issuer does not default. The yield to worst is calculated by making worst-case scenario assumptions on the issue by calculating the returns that would be received if provisions, including prepayment, call or sinking fund, are used by the issuer. The YTW is used to evaluate the worst-case scenario for yield to help investors manage their risk and exposures.

 

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Reinvest Automatically, Easily and Conveniently

 

Nuveen makes reinvesting easy. A phone call is all it takes to set up your reinvestment account.

 

 

Nuveen Closed-End Funds Automatic Reinvestment Plan

Your Nuveen Closed-End Fund allows you to conveniently reinvest distributions in additional Fund shares.

By choosing to reinvest, you’ll be able to invest money regularly and automatically, and watch your investment grow through the power of compounding. Just like distributions in cash, there may be times when income or capital gains taxes may be payable on distributions that are reinvested.

It is important to note that an automatic reinvestment plan does not ensure a profit, nor does it protect you against loss in a declining market.

Easy and convenient

To make recordkeeping easy and convenient, each quarter you’ll receive a statement showing your total distributions, the date of investment, the shares acquired and the price per share, and the total number of shares you own.

How shares are purchased

The shares you acquire by reinvesting will either be purchased on the open market or newly issued by the Fund. If the shares are trading at or above net asset value at the time of valuation, the Fund will issue new shares at the greater of the net asset value or 95% of the then-current market price. If the shares are trading at less than net asset value, shares for your account will be purchased on the open market. If the Plan Agent begins purchasing Fund shares on the open market while shares are trading below net asset value, but the Fund’s shares subsequently trade at or above their net asset value before the Plan Agent is able to complete its purchases, the Plan Agent may cease open-market purchases and may invest the uninvested portion of the distribution in newly-issued Fund shares at a price equal to the greater of the shares’ net asset value or 95% of the shares’ market value on the last business day immediately prior to the purchase date. Distributions received to purchase shares in the open market will normally be invested shortly after the distribution payment date. No interest will be paid on distributions awaiting reinvestment. Because the market price of the shares may increase before purchases are completed, the average purchase price per share may exceed the market price at the time of valuation, resulting in the acquisition of fewer shares than if the distribution had been paid in shares issued by the Fund. A pro rata portion of any applicable brokerage commissions on open market purchases will be paid by Plan participants. These commissions usually will be lower than those charged on individual transactions.

Flexible

You may change your distribution option or withdraw from the Plan at any time, should your needs or situation change.

You can reinvest whether your shares are registered in your name, or in the name of a brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee. Ask your investment advisor if his or her firm will participate on your behalf. Participants whose shares are registered in the name of one firm may not be able to transfer the shares to another firm and continue to participate in the Plan.

The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan at any time. Although the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants, there is no direct service charge to participants in the Plan at this time.

Call today to start reinvesting distributions

For more information on the Nuveen Automatic Reinvestment Plan or to enroll in or withdraw from the Plan, speak with your financial advisor or call us at (800) 257-8787.

 

 

82


Annual Investment Management Agreement Approval Process

(Unaudited)

 

At a meeting held on May 22-24, 2018 (the “May Meeting”), the Board of Trustees (each, a “Board,” and each Trustee, a “Board Member”) of each Fund, including the Board Members who are not “interested persons” (as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”)) (the “Independent Board Members”), approved, for its respective Fund, the renewal of the management agreement (the “Investment Management Agreement”) with Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”) pursuant to which the Adviser serves as investment adviser to such Fund and the sub-advisory agreement(s) (each, a “Sub-Advisory Agreement”) with (a) in the case of Nuveen Preferred and Income Opportunities Fund (the “Opportunities Fund”), Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (“NAM”) and NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC (“NWQ”), pursuant to which NAM and NWQ serve as investment sub-advisers to such Fund, (b) in the case of Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (the “Term Fund”), NAM, pursuant to which NAM serves as investment sub-adviser to such Fund, (c) in the case of Nuveen Preferred and Income Securities Fund (the “Securities Fund”), Spectrum Asset Management, Inc. (“Spectrum”), pursuant to which Spectrum serves as investment sub-adviser to such Fund, and (d) in the case of Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund (the “2022 Fund”), NAM, pursuant to which NAM serves as investment sub-adviser to such Fund. NAM, NWQ and Spectrum are collectively referred to as the “Sub-Advisers” and each, a “Sub-Adviser.” The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers are collectively referred to as the “Fund Advisers” and each, a “Fund Adviser.” Following an initial two-year period, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, is required under the 1940 Act to review and approve each Investment Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement on behalf of the applicable Fund on an annual basis. The Investment Management Agreements and Sub-Advisory Agreements are collectively referred to as the “Advisory Agreements.”

In response to a request on behalf of the Independent Board Members by independent legal counsel, the Board received and reviewed prior to the May Meeting extensive materials specifically prepared for the annual review of Advisory Agreements by the Adviser as well as by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge” or “Lipper”), an independent provider of investment company data. The materials provided in connection with the annual review covered a breadth of subject matter including, but not limited to, a description of the nature, extent and quality of services provided by each Fund Adviser; a review of each Sub-Adviser and the applicable investment team(s); an analysis of fund performance in absolute terms and as compared to the performance of certain peer funds and benchmarks with a focus on any performance outliers; an analysis of the fees and expense ratios of the Nuveen funds in absolute terms and as compared to those of certain peer funds with a focus on any expense outliers; a description of portfolio manager compensation; a review of the secondary market for Nuveen closed-end funds (including, among other things an analysis of performance, distribution and valuation and capital raising trends in the broader closed-end fund market and in particular to Nuveen closed-end funds; a review of the leverage management actions taken on behalf of the Nuveen closed-end funds and the resulting impact on performance; and a description of the distribution management process and any capital management activities); a review of the performance of various service providers; a description of various initiatives Nuveen had undertaken or continued during the year for the benefit of particular Nuveen funds and/or the complex; a description of the profitability or financial data of Nuveen and the various sub-advisers to the Nuveen funds; and a description of indirect benefits received by the Fund Advisers as a result of their relationships with the Nuveen funds. The Independent Board Members also received a memorandum from independent legal counsel outlining their fiduciary duties and legal standards in reviewing the Advisory Agreements. The Board Members held an in-person meeting on April 10-11, 2018 (the “April Meeting”), in part, to review and discuss the performance of the Nuveen funds and the Adviser’s evaluation of the various sub-advisers to the Nuveen funds. Prior to the May Meeting, the Board Members also received and reviewed supplemental information provided in response to questions posed by the Board Members.

The information prepared specifically for the annual review of the Advisory Agreements supplemented the information provided to the Board and its committees throughout the year. The Board and its committees met regularly during the year and the information provided and topics discussed were relevant to the review of the Advisory Agreements. Some of these reports and other data included, among other things, materials that outlined the investment performance of the Nuveen funds; strategic plans of the Adviser which may impact the services it provides to the Nuveen funds; the review of the Nuveen funds and applicable investment teams; the management of leveraging financing for the Nuveen closed-end funds; the secondary market trading of the Nuveen closed-end funds and any actions to address discounts; compliance, regulatory and risk management matters; the trading

 

83


Annual Investment Management Agreement Approval Process (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

practices of the various sub-advisers; valuation of securities; fund expenses; and overall market and regulatory developments. The Board further continued its practice of seeking to meet periodically with the various sub-advisers to the Nuveen funds and their investment teams, when feasible. As a result, the Independent Board Members considered the review of the Advisory Agreements to be an ongoing process and employed the accumulated information, knowledge, and experience the Board Members had gained during their tenure on the boards governing the Nuveen funds and working with the Fund Advisers in their review of the Advisory Agreements. Throughout the year and during the annual review of Advisory Agreements, the Independent Board Members met in executive sessions with independent legal counsel and had the benefit of counsel’s advice.

In deciding to renew the Advisory Agreements, the Independent Board Members did not identify a particular factor as determinative, but rather the decision reflected the comprehensive consideration of all the information provided, and each Board Member may have attributed different levels of importance to the various factors and information considered in connection with the approval process. The following summarizes the principal factors, but not all the factors, the Board considered in deciding to renew the Advisory Agreements and its conclusions.

 

A.   Nature, Extent and Quality of Services

In evaluating the renewal of the Advisory Agreements, the Independent Board Members received and considered information regarding the nature, extent and quality of the applicable Fund Adviser’s services provided to the respective Fund and the resulting performance of each Fund. With respect to the Adviser, the Board recognized the comprehensive set of management, oversight and administrative services the Adviser and its affiliates provided to manage and operate the Nuveen funds in a highly regulated industry. As illustrative, these services included, but were not limited to, product management; investment oversight, risk management and securities valuation services; fund accounting and administration services; board support and administration services; compliance and regulatory oversight services; legal support; and with respect to closed-end funds, leverage, capital and distribution management services.

In addition to the services necessary to operate and maintain the Nuveen funds, the Board recognized the Adviser’s continued program of improvements and innovations to make the Nuveen fund complex more relevant and attractive to existing and new investors and to accommodate the new and changing regulatory requirements in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. The Board noted that some of the initiatives the Adviser had taken over recent years to benefit the complex and particular Nuveen funds included, among other things:

 

   

Fund Rationalizations – continuing efforts to rationalize the product line through mergers, liquidations and repositionings in seeking to enhance shareholder value over the years through increased efficiency, reduced costs, improved performance and revised investment approaches more relevant to current shareholder needs;

 

   

Product Innovations – developing product innovations and launching new products that will help the Nuveen fund complex offer a variety of products that will attract new investors and retain existing investors, such as launching the target term funds, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and multi-asset class funds;

 

   

Risk Management Enhancements – continuing efforts to enhance risk management, including enhancing reporting to increase the efficiency of risk monitoring, implementing programs to strengthen the ability to detect and mitigate operational risks, dedicating resources and staffing necessary to create standards to help ensure compliance with new liquidity requirements, and implementing a price verification system;

 

   

Additional Compliance Services – the continuing investment of significant resources, time and additional staffing to meet the various new regulatory requirements affecting the Nuveen funds over the past several years, the further implementation of unified compliance policies and processes, the development of additional compliance training modules, and the reorganization of the compliance team adding further depth to its senior leadership;

 

   

Expanded Dividend Management Services – as the Nuveen fund complex has grown, the additional services necessary to manage the distributions of the varied funds offered and investing in automated systems to assist in this process; and

 

84


 

 

   

with respect specifically to closed-end funds, such initiatives also included:

 

 

Leverage Management Services – continuing activities to expand financing relationships and develop new product structures to lower fund leverage expenses and to manage associated risks, particularly in an interest rate increasing environment;

 

 

Capital Management Services – continuing capital management activities through the share repurchase program and additional equity offerings in seeking to increase net asset value and/or improve fund performance for the respective Nuveen funds;

 

 

Data and Market Analytics – continuing development of databases that help with obtaining and analyzing ownership data of closed-end funds;

 

 

Enhanced Secondary Market Reporting – providing enhanced reporting and commentary on the secondary market trading of closed-end funds which permit more efficient analysis of the performance of the Nuveen funds compared to peers and of trends in the marketplace; and

 

 

Tender Option Bond Services – providing the additional support services necessary for Nuveen funds that seek to use tender option bonds to meet new regulatory requirements.

The Board also recognized the Adviser’s investor relations program which seeks to advance the Nuveen closed-end funds through, among other things, raising awareness and delivering education regarding closed-end funds to investors and financial advisors and promoting the Nuveen closed-end funds with such investors.

In addition to the services provided by the Adviser, the Board also noted the business related risks the Adviser incurred in managing the Nuveen funds, including entrepreneurial, legal and litigation risks.

The Board further considered the division of responsibilities between the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers and the investment and compliance oversight over the Sub-Advisers provided by the Adviser. The Board recognized that the Sub-Advisers generally provided the portfolio advisory services for the applicable Fund(s). The Board reviewed the Adviser’s analysis of each Sub-Adviser which evaluated, among other things, the investment team, the members’ experience and any changes to the team during the year, the team’s assets under management, the stability and history of the organization, the team’s investment approach and the performance of the Funds over various periods. The Board noted that the Adviser recommended the renewal of the Sub-Advisory Agreements.

Based on its review, the Board determined, in the exercise of its reasonable business judgment, that it was satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the respective Funds under each applicable Advisory Agreement.

 

B.   The Investment Performance of the Funds and Fund Advisers

As part of its evaluation of the services provided by the Fund Advisers, the Board considered the investment performance of each Fund. In this regard, the Board reviewed fund performance over the quarter, one-, three- and five-year periods ending December 31, 2017, as well as performance data for the first quarter of 2018 ending March 31, 2018 (or for such periods available for the 2022 Fund, which did not exist for part of the foregoing time frame). The Independent Board Members noted that they reviewed and discussed fund performance over various time periods with management at their quarterly meetings throughout the year and their review and analysis of performance during the annual review of Advisory Agreements incorporated such discussions.

The Board reviewed performance on an absolute basis and in comparison to the performance of peer funds (the “Performance Peer Group”) and recognized and/or customized benchmarks (i.e., generally benchmarks derived from multiple recognized benchmarks). The Independent Board Members also reviewed, among other things, the returns of each sleeve of the Opportunities Fund relative to the benchmark of such sleeve for the quarter, one-, three- and five-year periods ending December 31, 2017, as well as performance information reflecting the first quarter of 2018. The Board considered the Adviser’s analysis of each Nuveen fund’s performance, including, in particular, an analysis of the Nuveen funds determined to be performance outliers and the factors contributing to their underperformance. In addition to the foregoing, in

 

85


Annual Investment Management Agreement Approval Process (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

recognizing the importance of secondary market trading to shareholders of closed-end funds, the Board reviewed, among other things, the premium or discount to net asset value of the Nuveen closed-end funds as of a specified date as well as relative to the premiums or discounts of certain peers and the funds’ total return based on net asset value and market price over various periods. The Board considers the review of premiums and discounts of the closed-end funds to be a continuing priority and as such, the Board and/or its Closed-end Fund Committee also receives an update on the secondary closed-end fund market and evaluates the premiums and discounts of the Nuveen closed-end funds at each quarterly meeting, reviewing, among other things, the premium and discount trends in the broader closed-end fund market, by asset category and by closed-end fund; the historical total return performance data for the Nuveen closed-end funds based on net asset value and price over various periods; the volatility trends in the market; the distribution data of the Nuveen closed-end funds and as compared to peer averages; and a summary of the common share shelf offerings and share repurchase activity during the applicable quarter. As the Board’s Closed-end Fund Committee oversees matters particularly impacting the closed-end fund product line, the committee further engages in more in-depth discussions of the premiums and discounts of the Nuveen closed-end funds at each of its quarterly meetings.

In reviewing performance data, the Independent Board Members appreciated some of the inherent limitations of such data. In this regard, the Independent Board Members recognized that there may be limitations with the comparative data of certain peer groups or benchmarks as they may pursue objective(s), strategies or have other characteristics that are different from the respective Nuveen fund and therefore the performance results necessarily are different and limit the value of the comparisons. As an example, some funds may utilize leverage which may add to or detract from performance compared to an unlevered benchmark. The Independent Board Members also noted that management had ranked the relevancy of the peer group as low, medium or high to help the Board evaluate the value of the comparative peer performance data. The Board was aware that the performance data was measured as of a specific date and a different time period may reflect significantly different results and a period of underperformance can significantly impact long term performance figures. The Board further recognized that a shareholder’s experience in a Fund depends on his or her own holding period which may differ from that reviewed by the Independent Board Members.

In their review of performance, the Independent Board Members focused, in particular, on the Adviser’s analysis of Nuveen funds determined to be underperforming performance outliers. The Independent Board Members noted that only a limited number of the Nuveen funds appeared to be underperforming performance outliers at the end of 2017 and considered the factors contributing to the respective fund’s performance and whether there were any performance concerns that needed to be addressed. The Board recognized that some periods of underperformance may only be temporary while other periods of underperformance may indicate a broader issue that may require a corrective action. Accordingly, with respect to any Nuveen funds for which the Board had identified performance issues, the Board monitors such funds closely until performance improves, discusses with the Adviser the reasons for such results, considers whether any steps are necessary or appropriate to address such issues, and reviews the results of any efforts undertaken.

For the Opportunities Fund, the Board noted that the Fund ranked in the third quartile of its Performance Peer Group in the one-, three- and five-year periods. The Fund also outperformed its benchmark over such periods. The Board was satisfied with the Fund’s overall performance.

For the Term Fund, the Board noted that the Fund ranked in the second quartile of its Performance Peer Group in the one-, three-, and five-year periods and outperformed its benchmark over such periods. In its review, the Board noted that the Performance Peer Group was classified as low for relevancy. The Board was satisfied with the Fund’s overall performance.

For the Securities Fund, the Board noted that the Fund ranked in the first quartile of its Performance Peer Group in the one-year period, the second quartile in the three-year period and third quartile in the five-year period. The Fund also outperformed its benchmark over such periods. The Board was satisfied with the Fund’s overall performance.

For the 2022 Fund, the Board noted that the Fund was new with too limited of a performance history available to make a meaningful assessment of performance.

 

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C.   Fees, Expenses and Profitability
  1.   Fees and Expenses

In its annual review, the Board considered the fees paid to the Fund Advisers and the total operating expense ratio of each Fund. More specifically, the Independent Board Members reviewed, among other things, each Fund’s gross and net management fee rates and net total expense ratio in relation to those of a comparable universe of funds (the “Peer Universe”) established by Broadridge. The Independent Board Members reviewed the methodology Broadridge employed to establish its Peer Universe and recognized that differences between the applicable fund and its respective Peer Universe may limit some of the value of the comparative data. The Independent Board Members also considered a fund’s operating expense ratio as it more directly reflected the shareholder’s costs in investing in the respective fund. In their review, the Independent Board Members considered, in particular, each fund with a net expense ratio (excluding investment-related costs of leverage for closed-end funds) of six basis points or higher compared to that of its peer average (each an “Expense Outlier Fund”). The Board noted that the number of Nuveen funds classified as an Expense Outlier Fund pursuant to the foregoing criteria had decreased over the past few years with only a limited number of the Nuveen funds identified as Expense Outlier Funds in 2017. The Independent Board Members reviewed an analysis as to the factors contributing to each such fund’s higher relative net expense ratio. In addition, although the Board reviewed a fund’s total net expenses both including and excluding investment-related expenses (i.e., leverage costs) and taxes for certain of the Nuveen closed-end funds, the Board recognized that leverage expenses will vary across funds and in comparison to peers because of differences in the forms and terms of leverage employed by the respective fund. Accordingly, in reviewing the comparative data between a fund and its peers, the Board generally considered the fund’s net expense ratio and fees (excluding leverage costs and leveraged assets for the closed-end funds) to be higher if they were over 10 basis points higher, slightly higher if they were 6 to 10 basis points higher, in line if they were within approximately 5 basis points higher than the peer average and below if they were below the peer average of the Peer Universe.

In their review of the fee arrangements for the Nuveen funds, the Independent Board Members considered the management fee schedules, including the complex-wide and fund-level breakpoint schedules, as applicable. The Board considered that across the Nuveen fund complex, the complex-wide fee breakpoints reduced fees by $47.4 million and fund-level breakpoints reduced fees by $54.6 million in 2017.

The Board considered the sub-advisory fees paid to the Sub-Advisers, including any breakpoint schedule, and as described below, comparative data of the fees the Sub-Advisers charge to other clients.

The Independent Board Members noted that the Opportunities Fund had a net management fee in line with its peer average and a net expense ratio below its peer average; the Term Fund and the Securities Fund each had a net management fee slightly higher than its peer average but a net expense ratio below its peer average; and the 2022 Fund had a net management fee and a net expense ratio below its respective peer average.

Based on their review of the information provided, the Board determined that each Fund’s management fees (as applicable) to a Fund Adviser were reasonable in light of the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund.

 

  2.   Comparisons with the Fees of Other Clients

In determining the appropriateness of fees, the Board also reviewed information regarding the fee rates the respective Fund Advisers charged for certain other types of clients and the type of services provided to these other clients. With respect to the Adviser and/or affiliated Sub-Advisers, such other clients may include retail and institutional managed accounts, investment companies outside the Nuveen family, foreign investment companies offered by Nuveen and collective investment trusts. The Board further noted that the Adviser also advised certain ETFs sponsored by Nuveen.

The Board recognized that the Opportunities Fund, the Term Fund and the 2022 Fund had at least one affiliated sub-adviser (i.e., NAM and/or NWQ) and reviewed, among other things, the range of fees assessed for managed accounts and foreign investment companies. The Board also reviewed the fee range and average fee rate of certain selected investment strategies offered in retail and institutional managed accounts by NAM and NWQ and of the non-Nuveen investment companies sub-advised by affiliated sub-advisers. In addition to the comparative fee data, the Board also reviewed, among other things, a

 

87


Annual Investment Management Agreement Approval Process (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

description of the different levels of services provided to other clients of the Adviser and/or its affiliated sub-advisers compared to the services provided to the Nuveen funds as well as the differences in portfolio investment policies, investor profiles, account sizes and regulatory requirements, all of which contribute to variations in the fee schedules. With respect to ETFs, the Board considered the differences in the passive management of Nuveen’s Nushares ETFs compared to the active management of other Nuveen funds which also contributed to differing management fee levels compared to the other Nuveen funds. In general, the Board noted that the higher fee levels reflect higher levels of services provided by Nuveen, increased investment management complexity, greater product management requirements and higher levels of business risk or some combination of these factors. The Board further considered that each such affiliated Sub-Adviser’s fee is essentially for portfolio management services and therefore more comparable to the fees it receives for retail wrap accounts and other external sub-advisory mandates. The Board concluded the varying levels of fees were justified given, among other things, the inherent differences in the products and the level of services provided to the Nuveen funds versus other clients, the differing regulatory requirements and legal liabilities and the entrepreneurial risks incurred in sponsoring and advising a registered investment company.

The Board recognized that the Securities Fund had an unaffiliated sub-adviser (i.e., Spectrum) and considered that such Sub-Adviser’s fee is essentially for portfolio management services. The Independent Board Members reviewed the pricing schedule that Spectrum charges for other clients. The Independent Board Members noted that the sub-advisory fee with respect to the Securities Fund was the result of arm’s length negotiations and was reasonable in relation to the fees assessed other clients.

 

  3.   Profitability of Fund Advisers

In conjunction with their review of fees, the Independent Board Members considered Nuveen’s level of profitability for its advisory services to the Nuveen funds for the calendar years 2017 and 2016. In considering profitability, the Independent Board Members reviewed the level of profitability realized by Nuveen including and excluding any distribution expenses incurred by Nuveen from its own resources. The Independent Board Members also reviewed a description of the expense allocation methodology employed to develop the financial information and a summary of the history of changes to the methodology over the years. For comparability purposes, the Board recognized that a prior year’s profitability would be restated to reflect any refinements to the methodology. The Independent Board Members were aware of the inherent limitations in calculating profitability as the use of different reasonable allocation methodologies may lead to significantly different results and in reviewing profitability margins over extended periods given the refinements to the methodology over time. The Board noted that two Independent Board Members, along with independent counsel, serve as the Board’s liaisons to review and discuss any proposed changes to the methodology prior to the full Board’s review.

In their review, the Independent Board Members evaluated, among other things, Nuveen’s adjusted operating margins, gross and net revenue margins (pre-tax and after-tax) for advisory activities for the Nuveen funds, and the revenues, expenses, and net income (pre-tax and after-tax and before distribution) of Nuveen for fund advisory services for each of the last two calendar years. The Independent Board Members also reviewed an analysis of the key drivers behind the changes in revenues and expenses that impacted profitability in 2017 versus 2016. The Board noted that Nuveen recently launched its ETF product line in 2016 and reviewed the revenues, expenses and operating margin from this product line.

In addition to reviewing Nuveen’s profitability in absolute terms, the Independent Board Members also examined comparative profitability data reviewing, among other things, the revenues, expenses and adjusted total company margins of other advisory firms that had publicly available information and comparable assets under management (based on asset size and asset composition) for 2017 and as compared to their adjusted operating margins for 2016. The Independent Board Members, however, recognized the difficulty in comparing the profitability of various fund managers given the limited public information available and the subjective nature of calculating profitability which may be affected by numerous factors including the fund manager’s organizational structure, types of funds, other lines of business, methodology used to allocate expenses and cost of capital. Nevertheless, considering such limitations and based on the information provided, the Board noted that Nuveen’s adjusted operating margins appeared reasonable when compared to the adjusted margins of the peers.

 

88


 

Aside from Nuveen’s profitability, the Board recognized that the Adviser is a subsidiary of Nuveen, LLC, the investment management arm of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (“TIAA”). As such, the Board also reviewed a balance sheet for TIAA reflecting its assets, liabilities and capital and contingency reserves for the 2017 and 2016 calendar years to consider the financial strength of TIAA.

In reviewing profitability, the Independent Board Members also considered the profitability of the various Sub-Advisers from their relationships with the respective Nuveen fund(s). With respect to NAM and NWQ, the Independent Board Members reviewed such Sub-Advisers’ revenues, expenses and revenue margins (pre- and post-tax) for their advisory activities for the calendar year ended December 31, 2017. The Independent Board Members also reviewed a profitability analysis reflecting the revenues, expenses and revenue margin (pre- and post-tax) by asset type for NAM for the calendar year ending December 31, 2017 and the pre- and post-tax revenue margin from 2017 and 2016. With respect to Spectrum, the Independent Board Members considered a profitability and margin analysis, generally including revenues, expenses and operating margins for its advisory services to the Securities Fund for the calendar years 2017 and 2016.

In evaluating the reasonableness of the compensation, the Independent Board Members also considered any other ancillary benefits derived by the respective Fund Adviser from its relationship with the Nuveen funds as discussed in further detail below.

Based on a consideration of all the information provided, the Board noted that Nuveen’s and each Sub-Adviser’s level of profitability was acceptable and not unreasonable in light of the services provided.

 

D.   Economies of Scale and Whether Fee Levels Reflect These Economies of Scale

The Independent Board Members considered the extent to which economies of scale may be achieved as a Fund grows and whether these economies of scale have been shared with shareholders. Although the Board recognized that economies of scale are difficult to measure, the Independent Board Members noted that there are several methods that may be used in seeking to share economies of scale, including through breakpoints in the management fee schedule reducing the fee rates as asset levels grow, fee waivers and/or expense limitation agreements and the Adviser’s investment in its business which can enhance the services provided to the Nuveen funds. With respect to breakpoint schedules, because the Board had previously recognized that economies of scale may occur not only when the assets of a particular fund grow but also when the assets in the complex grow, the Nuveen funds generally pay the Adviser a management fee comprised of a fund-level component and a complex-level component each with its own breakpoint schedule, subject to certain exceptions. In general terms, the breakpoint schedule at the fund level reduces fees as assets in the particular fund pass certain thresholds and the breakpoint schedule at the complex level reduces fees on certain funds as the eligible assets in the complex pass certain thresholds. Subject to exceptions for certain Nuveen funds, the Independent Board Members reviewed the fund-level and complex-level fee schedules and any resulting savings in fees. In addition, with respect to closed-end funds, the Independent Board Members noted that, although such funds may from time-to-time make additional share offerings, the growth of their assets would occur primarily through the appreciation of such funds’ investment portfolios. Further, the Independent Board Members recognized the Adviser’s continued reinvestment in its business through, among other things, improvements in technology, additional staffing, product innovations and other organizational changes designed to expand or enhance the services provided to the benefit of all of the Nuveen funds.

Based on its review, the Board concluded that the current fee arrangements together with the Adviser’s reinvestment in its business appropriately shared any economies of scale with shareholders.

 

E.   Indirect Benefits

The Independent Board Members received and considered information regarding other benefits the respective Fund Adviser or its affiliates may receive as a result of their relationship with the Nuveen funds. The Independent Board Members reviewed the revenues that an affiliate of the Adviser received in 2017 as a result of serving as co-manager in the initial public offerings of new closed-end funds and as the underwriter on shelf offerings of existing closed-end funds.

 

89


Annual Investment Management Agreement Approval Process (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

In addition to the above, the Independent Board Members considered whether the Sub-Advisers use commissions paid by the applicable Fund(s) on portfolio transactions to obtain research products and other services (“soft dollar transactions”). The Board recognized that NAM and NWQ may benefit from research received from broker-dealers that execute Fund portfolio transactions. The Board, however, noted that the benefits for sub-advisers transacting in fixed-income securities may be more limited as such securities generally trade on a principal basis and therefore do not generate brokerage commissions. Further, the Board noted that although NAM and NWQ may benefit from the receipt of research and other services that they may otherwise have to pay for out of their own resources, the research may also benefit the applicable Funds to the extent it enhances the ability of NAM or NWQ to manage such Funds or is acquired through the commissions paid on portfolio transactions of other funds or clients.

With regard to the Securities Fund, Spectrum, the Sub-Adviser of such Fund, does not participate in soft dollar arrangements with respect to Fund portfolio transactions. Although Spectrum may not engage in soft dollar transactions, the Board noted that Spectrum may still receive some indirect compensation as it utilized its own broker-dealer.

Based on their review, the Board concluded that any indirect benefits received by a Fund Adviser as a result of its relationship with the Funds were reasonable and within acceptable parameters.

 

F.   Other Considerations

The Board Members did not identify any single factor discussed previously as all-important or controlling. The Board Members, including the Independent Board Members, concluded that the terms of each Advisory Agreement were fair and reasonable, that the respective Fund Adviser’s fees were reasonable in light of the services provided to each Fund and that the Advisory Agreements be renewed.

 

90


Board Members & Officers

(Unaudited)

 

The management of the Funds, including general supervision of the duties performed for the Funds by the Adviser, is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees of the Funds. The number of trustees of the Funds is set at eleven. None of the trustees who are not “interested” persons of the Funds (referred to herein as “independent board members”) has ever been a director or employee of, or consultant to, Nuveen or its affiliates. The names and business addresses of the trustees and officers of the Funds, their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years, the number of portfolios each oversees and other directorships they hold are set forth below.

 

                     

Name,

Year of Birth

& Address

   Position(s) Held
with the Funds
   Year First
Elected or
Appointed
and Term(1)
  

Principal

Occupation(s)

Including other

Directorships

During Past 5 Years

  

Number

of Portfolios

in Fund Complex

Overseen by

Board Member

                     
Independent Board Members:

  TERENCE J. TOTH

         Formerly, a Co-Founding Partner, Promus Capital (2008-2017); Director, Fulcrum IT Service LLC (since 2010) and Quality Control Corporation (since 2012); member: Catalyst Schools of Chicago Board (since 2008) and Mather Foundation Board (since 2012), and chair of its Investment Committee; formerly, Director, Legal & General Investment Management America, Inc. (2008-2013); formerly, CEO and President, Northern Trust Global Investments (2004-2007): Executive Vice President, Quantitative Management & Securities Lending (2000-2004); prior thereto, various positions with Northern Trust Company (since 1994); formerly, Member, Northern Trust Mutual Funds Board (2005-2007), Northern Trust Global Investments Board (2004-2007), Northern Trust Japan Board (2004-2007), Northern Trust Securities Inc. Board (2003-2007) and Northern Trust Hong Kong Board (1997-2004).   

1959

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

   Chairman and Board Member   

2008

Class II

  

166

        

  JACK B. EVANS

         President, The Hall-Perrine Foundation, a private philanthropic corporation (since 1996); Director and Chairman, United Fire Group, a publicly held company; Director, Public Member, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (since 2015); Life Trustee of Coe College and the Iowa College Foundation; formerly, President Pro-Tem of the Board of Regents for the State of Iowa University System; formerly, Director, Alliant Energy and The Gazette Company; formerly, Director, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago; formerly, President and Chief Operating Officer, SCI Financial Group, Inc., a regional financial services firm.   

1948

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

  

Board Member

  

1999

Class III

  

166

        

  WILLIAM C. HUNTER

         Dean Emeritus, formerly, Dean, Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa (2006-2012); Director of Wellmark, Inc. (since 2009); past Director (2005-2015), and past President (2010-2014) Beta Gamma Sigma, Inc., The International Business Honor Society; formerly, Director (2004-2018) of Xerox Corporation; Dean and Distinguished Professor of Finance, School of Business at the University of Connecticut (2003-2006); previously, Senior Vice President and Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (1995-2003); formerly, Director (1997-2007), Credit Research Center at Georgetown University.   

1948

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

  

Board Member

  

2003

Class I

  

166

        

  ALBIN F. MOSCHNER

         Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Northcroft Partners, LLC, a management consulting firm (since 2012); Director, USA Technologies, Inc., a provider of solutions and services to facilitate electronic payment transactions (since 2012); formerly, Director, Wintrust Financial Corporation (1996-2016); previously, held positions at Leap Wireless International, Inc., including Consultant (2011-2012), Chief Operating Officer (2008-2011), and Chief Marketing Officer (2004-2008); formerly, President, Verizon Card Services division of Verizon Communications, Inc. (2000-2003); formerly, President, One Point Services at One Point Communications (1999-2000); formerly, Vice Chairman of the Board, Diba, Incorporated (1996-1997); formerly, various executive positions with Zenith Electronics Corporation (1991-1996).   

1952

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

  

Board Member

  

2016

Class III

  

166

        

 

91


Board Members & Officers (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

                     

Name,

Year of Birth

& Address

   Position(s) Held
with the Funds
   Year First
Elected or
Appointed
and Term(1)
  

Principal

Occupation(s)

Including other

Directorships

During Past 5 Years

  

Number

of Portfolios

in Fund Complex

Overseen by

Board Member

                     
Independent Board Members (continued):

  JOHN K. NELSON

         Member of Board of Directors of Core12 LLC (since 2008), a private firm which develops branding, marketing and communications strategies for clients; Director of The Curran Center for Catholic American Studies (since 2009) and The President’s Council, Fordham University (since 2010); formerly, senior external advisor to the financial services practice of Deloitte Consulting LLP (2012-2014): formerly, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Marian University (2010 as trustee, 2011-2014 as Chairman); formerly, Chief Executive Officer of ABN AMRO N.V. North America, and Global Head of its Financial Markets Division (2007-2008); prior senior positions held at ABN AMRO include Corporate Executive Vice President and Head of Global Markets-the Americas (2006-2007), CEO of Wholesale Banking North America and Global Head of Foreign Exchange and Futures Markets (2001-2006), and Regional Commercial Treasurer and Senior Vice President Trading-North America (1996-2001); formerly, Trustee at St. Edmund Preparatory School in New York City.   

1962

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

  

Board Member

  

2013

Class II

  

166

        

  WILLIAM J. SCHNEIDER

         Chairman of Miller-Valentine Partners, a real estate investment company; Board Member of WDPR Public Radio station; formerly, Senior Partner and Chief Operating Officer (retired (2004) of Miller-Valentine Group; formerly, Board member, Business Advisory Council of the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank and University of Dayton Business School Advisory Council; past Chair and Director, Dayton Development Coalition.   

1944

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

  

Board Member

  

1996

Class III

  

166

        

  JUDITH M. STOCKDALE

         Board Member, Land Trust Alliance (since 2013) and U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (since 2013); formerly, Executive Director (1994-2012), Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; prior thereto, Executive Director, Great Lakes Protection Fund (1990-1994).   

1947

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

  

Board Member

  

1997

Class I

  

166

  CAROLE E. STONE

         Former Director, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc. (2006-2017); and C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated (2009-2017); Director, CBOE Global Markets, Inc., formerly, CBOE Holdings, Inc. (since 2010); formerly, Commissioner, New York State Commission on Public Authority Reform (2005-2010).   

1947

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

  

Board Member

  

2007

Class I

  

166

  MARGARET L. WOLFF

         Formerly, member of the Board of Directors (2013-2017) of Travelers Insurance Company of Canada and The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company (each, a part of Travelers Canada, the Canadian operation of The Travelers Companies, Inc.); formerly, Of Counsel, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (Mergers & Acquisitions Group) (2005-2014); Member of the Board of Trustees of New York-Presbyterian Hospital (since 2005); Member (since 2004) and Chair (since 2015) of the Board of Trustees of The John A. Hartford Foundation (a philanthropy dedicated to improving the care of older adults); formerly, Member (2005-2015) and Vice Chair (2011-2015) of the Board of Trustees of Mt. Holyoke College.   

1955

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

  

Board Member

  

2016

Class I

  

166

        

 

92


 

                     

Name,

Year of Birth

& Address

   Position(s) Held
with the Funds
   Year First
Elected or
Appointed
and Term(1)
  

Principal

Occupation(s)

Including other

Directorships

During Past 5 Years

  

Number

of Portfolios

in Fund Complex

Overseen by

Board Member

                     
Independent Board Members (continued):

  ROBERT L. YOUNG(2)

         Formerly, Chief Operating Officer and Director, J.P.Morgan Investment Management Inc. (2010-2016); formerly, President and Principal Executive Officer (2013-2016), and Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (2005-2010), of J.P.Morgan Funds; formerly, Director and various officer positions for J.P.Morgan Investment Management Inc. (formerly, JPMorgan Funds Management, Inc. and formerly, One Group Administrative Services) and JPMorgan Distribution Services, Inc. (formerly, One Group Dealer Services, Inc.) (1999-2017).   

1963

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

  

Board Member

  

2017

Class II

  

164

        
Interested Board Member:

  MARGO L. COOK(3)(4)

         President (since April 2017), formerly, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President (2016-2017), formerly, Senior Executive Vice President of Nuveen Investments, Inc.; President, Global Products and Solutions (since July 2017), and, Co-Chief Executive Officer (since 2015), formerly, Executive Vice President (2013-2015), of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Executive Vice President (since February 2017) of Nuveen, LLC; President (since August 2017), formerly Co-President (October 2016- August 2017), formerly, Senior Executive Vice President of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (Executive Vice President since 2011); President (since 2017), Nuveen Alternative Investments, LLC; Chartered Financial Analyst.   

1964

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

  

Board Member

  

2016

Class III

  

166

        
                     

Name,

Year of Birth

& Address

   Position(s) Held
with the Funds
   Year First
Elected or
Appointed(4)
  

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

  

Number

of Portfolios

in Fund Complex

Overseen by

Officer

                     
Officers of the Funds:

  CEDRIC H. ANTOSIEWICZ

         Senior Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Managing Director (2004-2017) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Senior Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Managing Director (2014-2017) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC.   

1962

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

   Chief Administrative Officer   

2007

  

75

  STEPHEN D. FOY

         Managing Director (since 2014), formerly, Senior Vice President (2013-2014) and Vice President (2005-2013) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Managing Director (since 2016) of Nuveen Securities, LLC Managing Director (since 2016) of Nuveen Alternative Investments, LLC; Certified Public Accountant.   

1954

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

   Vice President and Controller   

1998

  

166

  NATHANIEL T. JONES

         Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Senior Vice President (2016-2017), formerly, Vice President (2011-2016) of Nuveen.; Chartered Financial Analyst.   

1979

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

   Vice President and Treasurer   

2016

  

166

  WALTER M. KELLY

         Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Senior Vice President (2008-2017) of Nuveen.   

1970

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

   Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President   

2003

  

166

 

93


Board Members & Officers (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

                     

Name,

Year of Birth

& Address

   Position(s) Held
with the Funds
   Year First
Elected or
Appointed(4)
  

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

  

Number

of Portfolios

in Fund Complex

Overseen by

Officer

                     
Officers of the Funds (continued):

  DAVID J. LAMB

         Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Senior Vice President of Nuveen (since 2006), Vice President prior to 2006.   

1963

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

  

Vice President

  

2015

  

75

  TINA M. LAZAR

         Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Senior Vice President (2014-2017) of Nuveen Securities, LLC.   

1961

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

  

Vice President

  

2002

  

166

  KEVIN J. MCCARTHY

         Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Secretary and General Counsel (since 2016) of Nuveen Investments, Inc., formerly, Executive Vice President (2016-2017) and Managing Director and Assistant Secretary (2008-2016); Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Assistant Secretary (since 2008) of Nuveen Securities, LLC, formerly Executive Vice President (2016-2017) and Managing Director (2008-2016); Senior Managing Director (since 2017), Secretary (since 2016) and Co-General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, formerly, Executive Vice President (2016-2017), Managing Director (2008-2016) and Assistant Secretary (2007-2016); Senior Managing Director (since 2017), Secretary (since 2016) and Associate General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, formerly Executive Vice President (2016-2017) and Managing Director and Assistant Secretary (2011-2016); Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Secretary (since 2016) of Nuveen Investments Advisers, LLC, formerly Executive Vice President (2016-2017); Vice President (since 2007) and Secretary (since 2016), formerly, Assistant Secretary, of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, Symphony Asset Management LLC, Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC and Winslow Capital Management, LLC (since 2010). Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Secretary (since 2016) of Nuveen Alternative Investments, LLC.   

1966

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

   Vice President and Assistant Secretary   

2007

  

166

        

  WILLIAM T. MEYERS

         Senior Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Managing Director (2016-2017), Senior Vice President (2010-2016) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Senior Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Managing Director (2016-2017), Senior Vice President (2010-2016) of Nuveen, has held various positions with Nuveen since 1991.   

1966

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  

Vice President

  

2018

  

75

        

  MICHAEL A. PERRY

         Executive Vice President since February 2017, previously Managing Director from 2016), of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC and Nuveen Alternative Investments, LLC; Executive Vice President (since 2017), formerly, Managing Director (2015-2017), of Nuveen Securities, LLC; formerly, Managing Director (2010-2015) of UBS Securities, LLC.   

1967

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

  

Vice President

  

2017

  

75

        

  CHRISTOPHER M. ROHRBACHER

      Managing Director (since 2017) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; 2008 Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Senior Vice President (2016-2017) and Assistant Secretary (since 2016) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC.   

1971

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

   Vice President and Assistant Secretary   

2008

  

166

  WILLIAM A. SIFFERMANN

      Managing Director (since 2017), formerly Senior Vice President (2016-2017) and Vice President (2011-2016) of Nuveen.   

1975

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

  

Vice President

  

2017

  

166

  JOEL T. SLAGER

         Fund Tax Director for Nuveen Funds (since 2013); previously, Vice President of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc., Assistant Treasurer of the Morgan Stanley Funds (from 2010 to 2013).   

1978

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

   Vice President and Assistant Secretary   

2013

  

166

 

94


 

                     

Name,

Year of Birth

& Address

   Position(s) Held
with the Funds
   Year First
Elected or
Appointed(4)
  

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

  

Number

of Portfolios

in Fund Complex

Overseen by

Officer

                     
Officers of the Funds (continued):

  MARK L. WINGET

         Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Securities, LLC (since 2008); Vice President (since 2010) and Associate General Counsel (since 2008) of Nuveen.   

1968

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Vice President and Assistant Secretary   

2008

  

166

  GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN

         Managing Director (since 2002), and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Managing Director (since 2004) and Assistant Secretary (since 1994) of Nuveen Investments, Inc.; Managing Director (since 2002), Assistant Secretary (since 1997) and Co-General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Managing Director, Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (since 2011); Vice President (since 2017), formerly, Managing Director (2003-2017) and Assistant Secretary (since 2003) of Symphony Asset Management LLC; Managing Director and Assistant Secretary (since 2002) of Nuveen Investments Advisers, LLC; Vice President and Assistant Secretary of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC (since 2002), Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC (since 2006), and of Winslow Capital Management, LLC, (since 2010); Chartered Financial Analyst.   

1956

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 6o6o6

   Vice President Secretary   

1988

  

166

        

 

(1)

The Board of Trustees is divided into three classes, Class I, Class II, and Class III, with each being elected to serve until the third succeeding annual shareholders’ meeting subsequent to its election or thereafter in each case when its respective successors are duly elected or appointed, except two board members are elected by the holders of Preferred Shares, when applicable, to serve until the next annual shareholders’ meeting subsequent to its election or thereafter in each case when its respective successors are duly elected or appointed. The year first elected or appointed represents the year in which the board member was first elected or appointed to any fund in the Nuveen Complex.

(2)

On May 25, 2017, Mr. Young was appointed as a Board Member, effective July 1, 2017. He is a Board Member of each of the Nuveen Funds, except Nuveen Diversified Dividend and Income Fund and Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund.

(3)

“Interested person” as defined in the 1940 Act, by reason of her position with Nuveen, LLC. and certain of its subsidiaries, which are affiliates of the Nuveen Funds.

(4)

Officers serve one year terms through August of each year. The year first elected or appointed represents the year in which the Officer was first elected or appointed to any fund in the Nuveen Complex.

 

95


LOGO

 

Nuveen:

Serving Investors for Generations

Since 1898, financial advisors and their clients have relied on Nuveen to provide dependable investment solutions through continued adherence to proven, long-term investing principles. Today, we offer a range of high quality solutions designed to be integral components of a well-diversified core portfolio.

Focused on meeting investor needs.

Nuveen is the investment manager of TIAA. We have grown into one of the world’s premier global asset managers, with specialist knowledge across all major asset classes and particular strength in solutions that provide income for investors and that draw on our expertise in alternatives and responsible investing. Nuveen is driven not only by the independent investment processes across the firm, but also the insights, risk management, analytics and other tools and resources that a truly world-class platform provides. As a global asset manager, our mission is to work in partnership with our clients to create solutions which help them secure their financial future.

Find out how we can help you.

To learn more about how the products and services of Nuveen may be able to help you meet your financial goals, talk to your financial advisor, or call us at (800) 257-8787. Please read the information provided carefully before you invest. Investors should consider the investment objective and policies, risk considerations, charges and expenses of any investment carefully. Where applicable, be sure to obtain a prospectus, which contains this and other relevant information. To obtain a prospectus, please contact your securities representative or Nuveen, 333 W. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

Learn more about Nuveen Funds at: www.nuveen.com/closed-end-funds

 

Nuveen Securities, LLC, member FINRA and SIPC | 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 | www.nuveen.com      LOGO   EAN-B-0718D
        600791-INV-Y-09/19


ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. There were no amendments to or waivers from the Code during the period covered by this report. The registrant has posted the code of ethics on its website at www.nuveen.com/CEF/Shareholder/FundGovernance.aspx. (To view the code, click on Code of Conduct.)

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant’s Board of Directors or Trustees (“Board”) determined that the registrant has at least one “audit committee financial expert” (as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR) serving on its Audit Committee. The registrant’s audit committee financial experts are Carole E. Stone, Jack B. Evans and William C. Hunter, who are “independent” for purposes of Item 3 of Form N-CSR.

Ms. Stone served for five years as Director of the New York State Division of the Budget. As part of her role as Director, Ms. Stone was actively involved in overseeing the development of the State’s operating, local assistance and capital budgets, its financial plan and related documents; overseeing the development of the State’s bond-related disclosure documents and certifying that they fairly presented the State’s financial position; reviewing audits of various State and local agencies and programs; and coordinating the State’s system of internal audit and control. Prior to serving as Director, Ms. Stone worked as a budget analyst/examiner with increasing levels of responsibility over a 30 year period, including approximately five years as Deputy Budget Director. Ms. Stone has also served as Chair of the New York State Racing Association Oversight Board, as Chair of the Public Authorities Control Board, as a Commissioner on the New York State Commission on Public Authority Reform and as a member of the Boards of Directors of several New York State public authorities. These positions have involved overseeing operations and finances of certain entities and assessing the adequacy of project/entity financing and financial reporting. Currently, Ms. Stone is on the Board of Directors of CBOE Holdings, Inc., of the Chicago Board Options Exchange, and of C2 Options Exchange. Ms. Stone’s position on the boards of these entities and as a member of both CBOE Holdings’ Audit Committee and its Finance Committee has involved, among other things, the oversight of audits, audit plans and preparation of financial statements.

Mr. Evans was formerly President and Chief Operating Officer of SCI Financial Group, Inc., a full service registered broker-dealer and registered investment adviser (“SCI”). As part of his role as President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Evans actively supervised the Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”) and actively supervised the CFO’s preparation of financial statements and other filings with various regulatory authorities. In such capacity, Mr. Evans was actively involved in the preparation of SCI’s financial statements and the resolution of issues raised in connection therewith. Mr. Evans has also served on the audit committee of various reporting companies. At such companies, Mr. Evans was involved in the oversight of audits, audit plans, and the preparation of financial statements. Mr. Evans also formerly chaired the audit committee of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Mr. Hunter was formerly a Senior Vice President at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. As part of his role as Senior Vice President, Mr. Hunter was the senior officer responsible for all operations of each of the Economic Research, Statistics, and Community and Consumer Affairs units at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. In such capacity, Mr. Hunter oversaw the subunits of the Statistics and Community and Consumer Affairs divisions responsible for the analysis and evaluation of bank and bank holding company financial statements and financial filings. Prior to serving as Senior Vice President at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Mr. Hunter was the Vice President of the Financial Markets unit at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta where he supervised financial staff and bank holding company analysts who analyzed and evaluated bank and bank holding company financial statements. Mr. Hunter also currently serves on the Boards of Directors of Xerox Corporation and Wellmark, Inc. as well as on the Audit Committees of such Boards. As an Audit Committee member, Mr. Hunter’s responsibilities include, among other things, reviewing financial statements, internal audits and internal controls over financial reporting. Mr. Hunter also formerly was a Professor of Finance at the University of Connecticut School of Business and has authored numerous scholarly articles on the topics of finance, accounting and economics.

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

Nuveen Preferred and Income Opportunities Fund

The following tables show the amount of fees that KPMG LLP, the Fund’s auditor, billed to the Fund during the Fund’s last two full fiscal years. For engagements with KPMG LLP the Audit Committee approved in advance all audit services and non-audit services that KPMG LLP provided to the Fund, except for those non-audit services that were subject to the pre-approval exception under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X (the “pre-approval exception”). The pre-approval exception for services provided directly to the Fund waives the pre-approval requirement for services other than audit, review or attest services if: (A) the aggregate amount of all such services provided constitutes no more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid by the Fund to its accountant during the fiscal year in which the services are provided; (B) the Fund did not recognize the services as non-audit services at the time of the engagement; and (C) the services are promptly brought to the Audit Committee’s attention, and the Committee (or its delegate) approves the services before the audit is completed.

The Audit Committee has delegated certain pre-approval responsibilities to its Chairman (or, in his absence, any other member of the Audit Committee).

SERVICES THAT THE FUND’S AUDITOR BILLED TO THE FUND

 

Fiscal Year Ended

   Audit Fees Billed
to Fund 1
    Audit-Related Fees
Billed to Fund 2
    Tax Fees
Billed to Fund 3
    All Other Fees
Billed to Fund 4
 

July 31, 2018

   $ 27,900     $ 5,000     $ 0     $ 0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        

Percentage approved pursuant to pre-approval
exception

     0     0     0     0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        

July 31, 2017

   $ 27,150     $ 11,000     $ 0     $ 0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        

Percentage approved pursuant to pre-approval
exception

     0     0     0     0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

1 “Audit Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for professional services for the audit of the Fund’s annual financial statements and services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

2 “Audit Related Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of financial statements that are not reported under “Audit Fees”. These fees include offerings related to the Fund’s common shares and leverage.

3 “Tax Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for professional services for tax advice, tax compliance, and tax planning. These fees include: all global withholding tax services; excise and state tax reviews; capital gain, tax equalization and taxable basis calculation performed by the principal accountant.

4 “All Other Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for products and services other than “Audit Fees”, “Audit-Related Fees” and “Tax Fees”. These fees represent all “Agreed-Upon Procedures” engagements pertaining to the Fund’s use of leverage.

SERVICES THAT THE FUND’S AUDITOR BILLED TO THE

ADVISER AND AFFILIATED FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS

The following tables show the amount of fees billed by KPMG LLP to Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (formerly Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc.) (the “Adviser”), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the Fund (“Affiliated Fund Service Provider”), for engagements directly related to the Fund’s operations and financial reporting, during the Fund’s last two full fiscal years.


The tables also show the percentage of fees subject to the pre-approval exception. The pre-approval exception for services provided to the Adviser and any Affiliated Fund Service Provider (other than audit, review or attest services) waives the pre-approval requirement if: (A) the aggregate amount of all such services provided constitutes no more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid to KPMG LLP by the Fund, the Adviser and Affiliated Fund Service Providers during the fiscal year in which the services are provided that would have to be pre-approved by the Audit Committee; (B) the Fund did not recognize the services as non-audit services at the time of the engagement; and (C) the services are promptly brought to the Audit Committee’s attention, and the Committee (or its delegate) approves the services before the Fund’s audit is completed.

 

Fiscal Year Ended

  Audit-Related Fees
    Billed to Adviser and    
Affiliated Fund Service
Providers
        Tax Fees Billed to    
Adviser and
Affiliated Fund
Service Providers
    All Other Fees
Billed to Adviser
    and Affiliated Fund    
Service Providers
 

July 31, 2018

  $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     

Percentage approved pursuant to pre-approval exception

    0     0     0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     

July 31, 2017

  $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     

Percentage approved pursuant to pre-approval exception

    0     0     0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


NON-AUDIT SERVICES

The following table shows the amount of fees that KPMG LLP billed during the Fund’s last two full fiscal years for non-audit services. The Audit Committee is required to pre-approve non-audit services that KPMG LLP provides to the Adviser and any Affiliated Fund Services Provider, if the engagement related directly to the Fund’s operations and financial reporting (except for those subject to the pre-approval exception described above). The Audit Committee requested and received information from KPMG LLP about any non-audit services that KPMG LLP rendered during the Fund’s last fiscal year to the Adviser and any Affiliated Fund Service Provider. The Committee considered this information in evaluating KPMG LLP ’s independence.

 

Fiscal Year Ended

       Total Non-Audit Fees    
Billed to Fund
     Total Non-Audit Fees
billed to Adviser and
Affiliated Fund Service
     Providers (engagements    
related directly to the
operations and financial
reporting of the Fund)
     Total Non-Audit Fees
billed to Adviser and
    Affiliated Fund Service     
Providers (all other
engagements)
             Total          

July 31, 2018

   $ 0      $ 0      $ 0      $ 0  

July 31, 2017

   $ 0      $ 0      $ 0      $ 0  

“Non-Audit Fees billed to Fund” for both fiscal year ends represent “Tax Fees” and “All Other Fees” billed to Fund in their respective amounts from the previous table.

Less than 50 percent of the hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. Generally, the Audit Committee must approve (i) all non-audit services to be performed for the Fund by the Fund’s independent accountants and (ii) all audit and non-audit services to be performed by the Fund’s independent accountants for the Affiliated Fund Service Providers with respect to operations and financial reporting of the Fund. Regarding tax and research projects conducted by the independent accountants for the Fund and Affiliated Fund Service Providers (with respect to operations and financial reports of the Fund) such engagements will be (i) pre-approved by the Audit Committee if they are expected to be for amounts greater than $10,000; (ii) reported to the Audit Committee chairman for his verbal approval prior to engagement if they are expected to be for amounts under $10,000 but greater than $5,000; and (iii) reported to the Audit Committee at the next Audit Committee meeting if they are expected to be for an amount under $5,000.

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

The registrant’s Board has a separately designated Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(58)(A)). As of the end of the period covered by this report, the members of the audit committee are Jack B. Evans, Chair, William C. Hunter, John K. Nelson, Carole E. Stone and Terence J. Toth.

ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.

(a) See Portfolio of Investments in Item 1.

(b) Not applicable.


ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC is the registrant’s investment adviser (also referred to as the “Adviser”). The Adviser is responsible for the on-going monitoring of the Fund’s investment portfolio, managing the Fund’s business affairs and providing certain clerical, bookkeeping and administrative services. The Adviser has engaged NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC (“NWQ”) and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (“Nuveen Asset Management”) (NWQ and Nuveen Asset Management are collectively referred to as “Sub-Advisers”) as Sub-Advisers to provide discretionary investment advisory services. As part of these services, the Adviser has delegated to each Sub-Adviser the full responsibility for proxy voting and related duties in accordance with each Sub-Adviser’s policies and procedures. The Adviser periodically monitors each Sub-Adviser’s voting to ensure that it is carrying out its duties. Each Sub-Adviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures are attached to this filing as an exhibit and incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC is the registrant’s investment adviser (also referred to as the “Adviser”). The Adviser is responsible for the selection and on-going monitoring of the Fund’s investment portfolio, managing the Fund’s business affairs and providing certain clerical, bookkeeping and administrative services. The Adviser has engaged NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC (“NWQ”) and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (Nuveen Asset Management), (NWQ and Nuveen Asset Management are also collectively referred to as “Sub-Advisers”), each responsible for a portion of the registrant’s portfolio as Sub-Advisers to provide discretionary investment advisory services. The following section provides information on the portfolio managers at each Sub-Adviser:

NUVEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT

 

Item 8(a)(1).

PORTFOLIO MANAGER BIOGRAPHIES

As of the date of filing this report, Douglas M. Baker, CFA, and Brenda A. Langenfeld, CFA, are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the portion of the registrant’s portfolio managed by Nuveen Asset Management.

Douglas Baker, CFA, is a Senior Vice President at Nuveen Asset Management and a portfolio manager for the Fund and related preferred security strategies. He originally joined Nuveen Asset Management in 2006 as a Vice President and Derivatives Analyst, and later that year his responsibilities expanded to include portfolio management duties for the Nuveen Preferred Securities Fund. In addition to managing various preferred securities strategies, Mr. Baker also manages Nuveen Asset Management’s derivative overlay group, where he is responsible for implementing derivatives-based hedging strategies across the Nuveen Asset Management complex, as well as managing collateral accounts for several commodity-based strategies.

Brenda A. Langenfeld, CFA, is a Vice President at Nuveen Asset Management and a portfolio manager for the Fund and related preferred security strategies. She is also a co-manager for the real asset income strategy, which invests in income-generating debt and equity securities from both the real estate and infrastructure segments, since 2015. She started working in the financial services industry with FAF Advisors, Inc. in 2004. Previously, Ms. Langenfeld was a member of the high-grade credit sector team, responsible for trading corporate bonds, and prior to that, she was a member of the securitized debt sector team, trading mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities.

 

Item 8(a)(2).

OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

In addition to the Fund, as of July 31, 2018, the portfolio managers are also primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the following accounts:


Portfolio Manager

  

Type of Account

Managed

   Number of
Accounts
     Assets*  

Douglas Baker

  

Registered Investment Companies

     8      $ 6.75 billion  
  

Pooled Accounts

     3      $ 108 million  
  

Separately Managed accounts

     571      $ 571 million  

Brenda Langenfeld

  

Registered Investment Companies

     6      $ 7.87 billion  
  

Pooled Accounts

     5      $ 217 million  
  

Separately Managed accounts

     502      $ 554 million  

* Assets are as of July 31, 2018. None of the assets in these accounts are subject to an advisory fee based on performance.

POTENTIAL MATERIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one account. More specifically, portfolio managers who manage multiple accounts are presented a number of potential conflicts, including, among others, those discussed below.

The management of multiple accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each account. Nuveen Asset Management seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by having portfolio managers focus on a particular investment discipline. Most accounts managed by a portfolio manager in a particular investment strategy are managed using the same investment models.

If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity which may be suitable for more than one account, an account may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible accounts. To deal with these situations, Nuveen Asset Management has adopted procedures for allocating limited opportunities across multiple accounts.

With respect to many of its clients’ accounts, Nuveen Asset Management determines which broker to use to execute transaction orders, consistent with its duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain other accounts, Nuveen Asset Management may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, Nuveen Asset Management may place separate, non-simultaneous, transactions for a Fund and other accounts which may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment of the Fund or the other accounts.

Some clients are subject to different regulations. As a consequence of this difference in regulatory requirements, some clients may not be permitted to engage in all the investment techniques or transactions or to engage in these transactions to the same extent as the other accounts managed by the portfolio manager. Finally, the appearance of a conflict of interest may arise where Nuveen Asset Management has an incentive, such as a performance-based management fee, which relates to the management of some accounts, with respect to which a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities.


Nuveen Asset Management has adopted certain compliance procedures which are designed to address these types of conflicts common among investment managers. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.

 

Item 8(a)(3).

FUND MANAGER COMPENSATION

As of the most recently completed fiscal year end, portfolio manager compensation consists primarily of base pay, an annual cash bonus and long term incentive payments.

Base pay. Base pay is determined based upon an analysis of the portfolio manager’s general performance, experience, and market levels of base pay for such position.

Annual cash bonus. The Fund’s portfolio managers are eligible for an annual cash bonus based on investment performance, qualitative evaluation and financial performance of Nuveen Asset Management.

A portion of each portfolio manager’s annual cash bonus is based on the Fund’s pre-tax investment performance, generally measured over the past one- and three or five-year periods unless the portfolio manager’s tenure is shorter. Investment performance for the Fund generally is determined by evaluating the Fund’s performance relative to its benchmark(s) and/or Lipper industry peer group.

A portion of the cash bonus is based on a qualitative evaluation made by each portfolio manager’s supervisor taking into consideration a number of factors, including the portfolio manager’s team collaboration, expense management, support of personnel responsible for asset growth, and his or her compliance with Nuveen Asset Management’s policies and procedures.

The final factor influencing a portfolio manager’s cash bonus is the financial performance of Nuveen Asset Management based on its operating earnings.

Long-term incentive compensation. Certain key employees of Nuveen Asset Management, including certain portfolio managers, have received profits interests in Nuveen Asset Management which entitle their holders to participate in the firm’s growth over time.

There are generally no differences between the methods used to determine compensation with respect to the Fund and the Other Accounts shown in the table above.

 

Item 8(a)(4).

OWNERSHIP OF JPC SECURITIES AS OF JULY 31, 2018

 

Name of Portfolio

Manager

         None          $1 -$10,000      $10,001-
$50,000
   $50,001-
$100,000
     $100,001-
$500,000
     $500,001-
$1,000,000
     Over $1,000,000  

Douglas Baker

   X                  

Brenda Langenfeld

   X                  


NWQ

 

Item 8(a)(1).

PORTFOLIO MANAGER BIOGRAPHIES

As of the date of filing this report, the following individuals had primary responsibility for the day-to-day implementation of the registrant’s investment strategies:

Thomas J. Ray, CFA, Managing Director, Co-Head of Fixed Income, Fixed Income Portfolio Manager/Analyst

Prior to joining NWQ in 2015, Tom was a Private Investor. Prior to that, he served as Chief Investment Officer, President and founding member of Inflective Asset Management, a boutique investment firm specializing in convertible securities. Prior to founding Inflective, Tom also served as portfolio manager at Transamerica Investment Management. Tom graduated from University of Wisconsin with a B.B.A in Finance, Investment & Banking and an M.S. in Finance. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the CFA Institute.

Susi Budiman, CFA, Managing Director, Co-Head of Fixed Income, Portfolio Manager/Analyst

Prior to joining NWQ in 2006, Susi was Portfolio Manager for China Life Insurance Company in Taiwan where she managed multi-sector and multi-currency fixed income portfolios with responsibility for over $1.8 billion in assets under management.

Prior to that, she was a currency exchange associate at Fleet National Bank in Singapore covering Asian, Euro, and other major currencies. Susi earned her B.Comm. in Finance from the University of British Columbia and received her M.B.A. in Finance at the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. She earned her Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the CFA Institute in 2006 and is a member of the Los Angeles Society of Financial Analysts. She also earned her Financial Risk Manager designation in 2003.

 

Item 8(a)(2).

OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED – AS OF JULY 31, 2018

 

     Thomas J. Ray       Susi Budiman  

(a) RICs

    

    Number of accts

     7       3  

    Assets ($000s)

   $ 1.62 billion     $ 1.04 billion  

(b) Other pooled accts

    

Non-performance fee accts

    

    Number of accts

     2       2  

    Assets ($000s)

   $ 324 million     $ 324 million  

(c) Other

    

Non-performance fee accts

    

    Number of accts

     1462       1462  

    Assets ($000s)

   $ 1.002 billion   $ 1.93 billion

Performance fee accts

    

    Number of accts

     0       0  

    Assets ($000s)

     0       0  
*

includes approximately $163 million in model-based assets as of 7/31/18


POTENTIAL MATERIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Actual or perceived conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one account. More specifically, portfolio managers who manage multiple accounts are presented with the following potential conflicts, which are not intended to be an exhaustive list:

 

   

The management of multiple accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each account. NWQ seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of the portfolio manager by utilizing investment models for the management of most investment strategies.

 

   

If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity which may be suitable for more than one account, an account may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible accounts. To deal with these situations, NWQ has adopted procedures for allocating limited opportunities across multiple accounts.

 

   

With respect to many of its clients’ accounts, NWQ determines which broker to utilize when placing orders for execution, consistent with its duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain other accounts, NWQ may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, NWQ may place separate transactions for certain accounts which may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transactions, or both, to the detriment of other accounts. NWQ seeks to minimize market impact by using its discretion in releasing orders in a manner which seeks to cause the least possible impact while keeping within the approximate price range of the discretionary block trade.

 

   

Finally, the appearance of a conflict of interest may arise where NWQ has an incentive, such as a performance-based management fee, which relates to the management of some accounts, with respect to which the portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities. NWQ periodically performs a comparative analysis of the performance between accounts with performance fees and those without performance fees.


NWQ has adopted certain compliance procedures which are designed to address these types of conflicts common among investment managers. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.

 

Item 8(a)(3).

FUND MANAGER COMPENSATION

As of the most recently completed fiscal year end, NWQ offers a highly competitive compensation structure with the purpose of attracting and retaining the most talented investment professionals. These professionals are rewarded through a combination of cash and long-term incentive compensation as determined by the firm’s Executive Committee. Total compensation (TC) consists of both a base salary and annual variable compensation composed of a cash bonus and deferred compensation. TC can be a multiple of the base salary.

NWQ annually benchmarks TC to prevailing industry norms with the objective of achieving competitive levels for all contributing professionals. In addition, Nuveen annually participates in the McLagan compensation survey, and regularly benchmarks employee salaries, bonus, and total compensation levels to ensure it remains competitive.

To further strengthen our incentive compensation package and to create an even stronger alignment with clients and the long-term success of the firm, NWQ has implemented a long-term incentive program. The annual bonus pool for NWQ is tied first and foremost to investment performance, along with considerations for flows, revenue and firm discretion.

Individual bonuses out of that pool, including the Investment Team, are based primarily on the following:

 

   

Overall performance of client portfolios

 

   

For NWQ’s analysts, objective review of stock recommendations and the quality of primary research

 

   

Subjective review of the professional’s contributions to portfolio strategy, teamwork, collaboration, and work ethic

In addition, a portion of annual bonuses will be deferred and tied to Nuveen’s long-term performance.

Lastly, key individuals received retention long-term performance compensation that vests at year-end 2022. The program is designed to ensure that NWQ’s professionals have a strong alignment of interests with the firm’s clients over the long term.

At NWQ, we believe that we are an employer of choice. Our analysts have a meaningful impact on the portfolio and, therefore, are compensated in a manner similar to portfolio managers at many other firms.

 

Item 8(a)(4).

OWNERSHIP OF JPC SECURITIES AS OF JULY 31, 2018

 

Name of Portfolio
Manager

         None            $1 - $10,000      $10,001-
    $50,000    
     $50,001-
$100,000
     $100,001-
$500,000
     $500,001-
$1,000,000
     Over $1,000,000  

Thomas J. Ray

           X              

Susi Budiman

     X                    


ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

Not applicable.

ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s Board implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to this Item.

ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

  (a)

The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of the controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15 (b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15 (b)).

 

  (b)

There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


ITEM 12. DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable.

ITEM 13. EXHIBITS.

File the exhibits listed below as part of this Form.

(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 the Item 2 requirements through filing of an exhibit: Not applicable because the code is posted on registrant’s website at www.nuveen.com/CEF/Shareholder/FundGovernance.aspx and there were no amendments during the period covered by this report. (To view the code, click on Code of Conduct.)

(a)(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) in the exact form set forth below: Ex-99.CERT Attached hereto.

(a)(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.23c-1) sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons. Not applicable.

(b) If the report is filed under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, provide the certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)); Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13a-14(b) or 240.15d-14(b)), and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350) as an exhibit. A certification furnished pursuant to this paragraph will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78r), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference. Ex-99.906 CERT attached hereto.


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) Nuveen Preferred and Income Opportunities Fund

 

By (Signature and Title)   

/s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman

  
   Gifford R. Zimmerman   
   Vice President and Secretary   
Date: October 5, 2018   

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/ Cedric H. Antosiewicz

  
   Cedric H. Antosiewicz   
   Chief Administrative Officer   
   (principal executive officer)   
Date: October 5, 2018   
By (Signature and Title)   

/s/ Stephen D. Foy

  
   Stephen D. Foy   
   Vice President and Controller   
   (principal financial officer)   
Date: October 5, 2018